US warship passes through Malacca Strait, Indonesian Navy says

The transit through the major sea route was in accordance with international law.

Anxiety lingers in divided Kashmir a year after shooting attack

The conflict in 2025 between nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan was their worst in decades.

Gulf poised to move closer to China after the war

The Iran war has delivered a profound and systemic shock to the Gulf, fundamentally challenging two assumptions that have underpinned regional stability for the better part of a century. For decades, the Gulf’s economic model thrived on a perception of stability, reinforced by

Farmer remanded for seven days over fatal shooting that killed three in Johor

The suspect was handcuffed as he was brought in by police officers to a court complex.

Indonesia rights body criticises military after 12 civilians killed in Papua

It is unsure whether the civilians were killed by Indonesian or rebel fire.

Ukrainian drone attack on Russia's Tuapse port kills one

MOSCOW, April 20 - A major Ukrainian drone attack on Russia's Black Sea port of Tuapse sparked a fire and killed at least one person, Russian officials said on Monday, just hours after a blaze was doused in the wake of a similar attack on April 16.

Baby America’s hegemony is no match for old worlds

When US President Donald Trump said, “A Whole Civilization Will Die Tonight,” he hardly knew the profundity of his words. Iran, formerly Persia, has a history that goes back at least 7,000 years, and has a long list of great contributions to the world. Among these

New Zealand declares state of emergency in Wellington as floods hit

Footage online shows vehicles submerged, trees uprooted and houses hit by landslides.

Taiwan business group urges Beijing, Taipei to keep politics out of trade

China unveiled new incentives for the island, but said they had to be based on 'opposing Taiwan independence'.

Saying no to ‘ponteng’: Malaysian activist starts petition against absenteeism in Parliament

Several senior politicians are among those with the worst attendance records

Over 200 Japanese firms paid ransomware attackers, 60% fail to recover data

But over 140 firms reported being hit by ransomware attacks but were able to restore their systems without paying.

Japan PM Takaichi’s ratings stay high, with some wavering amid Iran impact

One poll noted a bigger drop in support among people aged 60 and over compared with those from younger generations.

Pill and pipeline: US drug supply needs a China reality check

A quiet vulnerability sits at the heart of American health care. The United States — home to the world’s most innovative pharmaceutical sector — depends heavily on China for the active pharmaceutical ingredients used to manufacture its medicines. How heavily is debated. Some

Fresh food prices in Thailand surge as cost pressures spread wider

Fresh protein products are leading the increase as producers struggle with energy price volatility.

Residents return to ravaged homes months after Hong Kong fire

Around 6,000 residents of Wang Fuk Court were given three-hour windows to retrieve their belongings for the first time since the fire.

Indian celebrity couple Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh expecting second child

In an Instagram post on Sunday (Apr 19), Indian actress Deepika Padukone revealed that she was expecting her second child with her husband, actor Ranveer Singh.

Stablecoins, RWAs and Hong Kong’s interface moment

Why the real contest is no longer about crypto enthusiasm, but about payment rails, trade finance and the architecture of cross-border liquidity The loudest reading of stablecoins is still the wrong one. They are not becoming important because cryptocurrency has finally won

China’s clean tech exports jump as Iran war spurs demand

Manufacturers are seeking alternative sources amid a shortage of traditional supplies.

Hong Kong fire victims scour scorched homes for keepsakes

HONG KONG, April 20 - Victims of Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades began government-supervised visits to their ravaged former homes on Monday for the first time since the November blaze, looking to retrieve personal items that might have survived.

US begins Philippines war games in thick of Middle East conflict

They are joined for the first time by a significant contingent of Japanese forces.

Some residents in New Zealand’s capital urged to evacuate due to further flood risk

A search was also under way for a man living at a property that was flooded in the suburb of Karori.

Some residents in New Zealand's capital urged to evacuate due to further flood risk

WELLINGTON, April 20 - Residents in low-lying areas of New Zealand’s capital city Wellington were urged to evacuate on Monday, as heavy rain continued to drench the city, which experienced flash flooding overnight.

South Korea's Lee to seek big boost in economic ties in summit with India's Modi

SEOUL, April 20 - South Korean President Lee Jae Myung heads into talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday, aiming for a big boost in economic cooperation, particularly in areas such as shipbuilding.

World weighs fate of Mideast ceasefire after US seizes Iranian cargo ship

WASHINGTON/CAIRO, April 20 - Concerns grew on Monday that the ceasefire between the United States and Iran might not hold after the U.S. said it had seized an Iranian cargo ship that tried to run its blockade and Iran vowed to retaliate.

North Korean leader Kim oversaw test of missiles with cluster warheads

Thunderstorms and heavy rain in Malaysia to persist until May

Experts also warn of the increasing likelihood of flash floods.

As easy as ‘Abcideff’: Malaysian man with unusual name explains its connection to family

Mr Abcideff said his unique name has never caused him trouble when voting during elections.

Blind graduate in Malaysia earns his degree

Mr Toh Khai Shern has about 20 per cent vision, limited to light and shadows.

Vapes in South Korea to face same regulations as cigarettes starting April 24

The tougher rules come amid concerns that vapes have been sold to minors

Campaign hagwon: Inside South Korea’s intensifying class president elections

A growing number of private academies now offer coaching specifically for class president elections.

‘Frustrated, tired, hungry’: KLIA passengers left waiting for hours after baggage system glitch

Authorities confirmed that 0perations at KLIA T1 have stabilised on April 19.

Wanted man in South Korea arrested after appearing on livestream

The man in his 50s was on South Korea’s wanted list for distributing sexually explicit content.

Pakistani detainee who fled from Malaysian jail during transfer successfully recaptured

The fugitive spent seven days on the run.

India has splurged billions on metro trains. But where are the commuters?

Without better last-mile connectivity and affordable fares, metro use is unlikely to improve quickly, say experts.

Art on trial - a sculptor's arrest highlights new extremes for censorship in China

Gao Zhen is being retroactively punished for 15 year-old-works, in a case that has alarmed rights groups.

Oil jumps, stocks wobble as Mideast ceasefire hangs in the balance

Brent crude futures rose about 5% to US$95.16 a barrel.

Iran says it won’t negotiate with ‘erratic’ Trump

Iran says it has no plans to negotiate with the US after President Donald Trump threatened Sunday that “the whole country is going to get blown up” if Iran refuses to make a deal. There are conflicting reports on what Trump subsequently described as an attack on an Iranian

Poll shows falling support for New Zealand National Party and Prime Minister Luxon

WELLINGTON, April 20 - A newly released poll showed support has fallen further for New Zealand's ruling National Party and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, as he continues to face questions over whether he can retain his party's backing to stay in the top job.

New Zealand PM Luxon holds resolve as polling support tumbles

Reports say that members of his National Party may be prepared to back a leadership challenge.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw ballistic missile tests, state media says

SEOUL, April 20 - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Sunday oversaw test launches of upgraded short-range ballistic missiles, state media KCNA reported on Monday.

India voter register deletions spark outrage over AI use and poll fairness

Millions of voters have been struck off the voter list in several states and critics are questioning the process.

Pakistan prime minister speaks with Iran's president

April 19 - Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Sunday that he spoke with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian about the conflict in the Gulf.

Drone footage shows huge Malaysian coastal village fire

Thousands of people have been displaced after a fire destroyed around 1,000 homes in Malaysia's Sabah state.

China deploys warship for Pacific drills as Japan tensions rise

A naval task group led by a Chinese warship will sail through the Bashi Channel into the Western Pacific Ocean.

‘We just want to be fair’: Sarawak state leaders vow to push for more concessions from Putrajaya

Sarawak’s ruling coalition, GPS, is preparing for state and national polls, due by April 2027 and February 2028.