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South Korea’s Birth Rate Expected to Rise for First Time in Nine Years
South Korea is set to see an increase in its birth rate in 2024 for the first time in nine years, according to government data released on Wednesday. The country, which has consistently recorded the world’s lowest fertility rates, reported that the number of newborns between January 2024 and November 2024 rose by 3 percent from the previous year to 220,094.
In 2023, newborns fell by 7.7 percent, marking the eighth consecutive year of decline and resulting in an annual fertility rate of 0.72—the lowest globally. The anticipated increase is attributed to a rise in the number of marriages in 2023, the first uptick in 12 years, as couples who had postponed weddings during the COVID-19 pandemic finally tied the knot.
Shenzhou-19 Crew Conduct Second Spacewalk
Astronauts aboard China’s space station have completed their second extravehicular activity (spacewalk), the China Manned Space Agency announced on Tuesday. Crew members Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong, and Wang Haoze worked for 8.5 hours to accomplish multiple tasks, including installing space debris protection devices and conducting an extravehicular inspection.
Indonesian Volcano Erupts Over 1,000 Times in January
A volcano in eastern Indonesia has erupted at least 1,000 times this month, according to an official report released on Sunday. Efforts are underway to evacuate thousands of villagers living near Mount Ibu on the remote island of Halmahera in North Maluku province. On January 15, the volcano sent a column of smoke up to four kilometers into the sky.
Officials have raised the alert status to the highest level and called for the evacuation of 3,000 residents in six nearby villages. The Geological Agency recorded 1,079 eruptions since January 1, with ash columns reaching between 300 meters and four kilometers above the peak.
Nepal Hikes Mount Qomolangma Permit Fees by 36%
Nepal will increase the permit fees for climbing Mount Qomolangma by 36 percent, making the world’s tallest peak more expensive for mountaineers for the first time in nearly a decade, officials said on Wednesday. A permit to climb the 8,849-meter-high mountain will now cost $15,000, up from the previous fee of $11,000 that had been in place for nearly ten years. Income from permit fees and other spending by foreign climbers is a key source of revenue for the nation.
Singapore to Introduce Screen Time Guidelines for Children
Singapore will issue guidelines for screen use among children, which will be introduced in schools, including preschools, as part of a new national strategy launched on Tuesday to address children’s health. The national health promotion strategy seeks to improve preventive care and instill healthier lifestyles in children and adolescents, according to a joint release issued by the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Social and Family Development.
As part of the strategy, the Early Childhood Development Agency will update its code of practice for preschools from February 1 to mandate no screen use for infants up to 18 months. Under the revised code, screens can only be used for teaching and learning purposes for children aged 18 months to six years.
