China's Xi hails 'fight against corruption' after top general's fall

Russia to fly its tourists out of Cuba and then suspend airline operations due to fuel crisis

MOSCOW, Feb 11 - Two Russian airlines plan to fly Russian tourists out of Cuba in the coming days and then suspend operations until a jet fuel shortage eases, aviation regulator Rosaviatsia said on Wednesday.

Malaysia boy dies, two brothers in critical condition after mother allegedly gave them drugs

The mother gave her sons a liquid form of methadone.

Malaysia’s PM Anwar pushed to suspend, investigate anti-graft chief

Members of both the ruling coalition and the opposition have raised questions about Mr Azam’s assets.

China’s grip slips as Trump squeezes Latin America

Panama’s supreme court invalidated a contract in late January that had allowed Panama Ports Company, a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based firm CK Hutchison, to operate two ports on the Panama canal since 1997. The decision, which ruled that the laws allowing the firm to operate the

Gunman detained after entering southern Thai school, hostages freed, police official says

The suspect entered the school demanding to see a specific teacher and upon not being able to find the person, the suspect shot a school staff member, according to an official.

Indonesia to send up to 4,000 peacekeeping troops to Gaza in support of BOP, says official

Indonesia is preparing to deploy up to 4,000 troops to Gaza, a senior official told ST.

Malaysian police appeal for help, information on Singaporean man, 76, missing in Kuala Lumpur

He was last seen at an apartment in Kuala Lumpur on Feb 7.

Gunman who entered southern Thai school detained, two wounded

An 18-year-old man entered the school with a gun.

Emergency call released of boy who swam for hours to save family

Austin Appelbee, 13, swam to get help for his mother and siblings after they were swept out to sea.

No tonics, supplements for 91-year-old South Korean grandma. She wants cosmetic procedures instead

Dermatologists said demand for cosmetic procedures among seniors has increased over the past decade.

FT says Ukraine aims to announce election plan on February 24, source sceptical

Feb 11 - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy intends on February 24 to announce plans for a presidential election and a referendum, the Financial Times said on Wednesday, but a source familiar with the matter told Reuters the timetable appeared unrealistic.

Russia says US restrictions on its role in Venezuela's oil business are discrimination

MOSCOW, Feb 11 - Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday that new U.S. restrictions on the role of Russia and other countries in Venezuela's oil business were blatant discrimination and the Kremlin said it would clarify the matter with Washington.

Autopsies show migrants in shipwreck off Greece died of head injuries, not drowning

ATHENS, Feb 11 - Most of the 15 Afghan migrants who were killed off the Greek island of Chios last week when their dinghy collided with a coast guard vessel died of head injuries, not from drowning, autopsy results seen by Reuters show.

Iran says it won't negotiate over its missile capabilities

DUBAI, Feb 11 - Iran's missile capabilities are its red line and are not a subject to be negotiated, an adviser to Iran's supreme leader said on Wednesday, as Tehran and Washington eye a new round of talks to avert conflict.

Record heat and raging fires ring in 2026 across the Southern Hemisphere

SANTIAGO, Feb 11 - From Argentina to Australia to South Africa, record heat and raging wildfires are rampaging through the Southern Hemisphere at the start of 2026, with scientists predicting that even more extreme temperatures could lie ahead - and possibly another global

Chinese President Xi Jinping makes rare public reference to recent military purges

In a virtual address on Feb 11, Mr Xi said the past year was "unusual and extraordinary".

Lavrov says US restrictions on Russia's role in Venezuela oil business are discrimination

MOSCOW, Feb 11 - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday that new U.S. restrictions on the role of Russia and other countries in Venezuela's oil business were blatant discrimination.

Flight crews criticised for long-term, unattended use of Starbucks seats in Seoul

The flight attendants were reportedly from Asiana Airlines, a subsidiary of Korean Air.

Democracy and reforms at stake as Bangladesh gets first ‘real vote’ in national poll in over a decade

After polling day, the fight will shift to who will form the government and if the July Charter becomes law.

Kremlin says Russia will seek clarification from US on Venezuela oil restrictions

MOSCOW, Feb 11 - Russia plans to seek clarification from the United States about new U.S. restrictions on Venezuela's oil business, the Kremlin said on Wednesday.

EU Commission to take steps to improve drone detection capabilities

BRUSSELS, Feb 11 - The European Commission will work to improve Europe's drone detection capabilities and propose ensuring registration and identification requirements, the bloc's executive said in a new action plan published Wednesday.

Prosecutor who led opposition crackdown named as new Turkish justice minister

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan appointed as his new Justice Minister Akin Gurlek.

US moves to counter China in Bangladesh, plans to pitch defence alternatives

Australia's opposition leader under pressure after key resignation

The resignation of a key colleague paves the way for a challenge to first female Liberal leader Sussan Ley.

Russia says it won't breach limits of expired nuclear treaty if US does the same

MOSCOW, Feb 11 - Russia will keep observing the missile and warhead limits in the New START nuclear treaty with the United States, which expired last week, as long as Washington continues to do the same, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday.

Canada seeks to be reliable middle power amid ‘rupture’ in global trading order: Trade minister

Maninder Sidhu tells CNA’s Yasmin Jonkers that Canada aims to be a stable trade partner for Asian economies as Ottawa aims to increase non-US exports by C$300 billion (US$222 billion).

Japan hands Philippines radars to keep closer eye on China

MANILA – The government of Japan on Wednesday officially turned over five coastal radar systems to the Philippines in what is seen as a milestone in defense ties amid China’s rising aggression in the South China Sea. The defense articles are under Tokyo’s Official Security

China’s courts grapple with copyright issues in the age of AI-generated art

Chinese courts now expect a higher threshold of human creativity as AI tools become more powerful and easier to use.

Malaysia projected to save over US$600m in RON95 fuel subsidies for 2026: PM Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also expressed appreciation towards Malaysians' “vigilance” in reporting attempts by drivers of foreign-registered vehicles to purchase subsidised RON95.

Hong Kong activist's father convicted under national security law over insurance policy

Former Samsung Electronics vice-president sentenced to 3 years’ jail for leaking company secrets

He played a key role in Samsung’s patent war against Apple, Huawei and other global tech giants.

Maritime divide: why the Philippines is failing its seas

The Philippines is a maritime nation surrounded by multiple bodies of water, yet its approach to governing them remains fragmented, reactive and increasingly strained. Public attention has understandably focused on the West Philippine Sea, where transparency efforts have helped

Bangladesh’s Gen Z voters pin hopes on jobs, governance and freedom

DHAKA/BOGURA, Bangladesh, Feb 11 - Jobs, governance and the freedom to speak without fear top the priorities of Bangladesh’s Gen Z voters as the South Asian country heads into a national election called after a student‑led uprising in 2024 toppled longtime Prime Minister Sheikh

Attacks in Indonesia’s Papua kill three, hit plane and Freeport convoy

The pilot and co-pilot were killed.

Taiwan opposition party agrees to consider defence Bill

The proposal was stalled for two months as opposition lawmakers refused to consider it.

Bangladesh to vote in national referendum on constitutional reforms, alongside high-stakes election

The proposed reforms come against the backdrop of years of political polarisation in Bangladesh, where power has traditionally been concentrated in the office of the prime minister.

South Korea to overhaul English writing test after complaints it was too hard

Only 3.11 per cent of test-takers in November 2025 earned the top grade in the English section.

India accelerates push to diversify economic partners amid global trade uncertainty

Observers say India’s strongest bargaining chip remains its economic size and growth potential – a powerful draw even for a more protectionist America.

US-Bangladesh trade deal the lifeline Dhaka needs

The recent US-Bangladesh trade deal, finalized on February 9, 2026, represents an upper hand in economic preservation, securing Dhaka’s US$8 billion export corridor to the US amid an increasingly protectionist global landscape. While some analysts, including those at the

Thailand’s election commission faces pressure over vote transparency

Members of the public flagged irregularities in the vote count on social media after polls closed.

India orders social media firms to remove unlawful content within three hours

Critics worry the rules would be a compliance challenge for tech platforms and could expand censorship.

Jeju’s yacht tourism push sparks concerns for dolphin habitat

About 120 dolphins are known to inhabit waters surrounding Jeju.

Philippines urges China to keep tone ‘calm’ as rhetoric heats up

The Senate approved a resolution on Feb 9 condemning statements made by the Chinese Embassy in Manila.

Philippines urges China to keep tone 'calm' as rhetoric heats up

MANILA, Feb 11 - The Philippine foreign ministry urged the Chinese Embassy in Manila on Wednesday to be \"constructive\" in its statements amid an escalating war of words between Chinese diplomats and public officials, including senators.

Measles cases in Europe, Central Asia drop 75% in 2025, agencies say

Feb 11 - Measles cases across Europe and Central Asia fell 75% in 2025 from a year earlier, preliminary data from 53 countries in the WHO European Region showed, though U.N. children's agency UNICEF and the World Health Organization warned the risk of fresh outbreaks remains.

Bangladesh election offers hope to garment sector battered by tariffs and unrest

The garment sector is the country's economic lifeblood, driving over 10 per cent of the economy.

Only 20% of adult internet users in Japan adopt AI: Survey

The survey also revealed an "AI divide", or usage rate gaps by age, gender and living environment.

Surakarta landfill crisis highlights Indonesia’s growing waste problem

The waste crisis at the Putri Cempo landfill has mostly stemmed from damaged heavy equipment at the facility.