Briefly

SOUTH KOREA

Ex-president back in court for criminal trial

South Korea's former president Yoon Suk-yeol appeared in court on Monday for the second hearing of his criminal trial — to defend himself against insurrection charges over his short-lived declaration of martial law. Yoon was formally stripped of office earlier this month, after being impeached and suspended by lawmakers over his Dec 3 attempt to subvert civilian rule, which saw armed soldiers deployed to parliament. He became South Korea's first sitting head of state to be arrested in connection with the criminal case against him in January. Yoon's court appearance on Monday was the first time the media was allowed to film the former president's criminal trial.

INDIA

Vance in New Delhi for talks on trade

US Vice-President JD Vance began a four-day visit to India on Monday as New Delhi looks to seal an early trade deal with Washington and stave off punishing tariffs. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vance are expected to hold talks on tariffs. They are expected to "review the progress in relations" and "exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest", according to India's foreign ministry.

Agencies via Xinhua