Taiwan inaugurated its new President Lai Ching-te amidst protests from the opposition Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) demanding parliamentary, judicial, and constitutional reforms. The TPP staged a march in Taipei, with supporters wearing devil masks and holding guavas symbolizing dishonored ballots. The new president faces challenges as he takes over the leadership of the Democratic Progressive Party. Meanwhile, in Indian-controlled Kashmir, a Shiite Muslim weeps during a vigil for Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who was found dead after a helicopter crash in Iran’s northwest.
In other news, FIFA President Gianni Infantino delivered a speech against racism in football at the FIFA Congress in Bangkok, Thailand. The global football community continues its efforts to combat discrimination and promote inclusivity in the sport. In Shanghai, Brazil’s Pedro Barros reacted after falling in the Skateboarding Men’s Park Preliminaries for the 2024 Olympic Qualifier Series, showcasing the competitive nature of the qualifying event. On the environmental front, a farmer walked on a dried-up lake outside Beed, India, highlighting the effects of drought and the urgent need for climate action.
The photo gallery also featured images from the Breaking B-Boys Finals for the 2024 Olympic Qualifier Series in Shanghai, where Japan’s Hiro10 battled South Korea’s Hongten for a third placing match. The competition showcased the skill and talent of athletes in the breaking discipline. In Kashmir, voters lined up to cast their votes during the fifth round of multi-phase national elections, reflecting the democratic process in the region. Additionally, monks in Malaysia performed a parade before unveiling a traditional painting of Lord Buddha during the Wesak Day celebration, marking a significant event for Buddhists.
As celebrations continued, people released lanterns during the Vesak celebration at the Borobudur Temple in Indonesia, commemorating the birth, death, and enlightenment of Buddha. In Nepal, Buddhist devotees stood in a queue to light butter lamps during the Buddha Jayanti festival at the Boudhanath Stupa, showcasing the spiritual significance of the occasion. The sacred day of Buddha Poornima was also observed in Sri Lanka, where devotees prayed at temples to mark the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha. As the day drew to a close, women in Mumbai wiped sweat from their faces on a hot and humid summer day, representing the challenges of extreme weather conditions in the region. Additionally, in Assam, India, Musikur Alam arranged materials in his house on a floating island village in the Brahmaputra River, highlighting the resilience of communities living in unique environments.
