Straits Times Asia

India says pilot action cause of 2023 Learjet crash in Mumbai

The accident had left eight people, including the crew, seriously injured.

High debt, growing strains put focus on need for new development approaches

BANGKOK, Oct 17 - High debt levels, rising debt-service costs and a sharp drop in official development assistance are…

At least 10 killed in fire at Bangladesh beach resort

DHAKA, Oct 17 - At least 10 people were killed and several others injured in a fire on Saturday at a resort near Inani…

Missing records cloud whether ousted Japanese farm minister pressed for road cuts

He was forced to resign by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi earlier this week.

Sri Lanka suffers six-hour nationwide blackout

The country was without grid power from around noon until dusk.

More than 1.5 million flock to see Busan’s famous shark

Bukang-i the shark has remained in an artificial canal for a month.

Japan bullet train fares for some routes to go up from July 2027

With the increase, the fare between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka will rise by ¥700 (S$5) to ¥15,420.

Malaysia Airlines to resume flights to Saudi Arabia

The Malaysian carrier will resume scheduled flight operations to and from Jeddah and Madinah on Oct 18.

Delegates walked out of IMF steering committee meeting when Russian official spoke, sources say

BANGKOK, Oct 17 - Many delegates to the International Monetary Fund's steering committee walked out of a meeting on…

Delegates walked out of IMF steering committee meeting in Bangkok when Russian official spoke: Sources

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has roiled the International Monetary and Financial Committee.

Firefighters, villagers unite as wildfires threaten Sumatran elephant habitat

Access to water remains one of the biggest obstacles to containing the fires.

Malaysian ex-minister Nik Nazmi suspended from Bersama party activities after alleged khalwat case

Nik Nazmi said he was with a woman at a Petaling Jaya residence, where they were discussing a project.

Japan says it is hosting record number of foreigners

Growing anti-immigration sentiment in Japan has prompted Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to push for stricter regulations.

Three sentenced to 158 years in Mexico for murder of Australian, US surfers

MEXICO CITY, Oct 16 - A Mexican judge on Friday sentenced three men to 158 years and nine months in prison each for the…

Australia confirms first H5N1 bird flu case on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island

SYDNEY, Oct 17 - Australia on Saturday confirmed its first case of H5N1 bird flu on the sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island,…

Japan PM Takaichi sends offering to war-linked Yasukuni Shrine in autumn rite

The Shinto shrine has long been a source of diplomatic friction with China and South Korea.

India’s ‘cockroach’ movement founder released a day after detention

He will be called before a special executive magistrate on Oct 17, local broadcasters said.

Thai PM Anutin plays saxophone at IMF-World Bank reception, promotes Thai culture

Anutin’s saxophone performance followed his speech and drew applause and cheers from the audience.

Smoke from Kalimantan fires reaches Jakarta skies

Jakarta’s air quality was rated unhealthy on the afternoon of Oct 16, with an AQI of 152.

Bangladesh is battling measles. It's a 'real warning' to other nations

SYLHET, Bangladesh, Oct 17 - Bangladesh is battling to contain the world’s worst measles outbreak, a crisis exacerbated…

Bangladesh’s battle to contain measles outbreak a ‘real warning’ to other nations, experts say

The Bangladesh outbreak comes as vaccine hesitancy is rising, particularly in wealthier nations.

Burial of Mahathir’s wife Hasmah brings into focus Malaysia’s forgotten national cemetery

Pusara Negara was planned as a grand cemetery, but the outcome was far more modest.

Newspaper denies Russia-detained reporter acted at Japan government behest

The Hokkaido Shimbun is known for its extensive coverage of issues related to disputed islands off Hokkaido.

North Korea tests new AI-equipped torpedo, KCNA says

SEOUL, Oct 17 - North Korea conducted an underwater test of a new torpedo weapon system on Thursday to verify…

North Korea tests new AI-equipped torpedo: KCNA

The report described the test as a success and a significant step in the country's naval development.

Japan’s weather agency cancels mistakenly issued 9.9-magnitude quake alert, transit disrupted

After the warning, 14 tram trains in Sapporo halted for several minutes until it was considered safe to resume service.

Indonesia tests a new weapon against forest fires. Does it work?

It is trying out a fire-suppressing gel as peat fires fuel a severe haze crisis.

Haze chokes Malaysia’s farmers, families and businesses as economic costs mount

The financial impact can be seen in delayed harvests, rising medical bills and falling sales.

Top global climate science body meet ends without deal on review timeline

Oct 16 - The meeting of the members of the world's leading authority on climate change ended on Friday without an…

Dodge the cops, reach the protest: India's latest online political game goes viral

NEW DELHI, Oct 16 - A web-based multiplayer game in which players dodge police and detention on their way to a protest…

Fire at JB power facility causes major blackout; two workers electrocuted

The two contractors electrocuted in the incident are in stable condition and receiving treatment.

Devastated families mourn children killed by Pakistan school roof collapse

ISLAMABAD, Oct 16 - When 7-year-old Rumaisa Khan set off for school on Thursday she was wearing a brand-new pair of…

Millions of personal records in Japan, South Korea exposed amid surge in AI-powered cyberattacks

Escalating hacking threats show an urgent need to strengthen digital security to protect consumer privacy.

Haze in Malaysia: Schools to close, public gatherings halted if API exceeds 200

Iran ships some LPG, jet fuel despite US blockade, data shows

DAMASCUS/LONDON, Oct 16 - Iran has managed to export some liquefied petroleum gas and jet fuel since July, despite a US…

Catholics in Africa outnumber those in Europe, Vatican says

VATICAN CITY, Oct 16 - There are now more Catholics in Africa than in Europe, the Vatican said on Friday, releasing the…