India warns of misuse risk from cheap weight-loss jabs
The warning comes after patents on semaglutide, the ingredient in weight-loss drugs, expired on March 20 in India.
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Japan to drop ‘most important’ tag for China ties
The 2026 Diplomatic Bluebook will instead describe China as an important neighbour.
Japan to drop 'most important' tag for China ties
TOKYO, March 24 - Japan will downgrade its description of ties with China from \"one of its most important\" in an annual diplomatic report, according to a draft reviewed by Reuters, as relations with Beijing worsen.
South Korea’s Lee calls for energy saving campaign, including shorter showers, car curbs
The government is calling on people to use washing machines and vacuums over the weekend.
No tsunami threat after deep 7.6 magnitude earthquake near Tonga
March 24 - A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck near the Pacific island nation of Tonga on Tuesday, according to the United States Geological Survey, triggering sirens in the capital though no tsunami was expected.
UN looks to boost food security for Rohingya in Bangladesh
The WFP supports nearly 1.2 million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.
Qatar gas terminal bombing will push prices higher for years
On March 19, Ras Laffan, the largest liquified natural gas (LNG) terminal in the world, supplying one-fifth of the world’s super-chilled fuel, was hit by Iranian missiles and drones. The Qatari terminal suffered substantial damage in the strikes – fires were raging across the
With the Iran crisis, has India’s Middle East balancing act hit a roadblock?
Critics note India's pivot to the US and Israel has had its downsides.
Philippines says grounding planes is a ‘distinct possibility’ due to Iran war
The Philippines relies heavily on imported crude, so it’s more exposed to energy shortages.
China dials back on fuel price hikes to 'reduce burden' on drivers
It comes as countries across the region are taking various measures to weather the soaring cost of fuel.
412 million barrels will soon flood oil markets — will it matter?
In the second week of the Iran war – with the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed, cutting off shipping of 20% of the world’s oil supply – the International Energy Agency announced the largest release of strategic oil reserves in history. Thirty-two countries will sell a
‘Perfect Japan’ posts spark Gen Z social media backlash
Japan’s tourist boom has also forced the authorities to take action after some residents complained of overtourism.
Taiwan to skip WTO conference after being labelled ‘Province of China’
The WTO ministerial conference, its highest decision-making body, will take place in Cameroon.
‘Operation Hidden Hand’: Iran-Russia military axis comes into view
Emerging reports of Russian intelligence support to Iran in its war with the US and Israel are raising critical questions about the scope, credibility and strategic implications of deepening Russia–Iran military cooperation. This month, reports citing US officials and sources
Philippines eyes ‘temporary’ coal push to counter energy turmoil
The “temporary measure” could start as early as April 1.
Manila’s jeepney drivers struggle as Middle East war sends diesel cost soaring
On March 24, fuel prices jumped again in the country by around 16 per cent.
US to continue Iran strikes, pause applies only to energy sites, Semafor reports
March 24 - The United States will continue its strikes on Iran, with the pause applying only to attacks on Tehran's energy sites, Semafor reported on Monday, citing a U.S. official, during what President Donald Trump has described as \"productive\" talks with unidentified
China positions itself as a stable economic force amid global uncertainty at Beijing forum
SHANGHAI/BEIJING, March 24 - Global corporate executives attending China's flagship annual business conference this week were reassured by leaders of the world's second-largest economy that it remains a predictable anchor at a time of geopolitical flux and global uncertainty.
Couple who were caught naked at cemetery in Malaysia remanded for three days
The couple, who are not married to each other, were picked up on the night of March 23.
Pakistan ranked most polluted country in 2025, data shows
The world’s top 25 most polluted cities were all in India, Pakistan and China.
Japan PM Sanae Takaichi orders review of entire supply chain for oil products
Most of Japan’s oil imports originate in the Middle East and pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran sends waves of missiles into Israel, dismisses Trump's talk of negotiations as 'fake news'
WASHINGTON/JERUSALEM/TEL AVIV, March 24 - Iran launched multiple waves of missiles at Israel on Tuesday, the Israeli military said, after U.S. President Donald Trump postponed the bombing of the Islamic Republic's power plants and other energy infrastructure because of what he
Japan to require ID checks for data-only SIM cards amid fraudulent use
This comes amid reports of the use of the SIM cards in fraud schemes.
India’s historic haveli homes caught between revival and ruin
Each haveli once formed part of a larger social ecosystem of neighbourhoods, crafts and traditions.
Vietnam Airlines to suspend some routes as jet fuel risks rise
Around 70 per cent of Vietnam’s jet fuel is imported, primarily from China and Thailand.
America’s Iran quagmire and the failure of strategic memory
There is a particular frustration that comes with being a Cassandra in Washington. You spend three decades writing books titled “Quagmire” and “Sandstorm”, you warn in magazine after magazine, op-ed after op-ed, that America’s compulsive entanglement in Middle Eastern politics
More Australian beef headed for Europe under new EU trade deal
Australian producers have also won the right to sell Italian-style sparkling wine as prosecco.
South Korea’s Prime Minister cancels China trip as energy concerns mount
He cited an urgent need to remain at home to manage the impacts of the Iran war.
Highlights of EU-Australia trade agreement
SYDNEY, March 24 - The EU and Australia finalised a long-awaited free trade deal on Tuesday as Europe seeks to diversify its export markets and expand ties beyond its traditional partners.
Asian stocks rise as Trump pauses strike plans but unease sees oil bounce
US President Donald Trump on Monday delayed strikes on Iranian energy sites after hailing “good talks” with Tehran, although Iran later denied there had been any talks.
Japan to start releasing state oil reserves on March 26: PM Takaichi
This comes as concerns over supply mount amid the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran.
Missing cremation urns trigger alarm in Malaysia
It has prompted columbarium operators to review their surveillance and access controls.
Iconic fish species in Malaysia slip into rarity
Experts warn that some of the most familiar fish species could face local extinction within decades.
Malaysia eyes rail links to strengthen role in Europe-Asia trade
As global shipping faces disruptions, the country is positioning itself as a transit hub linking Asia and Europe.
Iran war sparks rush for South Korea’s cheap Patriot-style interceptor
South Korea has agreed to deliver dozens of Cheongung missiles to the United Arab Emirates.
WFH, vehicle curbs, shorter school weeks: How Asia’s coping with soaring energy prices amid Iran war
The region is struggling to find ways to reduce its dependence on oil and gas amid the crunch.
Some Chinese exporters lift prices on rising costs due to Iran war
The rare hikes are a sign that soaring raw material costs are starting to drive consumer inflation.
UK universities flock to India - but will they succeed?
Nine UK universities are setting up campuses in India, but enrolment is expected to be modest initially.
Kim Jong Un says North Korea’s nuclear status is irreversible, threatens South
He rejected the idea that nuclear disarmament could be exchanged for economic benefits or security guarantees.
Hong Kong government employee denies ordering surveillance of UK dissidents
Chung Biu "Bill" Yuen says he did not organise a "shadow policing" operation in London.
‘Chinese characteristics’ and Xi Jinping’s latest purge of brass
Originally published by Pacific Forum, the article is republished with permission. Most Western analyses of the recent purge of two People’s Liberation Army four-star generals (上将) treat this development as something shocking. Chinese Communist Party Chairman Xi Jinping has
Australia, EU seal long-awaited trade deal amid global trade tensions
SYDNEY, March 24 - Australia and the European Union on Tuesday signed a trade deal marking the culmination of years of negotiations, as Europe seeks to diversify its export markets and expand ties beyond its traditional partners.
Australia and EU seal trade deal, seek to cut reliance on China for critical minerals
The EU was Australia's third-largest two-way trading partner in 2024.
Bahrain proposes UN Security Council approve use of force to protect Hormuz shipping
PARIS, March 23 - Bahrain has put forward a draft United Nations Security Council resolution that would authorise countries to use \"all necessary means\" - diplomatic language for force - to protect commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz, according to a text
Rockets launched from Iraq’s Mosul towards US base in Syria, sources say
MOSUL, Iraq, March 23 - At least seven rockets were launched from the Iraqi town of Rabi'a towards a U.S. military base in northeastern Syria on Monday, two Iraqi security sources said, the first attack of its kind since the start of the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against