South Korea’s Lee calls for energy saving campaign including shorter showers, car curbs

The government is calling on people to use washing machines and vacuums over the weekend.

No tsunami threat after deep 7.6 magnitude earthquake near Tonga

March 24 - A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck near the Pacific island nation of Tonga on Tuesday, according to the United States Geological Survey, triggering sirens in the capital though no tsunami was expected.

UN looks to boost food security for Rohingya in Bangladesh

The WFP supports nearly 1.2 million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.

Qatar gas terminal bombing will push prices higher for years

On March 19, Ras Laffan, the largest liquified natural gas (LNG) terminal in the world, supplying one-fifth of the world’s super-chilled fuel, was hit by Iranian missiles and drones. The Qatari terminal suffered substantial damage in the strikes – fires were raging across the

With the Iran crisis, has India’s Middle East balancing act hit a roadblock?

Critics note India's pivot to the US and Israel has had its downsides.

Philippines says grounding planes is a ‘distinct possibility’ due to Iran war

Because the Philippines relies heavily on imported crude, it’s more exposed than other nations in SEA to energy shortages.

China dials back on fuel price hikes to 'reduce burden' on drivers

It comes as countries across the region are taking various measures to weather the soaring cost of fuel.

412 million barrels will soon flood oil markets — will it matter?

In the second week of the Iran war – with the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed, cutting off shipping of 20% of the world’s oil supply – the International Energy Agency announced the largest release of strategic oil reserves in history. Thirty-two countries will sell a

Vietnam to cut domestic flights over jet fuel shortage

Taiwan to skip WTO conference after labelled 'Province of China'

‘Perfect Japan’ posts spark Gen Z social media backlash

Japan’s tourist boom has forced some authorities to take action.

Taiwan to skip WTO conference after labelled ‘Province of China’

The WTO ministerial conference, its highest decision-making body, will take place in Cameroon.

‘Operation Hidden Hand’: Iran-Russia military axis comes into view

Emerging reports of Russian intelligence support to Iran in its war with the US and Israel are raising critical questions about the scope, credibility and strategic implications of deepening Russia–Iran military cooperation. This month, reports citing US officials and sources

Philippines eyes ‘temporary’ coal push to counter energy turmoil

The “temporary measure” could start as early as April 1.

Manila’s jeepney drivers struggle as Middle East war sends diesel cost soaring

On March 24, fuel prices jumped again in the country by around 16 per cent.

US to continue Iran strikes, pause applies only to energy sites, Semafor reports

March 24 - The United States will continue its strikes on Iran, with the pause applying only to attacks on Tehran's energy sites, Semafor reported on Monday, citing a U.S. official, during what President Donald Trump has described as \"productive\" talks with unidentified

China positions itself as a stable economic force amid global uncertainty at Beijing forum

SHANGHAI/BEIJING, March 24 - Global corporate executives attending China's flagship annual business conference this week were reassured by leaders of the world's second-largest economy that it remains a predictable anchor at a time of geopolitical flux and global uncertainty.

Couple who were caught naked at cemetery in Malaysia remanded for three days

The couple, who are not married to each other, were picked up on the night of March 23.

Pakistan ranked most polluted country in 2025, data shows

The world’s top 25 most polluted cities were all in India, Pakistan and China.

Japan PM Sanae Takaichi orders review of entire supply chain for oil products

Most of Japan’s oil imports originate in the Middle East and pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran sends waves of missiles into Israel, dismisses Trump's talk of negotiations as 'fake news'

WASHINGTON/JERUSALEM/TEL AVIV, March 24 - Iran launched multiple waves of missiles at Israel, the Israeli military said, after U.S. President Donald Trump postponed the bombing of the Islamic Republic's power plants and energy infrastructure because of what he described as

Japan to require ID checks for data-only SIM cards amid fraudulent use

This comes amid reports of the use of the SIM cards in fraud schemes.

India’s historic haveli homes caught between revival and ruin

Each haveli once formed part of a larger social ecosystem of neighbourhoods, crafts and traditions.

Vietnam Airlines to suspend some routes as jet fuel risks rise

Around 70 per cent of Vietnam’s jet fuel is imported, primarily from China and Thailand.

America’s Iran quagmire and the failure of strategic memory

There is a particular frustration that comes with being a Cassandra in Washington. You spend three decades writing books titled “Quagmire” and “Sandstorm”, you warn in magazine after magazine, op-ed after op-ed, that America’s compulsive entanglement in Middle Eastern politics

South Korea's president calls for energy saving campaign including curbs on cars

More Australian beef headed for Europe under new EU trade deal

Australian producers have also won the right to sell Italian-style sparkling wine as prosecco.

South Korea’s Prime Minister cancels China trip as energy concerns mount

He cited an urgent need to remain at home to manage the impacts of the Iran war.

Highlights of EU-Australia trade agreement

SYDNEY, March 24 - The EU and Australia finalised a long-awaited free trade deal on Tuesday as Europe seeks to diversify its export markets and expand ties beyond its traditional partners.

Asian stocks rise as Trump pauses strike plans but unease sees oil bounce

US President Donald Trump on Monday delayed strikes on Iranian energy sites after hailing “good talks” with Tehran, although Iran later denied there had been any talks.

Japan to start releasing state oil reserves on March 26: PM Takaichi

This comes as concerns over supply mount amid the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran.

Missing cremation urns trigger alarm in Malaysia

It has prompted columbarium operators to review their surveillance and access controls.

Iconic fish species in Malaysia slip into rarity

Experts warn that some of the most familiar fish species could face local extinction within decades.

Malaysia eyes rail links to strengthen role in Europe-Asia trade

As global shipping faces disruptions, the country is positioning itself as a transit hub linking Asia and Europe.

Iran war sparks rush for South Korea’s cheap Patriot-style interceptor

South Korea has agreed to deliver dozens of Cheongung missiles to the United Arab Emirates.

WFH, vehicle curbs, shorter school weeks: How Asia’s coping with soaring energy prices amid Iran war

The region is struggling to find ways to reduce its dependence on oil and gas amid the crunch.

Some Chinese exporters lift prices on rising costs due to Iran war

The rare hikes are a sign that soaring raw material costs are starting to drive consumer inflation.

UK universities flock to India - but will they succeed?

Nine UK universities are setting up campuses in India, but enrolment is expected to be modest initially.

Kim Jong Un says North Korea’s nuclear status is irreversible, threatens South

He rejected the idea that nuclear disarmament could be exchanged for economic benefits or security guarantees.

Hong Kong government employee denies ordering surveillance of UK dissidents

Chung Biu "Bill" Yuen says he did not organise a "shadow policing" operation in London.

‘Chinese characteristics’ and Xi Jinping’s latest purge of brass

Originally published by Pacific Forum, the article is republished with permission. Most Western analyses of the recent purge of two People’s Liberation Army four-star generals (上将) treat this development as something shocking. Chinese Communist Party Chairman Xi Jinping has

Australia, EU seal long-awaited trade deal amid global trade tensions

SYDNEY, March 24 - Australia and the European Union on Tuesday signed a trade deal marking the culmination of years of negotiations, as Europe seeks to diversify its export markets and expand ties beyond its traditional partners.

Australia and EU seal trade deal, seek to cut reliance on China for critical minerals

The EU was Australia's third-largest two-way trading partner in 2024.

Bahrain proposes UN Security Council approve use of force to protect Hormuz shipping

PARIS, March 23 - Bahrain has put forward a draft United Nations Security Council resolution that would authorise countries to use \"all necessary means\" - diplomatic language for force - to protect commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz, according to a text

Rockets launched from Iraq’s Mosul towards US base in Syria, sources say

MOSUL, Iraq, March 23 - At least seven rockets were launched from the Iraqi town of Rabi'a towards a U.S. military base in northeastern Syria on Monday, two Iraqi security sources said, the first attack of its kind since the start of the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against

Vietnam protests China’s development of disputed reef in South China Sea

Land reclamation could make Antelope Reef in Paracels China’s largest outpost and the whole sea, think tank says.

With Iran talks claim, is Trump just calming markets till weekend?

Iran’s foreign ministry on Monday denied US President Donald Trump’s claim that the two sides were engaged in “productive” talks over a possible end to the conflict started by the US and Israel late last month. According to Iranian news agencies, Iran’s foreign ministry said

Thai authorities warn of disruption to key medicine supplies, price hikes if Mid-East war drags on

Pharmaceutical firms confirmed current stock levels are sufficient for about three to four months.

Even a ‘superpower’ is nowhere near as powerful as it looks

Yet again, the US-Israel war against Iran is showing that even a so-called superpower is nowhere near as powerful as it looks. Although we will all suffer the political and economic effects of this war for many months and years to come, we humbler powers in Europe should find