Japan’s order for Tomahawk missiles delayed by US use in Iran

Tomahawk missiles are a centrepiece of Tokyo’s new strategy of equipping itself with long-range strike capabilities.

Seven injured after part of ceiling at Manila airport collapses

A portion of the ceiling fell onto the airport’s waiting chairs..

Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing elected president by pro-military parliament

Human remains found on Thai ship hit in Hormuz; families of 3 missing crew notified

Due to the extent of damage, the deceased have not been identified.

Zelenskiy says frontline situation best for Ukraine in the last 10 months

KYIV, April 3 - President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the frontline situation for Ukraine was the best in 10 months, adding that Kyiv's troops had foiled a Russian offensive last month.

Rain, wind to shorten South Korea’s peak viewing window for cherry blossoms

Southern regions have been in full bloom since late March.

Trump turning China’s yuan into world’s next safe haven

TOKYO — As US President Donald Trump’s tariffs and military adventurism chip away at the dollar’s credibility, the privilege may be all China’s. The reference here is to the phrase coined by France’s finance minister in the 1960s, Valery Giscard d’Estaing, to criticize the

North Korea’s Kim pets puppies, kittens at Pyongyang pet shop

Local media reported Mr Kim as saying households rearing pets are increasing in the nation.

Australian drivers urged to refuel in cities as Mid-East war deepens fuel crunch

Hundreds of service stations had run out of diesel nationally and over a hundred were without unleaded petrol.

China says peace talks advance between Afghanistan, Pakistan

BEIJING, April 2 - Negotiations between Afghanistan and Pakistan are advancing steadily, China said on Friday following reports that the South Asian neighbours were meeting there to try to end their worst conflict since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.

From full houses to five customers a day: How the Iran conflict has hollowed out Bangkok tourism

Boat trips that once drew 150 tourists now carry just 30, as the conflict saps river traffic.

Streaming channel PetTV for pets launched in China

Tencent Video described it as a “24-hour happiness hub specially designed for your furry kids".

Blood clots, burning eyes: Pollution chokes north Thailand

Some monitors recorded pollution levels 60 times higher than WHO's recommended exposure.

Malaysia court sets May 7 to hear Najib’s stay of execution bid on $1.6b payment to former 1MDB unit

The court will also hear submissions on costs in the lawsuit brought by the unit against the former premier.

Thai PM Anutin blames stockpilers for fuel shortage

Evidence of hoarding and profiteering among large and medium-sized oil traders has been found.

Thai PM blames stockpilers for fuel shortage

Proposed RTS Link fare to be presented to Malaysia, Singapore governments: Minister

Malaysia's Transport Minister said progress on the railway link has not been affected by the Middle East conflict.

New Zealand electric vehicle sales soar during petrol price pinch amid Middle East conflict

There were 3,108 electric vehicle registrations in March, up from 921 in February.

NVIDIA’s $2 billion sprinkler remaking the AI supply chain

These days, it seems that if NVIDIA needs something to be secured, it writes a US$2 billion check. Synopsys in December. CoreWeave in January. Lumentum and Coherent on the same March Monday. Nebius the following week. Marvell days ago. The pattern is so metronomic it resembles

Australians cancel Easter travel as worries mount over fuel crisis

Australia, which imports 90 per cent of its fuel, has experienced localised shortages and seen prices soar.

US tariff uncertainty pushes Indian exporters to more stable markets like Japan

The impact is being felt across India’s textile industry, which employs around 45 million people, with American buyers withholding orders or demanding steep discounts.

Indonesian airlines renew call to raise fare cap as jet fuel prices jump 70%

State-owned energy giant Pertamina raised domestic jet fuel prices by an average 70 per cent.

North Korea reportedly razes towns near main missile launch site

Two villages, including hundreds of buildings, were demolished in March.

Thai Met Department warns of 42 deg C heat and thunderstorms across upper Thailand

The public is advised to take care of their health by avoiding prolonged outdoor work or activities.

Singaporean, Vietnamese and 5 others nabbed over drug distribution in Johor

The syndicate is believed to have been active since October.

Bangladesh cuts working hours to save energy amid Middle East crisis

Government offices will run from 9am to 4pm, while markets and shopping centres must shut by 6pm.

Cambodian lawmakers approve anti-cybercrime law

If their operations lead to the death of one or more people, scam centre bosses could face life in prison.

US returns Chinese drug fugitive in rare extradition

A report on the handover did not provide further details on the drug Han was accused of smuggling.

Braving high fuel costs, Filipinos flock to crucifixion spectacle

The ritual is a way for devotees to atone for sins and seek miracles from God.

North Korea to hold burial ceremony for troops killed in Ukraine war

The isolated country is building a museum honouring the fallen troops.

Geisha spectacle in Japan’s Kyoto celebrates arrival of spring

The Miyako Odori show first started in 1872 and incorporates traditional Japanese performing arts.

Japan’s super Aegis ships: potent deterrence or sitting ducks?

Japan’s 12,000-ton Aegis ships promise stronger missile defense—but may concentrate risk in ways that echo past naval failures. Last month, Naval News reported that Japan’s Ministry of Defense confirmed construction of two Aegis System Equipped Vessels (ASEV) had entered the

India’s ‘Mounjaro brides’: Weight-loss injections become part of pre-wedding preparation

Marriages continue to be arranged, often bringing expectations around physical appearance and financial status.

South Korea, France agree to deepen defence cooperation amid Middle East conflict

The leaders also confirmed their commitment to bolstering energy security.

Myanmar's junta chief set for parliamentary vote on presidential bid

April 3 - Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing faces a parliamentary vote on Friday on his bid to become the country's president, as he seeks to formalise his grip on political power five years after his coup against an elected government.

Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing elected president by pro-military Parliament

His transition from top general to civilian president follows a lopsided election in December and January.

Watch: Who is the coup leader who will be Myanmar's next president?

Min Aung Hlaing presided over his last military parade in Myanmar before he takes up the role of president.

Under global spotlight, Australia plays hardball on social media ban

The government said it was investigating Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and Snapchat for possible breaches.

Fears cost of water and beer to soar as India's scorching summer hits

Makers of plastic and glass bottles are struggling to access raw materials as the war squeezes supplies.

How 3 sisters from Surabaya turned Peggy Hartanto into one of Indonesia’s most recognisable fashion exports

The label’s signature silhouettes are designed to alter how a woman stands, moves and occupies space. Even its smallest accessory carries that intent.

Myanmar's coup leader who set off a brutal civil war becomes president

General Min Aung Hlaing has been chosen as the next president by the newly-elected parliament.

CNA Explains: How the Iran war might reshape Asia’s energy playbook

As energy supplies tighten and prices rise, the region faces the fallout of its reliance on imported fossil fuels from the Middle East.

Commentary: How Southeast Asia might change the way it engages an increasingly disruptive America

The impetus for engaging Washington in Southeast Asian affairs may be shifting from pragmatism to prevention, says Kevin Chen from the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies.

The mysterious origins of a spicy, grilled fish dish

How Wanzhou became known across China as the home town for kaoyu.

Growing energy crisis sparked by Iran war could further shake Filipinos’ trust in Marcos

The rising fuel prices come at a politically sensitive time for him, as his approval ratings continue to fall.

China imports US oil for Asian fuel markets amid Hormuz crisis

China is moving to resume large-scale purchases of United States liquefied natural gas (LNG) and crude oil, as supply disruptions in the Middle East and tightening fuel markets across Asia force Beijing to recalibrate its energy strategy. Some observers view the move as a

Trump fires Attorney General Pam Bondi

US President Donald Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi on Thursday after reportedly growing frustrated by her failure to pursue his political enemies with sufficient zeal and her handling of the Epstein files. Trump confirmed in a Truth Social post that Bondi is out as

An ancient oracle warned that invading Persia would backfire

Invasions of ancient Persia were always daunting tasks. They often led to disaster. In the 6th and 5th centuries BCE, the Persian empire came to dominate a vast and varied geography with what’s now Iran at its heart. Comprising modern Iran, Iraq, Turkey, the Persian Gulf and