Over the years, Japan has built a figure skating tradition capable of producing champions much loved at home. These successes are rooted in rigorous training and early selection. Since the 1990s, the Japan Skating Federation has built a national team that teaches athletes how to cope with pressure from a young age.

Last year, the economy expanded by 5 per cent, far more than official government forecasts. In the budget, Prime Minister Wong calls for cooperation to ensure greater benefits and rights. Growth forecast this year is 2 to 4 per cent. Artificial intelligence is seen as a booster for  employment and well-being.

A small Smart Air plane was hit by gunfire after landing on a remote airstrip in Indonesian Papua. The two pilots, wounded while attempting to escape into the forest, died. The incident rekindles concerns over air travel security in the "red zones" of the region’s interior, where armed separatist groups operate.

Online controversy heats up over Chinese-American athletes competing for the US and China. In South Korea, more lawmakers are using YouTube to address their constituents. Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has lost part of his eyesight, his lawyer says. Washington is preparing for sustained operations in Iran.

The Holy See today released the pontiff's message for this "shared" time in preparation for Easter. In it he calls on the faithful to listen to the Word and recognise the voice of “those who are anguished and suffering”. This requires “disarming our language” in favour of “words of hope and peace”, as well as actions to “cultivate kindness”.

Party leaders urge supporters to refrain from celebrations and pray "for the future of Bangladesh”. Jamaat-e-Islami acknowledges defeat but is "not satisfied" with the electoral process. India, Pakistan, and the United States have reacted. The referendum has not yet been decided, pending official results.