China and Nepal mark 70 years of diplomatic ties
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Nepali President Ram Chandra Poudel on Friday exchanged greetings to mark 70 years of diplomatic relations, vowing to deepen cooperation and friendship.
Xi praised the strong, time-tested ties and called for closer collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative. Poudel thanked China for its continued support and reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to the one-China policy, according to Xinhua.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli also pledged to strengthen bilateral ties and deliver tangible benefits to both nations.
South Africa's Western Cape confirms bird flu outbreaks, urges public vigilance
New bird flu cases have been confirmed in South Africa’s Western Cape, with outbreaks also reported in North West and Mpumalanga. Infected birds were culled to stop the spread.
Wild bird deaths, including pelicans near Cape Town, have also been linked to the virus, according to Xinhua.
Officials say the risk to humans is low and store-bought poultry is safe. The public is urged not to touch sick or dead birds and to report any unusual deaths. Farmers are advised to tighten biosecurity.
UNICEF warns of famine risk in Gaza
UNICEF has warned that Gaza faces a growing risk of famine, with one in three people going days without food. Over 320,000 children are at risk of acute malnutrition, surpassing famine thresholds, according to Al Jazeera.
“This is a life-or-death moment for thousands of children,” said UNICEF’s Ted Chaiban, urging immediate global action.
On Saturday, a 17-year-old boy died from malnutrition at al-Shifa Hospital. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports 162 starvation-related deaths so far, including 92 children, Al Jazeera reported.
Indonesian president frees hundreds of prisoners as part of unity plan
Indonesia has released 1,178 inmates under President Prabowo Subianto’s clemency program aimed at national reconciliation. The amnesty, approved by parliament, prioritizes political prisoners, the elderly, juveniles, and those with health issues, according to Al Jazeera.
Among those freed were opposition figure Hasto Kristiyanto and ex-Trade Minister Tom Lembong, both previously jailed under former President Joko Widodo. Six Papuan activists convicted of treason were also released.
Law Minister Supratman Agtas said more releases are planned, with a second list of 1,668 names to be submitted soon, Al Jazeera reported.
