Asia Today

Today's headlines: Oil prices hit 2022 highs amid rumours of possible US military action in the Strait of Hormuz; Further sentence reduction for Aung San Suu Kyi (but prison term remains 18 years with no proof of her survival); China bans the sale and entry of drones into Beijing for ‘security reasons’; Ambani’s son wants to bring Pablo Escobar’s hippos from Colombia to India.

Today's headlines: Diplomatic crisis between Ukraine and Israel over a Russian grain ship from the occupied territories docked at the port of Haifa; China extends duty-free status to all African countries, previously limited to the 33 poorest nations; In Orissa, a man takes his sister’s skeleton to a bank to obtain funds from her bank account that had previously been denied.

Today’s headlines: Further bombing by the Pakistani army in Afghanistan; Businessman Ali Al Zaidi has been appointed as Iraq’s prime minister following a prolonged deadlock; Report reveals: with borders closed due to the pandemic, North Korea has seen a record number of executions; China blocks Meta’s acquisition of a local artificial intelligence start-up.

Today’s headlines: Two Americans among the victims of a Philippine army operation against the NPA in Negros. Hanoi revokes unpopular measure against Honda on the eve of the Japanese Prime Minister’s visit. Taiwan imposes sentences of up to 10 years for industrial espionage at TSMC. In Russia, a staunch Putin loyalist implicated in the deportation of Ukrainian children has been appointed as the new Human Rights Ombudsman.

Today’s headlines: in Sri Lanka, hackers have stolen $2.5 million from the Ministry of Finance. South Korea-Vietnam: 73 trade agreements and 12 cooperation pacts following Lee’s visit to Hanoi. Thailand: 44 MPs on trial for attempting to amend the lèse-majesté law. Xi Jinping: first comments on the war in the Middle East.

Today’s headlines: a Taiwanese minister’s exceptional visit to the islet of Itu Aba, claimed by China, Vietnam and the Philippines; The US is reportedly negotiating with the Democratic Republic of the Congo regarding the resettlement of 1,100 Afghans following the visa ban; Beijing: new proposal for youth-friendly urban living. Lebanon and Israel in Washington as the truce nears its end.

Today's headlines: Indonesia passes legislation legalising domestic workers. Myanmar: the “Proof of Life” initiative goes online, calling for concrete evidence that Aung San Suu Kyi is alive. Pakistan suspends a $1.5 billion arms deal with Sudan. Hong Kong government attempts to seize over $16 million from Jimmy Lai.

Today’s headlines: 25 killed in explosion at fireworks factory in Tamil Nadu. South Korea and India to double trade volume. At least 10 Maoist guerrillas killed by government forces in central Philippines. New report estimates $71 billion over 10 years for the reconstruction of Gaza.

Today’s headlines: Indonesia, commission investigates 12 civilians killed in army operations in Central Papua; Case of abuse and forced conversions at Indian multinational following employee complaints; 60% of birth bonus paid out in Hong Kong as rate drops from 2025; Fourth ballistic missile test launch of the month in North Korea.

Today’s headlines: some tankers appear to have crossed the Strait of Hormuz, but the situation remains unclear; Jordan calls for coordinated regional and international efforts to support the ceasefire in Lebanon. Bangkok encourages the recycling of water pistols during the Songkran celebrations; Japan has a new term for record-breaking heatwaves.

Today’s headlines: Ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel comes into effect; Robots allow Hong Kong fire survivors return home for first time in four months to retrieve personal belongings; Indian Supreme Court has ordered an additional voter list for the elections to be held next week in West Bengal.

Today’s headlines: Lebanon and Israel are set to hold direct talks later today. Nine Chinese nationals involved in online scams have been arrested in Sri Lanka; Macau's finance minister resigns; Two seminarians are among those killed in road accidents during the Buddhist New Year celebrations in Thailand; A Kazakh billionaire has issued a chess challenge to the president of the Mongolian Chess Federation.