No Comment Kazakhstan National Day events held at Osaka Expo 2025 Kazakhstan marked its National Day at Expo 2025 in Osaka on 10 August with a programme of music, traditional dress, and cultural presentations. 15/08/2025
Economy Is China finally turning the corner on its economic slump? China's economy shows tentative signs of recovery, but a sluggish property market and geopolitical uncertainty cloud the outlook. Economists remain cautious, warning that while stabilisation is under way, a robust rebound remains elusive. 15/08/2025
Afghanistan Taliban deny using force to divert international aid in Afghanistan Aid agencies say more than half of Afghanistan’s population, roughly 23 million people, need humanitarian assistance. 14/08/2025
Scenes Watch: A Japanese entrepreneur recycles forgotten traditions into a trend In partnership with Media City Around 500 tonnes of barely used kimonos are discarded annually in Japan. 14/08/2025
Syria Turkey to provide weapons and support to Syria under new defence pact Syria's interim government has faced mounting challenges in restoring order after nearly 14 years of civil war following the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad by Islamist-led rebel forces in December. 14/08/2025
Business New energy vehicles made up almost half of car sales in China in July In the first seven months of 2025, total vehicle sales in China rose 12%, buoyed by strong growth in sales of new energy vehicles. 14/08/2025
No Comment Awa Odori festival continues with nightly so-odori performances Hundreds of dancers are filling the streets of Tokushima this week as the Awa Odori festival’s full-scale outdoor performances take place across multiple venues in western Japan. 14/08/2025
India Death toll in Kashmir flash floods rises to at least 32, officials say More than 100 people were brought to safety, while at least 50 others remain missing. 14/08/2025
Culture Series Meet the mastermind behind Azerbaijan’s pioneering Sea Breeze Resort In partnership with Azpromo Fuelled by his passion for music and business, Emin Agalarov is transforming Azerbaijan’s Caspian coast with Sea Breeze—a bold, multi-use development blending lifestyle, tourism, and culture. 14/08/2025
Culture news ‘Baby Shark’ song not plagiarised, South Korean top court rules The top court dismissed a copyright claimed filed by a US composer against South Korean company Pinkfong, ending a six-year legal battle. 14/08/2025
North Korea Kim Jong-un's sister mocks South Korean attempts to improve relations Kim Yo-jong said on Thursday that Seoul's attitude towards North Korea “remains unchanged and can never change”. 14/08/2025
Destinations How to combine your holiday destinations for a greener vacation Tripchaining can help travellers save money and time, while spending more time in destinations for a more authentic and memorable holiday. 14/08/2025
Japan Kazakhstan marks National Day at World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan Kazakhstan’s National Day at World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan featured music, cultural performances and innovation, drawing thousands of visitors. 14/08/2025
Iran Iran’s president criticises Netanyahu's pledge to help in water crisis Pezeshkian's response came as Netanyahu addressed Iranians in a video message on Tuesday, pledging that Israel would help solve the country’s severe water shortages once Iran is “free” from the current government. 14/08/2025
Afghanistan Taliban registers 1,800 unemployed Afghan refugees for jobs in Qatar Rights groups and the UN have repeatedly warned that some Afghans returning are at risk of persecution because of their gender, profession or links to the former Western-backed administration. 13/08/2025
Gaza IDF approves plan for expanded offensive in Gaza, spokesperson says No further details about the plan that has been agreed to or a timeline have been released but the announcement comes days after Israel’s security cabinet approved plans for the take over of Gaza City following an all-night session. 13/08/2025
No Comment Typhoon Podul brings heavy rain and damage to southern Taiwan Typhoon Podul made landfall in Taiwan’s southeast on Wednesday, forcing school and office closures as authorities warned of heavy rain and damaging winds across agricultural regions. 13/08/2025
Syria Turkey says Israel and Kurdish fighters shouldn't destabilise Syria Since Islamist-led insurgents ousted former President Bashar al-Assad in a rebel offensive in December, the interim government in Damascus has struggled to maintain stability and heal the wounds of the nearly 14-year civil war. 13/08/2025
Taiwan Thousands evacuated in Taiwan as Typhoon Podul makes landfall More than 5,500 people had been evacuated in advance of the typhoon’s arrival on Wednesday, according to authorities. 13/08/2025
Economy The new 'Tiger economy': Vietnam's 2045 get rich quick plan Vietnam wants to follow in the footsteps of Taiwan and South Korea, but focusing on one single industry is no longer viable to build a strong and resilient economy. 13/08/2025
South Korea South Korea's ex first lady arrested over corruption allegations Investigators are seeking to charge Kim over alleged crimes in one of three probes launched under Seoul’s new liberal government, targeting the presidency of Yoon, a conservative who was removed from office in April. 13/08/2025
Israel Netanyahu says Gaza ceasefire talks now focus on hostages The long-running indirect talks appeared to break down last month; however, a Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo for ceasefire talks on Tuesday, according to Egyptian state media. 13/08/2025
Philippines Philippines blames China for ships collision in South China Sea The confrontation near the Scarborough Shoal was the latest flare-up of the long-simmering territorial standoff in the contested waters of the South China Sea. 12/08/2025
Markets World’s most indebted company, China Evergrande, delisted in Hong Kong The collapsed property giant central to China’s real estate crisis will be delisted in Hong Kong this month, highlighting the deepening turmoil in the debt-laden sector. 12/08/2025
Iran Iran says it detained 21,000 'suspects' during 12-day Israel conflict Iranian police say 261 suspects of espionage and 172 people accused of unauthorised filming were arrested in the security forces' crackdown. 12/08/2025
Gaza At least 100 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza The United Kingdom released a statement with 27 of its allies, many of them European, condemning the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and calling on Israel to take immediate steps to alleviate humanitarian suffering. 12/08/2025