Asia's vendors grapple with rising costs of ever-present plastics
A key raw material for many of these plastic goods is ethylene, which is derived from naphtha, an oil by-product.
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South Korea, Japan reaffirm pledge to denuclearise Korean peninsula
This comes despite Pyongyang’s repeated pledges to expand its nuclear arsenal.
China strips generals, ex-financial regulator, politburo member of lawmaker posts
A notice from the National People's Congress Standing Committee provided no reason for the dismissals.
A mayor is taking maternity leave in Japan. Some men are furious
Yawata mayor Shoko Kawata plans to take maternity leave, the first mayor in Japan to do so.
Virtual AI police chief introduced in Osaka amid rising imposter scams
This comes as victims have been swindled out of money by scammers posing as police officers.
A year after losing pandas, western Japan town seeks to rebuild tourism
The number of tourists dropped immediately after the pandas’ departure in June 2025.
Malaysia vows smooth borders for Johor polls – here’s what voters in Singapore need to do
With polling day falling on a Saturday, traffic from Singapore to Johor is expected to be heavy.
Voting begins in delayed New Caledonia provincial elections
SYDNEY, June 28 - New Caledonia began long-delayed provincial elections on Sunday, with polling stations in the French-ruled Pacific islands under heavy security to ensure safety, New Zealand public broadcaster RNZ reported.
Shark attacks prompt daily drone monitoring of Sydney beaches
A total of 38 beaches in Sydney will be covered, while many regional beaches will also receive extra monitoring.
What news reports from 1600s tell us about life in Mughal India
Thousands of forgotten news reports are reshaping our understanding of Aurangzeb and the Mughal world.
Why Kim Jong Un never talks about his mother - or her controversial bloodline
Very few North Koreans know about her, as her origin could threaten the regime’s legitimacy.
6.1-magnitude quake jolts north-eastern Japan, no tsunami warning issued
The focus of the 5.21am (4.21am Singapore time) quake was in the Pacific off Iwate prefecture at a depth of 40km.
Rural escapism: Why China’s young urbanites are romanticising countryside living
Amid burnout, economic uncertainty and rising costs, more young Chinese urbanites are romanticising rural living through social media, but experts say reality may be more complicated.
Three Pakistani rangers killed in Karachi attack, Dawn newspaper reports
KARACHI, June 27 - At least three of Pakistan's Sindh Rangers personnel were killed in an attack on the paramilitary forces building in Karachi, the Dawn newspaper reported on Saturday.
Seoul says Chinese, Russian military aircraft enter its air defence zone
The Chinese and Russian aircraft did not violate South Korean airspace.
2 typhoons pass along Japan’s Pacific coast, 1 dead in landslide
Heavy rain caused landslides, damaged roads and disrupted air and rail transportation services.
Strong earthquake hits Afghanistan's Hindu Kush region, 20 injured
June 27 - A strong earthquake struck Afghanistan's Hindu Kush region on Saturday, the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre said, sending out tremors that could be felt from the capital Kabul across the border into neighbouring Pakistan.
Trump bombs Iran after strike on cargo ship in Strait of Hormuz
US President Donald Trump resumed bombing Iran on Friday, a day after an Iranian attack on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, elevating concerns about the future of a ceasefire agreement just as Israel and Lebanon signed a related deal. The Trump administration – which
Australia toughens kids’ social media ban, doubles potential penalties for tech firms
Australia’s six-month-old ban is being closely watched by many nations seeking to emulate it.
Australia toughens kids' social media ban, doubles potential penalties for tech firms
SYDNEY, June 27 - Australia said on Saturday it would double the maximum penalty it can impose on tech firms found to have failed to uphold a ground-breaking social media ban for children, as evidence mounts that the ban has had little effect on teen use.
Vespa riders take to roads in Rome to mark 80th birthday
ROME, June 27 - The Vespa, the wasp-waisted scooter that put postwar Italians on wheels and went on to carry Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn through the streets of Rome, is returning to the capital this week to celebrate its 80th birthday.
Small aircraft crashes in Beijing over past 20 years
BEIJING, June 27 - An aircraft about the size of a car flew into the tallest building in Beijing on Friday, said witnesses who saw the rare crash in China's capital, where airspace is heavily controlled.
Pilot killed when small plane crashed into Beijing skyscraper
The CITIC Tower, which has 108 floors above ground and seven below, is able to accommodate 12,000 office workers.
Cakes, diapers and lectures: Protesting ‘cockroaches’ dig in their heels in India
The CJP is keeping up the pressure with a sit-in protest in New Delhi demanding that the education minister resign.
Pilot killed when small plane crashed into Beijing skyscraper: Authorities
"The only person on board was the pilot, who died, and 13 people were injured at the scene," said Beijing authorities.
Beijing investigating rare light aircraft crash which killed pilot, injured 13
BEIJING, June 27 - A light aircraft crash into Beijing's tallest building on Friday killed the pilot and injured 13 people who were not on board, the local government said following the unusual accident for the Chinese capital, where airspace is heavily restricted.
Man killed, woman unconscious in Japan after car plunges into Fukushima port
Three people were rescued from the car, including an 86-year-old man who was later pronounced dead.
Australian plan to partly reserve gas for residents causes jitters in Asia; experts say exports are safe
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has come under growing pressure to rein in energy prices amid high inflation.
World Bank approves $1.4b emergency financing for Bangladesh
Bangladesh is also seeking additional external financing from development partners, including the IMF.
‘Highest priority’ to prevent border travel disruptions on Johor’s Jul 11 polling day: Malaysia minister
Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said his ministry also plans to provide “dedicated lanes” at immigration checkpoints for Johoreans residing in Singapore and returning to vote at the Johor polls.
Johor election: Malaysian task force to tackle potential border travel disruptions on Jul 11 polling day
Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said his ministry also plans to provide “dedicated lanes” at immigration checkpoints for Johoreans residing in Singapore and returning to vote at the Johor polls.
Thailand arrests Australian after teen's body found in suitcase
Media reports said the 46-year-old suspect was apprehended at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, where he was trying to purchase an airline ticket to Perth.
Thai police arrest Australian after teen’s body found in suitcase
Investigators are awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination before filing charges.
Malaysia civil servants to get hybrid working days twice a week
This will take effect on Aug 1.
Bangladesh’s Rahman looks to China to squeeze India on the Teesta
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s first four-day official visit to China yielded a predictable flurry of agreements spanning trade and green technology. But its true significance lies in the elevation of a single, long-stalled infrastructure initiative: the Teesta
Battle for Johor begins as Anwar’s PH unveils fresh lineup, opposition PN cedes key battlegrounds
Analysts say that Perikatan Nasional’s decision to contest only 33 out of the 56 seats could benefit incumbent ruling coalition Barisan Nasional, paving the way for future cooperation in subsequent polls.
