Asia

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Indonesia Sinabung volcano spews new burst of hot ash

The volcano in North Sumatra province was shooting smoke and ash more than 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) into the air and hot ash clouds travelled one kilometre (0.6 mile) south east, Indonesia’s Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Centre said.

23/08/2020

India

Coronavirus: India’s caseload tops 3 million

Cases have levelled off in India's two largest cities, New Delhi and Mumbai, but new hotspots continue to spring up in rural areas.

23/08/2020

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Shia pilgrims gather in Iraq's Karbala amid COVID-19 restrictions

Visitors and locals started the mourn ceremony for Imam Hussein on Friday by beating themselves with chains, walking towards his shine in the city and holding funeral sessions in the mosques.

22/08/2020

Iran

UN atomic watchdog chief to head to Iran as global tensions simmer

International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi's visit to Iran comes as tensions mount between the United States and Europe over nuclear-related economic sanctions.

22/08/2020

South Korea

Coronavirus: South Korea shuts churches, nightclubs and karaoke bars

“We are now in a very dangerous situation that could trigger a massive nationwide spread of COVID-19,” Health Minister Park Neung-hoo said.

22/08/2020

China

Hong Kong slams US decision to suspend extradition and tax treaties

Hong Kong has faced mounting international pressure following Beijing's implementation of a national security law which has been viewed as an attack on the “one country, two systems” framework under which the city has been governed since its return to China in 1997.

20/08/2020

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Celebrations for the traditional Shoton Festival begin in Lhasa

A traditional "sunning of the Buddha" ceremony marked the start of the festival Wednesday in the capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, with a huge Thangka painting bearing the image of the Buddha being displayed on hillsides near the Drepung Monastery.

20/08/2020

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Small wonders: Meet the artist making a meal of Vietnamese dishes

Comprised of 90 per cent clay and 10 per cent liquid plastic, the models can take up to five days each to make.

19/08/2020

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Drone footage shows devastation wrought by Beirut blast

The August 4 explosion hit Beirut port and destroyed thousands of buildings.

18/08/2020

China

Thousands attend pool party in Wuhan, former COVID-19 epicentre

Attendance was capped at 50% of normal capacity - but women got in half price.

18/08/2020

Lebanon

Hariri verdict: One guilty, three acquitted of murder of former PM

Former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in Beirut was killed in a car bomb in Beirut more than 15 years ago.

18/08/2020

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Funeral held for Lebanese firefighters killed in Beirut explosion

The three men died while trying to put out a fire that broke out before the port exploded.

17/08/2020

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Watch: In Japan, ancestors are given a send-off by boat

The ceremony is held on the last day of the Bon Buddhist festival.

17/08/2020

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Thousands gather for pro-democracy protest in Thailand

Anti-government protesters gathered in Thailand's capital on August 16 for a rally that may test whether their movement has any strength beyond the college campuses where it has blossomed.

16/08/2020

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Creativity from adversity: Arty face masks inspired by coronaviru

Costume designer and actor Edmond Kok has created more than 170 experimental face masks, inspired both by the pandemic and Hong Kong's own political problems.

16/08/2020

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Thousands commemorate firefighter killed in Beirut blast

Friends and family buried Ralph Malahi, a 23-year-old firefighter who was among 10 firefighters killed in Beirut's massive explosion. Malahi was given a hero's funeral, starting from the firefighters' base.

15/08/2020

Lebanon

French police arrive in Lebanon to investigate Beirut port explosion

Both Lebanese protesters and members of the international community have called for an impartial investigation into the incident that killed more than 170 people and injured thousands.

15/08/2020

Japan

‘Deep remorse’: Japan marks 75th anniversary of WWII surrender

Japan's Emperor Naruhito expressed “deep remorse” over his country’s wartime actions, pledging to reflect on the war's events and expressing hope that the tragedy would never be repeated.

15/08/2020

World

Beirut Blast: The angry young voices of Lebanon | Culture Clash

The Beirut explosion is the latest disaster to strike the country. Young people are outraged and fighting for a new future. This is their story.

14/08/2020

Thailand

Are bats to blame for COVID-19? Researchers are trying to find out

The origins of the virus that killed almost 750,000 people worldwide are still mostly unknown.

14/08/2020

Lebanon

Russell Crowe donates large sum to destroyed Beirut restaurant

The Hollywood actor said he made the donation on behalf of the late chef Anthony Bourdain, who had described the restaurant as a "legendary" spot.

14/08/2020

North Korea

North Korea lifts lockdown on major border city but rejects aid

North Korea is battling both the coronavirus pandemic and damages from recent flooding.

14/08/2020

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Watch: South Korea transforms closed mountain highway into luge track

The sledges can travel at speeds of up to 60kmph - and with the wind behind them, even faster.

13/08/2020

United Arab Emirates

UAE agrees to normalise ties with Israel

UAE agrees to normalise ties with Israel in bid to halt West Bank annexation

13/08/2020

Syria

Islamic State making a resurgence in western Syria - top US commander

The Islamic State are showing signs of rebuilding in western Syria, the top US military commander has said.

13/08/2020

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Beirut blast survivor speaks of moment his life changed forever

Shady sustained major injuries and more than a week later, his face and forearms bear impressive scars. "God gave me another life, a second chance. I don’t want to live it here," he said.

12/08/2020