An independent cleaning worker told Viory reporters, “They have to fulfil the union and labour agreements and mainly respect the work being done, but well, we already did our part, it has to be respected, and they have to give us our place.” The protest disrupted the city’s normal routines, with more than a dozen trucks unloading waste onto sidewalks, fires prompting a response from firefighters, and demonstrators damaging government property. Local medical teams treated several people at the scene, though no serious injuries were reported.

Residents described the event as alarming. Juan Castillo, a neighbour: “There is a message for the government to adjust to their petitions, to reach a common agreement and avoid all these kinds of jokes, it is ugly.” The protest reflects broader tensions in Mexico over labour rights and union representation, highlighting how workers’ demands can escalate into public demonstrations when official channels stall.

The meeting lasted about three hours, according to the aides present, and was spent preparing for the budget meeting later that morning. In Takaichi’s own words, the meeting caused her staff “inconvenience” but was necessary to rework drafts of answers to lawmakers’ questions. 

Clarifying the circumstances behind the meeting, Takaichi added that her fax machine at home had malfunctioned, prompting her to stay at the prime minister’s residence and review the briefing materials there.

While 3 a.m. meetings are far from common, they are especially cautionary for people in Japan, where there have been several high-profile cases of deaths linked to overwork and unforgiving working conditions . 

It is so apparent that the Japanese have even coined specific terms for it: karoshi , meaning death from overwork, and karojisatsu , or suicide due to overwork and cruel working conditions.

A government survey in 2016 showed that 20 percent of the Japanese workforce is at risk of death from overwork. 

Of the companies surveyed, 22.7 percent reported employees clocking 80 hours of overtime each month. A fifth of employees averaged 49 or more hours each week, or nearly 10 hours across five working days.

What’s more daunting is the fact that Japan is not the only country in Asia notorious for its harsh working conditions. 

In China, the government is working to put a stop to the “996” culture, an illegal labour practice where employees have to work 72 hours a week, or from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. six days a week. 

Takaichi’s unusual meeting also drew the ire of a former Japanese premier, Yoshishiko Noda.

“It’s fine for her to work, but she should not be getting other people involved,” he said. “Everyone is in bed at that time of day. It’s a very sad attitude for the top leader of the country to show.”

Qatar may halt LNG exports to the EU over the new Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), which mandates large firms to address environmental and human rights issues in their supply chains or face fines. The law, applying to EU and non-EU firms with over €450M turnover, phases in through 2029. Qatar, heavily reliant on fossil fuel exports and criticised for labour abuses, sees the rules as a threat. Al-Kaabi said without changes, Doha would seek other markets, questioning the directive’s climate goals and rejecting net-zero targets. As one of the world’s top LNG exporters, Qatar could pivot to markets like Pakistan and Syria, while the EU may need to increase U.S. LNG imports or reconsider nuclear power.

Why workplace safety matters

As Qatar advances its National Vision 2030, industries such as construction, oil & gas, logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing face growing pressure from regulators, employees, and global partners to improve workplace safety. ISO 45001, the international standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, provides a structured approach to identifying hazards, managing risks, and ensuring continuous improvement—offering not only compliance but also a competitive edge. Rapid development in areas like Lusail, The Pearl, and Ras Laffan has heightened occupational risks, making ISO 45001’s globally recognised framework critical. Released in 2018, the standard aligns with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, enabling integration of quality, environmental, and safety management systems.

Qatar backs Syria’s economic revival

Qatar’s UCC Holding is spearheading a $4 billion foreign-investment deal with four international partners to transform Damascus International Airport into a regional hub. The project, under a Build–Operate–Transfer model, will expand capacity to 31 million passengers across five phases, introduce 32 modern gates, and add world-class facilities. Seen as a key step in Syria’s reconstruction, it aims to boost connectivity, trade, and tourism while meeting ICAO and IATA standards.

Storms, cancellations, and tourism slump disrupt air travel in Qatar, other countries

In 2025, the US, Canada, UK, Germany, Australia, and Qatar face a major travel shake-up as storms, airline cancellations, and declining tourism disrupt the global air industry. Violent weather is grounding flights in US hubs like Dallas and New York, while Canada battles wildfire smoke and delays in Ontario and British Columbia. In the UK and Germany, summer storms are driving delays and reduced bookings, straining airports and tour operators alike.

Qatar is steadily enhancing its legislative framework

Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs H E Ibrahim bin Ali bin Issa Al Hassan Al Mohannadi has said Qatar is strengthening its legislative framework to support sustainable development, uphold the rule of law, and promote transparency. Over the past year, Cabinet decisions have advanced legislative modernisation, ensured justice, and built strong institutions. According to the Council of Ministers Secretariat General, initiatives have focused on empowering national talent, accelerating digital transformation, engaging youth, and advancing food security and sustainable urban planning—all aimed at achieving sustainable development within a modern legislative and executive framework.