El Nino’s wrath: Brace yourself for impact
South-east Asia is likely to face hot, dry weather and a high risk of haze- and heat-related illnesses.
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China mulls over bid to host 2028 UN climate talks, sources say
The 2028 COP33 summit falls to the Asia-Pacific regional bloc.
China launches biggest-ever auto recall campaign over door handle safety
China is set to ban concealed or “hidden” door handles from 2027.
China and Indonesia reaffirm economic commitment during Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s Jakarta visit
The countries also held a “2+2” security dialogue, a format Indonesia has held with only the US and Australia.
Japan protests Russian missile tests off disputed islands
Ties between Japan and Russia have worsened since the full-scale conflict in Ukraine began in 2022.
Indonesia prioritises Kalimantan region as wildfire hotspots rise
A total of 3,736 hotspots have been detected so far in August, compared with 758 in July.
From boxing to folding shirts: China’s humanoid robot boom faces real-world test
Currently, there remains a gap between impressive capability and commercial applications.
Bangladesh PM Rahman likely to visit India from August 23-25, Indian newspaper reports
NEW DELHI, Aug 21 - Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is likely to visit India from August 23 to 25, the Indian Express newspaper reported on Friday, his first trip to the country since taking office in February.
China denies US citizen held since June is wrongfully detained
Beijing said the American was suspected of violating Chinese law.
US-South Korea drills end early after Trump orders, Seoul says
The exercises were originally scheduled to last until Aug 27.
Top India court orders new steps to protect threatened elephants
The move was welcomed by wildlife campaigners.
How one TV interview left Malaysia PM Anwar walking a tightrope between Beijing and Taipei
He later stressed that Malaysia respected China’s position but favoured a peaceful resolution on Taiwan.
UN says two staff members detained in Afghanistan have been freed
Aug 20 - Two U.N. staff members detained by authorities in Afghanistan were released on Thursday in good health, U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told a press briefing.
India’s top court forms panel to probe allegations of violence during youth protests
The protests were triggered by the leak of question papers for a national medical college entrance exam.
Former PM Imran Khan would not confront Pakistan army chief if freed, close aide says
KARACHI, Aug 20 - Jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan would not confront the military or army chief Asim Munir if freed, one of his closest aides told Reuters, portraying Munir as able to extend a \"healing hand\" after a legal breakthrough this week.
North Korea raps South's 'double-dealing' remarks on US drills move
Aug 20 - North Korea's Kim Yo Jong, sister of leader Kim Jong Un, said on Thursday South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's reaction to a U.S. move to reduce joint drills with Seoul amounted to \"double-dealing remarks\" that revealed uneasiness and impatience, KCNA reported.
Bangladesh elects ruling party veteran Alamgir as president
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir had faced repeated arrests when Sheikh Hasina ruled as prime minister.
Malaysia PM Anwar orders probe into company linked to country’s sovereign wealth fund
He said the investigation was not to target anyone over past decisions.
‘It is tough’: Indonesia battles wildfires, bracing itself for worse to come
Indonesia's government says over 100,000 hectares burned in the first half of the year.
Sri Lankan government delivers water to nearly 72,000 people suffering drought
COLOMBO, Aug 20 - Sri Lanka's government has arranged for water to be delivered to nearly 72,000 people across seven districts as the country tackles a drought linked to this year's severe El Niño, a senior official said on Thursday.
Kazakhstan to hold snap election expected to tighten president's control
ALMATY, Aug 20 - Kazakhstan votes on Sunday in a snap parliamentary election expected to strengthen President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's hold over the country after constitutional changes allowed him to extend his seven years in power for another seven.
China urges South Korea not to take sides, blames US policy for Korea tensions
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged Seoul to adhere to a friendly policy towards China.