South Korean police are reportedly considering an overseas travel ban on President Yoon Suk Yeol in connection with his controversial imposition of martial law last week, Yonhap news agency reported Monday. The potential travel restriction comes as authorities investigate Yoon’s decision to enforce martial law, which has drawn widespread criticism. Repeated attempts to reach the police for comment were unsuccessful. On Sunday, prosecutors detained former Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, who is accused of advising Yoon to enact the brief but dramatic martial law. Kim's arrest marks the first detention in the ongoing probe. Read: Ex-South Korean defense chief held amid Martial Law controversy President Yoon narrowly escaped an impeachment attempt by opposition lawmakers on Sunday. A boycott by ruling party members prevented the parliamentary vote from reaching the two-thirds majority needed to suspend his powers. Source: With inputs from agencies

Six Pakistani security personnel were killed, and seven others injured on Saturday during an armed assault on a Frontier Corps checkpoint in the Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, officials confirmed. The attack occurred in Bagam, located 200 kilometers south of Peshawar, according to local official Saleem Khan. The wounded were transported to a military hospital, while no group immediately claimed responsibility for the assault. This region has seen significant unrest in recent weeks, with at least 130 fatalities reported during sectarian clashes between Sunni and Shiite communities. However, authorities clarified that Saturday's attack was unrelated to these clashes, as a ceasefire between the two groups remains in place. Read: Pakistan ends lockdown after dispersing Imran Khan supporters Broader Security ChallengesThis incident comes amid rising security challenges across Pakistan. Last month, separatist militants targeted a border post in Balochistan’s Kalat district, killing seven soldiers and injuring 15 others. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), known for targeting energy projects with foreign funding, has repeatedly launched deadly attacks against security forces, including a recent railway station bombing that killed 26 people. Read more: Imran Khan supporters breach lockdown in Pakistani capital, at least 6 people killed in violence The resurgence of militant violence underscores the ongoing instability in Pakistan's border provinces, as authorities face threats from both sectarian violence and insurgent groups. Source: With inputs from agencies

South Korean prosecutors have detained former Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun in connection with the recent imposition of martial law, marking a significant development in a political crisis that has roiled the nation. Kim, who allegedly proposed the controversial decree to President Yoon Suk Yeol, was taken into custody on Sunday, making him the first high-ranking official detained over the incident, according to local media reports. Kim voluntarily appeared at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, where his mobile phone was confiscated before being transferred to a detention center. Authorities also searched his former office and residence. Prosecutors and detention officials have yet to issue formal statements on the matter. The detention comes days after President Yoon narrowly avoided impeachment, as his ruling People Power Party boycotted a parliamentary vote to prevent the opposition from reaching the two-thirds majority needed to suspend his presidential powers. Despite this, the opposition Democratic Party has vowed to file a fresh impeachment motion. Martial Law and Political Turmoil The martial law declaration earlier this week saw troops encircle the National Assembly and helicopters hover over the building, prompting immediate backlash. Parliament unanimously overturned the decree, forcing Yoon’s Cabinet to rescind it by early Wednesday morning. Kim has been accused by opposition lawmakers of orchestrating the martial law order and directing troop deployments to the National Assembly. The Defense Ministry has suspended three senior military commanders implicated in the event. Read: South Korean president apologises for imposing martial law In a statement issued through the Defense Ministry, Kim took full responsibility for the military’s actions, stating, “All troops who performed duties related to martial law were acting on my instructions, and all responsibility lies with me.” Charges and Investigation The Democratic Party has labeled the martial law declaration an unconstitutional rebellion or coup, filing legal complaints against at least nine individuals, including Yoon and Kim. Under South Korean law, sitting presidents are mostly immune from prosecution, except in cases of rebellion or treason, leaving open the possibility of further investigations into Yoon’s actions. Prosecutor General Shim Woo Jung confirmed plans to investigate rebellion charges following the opposition's formal complaints. Meanwhile, President Yoon issued an apology on Saturday, pledging accountability and promising not to pursue another attempt at martial law. Political and Public Reaction The martial law declaration—the first in South Korea in over 40 years—has plunged the nation into political chaos, drawing criticism domestically and internationally. Yoon justified the decree by accusing parliament of obstructing state affairs and harboring "anti-state forces." Public sentiment appears to favor impeachment, with recent surveys showing widespread support for Yoon's ouster. His approval ratings have been further damaged by scandals involving himself and his wife, as well as criticism from his own party over the martial law imposition. The crisis has alarmed South Korea's allies, including the United States and Japan, and deepened divisions within the ruling conservative People Power Party, which has so far resisted calls for Yoon's impeachment. Read more: South Korean President Yoon under fire for Martial Law declaration As protests intensify and political uncertainty grows, the detainment of Kim Yong Hyun marks a pivotal moment in South Korea’s ongoing political upheaval. Source: With inputs from agencies

South Korea’s president apologized Saturday for public anxiety caused by his short-lived attempt to impose martial law earlier this week hours ahead of a parliamentary vote on impeaching him. Yoon said in a brief televised address Saturday morning he won’t shirk legal or political responsibility for the declaration and promised not to make another attempt to impose it. He said he would leave it to his conservative political party to chart a course through the country's political turmoil, “including matters related to my term in office." South Korean President Yoon under fire for Martial Law declaration South Korean lawmakers are set to vote later Saturday on impeaching President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived attempt to impose martial law, as protests grew nationwide calling for his removal. It wasn’t immediately clear whether the motion submitted by opposition lawmakers would get the two-thirds majority required for Yoon to be impeached. But it appeared more likely after the leader of Yoon’s own party on Friday called for suspending his constitutional powers, describing him as unfit to hold the office and capable of taking more extreme action, including renewed attempts to impose martial law. Who is South Korean leader Yoon who sought martial law? Impeaching Yoon would require support from 200 of the National Assembly’s 300 members. The opposition parties that jointly brought the impeachment motion have 192 seats combined. That means they would need at least eight votes from Yoon’s People Power Party. On Wednesday, 18 members of the PPP joined a vote that unanimously canceled martial law 190-0 less than three hours after Yoon declared the measure on television, calling the opposition-controlled parliament a “den of criminals” bogging down state affairs. The vote took place as hundreds of heavily-armed troops encircled the National Assembly in an attempt to disrupt the vote and possibly to detain key politicians. Key facts about martial law and the push to impeach South Korea’s president Parliament said Saturday that it would meet at 5 p.m. It will first vote on a bill appointing a special prosecutor to investigate influence peddling allegations surrounding Yoon's wife, and then on impeaching Yoon. The turmoil resulting from Yoon’s bizarre and poorly-thought-out stunt has paralyzed South Korean politics and sparked alarm among key diplomatic partners, including neighboring Japan and Seoul’s top ally the United States, as one of the strongest democracies in Asia faces a political crisis that could unseat its leader. Opposition lawmakers claim that Yoon’s martial law declaration amounted to a self-coup and drafted the impeachment motion around rebellion charges. The PPP decided to oppose impeachment at a lawmakers' meeting, despite pleas by its leader Han Dong-hun, who isn’t a lawmaker and has no vote. Following a party meeting on Friday, Han stressed the need to suspend Yoon’s presidential duties and power swiftly, saying he "could potentially put the Republic of Korea and its citizens in great danger.” Han said he had received intelligence that during the brief period of martial law Yoon ordered the country’s defense counterintelligence commander to arrest and detain unspecified key politicians based on accusations of “anti-state activities." Hong Jang-won, first deputy director of South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, later told lawmakers in a closed-door briefing that Yoon called after imposing martial law and ordered him to help the defense counterintelligence unit to detain key politicians. The targeted politicians included Han, opposition leader Lee Jae-myung and National Assembly speaker Woo Won Shik, according to Kim Byung-kee, one of the lawmakers who attended the meeting. The Defense Ministry said it had suspended the defense counterintelligence commander, Yeo In-hyung, who Han alleged had received orders from Yoon to detain the politicians. The ministry also suspended Lee Jin-woo, commander of the capital defense command, and Kwak Jong-geun, commander of the special warfare command, over their involvement in enforcing martial law. Former Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, who has been accused of recommending Yoon to enforce martial law, has been placed under a travel ban and faces an investigation by prosecutors over rebellion charges. Vice Defense Minister Kim Seon Ho, who became acting defense minister after Yoon accepted Kim Yong Hyun’s resignation on Thursday, has testified to parliament that it was Kim Yong Hyun who ordered troops to be deployed to the National Assembly after Yoon imposed martial law.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s legacy may now hinge on his controversial decision to impose martial law, citing vague claims of “anti-state forces” influenced by North Korea. The move has sparked political outrage and raised questions about the motivations behind his decision, as he faces impeachment proceedings and mounting criticism. A Career Rooted in LawYoon, a conservative leader and former prosecutor, ascended to the presidency in 2022 after a meteoric rise in politics. Despite his legal expertise and reputation for being tough and uncompromising, critics argue that his temperament and reliance on a close-knit group of loyalists make him ill-suited for high-level leadership. Born to academics, Yoon studied law at Seoul National University. In 1980, as a student, he participated in a mock trial condemning dictator Chun Doo-hwan, only to flee to the countryside when martial law was extended. This early brush with military rule contrasts sharply with his current actions. Impulsive Leadership StyleObservers describe Yoon as impulsive and emotionally driven. His presidency has been marked by friction with an opposition-controlled parliament, scandals involving him and his wife, and escalating tensions with North Korea. Choi Jin, director of the Institute of Presidential Leadership in Seoul, noted, “President Yoon tends to handle issues with a small group of loyalists and expresses emotions too directly.” A Presidency Defined by TensionYoon’s declaration of martial law is seen as a response to prolonged gridlock with the liberal opposition. He accused his political rivals of undermining his administration by attempting to impeach officials and blocking next year’s budget. He also labeled them “North Korea followers” plotting rebellion. Read: Who is South Korean leader Yoon who sought martial law? The opposition-controlled parliament has been a significant obstacle for Yoon, who narrowly won the presidency in 2022 in one of South Korea’s closest elections. His tenure has been fraught with domestic political strife and bitter rhetoric on both sides. Scandals and CriticismYoon’s administration has faced multiple scandals, including allegations of influence-peddling involving him and his wife. Critics argue that his martial law declaration was an attempt to distract from these controversies. “Whether Yoon will survive politically or not, his declaration of martial law was a desperate move to shift focus,” Choi added. North Korea and the Return to Hardline PoliticsYoon’s presidency has also been defined by a hardline stance against North Korea. Early efforts to offer economic incentives in exchange for denuclearization were met with hostility. Pyongyang ramped up weapons tests and personal insults, calling Yoon a “diplomatic idiot.” North Korea’s perceived role in domestic destabilization echoes South Korea’s past, when authoritarian leaders used the threat from the North to suppress dissent. Yoon’s martial law declaration has revived fears of a return to those times. Read more: Key facts about martial law and the push to impeach South Korea’s president A Troubled LegacyYoon’s decision to invoke martial law has raised alarms in South Korea’s vibrant democracy, with many questioning the legitimacy of his claims. Whether this move will define his presidency or mark its end remains uncertain, as public and political opposition mounts. Source: With inputs from agencies

Yoon Suk Yeol's rise to the pinnacle of South Korean politics was built on decades of legal achievements, yet his legacy may ultimately be defined by one mystifying decision: deploying troops under martial law based on ambiguous claims that one of Asia's leading democracies faced an existential threat, report AP. What in Yoon’s background hinted at this dramatic turn? Yoon, a staunch conservative and a veteran prosecutor, transitioned from a political newcomer to the presidency in 2022. His election marked the end of five years of liberal governance characterised by unsuccessful attempts to address North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and economic stagnation. However, Yoon’s presidency has been marred by relentless friction with an opposition-controlled parliament, threats from North Korea, and scandals involving him and his wife. Critics describe him as impulsive, thin-skinned, and overly reliant on a close circle of loyalists. Key facts about martial law and the push to impeach South Korea’s president Amid impeachment proceedings in parliament, no single factor explains his move to override democratic norms with martial law, justified by his vague claim that “anti-state forces” influenced by North Korea were active. Yet, threads from Yoon's background, including his intense animosity towards the liberal opposition and his confrontational approach to North Korea, shed light on this pivotal moment in his presidency. A Turbulent Journey to Top Prosecutor Despite 2 1/2 years as president, Yoon’s career has primarily revolved around law enforcement rather than politics. Born in Seoul to two professors, Yoon studied law at Seoul National University. A defining moment came in 1980 when he enacted a mock trial against dictator Chun Doo-hwan during a university event, sentencing him to life imprisonment. This act forced Yoon into hiding as Chun extended martial law and deployed troops to the university. Yoon later returned to Seoul to pursue a nearly three-decade career as a state prosecutor, earning a reputation for being tough and unyielding. South Korean Defence Minister resigns A Confrontational Style Yet, his leadership style has drawn criticism for being unsuitable for high office. “President Yoon isn’t well-prepared and acts impulsively,” said Choi Jin, director of the Seoul-based Institute of Presidential Leadership. “He shows his emotions openly and tends to operate within a tight-knit group, sidelining broader consensus.” This trait was evident during a 2013 parliamentary audit, where Yoon, then a senior prosecutor, accused his superiors of pressuring him to stop investigating allegations of election interference by the country’s spy agency. His bold declaration, “I’m not loyal to (high-level) people,” led to his demotion. Following the impeachment of conservative President Park Geun-hye in 2017, liberal President Moon Jae-in elevated Yoon to head of a key prosecution office, which investigated Park. Moon later appointed Yoon as South Korea’s top prosecutor. A Political Neophyte Yoon only entered politics about a year before his presidential victory, parting ways with Moon over a deadlock involving prosecution reforms. Moon’s allies accused Yoon of using the probe to bolster his own political ambitions. In 2022, Yoon narrowly defeated liberal firebrand Lee Jae-myung in South Korea’s closest presidential race, marred by vitriolic exchanges. Yoon likened Lee’s party to “Hitler” and “Mussolini,” while Lee’s allies called Yoon “a beast” and mocked his wife’s alleged cosmetic surgery. Domestic Discord Yoon’s presidency has been dominated by political gridlock and acrimony. His narrow electoral victory and his party’s inability to secure parliamentary control have exacerbated tensions. The opposition, which retains parliamentary dominance until 2027, has repeatedly clashed with Yoon over legislative and budgetary issues. Yoon justified his martial law declaration by accusing the opposition of plotting rebellion, citing their impeachment efforts against his officials and budgetary obstructions. Scandals have further eroded Yoon’s approval ratings. Last month, he denied involvement in an influence-peddling scandal linked to him and his wife, Kim Keon Hee. Separate footage purportedly shows Kim accepting a luxury gift from a pastor. Choi speculates that Yoon’s “clumsy martial law” attempt may have been an effort to distract from these controversies. “Yoon likely believed he had no other option to shake up the political landscape, but he failed,” Choi said. A Hardline Standoff with North Korea While domestic scandals have shaped Yoon’s presidency, his foreign policy has been marked by a hardline stance on North Korea. Yoon initially proposed economic incentives to encourage North Korea to abandon its nuclear programme. However, relations soured as Pyongyang intensified weapons testing and threats. By last year, North Korea was openly mocking Yoon, calling him “a diplomatic idiot” and sending balloons filled with trash over the border, some reaching the presidential compound. Yoon’s invocation of North Korea as a domestic threat echoes South Korea’s authoritarian past, when strongmen used fears of northern aggression to suppress political dissent.

Twelve Vietnamese soldiers tragically lost their lives in an accidental explosion during a military training exercise in Dong Nai province, southern Vietnam, on Monday night. According to state media, the incident occurred at a shooting range of the 7th Military Region. The soldiers were reportedly transporting explosives when a lightning strike during a severe storm triggered an electronic detonator, leading to the fatal explosion. Read: Fireworks explosion at Indian temple injures over 150 people A local military newspaper reported that most of the bodies have been recovered, but authorities are continuing the search for any missing personnel. An urgent investigation into the incident has been initiated by the Ministry of Defence, as confirmed by the Vietnam News Agency. The tragedy unfolded just a day after Defence Minister Phan Van Giang had delivered a speech inaugurating the combat exercise, according to the state-run Nhan Dan newspaper. Source: With inputs from agencies

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has accepted the resignation of Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun following widespread criticism over the president’s brief imposition of martial law. Choi Byung-hyuk, South Korea’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, has been nominated to replace Kim, according to the defense ministry. Kim resigned on Wednesday shortly after the opposition Democratic Party filed a motion to impeach him. Leaders within Yoon’s People Power Party had also demanded his removal for advising the martial law declaration. Accepting responsibility, Kim stated that all actions related to the martial law order were carried out under his authority, apologizing for the “concerns and confusion” caused to the public. South Korea’s opposition parties submit a motion to impeach President Yoon over sudden martial law President Yoon himself is under mounting pressure to resign after issuing—and subsequently withdrawing—the martial law decree. Six opposition parties have introduced a motion to impeach him, with a parliamentary vote anticipated by midnight on Friday or Saturday. Additionally, the Democratic Party is preparing to pursue treason charges against Yoon. The martial law announcement, made in a sudden late-night address on Tuesday, accused the opposition of supporting North Korea and engaging in anti-state actions, citing their attempts to impeach prosecutors and block a government budget proposal. However, lawmakers swiftly overturned the decree with 190 votes in the 300-seat parliament, prompting Yoon to retract the order and withdraw deployed troops early Wednesday. South Korean Parliament overturns President’s Martial Law declaration Source: CNN

A coalition of leftist activists lodged a second impeachment complaint against Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday, citing alleged misuse of government funds and seeking her permanent disqualification from public office, reports AP. The complaint, supported by at least 74 activists including leaders from human rights, labour, and student organisations, was submitted to the House of Representatives, highlighting the ongoing political challenges faced by Vice President Duterte. She has yet to comment on this new complaint or the first one filed on Monday. Impeachment complaint filed against Philippine VP Duterte for threatening President Marcos Duterte, a 46-year-old lawyer, is the daughter of the controversial former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose administration was marked by a violent anti-drug campaign that resulted in thousands of deaths and is under investigation by the International Criminal Court for possible crimes against humanity. Her main political rival is President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., whom she publicly threatened with death during an online news conference on November 23. A criminal probe has been initiated into her threats against Marcos, his wife, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, a cousin and ally of the president. Duterte clarified that her statements were not intended as a direct threat but as expressions of concern for her safety. Philippines vice president publicly threatens President Marcos with assassination The latest impeachment complaint accuses Duterte of breaching public trust through the unlawful use and mismanagement of 612.5 million pesos ($10.3 million) in confidential funds. The complainants allege that she and her team tried to conceal these discrepancies by submitting forged reports and obstructing congressional investigations. It claims that in December 2022, Duterte’s office spent 125 million pesos ($2 million) over 11 days during the Christmas season on dubious expenses, including renting "safe houses," paying for unidentified confidential information, and providing unclear rewards. “Misuse of confidential funds is a profound betrayal of the people,” said Liza Maza from the Makabayan coalition. “This is not just a technical breach but a systematic plunder of public resources.” Renato Reyes of the Bayan coalition added, “Impeachment is essential for addressing impunity. Citizens and taxpayers must hold officials accountable.” Earlier, a group of civil society activists, including priests and pro-democracy advocates, submitted an initial impeachment case citing approximately 24 alleged crimes and irregularities. These included Duterte’s threats against Marcos, alleged involvement in extrajudicial killings linked to her father's anti-drug campaign, and her perceived failure to counter Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea. The House of Representatives, dominated by Marcos allies and Speaker Martin Romualdez—who is also at odds with Duterte—will review the impeachment complaints. This process could take weeks or even months, as Congress is set to go into its Christmas break on December 20 and reconvene on January 13. Many lawmakers will then begin campaigning for the May 12 midterm elections. Duterte's offices, as vice president and former education secretary, have been under investigation for their handling of confidential and intelligence funds. She has since stepped down from her education role. Duterte has avoided providing detailed responses during tense televised hearings. Additionally, Philippine police have filed criminal charges against her and her security detail for allegedly assaulting authorities and defying orders during an incident at Congress involving her chief of staff, who was accused of obstructing the funds inquiry. The National Bureau of Investigation has summoned Duterte to appear on December 11 regarding her threats against the president. Duterte and Marcos won their 2022 election campaign in a landslide as running mates but have since had significant political differences. In the Philippines, the vice presidency and presidency are elected separately, leading to a situation where rivals may hold the highest political offices.

A 5.3 magnitude earthquake jolted Telangana’s Mulugu district on Wednesday morning, the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) reported. The earthquake occurred at approximately 7:27 am, originating at a depth of 40 kilometers near Mulugu, as per NCS data. The tremors were felt across Mulugu and neighboring districts, including Hyderabad, prompting residents to share videos and reactions on social media. “For the first time in 20 years, Telangana experienced one of the strongest earthquakes, with a 5.3 magnitude quake centered in Mulugu. Tremors were felt across the state, including Hyderabad. Yet again, an earthquake at the Godavari riverbed, but this time, a stronger one,” wrote a user named Telangana Weatherman on X. Read: Moderate earthquake strikes Eastern Turkey Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of casualties or property damage. Telangana lies in Seismic Zone II, which is categorized as the lowest-risk zone in India’s seismic classification system. The country is divided into four seismic zones, with Zone V being the most earthquake-prone. Source: With inputs from agencies