Businesses fighting for survival amid Myanmar’s political limbo hope for reset with polls
Analysts, however, expressed doubts about whether Myanmar’s economy will improve after the election.
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After 17-year exile, Tarique Rahman back with a bang in Bangladesh
Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh after 17 years in exile is essentially a stress test for a country struggling to rediscover the meaning of democratic choice. When he stepped onto Bangladeshi soil on December 25, removing his shoes and touching the ground, the gesture was
Anime festival in Hong Kong halted amid China-Japan diplomatic tensions
The event's organisers said earlier it would be held in the city in 2026, after a years-long hiatus.
Europe needs deterrence against America
One of the most notable choices in 2025 was Europe’s decision to turn the other cheek. In April, when the United States chose to impose its highest tariffs for a century on imports from the European Union, the world’s largest trading bloc would have been perfectly justified in
Europe needs deterrence against America too
One of the most notable choices in 2025 was Europe’s decision to turn the other cheek. In April, when the United States chose to impose its highest tariffs for a century on imports from the European Union, the world’s largest trading bloc would have been perfectly justified in
Rosmah denies VIP jail claims for Malaysia ex-PM Najib as 1MDB legal battles continue with appeals
She said security precautions have been taken for his safety, but there is no preferential treatment.
Chinese drills to affect more than 100,000 air passengers, Taiwan ministry says
Authorities will divert international flights away from dangerous areas.
Families demand answers a year after South Korea’s deadliest air crash
Officials have yet to release a full accounting of the Jeju Air tragedy.
Families demand answers a year after South Korea's Jeju Air crash
A year later, officials have yet to release a full accounting of the tragedy.
Thailand accuses Cambodia of breaking newly signed ceasefire deal
The ceasefire took effect at noon local time (05:00 GMT) on Saturday.
Afghan Taliban visit Bangladesh ahead of polls
Noor Ahmad Noor, director-general at Kabul’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also visited several madrasahs.
Kremlin says Ukraine should withdraw troops from Donbas, and a Putin-Trump call expected soon
MOSCOW, Dec 29 - The Kremlin said on Monday that Ukraine should withdraw its troops from the part of Donbas that it still controls if it wanted peace, and that if Kyiv did not strike a deal then it would lose yet more territory.
India’s navy sails into history with stitched vessel on ocean voyage
Named Kaundinya, its 20m long hull is sewn together with coconut coir rope rather than nailed.
Indonesia’s free meal scheme to reach 80 million recipients by April, behind target
Since its launch in January, more than 11,000 children nationwide have been affected by food poisoning.
Myanmar's election a 'democratic charade' amid low turnout, legitimacy doubts: Analysts
The country’s first post-coup election phase has concluded, but analysts say the process is unlikely to deliver meaningful political change.
What China’s most famous ‘gaokao factory’ reveals about the limits of its exam-driven education model
The military-style Hengshui model seems to have lost its magic.
China's war games around Taiwan over the years
Dec 29 - China launched its most extensive war games around Taiwan on Monday called \"Justice Mission 2025\" to showcase Beijing's ability to cut off the island from outside support in a conflict.
Thai army accuses Cambodia of violating truce with over 250 drones
Cambodia’s foreign minister describes the incident as “a small issue”.
South Korean police probe hamster abuse allegations
The suspect is accused of abusing hamsters, guinea pigs, pygmy squirrels and Mongolian gerbils.
Indonesian officials recover body during search for drowned Spanish soccer coach and children
The boat was carrying 11 people.
Indonesian authorities recover body during search for drowned Spanish soccer coach and his children
JAKARTA, Dec 29 - Indonesian rescuers on Monday found a body during the search for Spanish soccer coach Fernando Martin and his children after their boat sank near the coast of a popular tourist spot on Friday, the country's rescue agency said.
Bangladesh’s Gen Z party faces revolt over Islamist alliance, risking its future
Analysts say the alliance could jeopardise the National Citizen Party’s future.
Japan’s Premier Takaichi moves into PM’s official residence
Sources say an initial heavy diplomatic and parliamentary schedule pushed back the relocation.
Babysitting services for foreign tourists taking off in Japan
There were 36.8 million visitors to Japan in 2024, of which about 690,000 were aged four or younger.
Malaysia’s former PM Najib files appeal against High Court’s dismissal of house arrest bid
His lawyer confirmed that the appeal was filed on Dec 24.
China says it’s ‘seriously dissatisfied’ with monument demolition in Panama
A local government tore down a monument honouring Chinese contributions to the Panama Canal.
Indonesian rescuers find a body while searching for Valencia coach and 3 children
The body of the female victim was found floating near the northern waters of Serai island, about 1km from the site of the sinking.
China-Indonesia ties show progress, feel pressure in 2025
China and Indonesia did more than commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2025. They stress-tested what partnership means when economic ambition, geopolitical flux and domestic governance collide. The year delivered tangible bilateral progress across diplomacy, defense,
Bali sees dip in domestic tourists, pins hopes on foreign visitors
Domestic travellers are increasingly flocking to alternative and closer destinations.
Thailand and Cambodia agree to 'consolidate ceasefire' in China talks
Thailand and Cambodia's top diplomats travelled to the Chinese province of Yunnan for trilateral talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to discuss the border situation.
Singapore to open coroner's inquiry into death of Indian singer Zubeen Garg on Jan 14
Zubeen Garg was 52 when he died in Singapore on Sep 19.
Thailand and Cambodia agree to consolidate ceasefire in China talks
Thailand and Cambodia plan to rebuild mutual trust and consolidate a ceasefire, Beijing said.
Fire in nursing home kills 16 in Indonesia
The incident took place at night, when many elderly residents were likely resting in their rooms.
Japan reaching for a bigger, richer stake in Central Asia
The first summit meeting of the Central Asia Plus Japan Dialogue was held in Tokyo on December 20, 2025, bringing together the presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Leaders discussed economic
No New Year fireworks in Indonesia as the nation mourns Sumatra flood victims
Floods and landslides in Sumatra have killed over 1,100 people, with around 400,000 still displaced.
Bondi Beach attack hero says he wanted to protect ‘innocent people’
Ahmed al Ahmed was at the beach buying a cup of coffee when the shooting occurred.
No New Year fireworks in Indonesia as nation mourns Sumatra flood victims
JAKARTA, Dec 29 - Indonesia's central government will support the plans of several regions to forgo fireworks while celebrating New Year this week in solidarity with the victims of recent floods on the island of Sumatra, an official in the president's office said on Monday.
Kolkata’s iconic trams face final stop as modernisation rolls in
The West Bengal government plans to shut down the 152-year-old system, keeping only a short heritage route.
Iran’s nuclear reset shows airstrikes may not end ambitions
Iran’s nuclear reset suggests that while US and Israeli strikes may have shattered facilities, they have not extinguished its ambition to rebuild a survivable nuclear deterrent—possibly with help from North Korea. This month, the Italian Institute for International Political
Indonesia fire kills 16 people in nursing home
Firefighters with six trucks needed more than two hours to extinguish the blaze in the city of Manado.
Bondi hero says he wanted to stop gunman killing innocent people
Authorities say the actions of Ahmed al Ahmed, a shop owner, saved countless lives.
Kolkata's iconic trams face final stop as modernization rolls in
NEW DELHI, Dec 29 - For more than a century, trams have rumbled past Kolkata's crumbling colonial facades, with their chiming bells contributing to the city's soundtrack as they ferried generations of commuters.
Perlis political upheaval: Ruler calls on parties to reunite ‘for the good of the state’
Bersatu Perlis chief Abu Bakar Hamzah was appointed the state’s new chief minister after his predecessor – PAS’ Mohd Shukri Ramli – stepped down from his post on Christmas Day.
