Indonesia mulls electricity tariff discount to boost consumption

Indonesia is weighing a proposal to reintroduce electricity tariff discounts to boost consumption and support economic growth, Secretary of the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Susiwijono Moegiarso said Thursday.

He noted the plan is still under review, stressing the need for careful assessment as it would involve state funds and existing energy subsidies. The government last offered such discounts as an economic stimulus in January and February, Xinhua reported.

 

World War II film Dongji Rescue premieres in Australia

The Chinese Consulate General in Melbourne hosted a screening of Dongji Rescue on Wednesday to mark the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

The film depicts the 1942 Lisbon Maru incident, when Chinese fishermen saved over 300 British prisoners of war from a sinking Japanese ship. Chinese Consul-General Fang Xinwen noted China’s role in the Eastern front and solidarity with allies. Speakers urged preserving wartime history, while viewers praised the film’s powerful message of courage and humanity, according to Xinhua.

 

Trump says Putin ready to make deal on Ukraine, US hopes to include Zelenskiy

U.S. President Donald Trump said he believes his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin is ready to end his war in Ukraine, speaking on the eve of Friday's summit between the men, but that peace would likely require at least a second meeting involving Ukraine's leader, Reuters reported.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and his European allies have intensified their efforts this week to prevent any deal between the U.S. and Russia emerging from Friday's summit in Alaska that leaves Ukraine vulnerable to future attack.

"I think President Putin will make peace, I think President Zelenskiy will make peace," Trump told reporters at the White House. "We'll see if they get along."

Trump has downplayed talk of a ceasefire emerging from the summit and speculated about a possible second meeting to come, involving more leaders, according to Reuters.

Dozens dead in flash floods on popular Himalayas pilgrimage route

Flash floods have killed 46 people in a village hosting Hindu pilgrims in Indian-administered Kashmir, BBC reported.

The flooding took place in the remote village of Chositi in Kishtwar district, which is on a busy pilgrimage route to a famous shrine in the Himalayas. 

Videos shared online showed dramatic flood waters, vehicles being washed away and rescuers searching for survivors in damaged homes, as people cried in the streets - some caked in mud. 

Dozens of pilgrims have been evacuated to safety, but at least 50 people are feared missing, and a rescue operation is still under way, according to BBC