There were five candidates in the running, but the primary competition was between two prominent figures: former economic security minister Sanae Takaichi and agriculture minister Shinjuro Koizumi. In the run-off voting, Takaichi defeated Agriculture Minister Shinjuro Koizumi (son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi).

In the first round, Takaichi secured 183 votes, while Koizumi received 164 votes. Since no candidate secured a majority, a run-off was conducted. This vote involved 295 LDP lawmakers and approximately 1 million party members. However, this represents only 1% of Japan’s total population.

Sanae Takaichi, aged 64, is considered a conservative leader. She supports policies such as regular visits to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, changes to Japan’s pacifist constitution, and enhancing security cooperation with Taiwan. She has also suggested reviewing investment agreements with the United States.

Before the run-off, Takaichi stated in her speech, “The harsh criticism from across the country, which said that we do not understand for whom the LDP stands, has inspired me. I want to transform people’s everyday lives and their concerns about the future into hope.”

With this win, she has become the first female Prime Minister of Japan. Her campaign focuses on the country’s economic growth and security. Takaichi has presented a plan to double Japan’s economy in 10 years.

Furthermore, Takaichi considers India a special strategic partner and emphasizes strengthening cooperation in the Quad and the Indo-Pacific.

According to AP, a parliamentary vote is expected in mid-October to formally confirm the new Prime Minister. Whoever becomes Prime Minister will immediately face diplomatic challenges. The most important among these will be a meeting with US President Donald Trump, which is scheduled for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea at the end of October. At this meeting, Japan may face pressure to increase defense spending.

Concerns have been raised that Houthi rebels in Yemen may be targeting the cables. Some reports suggest the rebels are attempting to pressure Israel to halt its conflict with Hamas in Gaza, though the Houthis have previously denied responsibility for such attacks.

NetBlocks, an organization that monitors internet access, stated that multiple cable cuts in the Red Sea have impacted internet connectivity in several countries, including India and Pakistan. The organization indicated that the problem stemmed from technical faults in the SMW4 and IMEWE cable systems near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The South East Asia-Middle East-Western Europe 4 (SMW4) cable is operated by Tata Communications, an Indian company and part of a large Indian conglomerate. The India-Middle East-Western Europe (IMEWE) cable is managed by another consortium under the supervision of Alcatel-Lucent. Both companies have not yet issued any statements on the matter.

In the United Arab Emirates, where Dubai and Abu Dhabi are located, internet users reported slower speeds on the networks of the government-owned companies Du and Etisalat. The government has also not yet formally acknowledged the issue. Saudi Arabia has not yet acknowledged the disruptions, and officials there have not responded to requests for comment.

Microsoft acknowledged on its status website that the Middle East may experience reduced internet speeds due to the damaged undersea cables in the Red Sea. The Redmond, Washington-based company did not provide specific details, but it confirmed that internet traffic not routed through the Middle East was unaffected.

The cable cuts occurred amid a backdrop of ongoing tensions involving Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have been launching attacks against Israel in response to the Israeli-Hamas conflict in the Gaza Strip. Israel has retaliated with airstrikes, reportedly killing several senior rebel leaders.

In early 2024, the internationally recognized exiled government of Yemen accused the Houthis of planning attacks on undersea cables in the Red Sea. Several cables were cut, but the Houthis denied involvement. On Sunday morning, the Houthi-supported Al-Masirah satellite news channel acknowledged that the cable cuts had occurred.

From November 2023 to December 2024, Houthi rebels targeted over 100 ships with missiles and drones during the Israel-Hamas conflict.

During an event marking the launch of a peace initiative in Dubai, Munasinghe stated that Global South, particularly Asia, is now in a leadership role. The Global South refers to countries often recognized as developing, less developed, or underdeveloped. These countries are primarily located in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Munasinghe, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007, said, “If you have seen the pictures of the recent SCO summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Russian President Vladimir Putin were together. These are the biggest and most powerful countries in Asia. It is very symbolic.”

Describing it as real peace for the world, he added, “If leaders can do this, then I think everyone can come together.” Munasinghe, a Sri Lankan academic and economist, received the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize as the vice-chair of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

In response to a question about his earlier statement on the possibility of nuclear war, Munasinghe said, “It is time, not just for India and Sri Lanka, but for all of Asia, to show the path of stability and peace that the previous powers of the world, especially Western leadership, have not been able to show. But we will show them.”

Munasinghe stated that nuclear war is closer than ever and must be avoided at all costs. He added, “World peace depends more on all of us than on governments or leaders. To save the earth and ourselves, we must unite, let’s work together for peace.”

Dr. Huzaifa Khorakiwala, Executive Director of Indian pharmaceutical company Wockhardt and CEO of the Wockhardt Foundation, launched the I Am Peacekeeper initiative in Dubai. Its aim is to bring together individuals and institutions willing to promote dialogue and understanding for global harmony.

This visit is part of a four-day trip to Japan and China, starting Friday. The primary focus is on promoting trade and investment with Japan and normalizing relations with China. The trip occurs amid some strain in India-US relations due to the trade and tariff policies of US President Donald Trump. Before departing, PM Modi expressed hope that the foreign trip would strongly advance the country’s interests and priorities.

Wang Yi responded by highlighting the maintenance of peace and tranquility in border areas and the resumption of the Indian pilgrimage to Mount Gang Renpoche and Lake Mapam Yun Tso in the Xijang Autonomous Region. He expressed confidence in dispelling interference, expanding cooperation, and further consolidating the positive momentum in China-India relations. This would allow both nations to contribute to each other’s success and provide stability to Asia and the world. Wang Yi is scheduled to participate in the 24th round of Special Representatives’ (SR) Talks on the India-China boundary question with India’s SR, NSA Doval.