China-Nepal floods, Japan to deploy fighter jets to India: 5 weekend reads you missed

Japan is set to deploy fighter jets to India for the first time next month, according to experts. This move demonstrates Tokyo's intention to enhance security cooperation with like-minded nations in the Indo-Pacific region, while simultaneously increasing its defense spending in response to China's growing military capabilities.

Floods along the border between China's Tibet autonomous region and Nepal have left 261 foreign citizens missing, according to official reports. Online rumors have targeted China, suggesting the country's involvement, but the government has denied any direct responsibility.

Chinese scholars argue that Beijing must substantially raise its nationwide childcare subsidies by 600% to tackle a growing birth crisis. They warn that the country's fertility rate could soon plummet to the lowest in the world if urgent action is not taken.

Canada has ended its "lifeboat" migration pathway for Hongkongers, leaving some applicants stuck in a difficult situation. As they struggle to meet permanent residency requirements, others are exploring alternative destinations such as the United States and the United Kingdom.

A recent investigation in the Philippines has uncovered a massive gambling racket run by a Korean crime network. The syndicate, which operated in the wake of the country's Pogo scandal, managed to defraud the nation of an estimated US$3.8 billion. Law enforcement has made recent arrests as part of their ongoing efforts to dismantle the operation.