China seeks to rein in risks from AI ‘digital humans’
Videos featuring AI digital humans are ubiquitous on Chinese social media.
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Massive blaze razes 200 homes in Sabah water village
The fire spread through densely packed wooden houses built on stilts.
Bangladesh raises fuel prices as Iran war drives up costs
The rising fuel bill is putting pressure on Bangladesh's strained foreign exchange reserves.
A war in the Persian Gulf is plunging Pakistan into darkness
Asia’s emerging economies have borne the brunt of the global energy crisis.
North Korea fires multiple ballistic missiles towards sea off its east coast
The incident marks Pyongyang's seventh ballistic missile launch this year and its fourth in April.
Trump, Iran cite progress in talks as uncertainty hangs over Strait
WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD, April 19 - Iran's top negotiator said recent talks with the U.S. had made progress but gaps remained over nuclear issues and the Strait of Hormuz, while President Donald Trump cited \"very good conversations\" with Tehran despite warning against
New Zealand’s capital Wellington begins clean-up after flash floods
The nation’s weather forecaster predicted more thunderstorm for parts of North Island.
New Zealand's capital Wellington begins clean-up after flash floods
SYDNEY, April 19 - A clean-up began in New Zealand's capital Wellington after flash flooding, sparked by heavy rain, hit the nation's North Island, authorities said on Sunday.
The South Korean authors rising above a tide of hate to become bestsellers
A quiet revolution is unfolding as women writers carve out space in the wake of an anti-feminist backlash.
‘Live a good life’: Why these Singaporeans left the corporate world to be farmers in Johor
Drawn by lower costs and the dream of building something of their own, some Singaporeans have ventured into farming in Johor. They share their advice and experiences with CNA.
Commentary: Why China can’t quit ‘open’ AI
Alibaba’s shift towards closed-source AI models shouldn’t be representative of the broader landscape in China just yet, says Catherine Thorbecke for Bloomberg Opinion.
Basketball betting U-turn shows Hong Kong still can’t grasp Beijing’s mind
The policy was to have helped the city shore up its finances and combat illegal gambling.
India flags 'deep concerns' over attack on two Indian ships in Strait of Hormuz
Iran said on Saturday (Apr 18) it would continue to block transit through the strait as long as the US blockade of Iranian ports remains in effect.
Six die in Kyiv shooting, hostage situation; being investigated as a terrorist act
A man alleged to have opened fire on Saturday (Apr 18) at passersby barricading himself into a supermarket with hostages and refusing to negotiate.
Iran shuts down Strait of Hormuz again, accusing US of ‘piracy’
The ceasefire between the US and Iran is in grave peril after Iran announced on Saturday that, in response to the continued US blockade, it would once again impose travel restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz after briefly reopening it on Friday. Iran has used the strait –
New Delhi protests after Iran fires at two Indian-flagged ships in Strait of Hormuz
Iran reimposed restrictions on crossing the strait on April 18.
Indian ship attacked while crossing Strait of Hormuz, Indian govt source says
MUMBAI, April 18 - An Indian-flagged vessel carrying crude oil was on Saturday attacked while attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz, according to an Indian government source.
Libya recovers 17 bodies believed to be migrants on Tripoli coast
TRIPOLI, April 18 - At least 17 bodies believed to be those of migrants have been recovered in recent days from the shore near a coastal town west of the Libyan capital, Tripoli-based medics said on Saturday.
Turkey says US withdrawal from European security architecture could be 'destructive'
ANTALYA, Turkey, April 18 - Discussions are under way on how to manage or mitigate a possible U.S. withdrawal from the \"European security architecture\", Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Saturday.
UN peacekeeper killed, three wounded in south Lebanon shooting, UNIFIL says
April 18 - A United Nations peacekeeper was killed and three others wounded after a UNIFIL patrol came under small-arms fire while clearing explosive ordnance along a road in the southern Lebanese village of Ghandouriyeh, the peacekeeping mission said on Saturday.
Some tankers cross Strait of Hormuz before shots fired, ship-tracking data shows
OSLO, April 18 - More than a dozen tankers, including three sanctioned vessels, passed through the Strait of Hormuz after a 50-day blockade was lifted on Friday, shipping data showed, before Iran reimposed restrictions on Saturday and fired at some vessels.
Iran says no date set for next round of negotiations with US
ANTALYA, Turkey, April 18 - No date has been set for the next round of negotiations between Iran and the United States, Iran's deputy foreign minister said on Saturday, adding that a framework of understanding must be agreed first.
One dead after car hits pedestrians in Melbourne, police say
A man is arrested following a collision in which police say a car mounted a kerb and struck pedestrians.
Is it legal to walk across the Causeway? Newly installed sign reignites discussion
The Malaysian authorities put up a “no walking” sign near their checkpoint recently.
China sex toy makers cautiously embrace AI wave
Among those on display were AI vibrators, silicon dolls and app-activated pressure machines.
Bangkok heat index stays in danger zone for 18 straight days
When the heat index reaches 42 deg C to 51.9 deg C, it is classified as “danger”.
One killed after car swerves into group of people in Melbourne
SYDNEY, April 18 - A police investigation is underway after a car struck a group of people in Melbourne, killing one pedestrian and seriously injuring another, authorities said on Saturday.
Indonesia junior high school teacher named suspect in death of student testing 3D-printed rifle
The tragic incident took place on April 8 at about 10.30am during a practical examination.
Thailand could become as hot as the Sahara by 2070, research shows
The concern is what happens when the mean annual temperature rises above 29 deg C.
Pakistan military chief, PM head home after Iran war diplomacy blitz
Field Marshall Asim Munir met Iran’s top leadership and peace negotiators during a three-day visit to Tehran.
Hishammuddin vows loyalty after UMNO lifts his suspension, Khairy says ‘I’m home’
Both were among the 6,252 former leaders and members readmitted under the party’s Rumah Bangsa initiative.
PETRONAS to negotiate with Russia on oil deal: Malaysian Prime Minister
This is to ensure sufficient supplies for domestic use, he said.
Myanmar release of Suu Kyi top ally spurs small democracy hope
But optimism remains low among citizens and analysts watching for a democracy comeback.
Myanmar release of Aung San Suu Kyi top ally spurs small democracy hope
Win Myint's pardon on Friday (Apr 17) was the biggest concession yet by the country's post-coup leadership. Analysts argue it is actually a sign of the unassailed strength of Min Aung Hlaing's leadership.
Malaysian ministry to ensure smooth haj pilgrimage amid crises
Global geopolitical developments will be closely monitored, said a minister.
New Australia defense strategy ignores US elephant in the room
Sometimes new government strategies really aren’t newsworthy. The 2026 National Defence Strategy (NDS) is like that. The biggest headline from the document is the additional defense spending of A$53 billion (US$38 billion) over the next decade, which the government claims (with
Indonesian haj departures on track amid Middle East war
The first wave of pilgrims will depart for Medina starting April 22.
Hormuz standoff sets a tense tone for Trump-Xi meet
The Trump administration’s decision to carry out a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has raised tensions in the Persian Gulf to new and more perilous levels. The move was announced by the US president, Donald Trump, after negotiations over a ceasefire with Iran broke down
‘In accordance with international law’: New Zealand defends military patrol flight near China
Beijing had accused New Zealand of undermining its security interests.
New Zealand defends military patrol flight near China
April 18 - New Zealand on Saturday defended the actions of a military patrol aircraft flight near China after Beijing said it had undermined its security interests.
Woman arrested at Haneda airport in record ‘zombie cigarette’ drug haul
She is suspected of smuggling about 4kg of etomidate
Strategic autonomy or ambiguity? India’s Gulf dilemma
There is a lively and, at times, sharply divided discourse in India today on its foreign policy choices over the Iranian crisis. At the center of this debate is a simple but uncomfortable question: Is India being prudently cautious, needlessly timid or has it devolved into
Australia, Japan ink multibillion dollar warship deal
Japan agreed on Saturday (Apr 18) on a deal to provide Australia's navy with the first of almost a dozen stealth frigates.
5-magnitude earthquakes strike off mountainous Nagano in Japan: NHK
There were no reports so far of any damage.
Australia, Japan sign contracts to start $7 billion warship deal
SYDNEY, April 18 - Australia and Japan signed contracts on Saturday launching their landmark A$10 billion ($7 billion) deal to supply Australia with warships, Tokyo's most consequential military sale since ending a military export ban in 2014.
Democrats shouldn’t follow Republicans into the extremist swamp
The other day on X, leftist Twitch streamer Hasan Piker got into an argument with a commentator known as Swann Marcus. Marcus had scoffed at the notion of Piker trying to connect with blue-collar workers. In retaliation, Piker claimed that Marcus had written a “how to” manual
North Korea taking its nuclear threat to the high seas
North Korea’s missile test from its new Choe Hyon destroyer signals a shift toward a more flexible sea-based nuclear deterrent, as the regime compensates for submarine limitations. This month, multiple media outlets reported that North Korea test-fired two strategic cruise