China draws up safety rules for autonomous vehicles

Manufacturers will have to ensure autonomous systems can match the safety of human drivers.

Sri Lanka cabinet backs extending superior court judges' tenure

COLOMBO, Aug 4 - Sri Lanka's cabinet on Tuesday approved a constitutional amendment that would extend superior court judges' tenure by two years, an official said, as the country seeks to clear a backlog of more than 1 million court cases and ease the pressure on its

India's Gen Z cockroach party resists lure of election after rattling Modi

CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR, India, Aug 4 - India's Gen-Z Cockroach Janta Party, whose recent protest against exam paper leaks claimed a rare ministerial scalp, has no immediate plans to enter electoral politics, its founder told Reuters on Tuesday.

Indonesia arrests second Malaysian in less than a week for drug smuggling

India paves way for return of merchant fees on digital payments

Final count confirms five dead in Indonesia ferry fire

Indonesia completes rescue operation with 233 surviving passengers and crew safe.

Afghan child malnutrition surges as aid cuts force clinics to turn families away, WFP says

GENEVA, Aug 4 - Child malnutrition in Afghanistan has reached critical levels and aid shortages are forcing health workers to turn away millions of children and mothers — six in seven of those in need — the U.N. World Food Programme said on Tuesday.

‘Like WeChat messages’: E-mail etiquette debate grips college students in China

Commenters said students treat e-mails like instant messages and often use overly casual language.

One-year-old among 12 injured in western Tokyo apartment building blaze

The apartment building was undergoing major repairs when a blaze occurred.

Truck collides with train after crashing into car in Yokohama, 2 injured

None of the roughly 100 passengers on the two-car train of the Kodomonokuni Line were injured.

Malaysia tightens hiking rules to reduce accidents, search and rescue ops

Some hikers underestimate the importance of proper preparation or the danger of venturing onto unauthorised trails.

Brisbane nurse uses jiu-jitsu to take down abusive, violent patient

Viral hospital takedown highlights the violence and abuse confronting healthcare workers worldwide.

Moment pilot caught with 70,000 ecstasy pills at Indonesian airport

A Malaysian pilot was arrested at Jakarta airport after being found with around four stone (26kg) of drugs hidden in his luggage.

South Korea's Lee calls heatwave a national disaster as deaths rise to 19

SEOUL, Aug 4 - South Korean President Lee Jae Myung urged on Tuesday authorities to step up support for people affected by a record heatwave in the country, calling it a national disaster after scorching conditions were blamed for 19 deaths.

Heatwave divides rich and poor of upmarket Seoul

Access to air-conditioning now defines the line between the haves and the have-nots.

Sri Lanka closes some schools as heavy rains trigger floods and mudslides, killing 5

Japan casts military buildup as path to economic prosperity

Japan's latest defence white paper "stresses that investment in defence benefits the wider economy and people's lives".

China's connectivity drive opens new opportunities in Guizhou's rural communities

In the first of a two-part series on China's rural revitalisation, CNA visits the southwestern province of Guizhou, where improved transport and digital connectivity are creating new opportunities for residents.

Cambodia asks CNA to issue correction on report on missing S’porean after probe clears scam claims

It said the report unfairly harmed the country's reputation, and "quiet amendment" was insufficient.

Malaysian police eye security staff in investigation into pilot arrested with drugs in Jakarta

The employee will be questioned or arrested if necessary, said Malaysian police.

With America deranged, President Xi summons overseas Chinese

就让岁月开成一朵花， 等一场春风温柔抵达， 带着知足上路， 带着晚霞回家， 爱在时光中轻轻发芽。 – 吴忧 And so it begins. President Xi Jinping of China has summoned overseas Chinese to pool strengths and contribute to the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. This is not new. The People’s Republic of China has frequently called

Japan proposes tougher income, pension rules for permanent residency

Revised guidelines also require demonstration of Japanese-language proficiency at the level of an “independent user”.

China dismisses Philippine education concerns as 'political provocation'

BEIJING, Aug 4 - China accused the Philippines of an \"extremely serious political provocation\" on Tuesday, after the southeast Asian nation flagged concerns that the Asian giant's state-linked institutions were influencing domestic education programmes.

Vapes, liquor, soft drinks could face higher taxes in the Philippines

The move is intended to regain revenue that will be lost from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s pro-consumer proposals.

Bangladesh proposes death penalty for enforced disappearances

The bill, the Prevention and Remedies for Enforced Disappearance Act, must be passed by parliament.

Thai PM urges 'calibrated re-engagement' with Myanmar ahead of meeting with Min Aung Hlaing

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is scheduled to meet with Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing in Thailand on Aug 6 and 7.

South Korea: the ‘model ally’?

US Undersecretary of War Elbridge Colby called South Korea (Republic of Korea, ROK) a “model ally” while visiting Seoul a few months ago. A “model ally?” Compared with what? South Korea is still a longtime partner and an ally bound by a mutual defense treaty signed in 1953.

KL airport security overhaul under way after drug seizure surge; 13 drug mules arrested

The police recorded 108 cases resulting in 121 arrests between January and July.

ANA flight makes evasive manoeuvre before landing at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport

The plane's collision avoidance system was activated as it neared the airport in Tokyo.

China cues start of leaders' secretive Beidaihe summer retreat

While the retreat has historically provided an opportunity for serving and retired leaders to hold informal discussions and negotiate over policy and personnel, the "scope for genuine bargaining has narrowed", says an analyst.

Three lions die of suspected heatstroke at Japan zoo

Since mid-July, 10 of the 16 lions in Tama Zoological Park have suffered symptoms such as "loss of appetite and decreased activity", and three lionesses died, the Tokyo zoo said in a statement.

Bangladesh warns media against airing Hasina's planned address from India

DHAKA/NEW DELHI, Aug 4 - Bangladesh warned the country's media not to publicise the statements of exiled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who is due to give a virtual address on Wednesday from India to mark the second anniversary of the uprising that ousted her.

Three lions die in zoo as Japan battles extreme heat

Autopsies show that the lions suffered from dehydration and multiple organ failure.

Kumamoto earthquake: 8,000 remain evacuated one week on as heat persists

Many parts of the prefecture logged highs of 35 deg C or higher on Aug 3, with some reaching 40 deg C.

Myanmar ex-junta chief Min Aung Hlaing set for first Thailand visit as civilian leader

Thailand has been leading an effort to normalise relations with Myanmar.

Malaysian ruling bloc party to review role in government on Aug 16

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 4 - A key party in Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s government will decide on August 16 on whether its leaders should continue to serve in the administration, its chief said.

Antarctic cold snap sweeps New Zealand’s South Island, shuts roads and schools

Snow blanketed Dunedin, prompting the police to urge residents to avoid travel.

China seeks to prevent, mitigate impact of landslides and floods

BEIJING, Aug 4 - China is planning to strengthen its ability to prevent and mitigate the impact of landslides and floods as it seeks to better respond to climate change, state broadcaster CCTV said on Tuesday.

‘Security for the future’: Inside Japan’s multi-trillion-yen push to strengthen its defence industry

Tokyo says such a future hinges on a robust domestic defence base capable of deterring the perceived threat from China, North Korea and Russia.

South Korea’s President Lee calls heatwave a national disaster as deaths rise to 19

The South Korean President called on officials to protect the daily lives of people.

South Korea's Lee urges authorities to step up support as heatwave kills 16

SEOUL, Aug 4 - South Korean President Lee Jae Myung urged on Tuesday authorities to step up support for people affected by a record heatwave in the country, saying the death toll had risen to 16 and warning that extreme weather was becoming more frequent.

South Korean president urges stronger heatwave response after 16 deaths

Temperatures in Yangsan, a southeastern inland city, hit 42.5°C on Sunday, the highest in 122 years of weather observations.

China exit rules tightened to guard rare earth, battery secrets

China will tighten its exit-entry rules from September 15 to stop experienced engineers from leaking knowhow in industries subject to export controls and deter tourists from visiting “high-risk” nations such as Japan. The State Council’s new regulation, which spans 19 articles

Loke announces resignation as Negeri DAP chief, says right time for new leadership

Loke had previously served as Lobak assemblyman from 2004 to 2013 before moving to Chennah.

T-beauty explained: Why Thailand’s beauty brands are taking Southeast Asia by storm

Once a Bangkok shopping secret, Thai beauty has become one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing beauty exports. Here’s how products designed for tropical skin and humid climates are carving out an identity all their own.

Why India's youth anger has become Modi's biggest challenge

India has the biggest youth population in the world but few are able to find good jobs despite rising education levels.

US-Japan yen intervention is also a tug of war

NEW YORK — A pointed question now hangs over global markets as the US Treasury links arms with Japan to confront yen bears: who actually holds the leverage — Washington or Tokyo? Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent plainly wants his Japanese counterpart, Finance Minister Satsuki