‘It felt dehumanising’: Victims speak out as Grok deepfake abuse prompts some Southeast Asia countries to act
Victims and experts say there is a need for stronger safeguards, clearer regulations and accountability.
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Australia’s new strategic reserve targets China’s rare earth grip
The federal government has unveiled new details of its plan to create a A$1.2 billion (US$804 million) critical mineral reserve. Three minerals will initially be the focus: antimony, gallium and rare earths (a group of 17 different elements). The details came as Treasurer Jim
His lucky star: Daughter’s picks win dad $4m in Malaysian Toto jackpot
The man will use his winnings to buy a house, as his family is currently renting.
South Korea's ex-leader Yoon faces first court verdict over martial law chaos
Former President Yoon Suk Yeol is accused of obstructing attempts to arrest him last year.
Canada, China set for ‘historic’ gains from new partnership, Carney says
China is Canada’s second-largest trading partner after the United States.
Canada, China set for 'historic' gains from new partnership, Carney says
BEIJING, Jan 16 - Canada and China are forging a new strategic partnership that stands to yield \"historic\" gains by leveraging on the strengths of each, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Friday.
China’s J-35 could be the key to winning a Taiwan war
China’s push to expand production of the J-35 stealth fighter reflects its drive to link industrial scale with a carrier-centric doctrine, thereby strengthening its position against Taiwan, narrowing the gap with US airpower and capturing high-end export markets. This month,
First-ever pho museum opens in Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City
The museum expects to welcome 1,500 to 2,000 visitors per day.
Hundreds of firefighters tackle blaze in deprived area of South Korea's Gangnam district
SEOUL, Jan 16 - Nearly 300 South Korean firefighters were battling a major fire on Friday in a deprived area of the upmarket Gangnam district of southern Seoul, a fire official said.
South Korea to set up AI-assisted fire response system
AI will be used to detect fires involving batteries of electric cars, which have been increasing.
'Baby, don't move': Australian woman wakes to find massive python on her chest
Rachel Bloor had assumed the heavy weight on her chest was her dog.
India’s retail investor boom draws millions into stock market, but experts warn of risks
As more Indians trade stocks for the first time, experts say that low financial literacy could lead to losses.
Rolex watches, jewellery: Over $15m of assets seized in 2 probes involving Malaysia’s military
The investigations started in October 2025 and are ongoing.
Iconic tree from which Ipoh derived its name is now a bare trunk
The tree may be uprooted from Railway Station Square.
South Korea’s ex-president Yoon faces first court ruling over martial law
He had declared martial law in the country in December 2024.
South Korea's ex-president Yoon faces first court ruling over martial law
SEOUL, Jan 16 - Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is due to face the first court ruling on Friday stemming from criminal charges over his failed martial law attempt, a case that could result in a long prison sentence if he is found guilty.
Major fire breaks out in slum area of South Korea's Gangnam district
SEOUL, Jan 16 - Nearly 300 South Korean firefighters were deployed on Friday to fight a major fire in a deprived area of the upmarket Gangnam district of southern Seoul, a fire official said.
Hundreds of firefighters tackle blaze in deprived area of South Korea’s Gangnam district
No casualties had been reported so far, although 47 residents were evacuated.
Dubai chewy cookie frenzy sends pistachio prices in South Korea soaring
Some dujjonku enthusiasts have turned to home baking using alternative ingredients amid soaring prices.
Thousands affected after power outage halts Tokyo commuter train lines
Trains on East Japan Railway's Yamanote and Keihin-Tohoku lines were halted in all directions indefinitely.
How realistic is India's quest for magnets made of rare earths
India has a $800m plan to make rare earth magnets, aiming to reduce dependence on Chinese imports - but can it work?
As Trump stalls, Iran opposition shows lack of a clear leader
A US intervention in Iran appeared imminent this week. US and UK troops were pulled out of several bases around the Middle East, US military assets had been moved into position and the US president, Donald Trump, had reassured protesters on the streets of Iran that “help is on
Power outage halts Tokyo commuter train lines, disrupting thousands
TOKYO, Jan 16 - A railway power outage in Tokyo disrupted the morning commute for thousands on Friday as two main lines with some of the world's busiest stations were halted after reports of a fire.
7 foreign tourists rescued after becoming lost near Hokkaido’s Furano ski resort
All were rescued without injuries.
The president and the public give the US economy different grades
Does the economy rate an A+++++, as President Donald Trump insists? Or does it deserve the C—– that much of the public has been giving it? Judging by consumer sentiment, it might even be a D—–. The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index ended the year sharply below its
Fearing midterm loss, Trump repeats call for canceling elections
As armed federal agents roam the streets of American cities and amid threats to declare the Insurrection Act and use military force to quell protests in Minneapolis, President Donald Trump said once again that the next elections should be canceled because he expects his party
Chinese woman's plea for help killing pigs draws thousands to her village
The woman appealed for help after realising her father could not slaughter the pigs for a village feast alone.
South Korea's impeached leader faces first of several verdicts. Here's what you need to know
Yoon Suk Yeol is set to receive the first verdict on charges linked to his 2024 martial law attempt.
Greenland is about climate change, strategy and rare earths
Two things could happen in Greenland in the future, assuming warming trends continue. The first is that sea passage through the frozen Arctic would open a much faster sea trade route to the Pacific. If the passage becomes viable, it changes Greenland from a backwater land mass
US says reached deal with Taiwan to lower tariffs, boost investments
Under the deal, US will lower tariffs on Taiwanese goods to 15 per cent, down from a 20 per cent.
Commentary: Thailand must reckon with reform or face irrelevance
Thailand’s urgent challenge is to lift the country out of economic stagnation and dwindling geopolitical relevance, says former foreign correspondent Nirmal Ghosh.
Commentary: Trump’s aggression abroad undermines traditional US partnerships in Asia
The more the US aspires to a sphere of influence in the West, the more China will feel entitled to demand the same in the East, says Pusan National University’s Robert Kelly.
Commentary: Indonesia’s gamble on mega merger of ride-hailing firms
Jakarta's golden share in a Southeast Asian superapp would set a dangerous precedent for state power, say researchers.
US to cut tariffs on Taiwanese goods after investment pledge
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the deal would help boost semiconductor production in the US.
‘I saw even the mountains shake’: Fear lingers in Cambodian town after Thai strikes on alleged scam sites
Eerie quiet lingers in Cambodian frontier town weeks after border clashes with Thailand leave scam compounds destroyed.
From Instagram fame to political fall: Indonesia’s ‘Internet governor’ in the spotlight
Former West Java governor Ridwan Kamil's divorce and alleged graft links upended his carefully crafted image.
South Africa's Kruger National Park shuts after severe floods
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, South Africa, Jan 15 - South African authorities shut Kruger National Park on Thursday to day visitors, after several rivers that run through it burst their banks as the result of days of heavy rains, they said.
Russia says the West should stop claiming Moscow wants to occupy Greenland
MOSCOW, Jan 15 - Russia said on Thursday that its was unacceptable for the West to keep claiming that Russia and China threatened Greenland, and said the crisis over the territory showed the double-standards of Western powers which claimed moral superiority.
Back from Iran, Pakistani students say they heard gunshots while confined to campus
Iran’s leadership is trying to quell the worst domestic unrest since its 1979 revolution.
China offers leniency if cronies of accused scam boss Chen Zhi surrender
Criminal associates of Chen Zhi who surrender before Feb 15 and "truthfully confess their crimes" could be eligible for "lighter or reduced sentences", China's Ministry of Public Security said.
Pakistan-Saudi-Turkey defence deal in pipeline, Pakistani minister says
ISLAMABAD/ISTANBUL, Jan 15 - Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey have prepared a draft defence agreement after nearly a year of talks, Pakistan's Minister for Defence Production said, a signal they could be seeking a bulwark against a flare-up of regional violence in the last two
Singapore to face defending champions Vietnam in 2026 ASEAN football championship
The Lions will also play against Indonesia and Cambodia in Group A of the upcoming ASEAN Hyundai Cup, as well as the winner of a playoff between Brunei and Timor-Leste.
Greece warns shipping fleet of risks after Black Sea drone attacks
ATHENS, Jan 15 - Greece has warned its shipping fleet to review their security measures when sailing to Russian Black Sea ports after drone attacks on two Greek-operated tankers this week, according to shipping ministry advisories.
Doctor to be charged with murder of wife and son in JB on New Year’s Eve
Checks showed the doctor had no prior criminal record and tested negative for drugs.
Final death toll from Hong Kong fire put at 168
The names of the deceased will not be released at this stage to respect their grieving families’ wishes.