Dollar strengthens as peace talks falter, US blockade of Iran's ports to begin

Political turmoil in Indian border state as nine million lose voting rights

Nine million voters have been dropped from rolls in West Bengal, raising concerns over exclusion and fairness.

Cyclone Vaianu leaves North Island clean-up underway in New Zealand

Power companies continued to report unplanned outages, while some roads remained closed.

Spanish premier Sanchez heads for fourth China visit, risks annoying Trump

MADRID, April 13 - Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez begins his fourth visit to China in as many years on Monday, underlining his determination to steer an independent course that has riled U.S. President Donald Trump https://www.reuters.com/world/us/donald-trump/.

'Out of control' diesel prices threaten Australia's crucial freight industry

Trucking operators say their costs have doubled in a vast country reliant on the industry to deliver goods.

‘Very troublesome’: Shenzhen’s e-scooter clampdown before APEC summit disrupts routines, exposes gaps

Often dubbed China’s “city of scooters”, Shenzhen’s sweeping crackdown on its ubiquitous electric two-wheelers ahead of a key regional forum is exposing tensions between safety and mobility.

Hungarian voters end 16 straight years of Orban’s far-right rule

Far-right Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on Sunday conceded defeat to conservative European lawmaker Peter Magyar in parliamentary elections that ended 16 years of increasingly authoritarian Christian nationalist rule despite overt interference from the Trump

What fuel crisis? Why Malaysians are losing patience with their leaders’ mileage

Public anger grows over perceived double standards in leaders’ travel and advice.

Five emerging themes for the Indo-Pacific from Trump’s Iran war

“This is not our war.” That phrase, used by some European leaders to explain why they have refused to send forces to join America and Israel in their attacks on Iran, has become notorious in Donald Trump’s White House and has put the future of the transatlantic alliance in

Trump announces closure of Hormuz Strait as Iran talks falter

US President Donald Trump on Sunday announced a military blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as Vice President JD Vance’s negotiating team failed to gain the trust of Iranian counterparts, who have been burned by the United States before and are loath to surrender sovereignty over

Israeli strike kills infant girl in south Lebanon during father's funeral

At US-Iran talks, Pakistan’s field marshal takes centre stage

Field Marshal Asim Munir, a former intelligence chief, appears to be far more hands-on in matters of foreign policy than his predecessors.

Prabowo heads to Russia to secure energy, fertiliser stocks for Indonesia amid Middle East tensions

Indonesia is taking proactive steps to ensure its national energy resilience and secure agricultural materials it needs.

Three killed as armed men attack Pakistan Coast Guards in Arabian Sea

QUETTA, Pakistan, April 12 - Separatist insurgents killed three Pakistan Coast Guard personnel on Sunday in the first-ever attack on one of the maritime authority's patrol boats operating in the Arabian Sea, security officials said.

Australia PM to travel to Malaysia, Brunei for fuel talks

It is a continuation of regional efforts to shore up fuel supplies for Australia.

Trump says US to start blockading the Strait of Hormuz immediately

April 12 - President Donald Trump https://www.reuters.com/world/us/donald-trump/ on Sunday said the U.S. Navy would immediately start blockading the Strait of Hormuz and would also interdict every vessel in international waters that had paid a toll to Iran.

Australia and US boost support for critical minerals with $4.5 billion

The funding seeks to support Australian ventures to develop and refine metals vital to industries.

Australia and US boost support for critical minerals with $3.5 billion

SYDNEY, April 12 - Australia and the U.S. have committed more than A$5 billion ($3.5 billion) to back a range of critical mineral projects, nearly double the amount pledged when the two countries struck a co-operation agreement six months ago, Canberra said on Sunday.

Philippines says any energy deals with China must respect its sovereignty

Manila also said any deals would be made strictly in line with its Constitution.

Russia, Ukraine trade accusations of Orthodox Easter ceasefire violations

KYIV/MOSCOW, April 12 - Russia and Ukraine accused each other L1N40U064 on Sunday of breaching the 32-hour ceasefire L1N40S124 in their four-year war, reporting more than a thousand drone and shelling attacks just hours after the truce began on Saturday to mark Orthodox Easter.

Asha Bhosle: The sound of Bollywood dies aged 92

Her infectious voice got fans dancing and singing, becoming the soundtrack for generations of Indians.

Legendary Indian singer Asha Bhosle dies aged 92

Bhosle recorded more than 12,000 songs in multiple Indian languages over a seven-decade career.

Australia pledges cyclone aid to Pacific neighbours

This comes after tropical cyclone Maila caused devastating floods and landslides that killed 11.

Indian singer Asha Bhosle dies aged 92, ending 'extraordinary' journey

MUMBAI, April 12 - India's Asha Bhosle, known for her versatile repertoire and high-energy singing in countless Bollywood movies, has died at the age of 92 in Mumbai, drawing widespread tributes.

After near extinction, Vietnam’s beloved Phu Quoc ridgeback dog faces new challenges

Once nearly extinct, the native dog breed is making a comeback, but breeders face a tough challenge.

China plans to care for 400 million seniors by 2035, and Singapore has a stake

In March, the government announced plans to roll out a long-term care insurance system nationwide.

Legendary Indian singer Asha Bhosle dies at 92

She won the Filmfare Best Female Playback Singer Award seven times and also received two National Film Awards.

Cambodia urges Thailand to resume talks on disputed border

Thailand had said earlier its government was not ready to resume talks.

Vietnam invites Pope Leo XIV for historic visit

Pope Leo expressed his “sincere thanks,” and his wish to visit Vietnam in the near future.

Indonesia on alert for prolonged dry season as El Nino nears

Most of Indonesia is currently transitioning into the dry season between April and June.

War in Middle East takes a bite out of Filipino street food vendors

The soaring price of liquefied petroleum gas has hit the humble street vendors in import-dependent Philippines, as they grapple with rising fuel costs.

Mpox in Pakistan’s Sindh linked to newborn deaths, reports say

Most infections have been concentrated in Khairpur district, where 12 cases were reported.

Indonesian women face jail over stepping on Quran

The two women risk five years in prison if found guilty under Indonesia's blasphemy law.

Middle East war takes a bite out of Filipino street food vendors

“I’m only earning 1,500 pesos (per day), because the rest is spent on LPG,” said one vendor.

Malaysia faces ‘critical period’ for fuel by June, minister says

The government is taking steps to diversify its fuel sources and boost ties with major trading partners, he said.

Indonesian president Prabowo to meet Putin in Russia for oil talks

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who recently travelled to South Korea and Japan, has defended his foreign travels.

Domestic Indian migrants weigh return home in energy crunch

The South Asian nation, heavily dependent on imported energy, has seen supply chains strained by the war.

Iran has weakened US in the great power game

“Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake.” Napoleon Bonaparte’s maxim may well have been in the minds of policymakers in Moscow and Beijing these past weeks, as the US war in Iran dragged on. And now that a 14-day ceasefire between Tehran and Washington is in

Philippines asks Facebook to curb fake news, warns of legal move

The content includes fabricated documents about Marcos and senior government officials.

China offers incentives to Taiwan following opposition leader's visit

The measures include the full resumption of flights between the two sides and permission for individuals from Shanghai and Fujian province to visit Taiwan.

China offers incentives to Taiwan following opposition leader’s visit

KMT chairwoman Cheng Li-wun met Chinese President Xi Jinping and discussed the need for peace and reconciliation.

China should abandon threats against Taiwan, US diplomat says

"We further expect China to abandon threats against Taiwan or military pressure. I believe this would help ease cross-strait tensions," said Raymond Greene, the de facto ambassador as head of the American Institute in ‌Taiwan.

Cyclone lashes New Zealand’s North Island, hundreds evacuated

Cyclone Vaianu brought winds exceeding 130 kph and heavy rain before it was expected to make landfall.

Cyclone lashes New Zealand's North Island, hundreds evacuated

SYDNEY, April 12 - A cyclone battered New Zealand's North Island on Sunday, cutting power to thousands of residents and forcing hundreds to evacuate, as officials warned conditions would worsen through the day.

Getting steamy: Tourists flock to ‘jjimjilbang’ to embrace S. Korea’s sauna and scrub culture

Korea’s bathhouse culture is drawing more tourists, driven by factors such as dramas and K-pop.

China should abandon threats against Taiwan and talk to its leaders: US diplomat

"I believe this would help ease cross-strait tensions," said Mr Raymond Greene.