Straits Times Asia

Prabowo replaces Indonesia disaster chief a day after brother’s graft arrest

The replacement of disaster management chief Surhayanto with Lieutenant- General Kristomei Sianturi aims to restore…

Slain Hong Kong socialite Abby Choi called ‘birthing machine’ by former father-in-law, court hears

Her partner said he found Choi’s former in-laws were unconcerned over her disappearance.

New four-lane bridge opens between China, North Korea

The opening signals progress in bilateral relations between Beijing and Pyongyang.

South Korean father detained after allegedly beating two-month-old daughter to death

He allegedly struck his daughter repeatedly after losing his temper when she refused to sleep.

Japan to set up expert panel on GPS tracking stalkers

Stalking is in the spotlight in Japan after a woman was stabbed to death by her former boyfriend.

‘I committed the crime to attract attention’: Man who stabbed eight people at Incheon mall

He was previously convicted of attempting to murder his former wife and was released in 2019.

New Zealand to help Fiji overhaul intelligence agencies

WELLINGTON, Oct 15 - Fiji is enlisting New Zealand's intelligence agency to help overhaul its fragmented security…

Fiji asks New Zealand spies to review intelligence service

Fiji will reform its national intelligence to strengthen information sharing and assessment of security threats.

Fallout of scandal-hit minister’s exit to linger in Japan Diet, haunt PM: Analysts

Opposition lawmakers had been pressing Takaichi to explain her responsibility for appointing him.

Japan police arrest YouTuber on suspicion of defamation after man dies

The man died shortly after the video was posted and his mother later filed a criminal complaint.

Australia navy investigating video camera found in ship bathroom

A member of the armed forces has been identified as a “person of interest”.

In Sri Lanka, human-elephant conflict takes deadly toll

An average of 138 people have been killed in encounters with the animals each year in Sri Lanka since 2019.

Russia’s Lavrov, China’s Wang discuss cooperation, Ukraine, Iran at Asia security meeting

They also discussed "relations with the US and the situation around the Ukrainian and Iranian crises".

North Korea says it tested submarine-launched cruise missiles, KCNA says

SEOUL, Oct 15 - North Korea said it had tested two types of submarine-launched strategic cruise missiles on Wednesday…

North Korea test-fires 2 types of submarine-launched strategic cruise missiles: KCNA

Senior military officers observed the tests conducted in the sea off the North's east coast, KCNA said.

Cambodia wants to shed its scam image, but will it go after powerful individuals?

The US has sanctioned two Cambodian senators for their links to scam operations and human trafficking.

Atlantic Ocean currents can recover from severe climate weakening, study finds

COPENHAGEN, Oct 14 - An Atlantic Ocean current system weakened by global warming could recover over time if the climate…

Jailed Imran Khan's woes compound after Pakistan suspends his provincial government

LAHORE, Pakistan, Oct 14 - A state of emergency declared in Imran Khan's main political stronghold is another setback…

Youth protests present a new dilemma for PM Modi and India

The protests articulate a crisis of trust in the government and its institutions.

Japan farm minister steps down, first for Takaichi cabinet

TOKYO, Oct 14 - Japanese farm minister Kazuo Yana stepped down on Wednesday after coming under fire for remarks about…

Nepal flood triggered by rock and ice avalanche: Report

The flood left five people missing, destroyed 200 houses and five bridges.

EU seeks to raise cash for Ukraine at IMF and G7 meetings, Dombrovskis says

BANGKOK, Oct 14 - Ukraine faces a funding gap for 2027 and the European Union is trying to raise extra cash for the…

Trade conflicts cost prosperity around the world, German Finance Minister says

BERLIN, Oct 14 - Trade conflicts, tariff disputes, and distortions of competition create massive instability and cost…

Japan minister Yana resigns in blow for Takaichi

A new farm minister will be announced on Oct 15.

Haze in Malaysia: Schools in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Pahang to reopen on Oct 15

Schools were closed on Oct 14 due to haze.

Fuel shortage triggers queues on resort island Bali

Lines snaked up to a kilometre at some petrol stations.

Malaysia PM Anwar urges Transport Minister Anthony Loke to stay on

Loke submitted his resignation on Sept 28 over the decision allowing Najib Razak to serve the rest of his jail term…

IMF calls for US to cut deficits amid bond woes, China to shift away from exports

The surge in bond yields has left governments with little fiscal room to manoeuvre.

European countries, Vietnam to sign free trade deal on Sunday, officials say

HANOI, Oct 14 - The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and Vietnam are set to sign a free trade deal on Sunday,…

India festival boat capsize kills 13 children

Six people were pulled out alive, including two children reported to be in critical condition.

Indonesia adapts 1940s dry-ice technology in fight to clear haze

The authorities plan to focus on areas upwind of airports.

India found itself ‘let down miserably’ during Covid-19, says minister

Japan PM Sanae Takaichi says housework makes her busier than male predecessors

Takaichi is a self-described workaholic.

Malaysia court denies ex-PM Najib Razak’s request to suspend 15-year jail term

The judge said there were no special circumstances warranting a stay of the sentence.

Osaka’s iconic Glico sign to be upgraded in 2027, first time in 13 years

The light on the current sign will be turned off on Nov 30 to allow renovation work to begin.

Barbados joins push for global panel to tackle inequality

BANGKOK, Oct 14 - Barbados is joining a group of countries calling for the establishment of an international panel to…