CHINA

Li extends sympathy to Slovakia's PM

Premier Li Qiang on Friday extended his sympathy to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico over his injury in an attack. In his message, Li said he was shocked to learn that Fico was shot and wounded. Li expressed his sincere sympathy to Fico and wished him a speedy recovery. Fico sustained four gunshot wounds in an attack on Wednesday when he greeted supporters after chairing a government meeting in the central Slovak town of Handlova.

UNITED NATIONS

'Improved prospects' for global economy The United Nations reported improved prospects for the world economy since its January forecast on Thursday, pointing to a better outlook in the United States and several large emerging economies including Brazil, India and Russia. According to its mid-2024 report, the world economy is now projected to grow by 2.7 percent this year — up from the 2.4 percent forecast in its January report — and by 2.8 percent in 2025. A 2.7 percent growth rate would equal growth in 2023.

JAPAN

Sixth round of toxic water release begins

Japan started on Friday the sixth round of release of nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean. Despite furious opposition at home and abroad, Tokyo Electric Power Company, the plant's operator, started releasing the toxic water in the morning, the second round in fiscal 2024. Like previous rounds, about 7,800 metric tons of such water will be discharged until June 4.

INDIA

12 killed in lightning strikes in West Bengal At least 12 people were killed and several others injured on Thursday due to lightning in India's eastern state of West Bengal, officials said. The casualties in the lightning strikes were reported in Malda district, about 300 kilometers north of Kolkata, capital city of West Bengal. Every year with the onset of monsoon season, hundreds die in lightning incidents in India.