Kim Jong Un calls for ‘destructive’ military posture as South vows to boost drones
Seoul, June 26: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed major weapons tests and called for the military’s “deadly and destructive offensive posture” to be bolstered, state media reported Friday, as South Korea announced it would drastically boost its drone warfare capabilities. The development comes as tensions remain high on the Korean Peninsula, with Kim pushing to strengthen both nuclear and conventional military capabilities while refusing to return to talks with South Korea and the United States. The tests watched by Kim on Thursday were meant to evaluate the power of a “special mission” warhead for a tactical ballistic missile, an upgraded multiple rocket launch system and the hit accuracy of shells with an extended firing range of a self-propelled gun-howitzer. (AP)
Myanmar torches seized heroin, meth, other drugs worth $600 mn
Yangon, June 26: Thick clouds of black smoke billowed into the sky on the outskirts of Myanmar’s largest city Friday as authorities burned more than 50 tons of heroin, opium, ketamine, methamphetamine, marijuana and crystal meth – some USD 600 million of confiscated illegal drugs destroyed nationwide. Myanmar has a long history of drug production linked to political and economic insecurity caused by decades of armed conflict. It has been a major source of illegal drugs destined for East and Southeast Asia and has long been one of the world’s largest producers of heroin and methamphetamine. (AP)
Small aircraft crashes into Beijing’s tallest skyscraper
Beijing, June 26: A light sport aircraft crashed into Beijing’s tallest skyscraper, the Citic Tower, on Friday, prompting evacuations. It was not immediately clear whether the crash caused any casualties or the number of people on board the aircraft – debris of which were scattered across Beijing’s central business district. The origin of the plane and the circumstances leading to the crash are unknown. (PTI)
Australia plans to strengthen laws banning children from social media
Melbourne, June 26: The Australian government plans to strengthen laws that ban children younger than 16 from social media platforms, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. Observers said on Friday the government was responding to evidence that the ban on young children holding accounts on platforms including Facebook, Instagram and YouTube had failed since it came into force on December 10 last year. Australia was the first country in the world to pass legislation keeping youth off social media, but others have since followed. Albanese told Parliament on Thursday the government was considering options to strengthen the ban. Britain announced last week plans to ban children under 16 from a range of platforms. Canada, Brazil and Indonesia have introduced legislation or announced age-based restrictions or requirements for children’s access to social media. (AP)
