Japan sticker craze meets politics as PM Takaichi-themed sets are a hit

As many as 100 packs of the sticker sets, retailing at 1,320 yen (S$10), were sold per day this summer.

North Korea says defence research institutes tested major weapon system

The test was intended to “assess adaptation to combat and power of a cluster-bomb warhead to be tipped on tactical ballistic missiles”, state media KCNA said on Saturday (Oct 31).

Taiwan says China harassing shipping with east coast patrol

It also reported Chinese activity near the Pratas Islands, which it has “expelled” 13 times in 2026.

Thai customs seize over 3,000 vapes and Kpods worth $113,500

The operation targeted smuggled parcels before Halloween to stop sales to young people.

Hanoi offers cash incentive to boost birth rate

Hanoi will provide a one-off payment to women who give birth to two children before the age of 35.

Malaysia PM Anwar calls for stronger action against school bullying

This comes amid growing concerns over children’s safety and well-being.

India's opposition set to hold mega rally seeking election chief's resignation

It comes amid growing protests over a voter roll revision exercise feared to leave 130 million voters off rolls.

Tokyo embraces Halloween crowds under tight security by police

There were large crowds and cosplay events, while police urged people to follow rules and stay safe.

I've been stuck on a tiny Pacific island for years and can't get a transit visa to fly home

Ruchira Ranasingha, 50, has been stranded in the Cook Islands since 2023 and wants to return to Sri Lanka.

Why did this Korean content creator throw a divorce ceremony?

Cho Seung-yeon marked the end of her marriage by having a divorce ceremony - however not everyone online was happy about it.

Malaysia wants to move away from Waze. Will drivers make the switch?

Malaysia has banned the popular Israeli navigation app for civil servants and urged citizens not to use it. Motorists say they lack a viable homegrown alternative.

India opposition parties hold mock impeachment of poll chief

Coffee beans, patrol boats and Mandarin: China’s evolving role in Timor-Leste

China's growing engagement is largely welcomed by Timorese but has triggered anxiety in the region.

US, Canada see growing interest in limited ceasefire in Black Sea

ATLANTA, Oct 31 - US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday said there was growing interest by the international community in facilitating a limited ceasefire in the Black Sea to ensure unfettered energy and grain shipments by Russia and Ukraine.

Countries reach COP17 deal to speed up biodiversity action, but money still short

LONDON, Oct 31 - Governments at a UN conference that ended on Saturday have agreed to step up efforts to protect global biodiversity after talks ran through the night, although the finance to deliver it remains elusive.

China's coast guard conducts patrols east of Taiwan, CCTV reports

BEIJING, Oct 31 - China's coast guard carried out what it described as routine law enforcement patrols in waters east of Taiwan island on Saturday, state broadcaster CCTV reported.

Taipei mayor gets angry reception at Pride after gay bar raid

Chiang Wan-an was met with shouts of “don’t raid gay bars” and noisy calls of support for his main opponent.

Bangladesh death toll from dengue rises, unlikely to ease before December

The surge comes as Bangladesh is also battling the world’s worst measles outbreak.

Rubio to host meeting of Indo-Pacific Quad, wrap up G20 gathering

WASHINGTON, Oct 31 - US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will host a meeting with the foreign ministers of Australia, India and Japan on Saturday, their third meeting this year, as plans take shape for a summit of the leaders of the four countries in Manila next month.

Singapore-Manila flights among those cancelled, rescheduled by Philippine Airlines from Nov 14-18

The airline said affected passengers would be notified through e-mail and text messages.

Who will triumph in Melaka as 79 candidates battle for 28 state seats?

PH is fielding the most candidates at 24, followed by BN with 23 and Parti Bersama Malaysia with 16.

Pakistan military 'cautiously optimistic' on Iran-US mediation

Pakistan's chief mediator in its efforts to de-escalate the now eight-month-old Iran war has been to Tehran twice this month, most recently on Monday alongside Saudi and Turkish officials.

Train collides with bear in Japan’s Hokkaido, causing passengers to spend night on board

None of the 34 passengers and crew members was injured.

Melaka state election: Anwar's PH, Muhyiddin's Bersatu avoid clashes in 4 seats as candidates confirmed

Analysts say Melaka could serve as a testing ground to see whether Bersatu can help Pakatan Harapan win over Malay voters ahead of Malaysia's next general election.

Marianas midterm vote a referendum on China’s murky influence

While some watch election outcomes in Michigan, Texas and other high-profile campaigns, defense planners should closely watch election results in another part of the United States. The US territory of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) is also going to the

Video shows tranquilliser failing to subdue bear in Japan factory rampage

The bear opened a window to escape from the factory and remains at large.

Billionaires shouldn’t be allowed to buy and sell US midterms

There’s a drama playing out across American screens in 2026. But not the sort you might expect. There are villains and heroes, yes, high finance and political intrigue, too. There may even be a surprise ending—but we’ll have to wait until the November 3 season finale to find

Asia should read the fine print on Musk’s Starlink contracts

“Were Starlink to be turned off,” Elon Musk wrote, “the Ukrainian front line would collapse immediately.” The line appeared in a thread in which he admitted throttling Ukraine’s service and accused its military of using Starlink “for offensive drone strikes to kill people.” The

US, South Korea, Japan vow ‘complete’ denuclearisation of North Korea

They also pledged “full implementation” of UN Security Council resolutions.

US, South Korea, Japan vow 'complete' North Korea denuclearisation

They also pledged "full implementation" of UN Security Council resolutions, including a ban on supporting revenue for North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

Mass detentions stoke anger among young protesters in India

Police defended their actions as necessary to maintain order and prevent violence.