Australia to ban surcharges on payment cards, cut bank fees

The central bank estimated the change would save consumers A$1.6 billion (S$1.42 billion) a year.

Hindu devotional clubbing sways India’s youth

“Bhajan clubbing” represents a modern twist that is gaining traction in New Delhi.

Korean Air to shift to emergency mode in April amid rising oil prices from Iran war

Fuel surcharge for flights from Incheon to New York and Chicago are set to jump by 200 per cent.

Thailand’s king endorses PM Anutin’s new Cabinet, Royal Gazette says

The approval clears the way for the Cabinet to be sworn in before the king.

Eurovision launching Asia edition, grand final to take place in Bangkok in November

So far, broadcasters from 10 countries across Asia have confirmed their participation.

Australia’s fuel tax cut will take time to be felt by consumers

Australia has seen sporadic panic buying in recent weeks, especially in rural areas.

Indonesia summons Meta and Google over non-compliance with child social media curbs, minister says

Failure to implement the curbs may result in sanctions or even a block on the platform.

How Pakistan won over Trump to become an unlikely mediator in the Iran war

Pakistan's role as intermediary in this conflict took many by surprise. But perhaps it shouldn't have.

Asian stocks fall, oil up as Trump threatens Iran

Indonesia calls for restraint after three peacekeepers killed in Lebanon

The Indonesian casualties occurred in two separate incidents over the past two days.

Japan spots Chinese survey ship operating in disputed waters

TOKYO, March 31 - Japan's Coast Guard said it had confirmed a Chinese marine research vessel was operating in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) west-northwest of Uotsuri Island on Monday and had demanded that the activity be halted.

US trade chief sees only limited role for WTO after failed meeting in Cameroon

WASHINGTON, March 30 - The World Trade Organization will play only a limited role in global trade policy after a failed ministerial meeting in Cameroon, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on Monday, vowing to seek alternative arrangements s with like-minded countries.

Fuel frenzy across Causeway: Johor businesses expect more Singaporeans to shop, fill petrol

The RON97 price difference is significant enough for Singapo­reans to cross the Causeway, say businesses.

Australian regulator probes Facebook, YouTube over teen social media ban

Long queues in Myanmar as Iran war fuel crisis deepens

Drivers are queuing for hours at petrol stations in Myanmar as the Iran war continues to send shockwaves across the globe.

Can Malaysia afford to keep subsidising fuel amid energy crunch caused by Iran war?

Continuing entrenched petrol subsidies may undermine Putrajaya’s long-term fiscal health but cutting them could provoke significant backlash against Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s government, say experts.

Social media firms must better enforce Australia under-16 ban, watchdog says

Regulator eSafety says it has concerns about how Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube are complying with the ban.

‘The mosque, the river, the sea’: Why Terengganu folk say they need little else to be happy

Despite its low GDP, gas-rich Terengganu state topped Malaysia's 2024 Happiness Index.

Shock, sadness and relief in town at centre of Australia's seven-month police manhunt

Porepunkah has been in the spotlight since Dezi Freeman shot dead two police officers last year.

The rockets’ red glare, Mighty Mouse and counter-drone warfare

Americans sing about it at ball games and patriotic events: And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. The red glare describes the rocket bombardment of Fort McHenry by HMS Erebus on the night of September

Gas pipeline blown up in southern Pakistan, says official

QUETTA, Pakistan, March 30 - A natural gas pipeline was blown up in southern Pakistan on Monday, suspending supply to several districts, an official said.

Worst-case, a dreaded term could apply to the 2026 energy shock

In the war between Iran, the United States and Israel, economics has become as much of a weapon as are missiles, bombs and drones. Iran’s current control over the flow of one-fifth of the world’s oil supply through the narrow Strait of Hormuz between Iran and Oman is really a

India declares victory over Maoist insurgency

India in the last two years stepped up its campaign against the last remnants of the rebellion that began nearly six decades ago.

India is 'free' of Maoist insurgency: interior minister

Letting Russian tanker through, Trump declares ‘Cuba is finished’

President Donald Trump said Sunday that his administration would let a Russia-owned tanker carrying an estimated 730,000 barrels of oil to reach Cuba, loosening the illegal fuel blockade that has intensified the island’s already-grave humanitarian crisis. Speaking to reporters

A ‘warmer spring’ for cross-strait ties? Taiwan opposition leader talks up visit to Beijing

All eyes will be on whether she secures a meeting with the Chinese President during the trip.

3 million Indian officials to begin counting world’s largest population

The census is expected to conclude in March 2027.

Chinese container ships pass through Strait of Hormuz at second attempt, data shows

LONDON, March 30 - Two Chinese container ships sailed through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday on their second attempt to leave the Gulf after turning back on Friday, ship-tracking data showed.

Thai undertaker reveals corpse to justify fuel buy

He had stopped to fill 3 18-litre jerrycans for each body, but the attendant won't sell initially.

Dissident artist on trial in China for satirical Mao sculptures, says rights group

Artist Gao Zhen’s relatives were apparently barred from attending. Verdicts are often announced months later in such trials.

Baby monkey Punch getting used to life without stuffed orang utan ‘mother’ in Japan zoo

Punch has been seen spending more time grooming his peers.

EU's Costa discusses Iran situation with Pakistan's Prime Minister

BRUSSELS, March 30 - European Council President Antonio Costa said he had held a 'good call' with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding the war in Iran.

How office chair racing in Japan is attracting thrill-seekers

No souped-up chairs are allowed in this competition.

Hydrogen energy is a tough sell for now. China doubles down anyway

It sees hydrogen energy as a "future industry" poised to drive growth in the longer run.

Bangladesh PM orders probe into measles outbreak

There have been 674 measles cases across the country in 2026.

Best places to enjoy spring in Seoul

Seoul unveiled its annual guide to seasonal strolls, featuring 175 paths spanning 251km.

Canadian tourist dies during Krabi’s Tiger Cave Temple climb; second fatal incident there in days

The man reportedly collapsed near the 1,100th step of the temple’s 1,260-step staircase.

Pakistan’s peace play more about desperation than diplomacy

Has Pakistan genuinely become important on the global stage, or is it being strategically projected as such? A closer look suggests that much of the current visibility around Pakistan is less about its rise in global influence or capabilities and more about a situational,

Japan’s cherry blossom season dazzles locals and tourists

“We love it, because it is so short ... it comes every year, something very special,” said a Tokyo resident.

Clock watching of a different kind: White-collar workers race on office chairs down Japan streets

Founded in 2010, the yearly races are now held at more than 20 locations across Japan.

Nepali protesters demand release of detained ex-PM

He was arrested over his alleged involvement in the protest crackdown in September.

China won’t supplant Australia in the Pacific anytime soon

Last year, Australia was reminded of China’s willingness to exercise its growing naval power in the region. In February, a Chinese flotilla circumnavigated the country and conducted live-fire drills in the Tasman Sea. And in November, a powerful Chinese task group came within a

Iran war forces Asian economies to confront sliding currencies and surging oil prices

Asia is set to face an oil shortage that will worsen until April and May.

Seoul seeks to calm rush to buy rubbish bags over fears of shortage amid Middle East war

Daily sales of the bags surged nearly fivefold to 2.7 million last week.

Seven dead after building collapses in China’s Heilongjiang province

All nine trapped individuals have been found.

Taiwan probes 11 Chinese firms for illegal poaching of tech talent

Taiwanese law prohibits Chinese investment in some parts of the semiconductor supply chain.

Is the US dollar really winning the Iran war?

Nearly a month after coordinated US and Israeli strikes on Iran, the human toll continues to rise. Yet beyond the battlefield, a more consequential struggle is unfolding — one that could reshape the global economic order. At the heart of this conflict lies energy. Iran’s