Thailand to scrap $38.3 billion land bridge project after study

The pitch for the land bridge project replaced a decades-old Thai proposal to dredge a canal through the Kra Isthmus.

Iran-Iraq-Pakistan ‘axis of sympathy’ signals a reshaping Southwest Asia

Earlier this month, the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was buried in his hometown of Mashhad after a four-day ceremony. Many international delegations were present, but each country will have chosen their representatives with the utmost care. Sending

Bangladesh president resigns citing ill health

"Due to worsening physical and mental incapacity ... it is no longer possible for me to properly discharge the responsibilities of an important constitutional office such as the presidency," President Mohammed Shahabuddin said in a resignation letter.

Thailand scales back US$30 billion 'land bridge' on commercial viability concerns

Thailand will instead pursue the expansion of a port in southern Ranong province and related rail links.

Bangladesh President Shahabuddin, 76, resigns citing health concerns

He has held the largely ceremonial post of president since April 2023.

ASEAN sees progress on South China Sea code, targets year-end conclusion

Maritime security concerns – from the Strait of Hormuz to the South China Sea – emerged as dominant issues at this week's ASEAN meetings in the Philippines, alongside discussions on energy security and Myanmar.

What one county’s fake rice figures reveal about China’s food security push

Food security, long a top strategic priority for China, has recently taken on greater importance.

Preparing for disruption: Offline messaging apps join India’s protest toolkit

As concerns over connectivity disruptions grow, protesters in India are turning to offline messaging apps as part of an emergency toolkit. How do they work, and what are their limitations?

India's pharma sector braces for impact of proposed Trump tariffs on generic drugs

Analysts warn the levies could disrupt global drug supply chains, push up medicine prices for Americans and force Indian drugmakers to rethink their manufacturing strategies.

Japan zoo gets thousands of birthday cards for Punch the monkey as he turns one on July 26

The young macaque shot to stardom after he was seen clinging to a plush orangutan toy for comfort.

In China, AI is ‘everything, everywhere’. Is there a dark side?

From running marathons to being personalised chefs, robots are redefining life in the future.

Philippines accuses China of using water cannon on its vessels for a second day

China's Coast Guard says it imposed "control measures" on several Philippine vessels operating illegally around the Scarborough Shoal.

'Lapdog media': Indian reporters caught in youth protest anger

NEW DELHI, July 24 - When Indian television reporter Dev Kotak went to cover a massive youth protest against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government this week, he planned to deliver a live broadcast, mill around and leave.

New surveillance commons means the end of military concealment

On February 26, 2026 – 48 hours before the United States and Israel launched Operation Epic Fury – Hangzhou-based MizarVision posted AI-annotated satellite imagery of F-22 Raptors at Ovda Air Base in Israel, carrier strike group positions in the Arabian Sea and AWACS aircraft

South Korea welcomes 10 million visitors in first half of 2026, surpassing pre-pandemic levels

The tourism boom is also reshaping where visitors are going.

Top German court says Afghan resettlement pledges cannot be revoked en masse

BERLIN, July 24 - Germany's top court ruled on Friday that the government could not simply cancel an entire swathe of resettlement places promised to Afghans, and that each case must be considered individually.

ASEAN reclaims its centrality as newer blocs wobble and wane

With the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) losing much of its diplomatic momentum, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been gradually reclaiming its centrality in the Indo-Pacific. The clearest evidence emerged this week as Manila hosted the ASEAN

Tech titan ordered to pay ex-wife $644m in divorce settlement

The divorce, involving the chairman of one of South Korea's biggest companies, has gripped the nation.

Why have thousands taken to the streets? India's 'cockroach' protest explained

India is seeing one of its biggest protests in recent years. But why did it start? And why is the mascot a cockroach? Here's what you need to know.

In India, Iran war forces Diet Coke to roll out a bigger can, heftier price tag

The company has been forced to procure pricier, larger-sized cans from South-east Asia.

China says it opposes new US tariffs, warns against trade wars

The US levies range from 10 to 12.5 per cent, with China slapped with the highest rate.

South Korean tycoon ordered to pay $831m in divorce

The court ruled that his former wife is entitled to one-third of their marital assets.

South Korean tycoon ordered to pay $1.2b in divorce

The court ruled that his former wife is entitled to one-third of their marital assets.

Japan to test rare earth mining 6km underwater in February 2027

A mission had successfully recovered rare earth samples from 6km below the waves.

South Korean court orders SK chairman Chey to pay US$644 million to ex-wife in divorce ruling

Japan’s fake fury over its free-falling yen

TOKYO — Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s political fortunes are falling almost as fast as the yen these days — and the two are closely linked. The yen has slid toward 164 against the dollar, its weakest level since 1986, driven partly by the same economic strains

Malaysia foreign minister says envoy summoned by US over Israel policy amid Network School saga

Network School, the "digital nomad" community founded in Malaysia by US investor Balaji Srinivasan, came under scrutiny after social media users alleged that it included participants from Israel.

Two Chinese win world's top Maths prize for solving century-old problems

This is the first time Chinese nationals have won the prestigious Fields Medal.

Indonesia doesn’t need China to keep its nickel industry afloat

This is the first of a multi-part series on Indonesia’s nickel industry. China’s nickel investors in Indonesia are sending a familiar warning: reverse regulatory uncertainty, or they’ll potentially walk. However, that tacit warning rests on an assumption — that Jakarta has no

Jana Nayagan, Indian politician-actor Vijay’s final film, draws huge crowds and delivers strong box office

Jana Nayagan is the final film for acclaimed actor-politician Vijay, who now serves as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

Trump under pressure from all sides over Chinese AI surge

Cathay Pacific raises fuel surcharges from Aug 1 as jet fuel prices surge

India youth protest leaders to hold talks with government but protests will continue

The decision was announced hours after activist Sonam Wangchuk ended a 26-day hunger strike overnight, raising hopes that the two sides could be moving toward a breakthrough in the crisis.

3 arrested in Johor for stealing electricity to mine cryptocurrency

The suspects reportedly mined cryptocurrency worth between $25,200 and $31,500 during the month-long operations.

South Korea to install hidden camera detectors in public restrooms

The measure comes as covert filming continues to be reported in public restrooms.

Vietnam proposes banning under-16s from posting on social media

The draft decree also requires platforms to proactively block access to harmful material.

Patient death in China gene-editing trial draws fire: Journal

The procedure uses a technology known as base editing to precisely alter a single DNA letter.

South Korea to change e-mail addresses of diplomats after cyberattack

The cyberattack leaked personal data of up to 10,000 Korea National Diplomatic Academy users.

Bangkok bus stranded across railway tracks after sudden traffic stop, driver disciplined

All drivers are required to assess traffic conditions carefully before entering railway crossings.

Trump vows to punish Iran and Houthis for attacks in Red Sea

DUBAI, July 24 - U.S. President Donald Trump promised \"major military punishment\" for Iran and its Houthi allies after the Yemeni fighters struck two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, extending the Middle East war to a second major shipping chokepoint.

China braces itself for heavy rain as tropical storm Noul edges closer

The weather authorities expect the storm to make landfall overnight between July 25 and July 26.

China braces for heavy rain as tropical storm Noul edges closer

HONG KONG, July 24 - China on Friday warned of heavy rain and severe flood risks as the third tropical cyclone this month tracked closer to the country's southern coast, where it is expected to intensify over the weekend.

Stocks suffer fresh blow as markets hit by perfect storm

Markets now face the resurgent Middle East war, a spike in oil prices back past US$100 and worries about the artificial intelligence investment boom.

CNA Explains: With the Houthis' Red Sea threat, is the world running out of detours?

Analysts warn that a simultaneous disruption of two key waterways - the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Strait of Hormuz - would put global supply chains under strain.

Malaysian actress Lydia Ibtisam dies at 45, following complications from autoimmune disease

Lydia Ibtisam, famous for her starring role in the interactive drama series Impian Illyana, died on Thursday (Jul 23).

Malaysia back in the F1 frame as Bahrain hopes recede

A likely race slot would be between Baku on Sep 26 and Singapore on Oct 11, sources say.

Indian govt seeks time to respond to calls for minister to quit, say ‘cockroach’ movement protesters

Talks held were the first substantive meeting between the two sides after an initial one on July 20.

Indian government seeks time on minister resignation demand

NEW DELHI, July 24 - Leaders of India's youth-led \"cockroach\" movement said on Friday that the government has asked for time until Saturday afternoon to respond on their demand for the education minister's resignation, following talks between the two sides.

China Coast Guard reports third clash with Philippines this week

On July 23, Manila said a China Coast Guard vessel fired a water cannon at a Filipino vessel.