Asia

World

Afghanistan's brutal year: the return of the Taliban

It was a year of turmoil for Afghanistan and its people. From the Western withdrawal and evacuation to the Taliban's seizure of power - a look back at the tumultuous events of 2021.

20/12/2021

China

Voter turnout plunges in Hong Kong under new election laws

Turnout was just over 30%. It was over 50% in 2012 and 2016.

20/12/2021

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Malaysian urban areas submerged under water after major flooding

Kuala Lumpur and Balakong residents try to save items from the muddied waters outside their property, homes and cars lie submerged under flood waters and workers clear out damaged goods from a building.

19/12/2021

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Karachi Christians hold pre-Christmas procession

Hundreds of members of Karachi's Christian community took part in a pre-Christmas peace procession on Saturday.

18/12/2021

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Sea of Japan coast receives heavy snow leading to disruption

Japanese weather officials are warning of possible traffic disruptions and power outages as heavy snow continues falling mainly along the Sea of Japan coast.

18/12/2021

Philippines

'Super typhoon' Rai claims at least 208 lives in Philippines

The disaster-prone country was struck by the strongest storm of the year on Friday night.

18/12/2021

Focus

Kazakhstan celebrates 30 years of independence

In partnership with Government of Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is marking 30 years of independence. In celebration, politicians and international experts gathered in the capital Nursultan for the "Leadership. Stability. Progress" conference - which focused on the experience of state building in independent Kazakhstan.

17/12/2021

Partner content

Kazakhstan builds on recent success to attract further foreign investment

Partner content presented by Kazakh Invest

This year, Kazakhstan is marking the 30th anniversary of its independence. Since 1991, the country has risen from relative obscurity and placed itself firmly on the world stage, with a steady economy and – according to the IMF – GDP predicted to climb further over the next few years.

17/12/2021

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Dead, injured amid severe floods in northern Iraq

Dead, injured amid severe floods in northern Iraq

17/12/2021

Partner content

BEYOND TOKYO 2020: personal takeaways from covering the Games

Partner content presented by Tokyo Metropolitan Government

When the Tokyo 2020 Olympics began in July 2021, I was among a limited number of foreign journalists in Japan that covered the Games.

17/12/2021

Sport

Divine Grace: Rhythmic gymnastics gets more spectacular contests under new tournament format

In partnership with Divine Grace

A new tournament is underway in Moscow that it’s hoped will promote a more spectacular style of rhythmic gymnastics. The experimental rhythmic gymnastics international tournament has been entitled “Divine Grace” and is the brainchild of Olympic champion Alina Kabaeva.

17/12/2021

North Korea

North Korea calls for unity on anniversary of Kim Jong Il's death

To mark the anniversary, citizens offered flowers and paid homage before giant bronze statues of Kim Jong Il and Kim Il Sung at Pyongyang’s Mansu Hill.

17/12/2021

Japan

At least 24 people dead after building fire in Osaka

Japanese police said they were investigating whether the blaze was caused by arson or an accident.

17/12/2021

Partner content

Alicia Keys says new album is a ‘homecoming’

Partner content presented by Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing Dubai

The 15 time Grammy award winning artist is launching her new album Keys at an immersive concert in Dubai

16/12/2021

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Afghan women call for rights and aid in Taliban-approved march

Afghan women call for rights and aid in Taliban-approved march

16/12/2021

Mobility

People with disabilities can drive this car using just their hands

Mazda is releasing a new driving system in one of their latest SUVs that will allow people with lower-body disabilities to drive solely with their hands.

16/12/2021

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Typhoon threatens Philippines, thousands evacuated

Typhoon threatens Philippines, thousands evacuated

16/12/2021

Japan

"Maybe other countries wouldn’t have done it, but Tokyo did it.”

In partnership with Tokyo Metropolitan Government

In My Tokyo we hear from a US-based photographer and a French radio reporter about their experiences and memories of covering the Summer Olympic Games and exploring the city itself.

15/12/2021

Qatar 365

Qatar Hosts Formula 1: Harnessing the Power of Cars

In partnership with Qatar Foundation

Qatar 365 gets fast and furious, exploring how the motor vehicle, supercars and motorsport have shaped the culture of Qatar.

15/12/2021

Partner content

How can therapy involving horses help people with disabilities?

Partner content presented by Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing Dubai

Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, the largest unfenced nature reserve in the UAE, is offering those with disabilities free equestrian therapy sessions. Improved posture isn’t the only benefit disabled riders experience – there are mental benefits too.

15/12/2021

China

Hong Kong: Several injured as major fire traps dozens in skyscraper

Dozens of people were evacuated and at least 12 were taken to hospital after fire took hold of the World Trade Centre, before it was later brought under control.

15/12/2021

Health news

Omicron resistant to two major vaccines, new study says

Two doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech and Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines may not be sufficient protection against the new variant, Hong Kong researchers said, calling on individuals to seek a third booster jab.

15/12/2021

Food and Drink

Why are eels so expensive and what is the future of the Japanese dish?

Eels are a much-loved delicacy in Japan - but the animals are now so endangered that they command eyewatering prices.

14/12/2021

Health news

Japanese researchers create a 'vaccine' against getting old

Researchers at a Tokyo university say their vaccine slowed the ageing process in mice, and could even aid the treatment of ageing-related diseases.

14/12/2021

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Pilgrims get a lift with robotic suit in development by Japanese university and airline

A Japanese university and airline company have held a feasibility study of a robotic suit designed to assist with walking. It was conducted in Shikoku, southwestern Japan, which is home to a famous traditional Buddhist pilgrimage.

14/12/2021

Scenes

Meet the men sparking the beatboxing revolution in Kashmir

In partnership with Media City

“I look at beatboxing as an empty canvas on which you can portray your creativity, your skills."

13/12/2021