For the first time in five years, several North Korean drones violated the South's airspace, according to Seoul. The incident comes after a record pace of North Korean weapons demonstrations this year.

South Korean officials declared the import of "full-body" sex dolls was allowed, but child-like dolls would still be banned. Importers said the decision was "reasonable."

On Monday, North Korean drones flew above various South Korean cities prompting Seoul to scramble fighter jets and attack helicopters. Seoul apologized for not shooting down the North's drones.

Kim stressed the need to secure "overwhelming military power" to defend Pyongyang's sovereignty, according to state media. His remarks came after North Korea tested yet another missile, after a year of record launches.

Heavy snowfalls batter north, northeast of Japan

The regime in Pyongyang has started 2023 by threatening South Korea and announcing plans for more capable ballistic missiles and a larger nuclear arsenal.

The visit comes after Japan recently announced a massive expansion of its defense capabilities in light of China's growing clout in the Indo-Pacific region and security threats posed by North Korea.

The mechanism will remain in place until July 10 after a unanimous vote at the Security Council. While some nations felt this period too short, Russia had previously abstained on or vetoed such aid deliveries.

In Ghana’s Upper West region, a small startup is mounting solar-powered and cost-effective mini-grids across light-poor communities. It also distributes rechargeable solar lamps to its members.

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The reported government notice ordering the five-day lockdown did not mention COVID-19 but said the symptoms of the "respiratory illness" include common cold.

With looming threats from China and North Korea, Japan has approved a military buildup that's one of its largest defense shakeups since World War II. East Asian countries are responding to the challenges of the changing status quo in the region.