Imran Khan not the only one silenced as Pakistan military stifles dissent

The former PM may be silenced but he's far from the only one under pressure as the military stifles dissent.

Why China moved so quickly to execute 11 members of a notorious mafia family

The Ming family ran scam compounds along the Chinese border with Myanmar in Shan state.

Big challenges lurk behind India's world-beating growth

India expects to clock a 7.3% GDP rate but experts detect underlying stress in the economy.

Tokyo hopes voters will hand PM Takaichi new clout to counter China

Japan's first female leader hopes to capitalise on her high personal approval ratings.

North Korea’s Kim announces major construction projects as party congress nears

He said the regional standard of living is a hallmark showing North Korea's development.

North Korea's Kim announces major construction projects as party congress nears

SEOUL, Jan 30 - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un set a goal to carry out large-scale construction projects this year, including industrial factories in 20 regions simultaneously, state media KCNA said, as the country gears up for a key party congress.

What’s the potential cost of India’s US$100 billion bet on AI data centres?

India’s data centre investments are set to top US$100 billion by 2027, even as water, power and environmental concerns slow expansion elsewhere. In part two of CNA’s series on India’s AI push, we look at what’s driving the boom - and the lessons ahead.

What does British PM Keir Starmer’s China trip say about Western hedging in a Trump era?

Leaders from Ireland, Canada, Finland - and now the United Kingdom - have visited China within a month as the US rattles the world order. Structural factors limit the scope for deeper cooperation, say analysts.

Commentary: Japanese PM Takaichi’s great election gamble

Japan’s first female prime minister is pulling out all the stops in presenting herself as a force for real change, says the Financial Times' Leo Lewis.

In Vietnam’s capital city, many are finding it hard to breathe

The city has consistently been ranked as one of the world’s most polluted over the last five years or so.

New Zealand declines invitation to join Trump’s Board of Peace

US President Donald Trump launched his Board of Peace last week, but its role is unclear.

UN's Guterres: global problems will not be solved by one power 'calling the shots'

UNITED NATIONS, Jan 29 - Global problems will not be solved by one power \"calling the shots,\" United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Thursday, warning that international law was being trampled and cooperation eroded.

Chinese dissident Ai Weiwei says West lacks moral authority to criticise Beijing on rights

Mr Ai was speaking as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited China to reset ties.

Ai Weiwei says West lacks moral authority to criticise Beijing on rights

LONDON, Jan 29 - Ai Weiwei, the Chinese dissident whose activist art has made him Beijing's best-known critic, said on Thursday the West should examine its own human rights record before condemning China, as the British prime minister visits his homeland.

India's Colgate-Palmolive posts marginal profit rise as tax-cut tailwind offsets one-time charge

Jan 29 - Colgate-Palmolive (India) reported a marginal rise in third-quarter profit on Thursday, benefitting from demand for its oral hygiene products, even as it took a one-time charge tied to the country's new labour codes.

Football charm offensive: British PM Starmer seeks ties reset with Chinese President Xi

With slowing economies at home, both sides are keen to seek economic opportunities.

Iran rounds up thousands in mass arrest campaign after crushing unrest, sources say

DUBAI, Jan 29 - Plainclothes Iranian security forces have rounded up thousands of people in a campaign of mass arrests and intimidation to deter further protests after crushing the bloodiest unrest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, sources told Reuters.

Kremlin says Russia has invited Ukraine's Zelenskiy to come to Moscow for peace talks

MOSCOW, Jan 29 - The Kremlin said on Thursday that Russia had reiterated its invitation for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to come to Moscow for peace talks, as U.S.-led efforts to reach a deal to end the nearly four-year war in Ukraine intensify.

Afghanistan launches $100 million food security programme as crisis deepens

KABUL, Jan 29 - Afghanistan will roll out a $100 million food security project, the United Nations said on Thursday, as it contends with a worsening hunger crisis driven by mass deportations of Afghans from neighbouring states, foreign aid cuts and economic crisis.

Malaysia to roll out QR code immigration system at major international airports from March 1

Under the new arrangement, passengers must scan a MyNIISe QR code before passing through immigration e-gates.

Explainer-Five reasons why Japan's election is the most unpredictable in years

TOKYO, Jan 30 - Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has called a snap lower house election on February 8, which analysts say is shaping as one of the most unpredictable contests in years.

UK and 23 other OSCE members launch probe into Georgia rights concerns

LONDON, Jan 29 - Britain, Canada, Germany and 21 other OSCE members on Thursday said they would launch an expert mission to examine the deteriorating human rights situation in Georgia.

Vietnam to sell tycoon’s yacht and Hermes bags to pay for fraud

Lan told judges that the purses were personal but the court ruled the handbags were the result of illicit gains.

Chongqing’s economic plans signal continuity even as city tries to tap trends

The Chinese city's move to grow its “emotional economy” comes as the booming consumption trend takes hold worldwide.

Bodies pulled from sea as Philippine ferry toll rises to 29

ASEAN must remain united to preserve regional peace: Vivian Balakrishnan

He met his counterparts from Indonesia and Cambodia on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat in Cebu.

Southeast Asian bloc faces challenges from Myanmar to South China Sea

MANILA, Jan 29 - The 11-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, whose foreign ministers met in the Philippines this week, faces a complex regional agenda, including:

‘No consensus for now’ within ASEAN to recognise Myanmar election, says grouping’s chair

The election, which concluded on Jan 25, has been criticised by watchdog groups as an exercise to rebrand army rule.

Russia's Putin tells UAE leader he wants to discuss Iran tensions with him

MOSCOW, Jan 29 - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday told his UAE counterpart Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan that Russia was closely monitoring the situation in Iran and wanted to discuss it with him in Kremlin talks.

Chechen leader Kadyrov says Russia should fight war in Ukraine to the end

MOSCOW, Jan 29 - The leader of Russia's Chechnya region, Ramzan Kadyrov, said on Thursday that he was opposed to talks on ending the war in Ukraine and that Moscow should fight on.

China relaxes visa rules for UK citizens on PM Starmer’s trip to Beijing

The move is part of a partnership deal which London hopes will help expand its service sector.

China relaxes visa rules for UK citizens on PM's trip to Beijing

BEIJING, Jan 29 - China agreed to relax rules to allow some visa-free travel for British citizens on Thursday during a visit by Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Beijing, as part of a partnership deal which London hopes will help expand its service sector.

Hong Kong raids offices in bid-rigging probe after deadly Wang Fuk fire

The search included the residences of people suspected of rigging the tendering for housing projects.

BRICS laying first tracks for new global payment system

As India prepares to host the BRICS summit later this year, the focus will be on a payment system linking national digital currencies. By prioritizing this infrastructure over launching a new currency, the bloc makes a pragmatic bet that practical systems will reshape global

Driver accuses 3 Filipino actresses of beating him up over ‘sensitive photos’

The actresses’ lawyer said his story “is not only physically impossible, but also incredible”.

Thai foreign minister hopes Myanmar polls 'start of transition' to peace

Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said Thailand had proposed what it termed "calibrated engagement", saying the country needed to be proactive given its status as Myanmar's next-door neighbour.

Watch: CCTV captures moment mayor hit in rocket launcher attack in the Philippines

A mayor in the Philippines has survived a rocket launcher attack on his vehicle in broad daylight.

Tokyo issues new influenza advisory after over 6,000 cases reported at schools, facilities

The metropolitan government is urging frequent handwashing, disinfection and mask-wearing.

Norway orders $2 billion artillery system from South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace

OSLO, Jan 29 - Norway has agreed to buy long-range artillery systems and rockets from South Korean defence group Hanwha Aerospace for $2 billion, it said on Thursday, as the NATO country seeks to boost its deterrence against Russia.

Flood losses set to soar tenfold in South-east Asia: Study

Early indications suggest that major regional flooding could cause economic losses in excess of $12.6 billion.

Coupang announces 9-cent sanitary pads after S. Korea’s Lee calls out high prices in market

Other manufacturers have also moved to expand lower-priced offerings.

Motorcyclist injured by burger stall falling from moving lorry in Malaysia

As the lorry driver made a turn, the burger stall on the back toppled onto a motorcyclist as he was waiting at a junction.

Indonesia’s Batang Toru crackdown puts China on green notice

The revocation of permits for dozens of companies operating in Indonesia’s fragile forests—most notably the China-backed Batang Toru hydropower project—has been hailed as a bold environmental stand by President Prabowo Subianto. After years of ecological controversy surrounding

Germany's Merz says rules-based world not dead despite 'rough winds'

BERLIN, Jan 29 - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday said the goal of a rules-based global order was not dead, calling for a stronger NATO within Europe while still extending the hand of cooperation to the United States.

‘Game Of Thrones’ in Indonesia as Solo’s princes clash over the crown

After Pakubuwono XIII's death, his two sons from different wives have claimed to be the rightful heir.

Indonesia couple caned 140 times for sex outside marriage, drinking alcohol

It is thought to be one of the highest numbers of cane lashes imposed since Aceh implemented syariah.

Myanmar revolution must outthink, not just outfight, the generals

Myanmar’s Spring Revolution is entering its fifth year, making it the most sustained and geographically widespread popular uprising in the country’s modern history. The junta is battered, controlling only a fraction of the nation’s territory while ruling the rest through air

Nvidia's CEO says China is still finalising licence for H200

Despite strong demand from Chinese firms and US approval for exports, Beijing's hesitation to allow imports has been the main barrier to shipments.