Asia Today

Today's headlines: Myanmar’s military junta and exiled government extend a ceasefire (albeit repeatedly violated) to help aid to earthquake victims. Israel has violated the truce with Lebanon at least 2,740 times with 190 dead (71 civilians) and 485 wounded. The Afghan Taliban have given part of the half a million weapons abandoned by the United States to militant groups. Vietnam wants to increase development goals in terms of wind and nuclear power.

Today's news: New Year's amnesty in Myanmar for 5,000 prisoners, except political prisoners; Washington's sanctions on Iranian oil exports also affect China; The Maldives bans Israeli tourists in retaliation for the war in Gaza; Bangkok unveils the first police robot created with artificial intelligence; Japan is a favourite destination for Taiwanese tourists.

Today's news: Hong Kong post office blocks parcel shipments to the United States, while Xi Jinping is in Malaysia on the second leg of his trip to Southeast Asia; Rahul Gandhi and his mother Sonia accused of laundering $300 million; The Chinese authorities arrest Tibetans ‘guilty’ of sharing photos of a Buddhist leader on the internet; Supreme leader Ali Khamenei ‘neither optimistic nor pessimistic’ about talks with the USA, second round in Oman on 19th April.

Today's news: ‘Mysterious’ deaths are affecting Chinese scientists in the AI sector; New drop in the number of inhabitants of Japan, the lowest figure in 20 years; Restoration work begins on the dome of Hagia Sophia, a basilica transformed into a mosque by Erdogan; The Burmese junta bombs a monastery in the north-west, killing at least five people including children.

Today's news: Criminal trial of former president Yoon for martial law opens in Seoul; Dhaka reintroduces the phrase ‘except Israel’ on passports; Myanmar celebrates the Water Festival among earthquake ruins; Osaka World Exhibition opens with 160 countries and regions present; Delhi deploys troops in West Bengal to stem the bloody protests over approval of the Waqf law.

Today's headlines: Negotiations are underway in Oman between Tehran and Washington over Tehran’s nuclear programme. Taiwan wants to reduce 32 per cent tariffs. Another foreign justice resigns from Hong Kong’s Court of Final Appeal. The latest iPhone model arrives in Malaysia.

Today's news: Israeli pilots dismissed for signing a petition on Gaza; the death toll in Gaza is almost 51,000; Fake social media accounts defend Duterte, to influence the mid-term Philippine elections; 47 deaths in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh due to lightning and storms: orange alert in several districts; Investigation into the disastrous 2023 Korea Scout Jamboree: ‘complete closure’ on all aspects.

Today's news: in Hong Kong a social worker has been sentenced to three years and nine months for ‘rioting’ during the 2019 protests; Israeli attack kills at least 35 civilians in Gaza City, many missing; Indian minister Goyal criticises local start-ups, claiming they are too focused on entertainment apps; Demining of the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan advances.

Today's news: Chinese President Xi Jinping calls for ‘a shared future with neighbouring countries’, India cuts interest rates; Ukrainian President Zelensky: two Chinese citizens fighting with the Russians captured in Donetsk; Israel closes six UNRWA schools in East Jerusalem, leaving 800 children without education; Twenty people die in a fire at a nursing home in Chengde.

Today's news: Beijing responds to Washington over the threat of further 50% tariffs; Seven dead in Myanmar in bombings despite the ceasefire announced after the earthquake; Seoul government confirms 3 June as election date and appoints new constitutional judge; Severe damage from hurricanes in Siberia.

Today's news: Netanyahu in the United States; the IDF admits ‘errors’ in the killing of 15 health workers near Rafah; Heavy rains hamper relief efforts in Myanmar: risk of outbreaks; Pyongyang hosts first international marathon in six years;Indian Muslims protest the Waqf law, deemed unconstitutional

Today's news: Min Aung Hlaing attends BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok as junta hinders aid flow to Myanmar; Families of the victims of Duterte's ‘war on drugs’ demand investigation into the severe cyberbullying; Tibetans accuse China of eliminating their cultural identity by repressing their language; Modi visits Sri Lanka.