Iranian President Raisi, ’s memorial muted amid public discontent
Fact: President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran was killed in a helicopter crash near the Azerbaijan border along with his foreign minister and seven others.
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Celebrating Buddha’s birthday, a South Korean DJ is in spotlight
A South Korean DJ named Youn Sung-ho, also known as DJ NewJeansNim, is blending electronic dance music with Buddhist teachings to attract younger audiences. At a recent festival celebrating Buddha’s birthday, he performed to a large crowd and was praised for promoting “young Buddhism.” Venerable Jinwoo, the head of the largest sect of Korean Buddhism, gifted him with prayer beads and encouraged him to continue spreading hope and happiness to young people.
Georgian police disperse protesters as parliament approves ‘foreign bill’ second reading
Georgia’s parliament approved a bill on “foreign agents” that requires organizations receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as agents of foreign influence. The bill has caused a political crisis in Georgia, leading to large protests in the country. President Zourabichvili advised protesters to focus on the upcoming election to change the government. The bill has been criticized as being inspired by Russian laws used to suppress dissent. The European Union has condemned the violence in Georgia, and the bill could affect Georgia’s integration into the EU. Police used tear gas and stun grenades to clear protesters outside parliament. The bill must pass one more vote before becoming law.
Three men charged and released over Astromeritis clash
Fact: Three individuals were charged and released by police after altercations involving a large crowd in Astromeritis.