More than 2.7 million voters can elect the president, a ceremonial but symbolically important post. For the first time, candidates from all ethnic backgrounds can run. Experts see the vote as a referendum on the People's Action Party’s long rule.
Today's headlines: birthrates in South Korea drop again, below 250,000 for first time; Cantonese language targeted in Hong Kong over national security law; India grants Singapore exemption from its freeze on rice exports; More than one million Pakistanis have migrated to Gulf countries since April 2022.
Today's headlines: Trilateral summit set to begin between the US, South Korea and Japan at Camp David; A Chinese university estimates the over-60s will make up 38% of the population in the People's Republic by 2050; Corruption to avoid controls behind Indian syrup deaths in Uzbekistan; Belarus closes down sixth opposition party closed down in just three months.
Today's news: One of the Thai king's sons is back from the United States. Viet Nam’s president met with the country’s bishops. South Korean cities organise "blind dating" for singles to facilitate nuptials. The term "homosexual" can no longer be used in Iraqi media. In Russia, more and more inmates from women’s prisons are enlisting with the military.
Today's news: Lao police arrest Chinese human rights lawyer who defended Hong Kong pro-democracy advocates. Suicide bombing in Pakistan kills at least 44 people and wounds another 200. Seven satellites made in Singapore were successfully launched from India. In Herat the Taliban torch musical instruments that “cause the youth to go astray.” At the Russia-Africa summit, Putin rewards the Zimbabwean president for his "loyalty".
Today's headlines: as expected, the Cambodian premier Hun Sen will leave the leadership of the government to his son; In Bangladesh, Western ambassadors criticize the repressive pre-election climate; US officials will meet with Taliban representatives; The Red Cross will use Japanese mine detection technology; In China, the number of gamers is increasing; Only 16 out of 54 African heads of state at the summit with Putin.
