Asia

Work

UAE becomes first Gulf state to introduce 4.5 day working week

The government said it would “boost productivity and improve work-life balance” as the country aims to improve its competitiveness.

07/12/2021

Afghanistan

Mobile libraries restart for the first time since Taliban takeover

Many schools in Afghanistan lack their own library, but after a three-month break, the Taliban's education ministry granted permission for the mobile libraries to restart.

07/12/2021

Nature

Which country is struggling to contain a toad invasion?

These large and highly toxic amphibians have taken over the town of Chaotun.

06/12/2021

No Comment

Taiwan rushes to contain sudden cane toad invasion

Toads are a symbol of prosperity and good fortune in Taiwan, but the unexpected discovery of an invasive species has officials and environmentalists scrambling to contain their spread.

06/12/2021

Myanmar

Myanmar: Aung San Suu Kyi jail sentence reduced to two years

Myanmar's military seized power on February 1, arresting Suu Kyi and scores of others, and plunging Myanmar into turmoil.

06/12/2021

Indonesia

At least 34 dead and scores injured in Indonesia volcanic eruption

The sudden eruption of Mount Semeru on Indonesia’s most densely populated island of Java killed at least 34 people and injured dozens.

05/12/2021

Experiences

This unique cultural festival is lighting up the streets of Seoul

Photos from the 13th annual lantern festival bringing light and colour to the Korean capital.

05/12/2021

No Comment

Crowds enjoy Taiwan's 'Christmasland' as the island keeps Covid under control

Crowds of people wearing facial masks packed New Taipei City Hall Square to watch the opening of "Christmasland", Taiwan's largest outdoor festive decoration.

04/12/2021

Tech News

School kids in Gaza City are getting lessons from a robot teacher

The bot assistant is the “first of its kind” in the Palestinian enclave which has been under blockade since 2007.

03/12/2021

No Comment

Underwater Santa puts on a show at Seoul aquarium

An acquatic Santa swims with the fish at an aquarium in South Korean capital Seoul. Visitors can watch the festive diver feed fish and perform bubble tricks with air.

03/12/2021

Syria

Turkish lira's decline has impact over the border in Syria

The Turkish currency has in turn lost 40% of its value since the start of the year. More than 20% was lost during the last month alone.

03/12/2021

China

Olympics committee says it has spoken to Peng Shuai in China

The IOC said it held a second video call with the tennis star but did not release any video or transcript.

03/12/2021

Food and Drink

Spicy delights shared at South Korea's annual kimchi making festival

More than 150 people joined Buddhist monks to prepare the traditional dish to give to South Korean families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

02/12/2021

Partner content

Dubai celebrates the UAE’s Golden Jubilee anniversary

Partner content presented by Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing Dubai

The UAE’s National Day celebrations this year are particularly significant as they signal 50 years since the Emirates were founded.

02/12/2021

Mobility

Can a smart ramp solve transport's accessibility problem?

A Japanese rail company is trialling an automatic ramp that helps wheelchair users get on trains independently. But is it a long-term solution to a major problem?

02/12/2021

No Comment

South Koreans pitch in to make fiery kimchi food dish at mass event

In Seoul, Buddhist monks joined about 150 others to prepare kimchi, a hot national dish made with chili and salted cabbage.

02/12/2021

No Comment

Japanese coast guard rescues man after boat capsizes

A 69-year-old man drifted in rough waters off Japan for nearly a day clinging to the bottom of his capsized boat until he was rescued by the coast guard.

02/12/2021

China

WTA suspends all China tennis tournaments over Peng Shuai censorship

The CEO of the Women's Tennis Association said they would suspend all China tournaments because Peng Shuai has "seemingly been pressured to contradict her allegation of sexual assault."

02/12/2021

Culture news

Iranian museum showcases vintage cars once owned by royal family

Luxurious vintage cars once belonging to the last Shah of the Pahlavi Dynasty, Mohammad Reza Shah, have gone on display at the Iran Historical Car Museum.

01/12/2021

No Comment

Protests continue demanding foreign treatment for ailing ex-PM in Bangladesh

Thousands of opposition protesters continue to stage demonstrations across Bangladesh, demanding that the government allows ailing former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia to fly abroad for medical treatment.

01/12/2021

Climate

The Western Ghats' amazing biodiversity is being brought back to life

This plant sanctuary is India’s best hope against devastating flora and fauna loss

30/11/2021

No Comment

Purity or power: India's coal quandary

Thick grey dust hangs in the air and vast chasms are gouged into the land in the Indian coal hub of Singrauli, where giant machines scoop up dirty fuel to power the country's growth while worsening its pollution blight

30/11/2021

Mobility

Driverless 'robotaxis' begin taking fares on the streets of Beijing

For now, a taxi firm employee will supervise the trips but the project's backers are hopeful the fleet will be fully autonomous in the coming years.

30/11/2021

Myanmar

Myanmar court postpones verdict for ousted leader Suu Kyi

A court in Myanmar postponed its verdict in the trial of ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

30/11/2021

No Comment

Horseback archery: Malaysians take a shot at ancient pastime

Horseback archery was common for thousands of years in hunting and warfare but declined with the introduction of firearms and other modern combat gear.

29/11/2021

Partner content

Oxtail Fried Rice: A taste of chef Alexander Smalls’ African heritage

Partner content presented by Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing Dubai

Oxtail fried rice is one of Smalls’ favourite dishes. He doesn’t follow a rigid recipe, but rather creates a slightly different version each time he makes it – often with leftovers.

29/11/2021