India budget pledges record infrastructure and defence boost

The budget outlines US$133 billion to fund infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities while India receives billions in investments from tech giants.

Russian drone strike kills 15 miners in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk, officials say

KYIV, Feb 1 - Fifteen people were killed and seven wounded after a Russian drone struck a bus carrying miners in Ukraine's southeastern Dnipropetrovsk region, energy firm DTEK and government officials said on Sunday.

Pakistan seeks out perpetrators after deadly separatist attacks

Voters in Japan less likely to support female politicians wearing masks: Survey

The findings underscored the differences in how the public perceived politicians after the Covid-19 pandemic.

‘I have absolutely no connection whatsoever’: Malaysian PM Anwar on e-mail involving Epstein

A screenshot of the e-mail has gone viral, showing an exchange on Feb 21, 2012.

Trump’s theology of trophy-hunting as applied to Iran

Every country’s foreign policy, said a wise Asian leader many years ago, combines elements of theology with practical diplomacy. However, in today’s unpredictable world it can be hard to tell the difference between practical actions and theological gestures. Perhaps Iran is

Pakistan forces kill 145 militants in two-day battle after wave of attacks

QUETTA, Feb 1 - Pakistani security forces killed 145 militants in a 40-hour battle launched as a series of coordinated gun and bomb attacks across Balochistan left nearly 50 people dead, the province's chief minister said on Sunday.

Japan’s ruling LDP extends lead ahead of Feb 8 election: Kyodo poll

The election outlook remains uncertain, with 27.2 per cent still undecided in constituencies.

Shoigu says Russia supports China's position on Taiwan

MOSCOW, Feb 1 - Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu told Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that Moscow continues to support Beijing over Taiwan, state news agency TASS reported on Sunday.

China tells Russia’s security chief bilateral relations could ‘break new ground’ in 2026

China will work with Russia to “deepen strategic coordination and push relations to break new ground", says its foreign minister.

Ukraine talks set for next week as cold sweeps country

KYIV, Feb 1 - U.S.-backed trilateral talks involving Ukraine and Russia will take place next week in Abu Dhabi, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Sunday, as Ukrainians faced uncertainty over the fate of an energy ceasefire with Russia amid plunging temperatures.

Malaysia police probe ex‑Free Malaysia Today journalist, Chinese daily under Sedition Act

The case involving Mr Tan comes after a public lecture held on Jan 12.

Over 7,000 cannabis shops in Thailand close due to stricter regulations and new law

A raft of new rules is suffocating a once promising, albeit offbeat, industry.

Over 7,000 cannabis shops close due to stricter regulations and new law

A raft of new rules is suffocating a once promising, albeit offbeat, industry.

Deadly gun and bomb attacks hit Pakistan's Balochistan province

The Pakistani military says 31 civilians and 17 security forces were killed and its response killed 145 attackers.

Pakistan forces kill 145 militants after attacks in Balochistan

KARACHI, Feb 1 - Pakistan's security forces killed 145 militants over 40 hours after coordinated attacks across Balochistan, the chief minister of the southwestern province said on Sunday, as the authorities battle one of the deadliest flare-ups in years.

India faces hotter, drier February, threatening winter crops

Crops such as wheat and barley could suffer yield losses.

Pakistan forces kill 145 militants after attacks Balochistan

KARACHI, Feb 1 - Pakistan's security forces killed 145 militants over 40 hours after coordinated attacks across Balochistan, the chief minister of the southwestern province said on Sunday, as the authorities battle one of the deadliest flare-ups in years.

Myanmar junta calls coup-protesting civil servants back to work

After the 2021 military coup, tens of thousands of public workers, including doctors and government administrators, left their posts in a surge of civil disobedience.

Rare earths and data centres: India pushes local industry as global tensions rise

India's budget focuses on infrastructure and defence spending and tax breaks for data-centre investments.

Indonesia lets Elon Musk's Grok resume, lifting ban over sexualised images

The resumption of access is being processed on "a conditional basis and under strict supervision", according to a government statement.

Australian snowboarder dies after ski lift accident in central Japan

The buckle on her backpack belt got caught in the chair, pulling her with it as she tried to disembark.

Half of 20 major Japanese cities face shrinking population

An estimate for 2050 shows that the number of those cities that will see a population decline will expand to 18.

Pakistan’s stray animals have found friends and protectors in Karachi’s young residents

Over 10 years, Karachi has witnessed massive population growth, of both the human and animal kind.

Suspended cop ‘Inspector Sheila’ nabbed for disturbing peace at Thaipusum event in Malaysia

He said the arrest followed an altercation between the woman and several traders near the temple at around 4am.

Russia's Shoigu, China's Wang Yi to discuss security issues

MOSCOW, Feb 1 - Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu arrived in China on Sunday where he will meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to discuss security issues, Russian media outlets reported on Sunday citing the Russian Security Council.

Young South Koreans show renewed interest in marriage: Survey

The rise in people intending to get married coincides with an uptick in actual marriages.

South Korea’s viral dessert ‘Dubai chewy cookies’ reach namesake city

The dessert is known for its chewy exterior and dense centre.

China targets ‘rats’ stealing military funds after launch of high-profile probe into top generals

Priority should be given to cases where “political and commercial issues are intertwined”, according to a commentary.

India budget makes fresh bet on manufacturing as it seeks to sustain growth

The focus is on structural reforms, particularly in manufacturing, building a robust financial sector and stepping up investments in cutting-edge technologies such as AI, India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Sunday (Feb 1).

Indonesia permits Elon Musk’s Grok to resume service after ban

Mr Musk’s X provided assurances to the government following its ban for producing sexualised content.

India budget makes bet on manufacturing; transaction tax hike spooks markets

The Indian economy is seen growing at 7.4 per cent in the current financial year.

Sea of colour as Malaysia’s Hindus mark Thaipusam with piercings and prayer

The festival is also celebrated in India, Singapore and other areas with large Hindu Tamil communities.

India dismisses Epstein e-mail referring to Modi’s Israel visit in 2017

India’s Ministry of External Affairs rejected the characterisation of Mr Modi's trip in the e-mail.

Japan Prime Minister Takaichi cancels TV appearance after arm injury while campaigning

She said her hand became swollen after her arm was pulled hard while shaking hands with supporters.

Rising costs push Japan stores to cacao alternatives before Valentine's Day

Chocolates are also good seasonal gifts to friends, coworkers and business partners.

Japan PM Takaichi talks up weak yen even as her government works to counter currency decline

The Japanese yen has hovered at 18-month lows against the US dollar, contributing to inflation that has raised the prospect of interest rate hikes by the central bank.

Afghan returnees in Bamiyan struggle despite new homes

The homes lacked running water and are far from shops, schools or hospitals.

Japan Railways group tackles congestion at women's toilets at stations

Measures include increasing the number of facilities and introducing services to help users find less crowded restrooms

Chinese cash in jewellery at automated gold recyclers as prices soar

Record-high gold prices have turned a Shanghai shopping mall into a magnet for sellers, with crowds gathering around an automated recycler to melt down inherited jewellery for cash.

Indonesia is wooing its former citizens with a new stand-in for dual citizenship – but with limited success

The Global Citizenship of Indonesia scheme has received only seven applications as at Jan 26.

Jakartans battle flood waters to reach workplaces

Workers in Jakarta often need to find alternatives to navigate the city during floods.

China new home prices rise in January as government signals support, private survey shows

Beijing has described the property sector as being in a "profound adjustment" that should be eased with measures to smooth market volatility.

Thailand’s 2026 summer forecast to reach temperatures over 42 deg C

The weather will alternate between scorching heat and thunderstorms.

Graft busters freeze $320k in accounts over e-waste probe, seize $54k

The probe involves officials from the Environment Department and a civilian.

Graft busters freeze $320k in accounts over e-waste probe in Malaysia, seize $54k

The probe involves officials from the Environment Department and a civilian.

South Korea posts record January exports on AI chip boom

The total value of January's exports was US$65.8 billion, a 33.9 per cent rise year-on-year and the first time they surpassed a US$60 billion threshold for the month.

Thailand’s ruling party runs on nationalist, establishment vote pitch

The apparent backing of the country’s conservative establishment has given Bhumjaithai Party an edge in the Feb 8 vote.