The Korea Biotechnology Industry Organization (KBIO) on Wednesday said it has requested the US to exempt South Korea from the Donald Trump administration's plan to impose tariffs on pharmaceutical imports.

KBIO said it submitted such an opinion formally to the US Department of Commerce on Tuesday (US time) regarding an ongoing investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which is examining the national security implications of pharmaceutical imports, news agency reported.

Washington launched the probe on April 1 and has sought public input from stakeholders. US President Trump has said he will announce tariff measures on pharmaceuticals in the coming weeks.

The organisation emphasised that South Korea is a reliable partner in the US pharmaceutical supply chain and plays a key role in making high-cost prescription drugs more affordable.

South Korea has asked the United States to make "special consideration" of its chip exports as the Donald Trump administration is moving to impose tariffs on imported semiconductors, Seoul's industry ministry said on Wednesday.

The South Korean government submitted a written opinion to the U.S. administration regarding Washington's national security investigation into semiconductor imports under the U.S. Trade Expansion Act, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, reports news agency.

The Trump administration has been looking to impose new tariffs on semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, with investigations into such imports currently under way.

In its submitted opinion, the Seoul government called for "special consideration" of Korean semiconductor exports to the U.S., saying that semiconductors and manufacturing equipment made in Korea have "very limited" impact on the U.S. security and supply chains.

At least five paramilitary personnel were killed and six others injured in a roadside bomb attack targetting a security convoy in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province on Tuesday, security sources said.

The incident happened at about 11:45 am local time (0645 GMT) in the Kachhi district, when an improvised explosive device struck a Frontier Corps convoy, the sources told news agency on condition of anonymity.

"The convoy, comprising six vehicles, was on a routine movement when the explosion took place, resulting in the deaths and injuries," officials confirmed.

Security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to trace those responsible for the attack.

Intensive Israeli airstrikes struck Yemen's capital Sanaa and the northern province of Amran on Tuesday afternoon.

Local witnesses reported thick black smoke rising over both Sanaa and Amran following the attacks. In Sanaa, the strikes hit Sanaa International Airport, the Dhahban power plant, and two military sites.

In Amran, about 60 km north of the capital, airstrikes reportedly targeted a concrete factory.

The British government is planning to restrict visa applications from students of various countries, including Pakistan, as they are considered most likely to seek asylum after reaching the United Kingdom. The move comes as the Keir Starmer-led government looks to bring down annual net migration and restrict inflow from countries whose students apply for student visas but become asylum seekers later.

People who voted for Prime Minister Starmer's Labour Party have expressed anger and frustration over many issues, including illegal immigration. This has prompted the government to formulate a policy document, or a White Paper, which it plans to publish during the coming week.

Russia will cease hostilities during the Victory Day ceasefire announced by President Vladimir Putin but will retaliate adequately if Ukraine attacks its positions or facilities, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.

"There will be no hostilities. However, if there is no reciprocity from the Kyiv regime and they continue to attack our positions or facilities, we will retaliate,"

Putin announced a 72-hour ceasefire on April 28 in its ongoing 'Special Military Operation' in Ukraine on account of the Victory Day celebrations from May 8 to 11.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Khaleda Zia returned to Dhaka on Tuesday after four months of medical treatment in London. She was accompanied by her two daughters-in-law — the acting Chairman of the party, Tarique Rahman’s wife Zubaida Rahman, and the late Arafat Rahman Koko’s wife Syeda Sharmila Rahman.

The air ambulance, provided by Qatar’s Emir, reached Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Tuesday morning.

As Khaleda Zia travelled to her Gulshan residence from the airport, hundreds of party workers lined the streets to welcome her return, chanting slogans such as “Welcome Khaleda Zia” , "Khaleda Zia, fear not, we haven't left the streets” and “Tarique Rahman, Khaleda Zia”.

A New Zealand lawmaker is pushing for legislation that would ban children under 16 from accessing social media in a move that could see the country follow Australia's lead in tightening regulations on digital platforms.

New Zealand National Party MP Catherine Wedd has introduced a member's bill that would require social media companies to verify users' ages and block minors from creating accounts, according to news agency.

Platforms could face financial penalties for non-compliance and would be obligated to take "all reasonable steps" to ensure users are at least 16 years old, Radio New Zealand (RNZ) reported on Tuesday.

"My Social Media Age-Appropriate Users Bill is about protecting young people from bullying, inappropriate content and social media addiction by restricting access for under 16-year-olds," RNZ quoted Wedd as saying.

At least 14 people were injured in fresh US airstrikes on Yemen's capital of Sanaa early Monday morning, local medics told news agency.

The medics said 14 residents in the densely populated Shu'ub neighbourhood in the eastern part of Sanaa were injured as a result of the strikes, which also shattered windows in several homes and shops.

Meanwhile, Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported that dozens of additional US airstrikes targeted various locations across Sanaa, as well as in the provinces of Hodeidah, Saada, Marib and Al-Jawf. No casualties were reported in those areas, as the Houthis rarely disclose their losses.

Nine people died, one was missing, and 70 were injured after four tourist boats capsized due to sudden gales on a river in Qianxi, southwest China's Guizhou province, according to state media.

A total of 84 people fell into the water following the accident on Sunday afternoon, and the search for the last missing person continues.

Speaking to Chinese media Red Star News, tourists who were on-site during the accident said that there was a sudden rainstorm accompanied by hail, thunder, and strong winds.

According to reports, the local meteorological authority issued a yellow alert on Sunday, stating that thunderstorms would occur in multiple places.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday urged all-out efforts to search for those who fell into the water and treat the injured after the boats capsized.