asiabulletin.com latest rss headlines Provides the latest rss feeds for asiabulletin.com. For more headlines on Breaking, National, Business, Finance, Sports and World News, visit our home page asiabulletin.com http://www.asiabulletin.com en-us Tue, 19 Mar 2024 11:56:01 +1100 Tue, 19 Mar 2024 11:56:01 +1100 3600 <![CDATA[Marcos tells Germany's Scholz ICC can't probe Philippines drug war]]> MANILA, The Philippines: This week, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told German Chancellor Olaf Scholz the International Criminal Court (ICC) has no authority to probe the bloody war against drugs conducted by his predecessor.

Marcos discussed the Hague-based ICC's probe during a bilateral meeting with Scholz while visiting Germany.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte officially withdrew from the i]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274179167/marcos-tells-germany-scholz-icc-cant-probe-philippines-drug-war 274179167 Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:16:03 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274179167/marcos-tells-germany-scholz-icc-cant-probe-philippines-drug-war <![CDATA[Boxing Federation of India accepts high-performance director Bernard Dunne's resignation]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274178687/boxing-federation-of-india-accepts-high-performance-director-bernard-dunne-resignation 274178687 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 18:55:53 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274178687/boxing-federation-of-india-accepts-high-performance-director-bernard-dunne-resignation <![CDATA[Diljit Dosanjh shares pictures with Ed Sheeran, calls him "beautiful soul"]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274178638/diljit-dosanjh-shares-pictures-with-ed-sheeran-calls-him-beautiful-soul 274178638 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 18:27:09 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274178638/diljit-dosanjh-shares-pictures-with-ed-sheeran-calls-him-beautiful-soul <![CDATA[Gambian Lawmakers to Vote on Bill to Repeal FGM Ban]]> A Monday vote could make Gambia the first country to repeal its ban on female genital cutting. Also referred to as female genital mutilation, or FGM, the procedure includes the partial or full removal of external genitalia. The practice has been on the rise worldwide in recent years despite moves to outlaw it.

According to a report from the United Nations Children's Fund, UNICEF, earlier this month, around 30 mil]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274178495/gambian-lawmakers-to-vote-on-bill-to-repeal-fgm-ban 274178495 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 18:05:22 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274178495/gambian-lawmakers-to-vote-on-bill-to-repeal-fgm-ban <![CDATA[Deepika Kumari tops India's selection trials for Archery World Cup and Paris 2024 Olympics]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274178477/deepika-kumari-tops-india-selection-trials-for-archery-world-cup-and-paris-2024-olympics 274178477 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 17:55:53 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274178477/deepika-kumari-tops-india-selection-trials-for-archery-world-cup-and-paris-2024-olympics <![CDATA[Highway hustle: Dhaka-Chittagong Highway scene raises safety concerns]]> DHAKA, Bangladesh - The police detained a youth for assisting passengers in crossing a road barrier in the center of the Dhaka-Chittagong highway with ladders on both sides for Tk5 ($0.0091).

On Sunday night, Kanchpur highway police arrested Md Rabiul, aged 26.

AKM Sharfuddin, Traffic Inspector, stated that charges will be filed against Rabiul.

A video showing Rabiul allowing individuals to cross th]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274178436/highway-hustle-dhaka-chittagong-highway-scene-raises-safety-concerns 274178436 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 17:13:59 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274178436/highway-hustle-dhaka-chittagong-highway-scene-raises-safety-concerns <![CDATA[Xinhua Asia-Pacific news summary at 1600 GMT, March 18]]> JAKARTA -- Thousands of people have fled their homes in the Indonesian province of Central Java as floods devastated the region over the weekend, the local disaster mitigation agency reported on Monday.

The worst affected area is Demak regency with more than 22,000 people reportedly taking temporary shelter due to the floodwater. (Indonesia-Flood)

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TOKYO -- Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kish]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274178331/xinhua-asia-pacific--summary-at-1600-gmt-march-18 274178331 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 16:18:04 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274178331/xinhua-asia-pacific--summary-at-1600-gmt-march-18 <![CDATA[Red Sea attacks halving Suez Canal trade]]> The trade volume was diverted from Suez to route around South African Cape of Good Hope, the International Monetary Fund reports

The Suez and Panama Canals have seen drops in trade of 50% and 32% respectively during January and February, compared with the same months in 2023, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is r]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274178261/red-sea-attacks-halving-suez-canal-trade 274178261 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 15:45:03 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274178261/red-sea-attacks-halving-suez-canal-trade <![CDATA[Trade access to overseas markets creates jobs]]> Minister of Agriculture and Trade, Todd McClay, says that today's opening of Riverland Foods manufacturing plant in Christchurch is a great example of how trade access to overseas markets creates jobs in New Zealand. 

Speaking at the official opening of this state-of-the-art pet food factory the Minister noted that exports are responsible for one-in-four jobs with rural New Zealand making ]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274178868/trade-access-to-overseas-markets-creates-jobs 274178868 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 15:11:16 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274178868/trade-access-to-overseas-markets-creates-jobs <![CDATA[Blinken Warns Democracy Summit of Dangers of Disinformation]]> U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says that in a year where more than half the world will be holding elections, new technologies including social media and artificial intelligence have made disinformation a greater threat than ever.

Speaking to the third Summit for Democracy in Seoul Monday, Blinken added that while those technologies have dramatically accelerated the already fast-changing information enviro]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274178080/blinken-warns-democracy-summit-of-dangers-of-disinformation 274178080 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 14:05:12 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274178080/blinken-warns-democracy-summit-of-dangers-of-disinformation <![CDATA[EU state praises India for freeing ship from Somali pirates]]> The South Asian country's navy has rescued a Bulgarian merchant vessel that was under the control of hijackers for three months

Bulgaria has thanked India for freeing a merchant vessel hijacked by Somali pirates in December amid ongoing turmoil in the Red Sea region. The ship, the MV Ruen, had seven Bulgarian national]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274177949/eu-state-praises-india-for-freeing-ship-from-somali-pirates 274177949 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 13:00:24 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274177949/eu-state-praises-india-for-freeing-ship-from-somali-pirates <![CDATA[IOA dissolves ad-hoc committee after "successful trial completion", lifting of ban on WFI by United World Wrestling]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274177740/ioa-dissolves-ad-hoc-committee-after-successful-trial-completion-lifting-of-ban-on-wfi-by-united-world-wrestling 274177740 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 12:37:26 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274177740/ioa-dissolves-ad-hoc-committee-after-successful-trial-completion-lifting-of-ban-on-wfi-by-united-world-wrestling <![CDATA[Demonstration zone in Hainan shows China's green practices]]> BOAO, Hainan, March 18 (Xinhua) -- A demonstration zone focusing on almost zero emissions began operations on Monday in Boao, south China's Hainan Province.

A launching ceremony was held in Boao's Dongyu Island for the "Boao Nearly Zero Carbon Demonstration Zone," a project jointly built by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development and the Hainan provincial government.

By incorporating emission ]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274177717/demonstration-zone-in-hainan-shows-china-green-practices 274177717 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 12:18:03 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274177717/demonstration-zone-in-hainan-shows-china-green-practices <![CDATA[Iran inks $13 billion worth of new oil deals]]> Contracts with domestic energy firms are aimed at boosting daily production in major fields of the sanctions-hit country

Iran's energy companies were granted their biggest contracts in the past decade on Sunday, as Tehran seeks to boost output at major oil fields, state media have reported.

Deals worth $13 billion, aimed at developing deposits and increasing production by as much as 350,000]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274177706/iran-inks-13-billion-worth-of-new-oil-deals 274177706 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 12:12:45 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274177706/iran-inks-13-billion-worth-of-new-oil-deals <![CDATA[Xinhua world economic news summary at 0900 GMT, March 18]]> BEIJING -- Global new energy passenger car sales are predicted to exceed 39 million units by 2030, said a report obtained during the China EV100 Forum 2024 concluded Sunday in Beijing.

That will mark a penetration rate of almost 50 percent, rising from the nearly 20 percent in 2023 with the sales of over 13 million units, according to the report issued by China EV100, a new energy vehicle (NEV) industry think ta]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274177230/xinhua-world-economic--summary-at-0900-gmt-march-18 274177230 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 09:18:01 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274177230/xinhua-world-economic--summary-at-0900-gmt-march-18 <![CDATA[AirAsia Cambodia to launch daily domestic services on May 2]]> PHNOM PENH, March 18 (Xinhua) -- AirAsia's Cambodian unit will launch daily domestic flight operations on May 2, as the low-cost airline aims to boost air travel in the Southeast Asian country, it said in a news release on Monday.

The airline will start with three domestic flight destinations: Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville, utilizing two A320 aircraft based at Phnom Penh International Airport, the new]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274176990/airasia-cambodia-to-launch-daily-domestic-services-on-may-2 274176990 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 07:49:01 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274176990/airasia-cambodia-to-launch-daily-domestic-services-on-may-2 <![CDATA[ADB approves 100 mln USD loan to support Sri Lankan SMEs]]> MANILA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Monday said it has approved a 100-million-U.S.-dollar loan for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sri Lanka to have more access to finance and build their resilience to external shocks, such as economic crisis and climate change.

According to the ADB, Sri Lanka's SMEs provide 45 percent of employment and contribute 52 percent to the gross]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274176985/adb-approves-100-mln-usd-loan-to-support-sri-lankan-smes 274176985 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 07:44:02 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274176985/adb-approves-100-mln-usd-loan-to-support-sri-lankan-smes <![CDATA[Saudi Arabia, Pakistan renew commitment to friendship cooperation]]> ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman (MBS) has reaffirmed his country's commitment and support to Pakistan.

In a congratulatory call with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, he stated that both countries had close brotherly connections.

The Crown Prince congratulated the prime minister on his reelection.

The Prime Minister thanked the Saudi Crown Prince for the phone contact a]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274175243/saudi-arabia-pakistan-renew-commitment-to-friendship-cooperation 274175243 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 05:47:26 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274175243/saudi-arabia-pakistan-renew-commitment-to-friendship-cooperation <![CDATA[Asia Album: Ramadan life in Afghanistan]]>

© Provided by Xinhua

KABUL, March 18 (Xinhua) -- During the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, Afghans devoutly attend mosques, dedicating several hours to prayer and reflection. Following the breaking of the fast, rich people provide food for those less fortuna]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274175105/asia-album-ramadan-life-in-afghanistan 274175105 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 02:18:14 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274175105/asia-album-ramadan-life-in-afghanistan <![CDATA[Indian diaspora in Malaysia hails PM Modi's leadership for India's 'rapid transformation']]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274175027/indian-diaspora-in-malaysia-hails-pm-modi-leadership-for-india-rapid-transformation 274175027 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 00:18:09 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274175027/indian-diaspora-in-malaysia-hails-pm-modi-leadership-for-india-rapid-transformation <![CDATA[Tutoring the Elderly Is Growing Fast in China]]> Hong Kong/Beijing - China's rapidly aging population is fueling a promising and fast-growing market for companies providing recreational classes and activities for the elderly middle class, from yoga to African drumming and smartphone photography.

The growth potential of the industry contrasts sharply with the decline of the after-school private tutoring sector following a government crackdown in 2021 aimed at bo]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274175023/tutoring-the-elderly-is-growing-fast-in-china 274175023 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 00:05:28 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274175023/tutoring-the-elderly-is-growing-fast-in-china <![CDATA[UN's urgent call to action: Rohingya refugees await global generosity]]> DHAKA, Bangladesh - The United Nations is requesting additional donations for Rohingya refugees residing in camps in Bangladesh.

In its annual crisis response plan, the UN requested $852.4 million to provide food and other help to Rohingya refugees and host communities, the majority of whom are Muslim.

Bangladesh has taken in over a million Rohingya, many of whom left Myanmar following a deadly 2017 milit]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274174920/un-urgent-call-to-action-rohingya-refugees-await-global-generosity 274174920 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 21:46:47 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274174920/un-urgent-call-to-action-rohingya-refugees-await-global-generosity <![CDATA[Blinken Arrives in South Korea to Attend Democracy Summit]]> Seoul, South Korea - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived Sunday in South Korea on the first stop of a brief Asia tour also including the Philippines, as Washington moves to reinforce ties with two key regional allies.

Blinken landed Sunday afternoon ahead of the third Summit for Democracy on Monday, an initiative of U.S. President Joe Biden, which Seoul is hosting this week.

Before arriving in Se]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274174858/blinken-arrives-in-south-korea-to-attend-democracy-summit 274174858 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 21:05:15 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274174858/blinken-arrives-in-south-korea-to-attend-democracy-summit <![CDATA[India: Authorities Revoke Visa Privileges of Diaspora Critics]]> (New York) - Indian authorities are revoking visa privileges to overseas critics of Indian origin who have spoken out against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government's policies, Human Rights Watch said today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi often attends mass g]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274175170/india-authorities-revoke-visa-privileges-of-diaspora-critics 274175170 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 21:00:00 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274175170/india-authorities-revoke-visa-privileges-of-diaspora-critics <![CDATA[Central Asian states giving early thumbs-up to US-facilitated integration plan]]> A US-led effort to help Central Asian states reshape the region's business landscape is achieving some of its initial objectives, putting the initiative on a more solid foundation for potential success. Key Central Asian governments are reacting favorably to the plan.

Heading into the inaugural meeting of what is called the B5+1 process, a primary aim was to institutionalize an annual gathering]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274178081/central-asian-states-giving-early-thumbs-up-to-us-facilitated-integration-plan 274178081 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 18:30:00 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274178081/central-asian-states-giving-early-thumbs-up-to-us-facilitated-integration-plan <![CDATA[Xinhua Asia-Pacific news summary at 1615 GMT, March 17]]> NEW DELHI -- The Indian navy seized a cargo vessel hijacked by Somali pirates and rescued 17 crew members after forcing 35 pirates to surrender, the navy said Sunday.

Using coordinated tactical maneuvers and aerial support from HALE RPA, P8I, and MARCOS PRAHARs, the Indian navy forced the 35 pirates to surrender without resistance on Friday, a navy spokesman said, adding that the vessel was subsequently sanitize]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274174487/xinhua-asia-pacific--summary-at-1615-gmt-march-17 274174487 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 16:30:01 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274174487/xinhua-asia-pacific--summary-at-1615-gmt-march-17 <![CDATA[Han Xu dunks, South beats North in WCBA All-Star Game]]> HANGZHOU, March 17 (Xinhua) -- South defeated North 119-105 in the peak showdown of the 2023-24 season WCBA All-Star Weekend at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium on Sunday, with center Han Xu elected as the event's Most Valuable Player (MVP).

Returning to the venue of the Asian Games, players from north and south China continued the tradition of the WCBA All-Star opening ceremony with a vibrant group ]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274174461/han-xu-dunks-south-beats-north-in-wcba-all-star-game 274174461 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 16:18:06 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274174461/han-xu-dunks-south-beats-north-in-wcba-all-star-game <![CDATA[Landmine explosion kills 1 in NW Cambodia]]> PHNOM PENH, March 17 (Xinhua) -- A boy was killed and his two younger sisters seriously wounded in a landmine explosion in northwest Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey province on Sunday, a mine clearance chief said.

Heng Ratana, director-general of the Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC), said the blast occurred Sunday morning in Anlong Veng district when the three siblings followed their mother to a cassava farm and th]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274174458/landmine-explosion-kills-1-in-nw-cambodia 274174458 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 16:18:03 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274174458/landmine-explosion-kills-1-in-nw-cambodia <![CDATA[Sheetal Devi roped in as National Icon in PwD category by ECI for Lok Sabha Elections]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274174448/sheetal-devi-roped-in-as-national-icon-in-pwd-category-by-eci-for-lok-sabha-elections 274174448 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 15:37:33 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274174448/sheetal-devi-roped-in-as-national-icon-in-pwd-category-by-eci-for-lok-sabha-elections <![CDATA[Greece Alarmed by Rising Tides of Migrants]]> Athens - Greece is facing increasing illegal immigration as the Gaza crisis continues. The trend has Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and senior European Union officials heading to Egypt Sunday to sign an aid package worth just over $8 billion intended to help ease migration.

A surge in illegal migration has seen numbers entering Greece swell by more than 400% in the last month alone.

Palestinians rank hi]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274174381/greece-alarmed-by-rising-tides-of-migrants 274174381 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 14:06:05 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274174381/greece-alarmed-by-rising-tides-of-migrants <![CDATA[Gulveer Singh breaks 16-year-old 10,000m national record at The Ten 2024 athletics meet]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274174377/gulveer-singh-breaks-16-year-old-10000m-national-record-at-the-ten-2024-athletics-meet 274174377 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 13:55:47 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274174377/gulveer-singh-breaks-16-year-old-10000m-national-record-at-the-ten-2024-athletics-meet <![CDATA[China's rail-sea intermodal trains complete 2,000 trips in 2024]]> NANNING, March 17 (Xinhua) -- China's rail-sea intermodal trains have completed 2,000 trips along the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor since the beginning of 2024, achieving the first-quarter target ahead of schedule.

On Sunday morning, a cargo train loaded with 108 containers departed from Qinzhou railway container center station in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, heading for Sichuan Pr]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274174208/china-rail-sea-intermodal-trains-complete-2000-trips-in-2024 274174208 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 12:18:01 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274174208/china-rail-sea-intermodal-trains-complete-2000-trips-in-2024 <![CDATA[Xinhua world economic news summary at 0900 GMT, March 17]]> MANILA -- The number of Chinese inbound travelers to the Philippines surged by 235 percent year-on-year in the first two months of 2024, a Philippine lawmaker said Sunday.

Citing data from the Philippines' Department of Tourism, Representative Marvin Rillo, vice chairperson of the committee on tourism in the House of Representatives, said that 82,314 Chinese travelers entered the Philippines in January and Febru]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274174157/xinhua-world-economic--summary-at-0900-gmt-march-17 274174157 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 11:30:05 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274174157/xinhua-world-economic--summary-at-0900-gmt-march-17 <![CDATA[Cambodia's total public debt reaches 11.24 bln USD as of 2023]]> PHNOM PENH, March 17 (Xinhua) -- The Cambodian government had a total public debt stock of 11.24 billion U.S. dollars as of 2023, according to the Cambodia Public Debt Statistical Bulletin released by the Ministry of Economy and Finance on Sunday.

The public debt comprised 64 percent from bilateral development partners and 36 percent from multilateral development partners, the bulletin said.

The compositi]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274174151/cambodia-total-public-debt-reaches-1124-bln-usd-as-of-2023 274174151 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 11:30:02 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274174151/cambodia-total-public-debt-reaches-1124-bln-usd-as-of-2023 <![CDATA[Mongolia's central bank cuts benchmark interest rate to 12 pct]]> ULAN BATOR, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia's central bank has decided to lower its benchmark interest rate to 12 percent, local media reported on Saturday, citing a statement released by the bank.

"After taking into account the current and future state of the economy and financial markets, and external risks to the economy, the monetary policy council of the central bank made the decision to cut the benchmark int]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274174136/mongolia-central-bank-cuts-benchmark-interest-rate-to-12-pct 274174136 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 11:18:18 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274174136/mongolia-central-bank-cuts-benchmark-interest-rate-to-12-pct <![CDATA[Cambodia launches Visit Siem Reap 2024 campaign]]> SIEM REAP, Cambodia, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Saturday launched the Visit Siem Reap 2024 campaign in the northwestern province, aiming to draw more visitors to its tourist attraction the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park.

Addressing the launching event with thousands of participants, which was held together with the official opening ceremony of the eighth River Festival, Prime Minister Hun Manet s]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274174133/cambodia-launches-visit-siem-reap-2024-campaign 274174133 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 11:18:03 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274174133/cambodia-launches-visit-siem-reap-2024-campaign <![CDATA[Chinese tourist arrivals in Philippines surge by 235 pct in Jan-Feb]]> MANILA, March 17 (Xinhua) -- The number of Chinese inbound travelers to the Philippines surged by 235 percent year-on-year in the first two months of 2024, a Philippine lawmaker said Sunday.

Citing data from the Philippines' Department of Tourism, Representative Marvin Rillo, vice chairperson of the committee on tourism in the House of Representatives, said that 82,314 Chinese travelers entered the Philippines i]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274174132/chinese-tourist-arrivals-in-philippines-surge-by-235-pct-in-jan-feb 274174132 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 11:18:03 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274174132/chinese-tourist-arrivals-in-philippines-surge-by-235-pct-in-jan-feb <![CDATA[Xinhua Asia-Pacific news summary at 1600 GMT, March 16]]> NEW DELHI -- India's Election Commission on Saturday said the country's forthcoming general elections will be conducted in seven phases starting April 19.

India's Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar announced at a press conference the complete schedule of the elections which will run through June 1. (India-Election Schedule)

- - - -

ISLAMABAD -- Seven military personnel, including a couple of o]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274174131/xinhua-asia-pacific--summary-at-1600-gmt-march-16 274174131 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 11:18:02 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274174131/xinhua-asia-pacific--summary-at-1600-gmt-march-16 <![CDATA[Noura Al Kaabi leads UAE's delegation to 68th session of UN Commission on Status of Women]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274173976/noura-al-kaabi-leads-uae-delegation-to-68th-session-of-un-commission-on-status-of-women 274173976 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 10:55:08 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274173976/noura-al-kaabi-leads-uae-delegation-to-68th-session-of-un-commission-on-status-of-women <![CDATA[Ed Sheeran shares stage with Diljit Dosanjh at Mumbai concert, fans go into meltdown]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274173973/ed-sheeran-shares-stage-with-diljit-dosanjh-at-mumbai-concert-fans-go-into-meltdown 274173973 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 10:55:07 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274173973/ed-sheeran-shares-stage-with-diljit-dosanjh-at-mumbai-concert-fans-go-into-meltdown <![CDATA[Quick View: Win-win cooperation the right choice for China, Australia]]> BEIJING, March 17 (Xinhua) -- As two major Asia-Pacific countries critical to global economic growth, enhancing the ties between China and Australia is mutually beneficial and echoes the expectations of neighboring nations.

There is no historical grievance or contemporary hostility between China and Australia, and their common interests vastly outweigh any differences. Both sides must ensure that cooperation con]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274173920/quick-view-win-win-cooperation-the-right-choice-for-china-australia 274173920 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 10:44:03 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274173920/quick-view-win-win-cooperation-the-right-choice-for-china-australia <![CDATA[Shah Rukh Khan in awe of Ed Sheeran as he sings 'Perfect']]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274173897/shah-rukh-khan-in-awe-of-ed-sheeran-as-he-sings-perfect 274173897 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 10:37:26 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274173897/shah-rukh-khan-in-awe-of-ed-sheeran-as-he-sings-perfect <![CDATA[Ed Sheeran leaves Mumbai after his electrifying concert]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274173885/ed-sheeran-leaves-mumbai-after-his-electrifying-concert 274173885 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 10:37:20 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274173885/ed-sheeran-leaves-mumbai-after-his-electrifying-concert <![CDATA[Hrithik Roshan to Madhuri Dixit: Celebs attend Farah Khan's party for Ed Sheeran]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274173535/hrithik-roshan-to-madhuri-dixit-celebs-attend-farah-khan-party-for-ed-sheeran 274173535 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 07:28:25 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274173535/hrithik-roshan-to-madhuri-dixit-celebs-attend-farah-khan-party-for-ed-sheeran <![CDATA[China objects to Taiwan VP-elect's 'personal trip' to US]]> WASHINGTON/TAIPEI: Taiwan's vice president-elect and former de facto ambassador to Washington, Hsiao Bi-khim, is currently in the United States for a private visit, triggering objections from China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory.

Chinese Embassy Spokesperson Liu Pengyu expressed China's firm opposition to any official interaction between the U.S. and Taiwan, labeling Hsiao Bi-khim as a "diehard 'Taiwa]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274173035/china-objects-to-taiwan-vp-elect-personal-trip-to-us 274173035 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 04:20:28 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274173035/china-objects-to-taiwan-vp-elect-personal-trip-to-us <![CDATA[Gold smuggling scandal: Dipesh Pun, son of former Vice President, arrested]]> KATHMANDU, Nepal Dipesh Pun, the son of former Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun, was arrested Friday on charges of cooperative fraud and gold smuggling.

Dipesh was taken into custody in Dhapasi, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Rabi Lamichhane.

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) interrogated Dipesh on September 5 last year for his suspected involvement in the smuggling o]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274171110/gold-smuggling-scandal-dipesh-pun-son-of-former-vice-president-arrested 274171110 Sat, 16 Mar 2024 22:10:58 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274171110/gold-smuggling-scandal-dipesh-pun-son-of-former-vice-president-arrested <![CDATA[What Makes People Happy California Lawmakers Want to Find Out]]> SACRAMENTO, Calif. - California Assemblyman Anthony Rendon likes to spend his spare time away from the Capitol in Sacramento with his 4-year-old daughter at home near Los Angeles. Last weekend, he took her ice skating and afterward to an indoor playground, then let her get a donut after she agreed to ride her scooter on the way there.

"Those are the types of things that make me happy," he said this week in an int]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274170680/what-makes-people-happy-california-lawmakers-want-to-find-out 274170680 Sat, 16 Mar 2024 20:05:11 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274170680/what-makes-people-happy-california-lawmakers-want-to-find-out <![CDATA[Karakalpak Activist Faces Threat of Deportation From Kazakhstan]]> ALMATY, KAZAKHSTAN - Uzbek law enforcement officials this month confirmed to VOA that an Uzbek extradition request was behind the February 15 arrest in Kazakhstan of Karakalpak activist Akylbek Muratov, known as Aqylbek Muratbai on X and other social media.

Karakalpaks are indigenous Turkic people of Karakalpakstan, since 1993 a sovereign republic within Uzbekistan with its own parliament, national symbols and la]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274170657/karakalpak-activist-faces-threat-of-deportation-from-kazakhstan 274170657 Sat, 16 Mar 2024 19:35:59 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274170657/karakalpak-activist-faces-threat-of-deportation-from-kazakhstan <![CDATA[Green diplomacy: Blome, Shehbaz to collaborate on climate change projects]]> ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - According to a U.S. embassy statement, U.S. Ambassador Donald Blome met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday to address various bilateral issues.

The U.S. Mission Spokesperson Thomas Montgomery said Blome and Shehbaz discussed various topics, including collaborating with the Pakistani government on regional security, U.S. support for continued economic reforms with and through the I]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274170529/green-diplomacy-blome-shehbaz-to-collaborate-on-climate-change-projects 274170529 Sat, 16 Mar 2024 16:02:41 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274170529/green-diplomacy-blome-shehbaz-to-collaborate-on-climate-change-projects <![CDATA[Uzbek Activist Faces Threat of Deportation From Kazakhstan]]> ALMATY, KAZAKHSTAN - Uzbek law enforcement officials this month confirmed to VOA that an Uzbek extradition request was behind the February 15 arrest in Kazakhstan of Karakalpak activist Akylbek Muratov, known as Aqylbek Muratbai on X and other social media.

Karakalpaks are indigenous Turkic people of Karakalpakstan, since 1993 a sovereign republic within Uzbekistan with its own parliament, national symbols and la]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274170393/uzbek-activist-faces-threat-of-deportation-from-kazakhstan 274170393 Sat, 16 Mar 2024 12:05:49 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274170393/uzbek-activist-faces-threat-of-deportation-from-kazakhstan <![CDATA[Iran's Sarkhosh Earns Place at World Snooker Tour]]> TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Iran's Amir Sarkhosh came through the WPBSA Q Tour Global Play-Offs to earn a place on the World Snooker Tour for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons.

- Sports news -

The 2023-24 WPBSA Q Tour season saw the tour go global for the first time by incorporating series' in the Middle East, Americas and Asia-Pacific region alongside the UK/Europe series which has been held since 2021-22.

Cueis]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274170153/iran-sarkhosh-earns-place-at-world-snooker-tour 274170153 Sat, 16 Mar 2024 09:37:12 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274170153/iran-sarkhosh-earns-place-at-world-snooker-tour <![CDATA[Tragedy strikes: Gas cylinder explosion leaves 35 injured in Gazipur]]> DHAKA, Bangladesh - On Wednesday evening, a gas cylinder explosion at a house in Gazipur's Kaliakair neighborhood injured at least 35 people.

The incident occurred around 6 p.m. on Wednesday, and the identities of 32 of the injured have been confirmed.

Abdullah Al Arifin, Deputy Director of the Gazipur Fire Service, confirmed the information.

He claimed a gas cylinder exploded in a colony near the ]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274170152/tragedy-strikes-gas-cylinder-explosion-leaves-35-injured-in-gazipur 274170152 Sat, 16 Mar 2024 09:36:49 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274170152/tragedy-strikes-gas-cylinder-explosion-leaves-35-injured-in-gazipur <![CDATA[India successfully tests indigenous missile with multiple warheads]]> NEW DELHI, India: India celebrated a significant technological advancement this week with the successful test flight of its first domestically developed missile equipped with multiple warheads, announced Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Modi disclosed that the missile is outfitted with multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles, marking a major stride in India's defe]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274169883/india-successfully-tests-indigenous-missile-with-multiple-warheads 274169883 Sat, 16 Mar 2024 05:36:57 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274169883/india-successfully-tests-indigenous-missile-with-multiple-warheads <![CDATA[Sailing through challenging time: Govt trying to rescue MV Abdullah, crew]]> DHAKA, Bangladesh - The government is making every attempt to rescue both the hijacked Bangladesh-flagged MV Abdullah and its crew members.

Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud remarked in response to a query on Friday in Chittagong.

"We are making all-out efforts. There was an inter-ministerial meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Thursday, and the administration is doing all possible to rescue them in]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274169882/sailing-through-challenging-time-govt-trying-to-rescue-mv-abdullah-crew 274169882 Sat, 16 Mar 2024 05:35:24 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274169882/sailing-through-challenging-time-govt-trying-to-rescue-mv-abdullah-crew <![CDATA["This is a different India today": Jaishankar hails Centre's global outreach, says country now able to "seek own solutions"]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274169612/this-is-a-different-india-today-jaishankar-hails-centre-global-outreach-says-country-now-able-to-seek-own-solutions 274169612 Fri, 15 Mar 2024 22:35:14 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274169612/this-is-a-different-india-today-jaishankar-hails-centre-global-outreach-says-country-now-able-to-seek-own-solutions <![CDATA[China Gives Warnings on Vietnam-Australia Strategic Relationship]]> washington - A new, closer diplomatic relationship between Australia and Vietnam is drawing warnings from China against forming 'exclusive circles' in the Indo-Pacific region.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at Monday's daily news briefing, 'To advocate bloc confrontation and build exclusive circles goes against the trend of the times and the common aspiration of regional countries.'

]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274169555/china-gives-warnings-on-vietnam-australia-strategic-relationship 274169555 Fri, 15 Mar 2024 22:05:56 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274169555/china-gives-warnings-on-vietnam-australia-strategic-relationship <![CDATA[Lexus LM 350h India Launch Price - Rs 2 Cr to Rs. 2.5 Cr]]> 350h India Launch Price - Rs 2 Cr to Rs. 2.5 Cr 350h: India Launch Details

The 350h brings forth easy luxury and innovation. Redefining the ultra-luxury MPV segment with its stately presence and intense performance. This uber cool and sophisticated ride was launched in India today. With a price range spanning from Rs. 2 crores to Rs. 2.5 crores, 350h offers unparalleled comfort and refinement.

Available in]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274168567/lexus-lm-350h-india-launch-price---rs-2-cr-to-rs-25-cr 274168567 Fri, 15 Mar 2024 20:09:29 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274168567/lexus-lm-350h-india-launch-price---rs-2-cr-to-rs-25-cr <![CDATA[Indian football team leaves for Saudi Arabia to play World Cup qualifiers]]> New Delhi [India], March 15 (ANI): A 25-member Indian senior men's team left for Abha, Saudi Arabia, on Friday to play the away tie against Afghanistan in round two of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualification.

The Blue Tigers will play the away match against Afghanistan on March 21, 2024, in Abha (March 22, 12.30 am IST). India's home match against Afghanistan will be played ]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274167813/indian-football-team-leaves-for-saudi-arabia-to-play-world-cup-qualifiers 274167813 Fri, 15 Mar 2024 18:55:39 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274167813/indian-football-team-leaves-for-saudi-arabia-to-play-world-cup-qualifiers <![CDATA[Pakistan Urged to Release Journalist, Unblock Access to Social Media]]> Islamabad - Free speech advocates are urging Pakistan authorities Friday to unconditionally release an independent journalist and remove a month-long blockade of X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

Journalist Asad Ali Toor, who has nearly 300,000 followers on X and more than 160,000 subscribers to his YouTube political affairs channel, was arrested on February 26 by the Federal Investigation A]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274167517/pakistan-urged-to-release-journalist-unblock-access-to-social-media 274167517 Fri, 15 Mar 2024 18:35:51 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274167517/pakistan-urged-to-release-journalist-unblock-access-to-social-media <![CDATA[Sharath Kamal crashes out of Singapore Smash 2024 in quarterfinals]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274167423/sharath-kamal-crashes-out-of-singapore-smash-2024-in-quarterfinals 274167423 Fri, 15 Mar 2024 18:18:53 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274167423/sharath-kamal-crashes-out-of-singapore-smash-2024-in-quarterfinals <![CDATA[Witness in Jimmy Lai Trial Mistreated in Custody, Experts Say]]> A key prosecution witness in the trial of Hong Kong pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai took the stand this week despite concerns raised by U.N. officials that the witness may have been mistreated in custody.

Andy Li, a computer programmer who became a pro-democracy activist in 2019, gave evidence against Lai on Wednesday. Li's testimony pertained to his role in a crowdfunding campaign that supported Hong Kong's 20]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274166085/witness-in-jimmy-lai-trial-mistreated-in-custody-experts-say 274166085 Fri, 15 Mar 2024 18:05:59 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274166085/witness-in-jimmy-lai-trial-mistreated-in-custody-experts-say <![CDATA[Tottenham expecting tough challenge at Fulham]]> (Photo credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports)

Tottenham Hotspur will look to continue their challenge for a UEFA Champions League slot Saturday when they visit a Fulham side that has been difficult to defeat at home.

Spurs (16-6-5, 53 points) put on one of their best performances of the season last weekend, a 4-0 victory at Aston Villa to pull Ange Postecoglou's men within two points of the fourth-plac]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274165867/tottenham-expecting-tough-challenge-at-fulham 274165867 Fri, 15 Mar 2024 17:25:23 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274165867/tottenham-expecting-tough-challenge-at-fulham <![CDATA[Feature: Event to showcase Dehua white porcelain kicks off in New York]]> NEW YORK, March 15 (Xinhua) -- A five-day event to showcase white porcelain produced in Dehua County in China's southeastern Fujian province kicked off on Thursday in Midtown, New York City, with 105 masterpieces of Dehua porcelain exhibited.

Dehua white porcelain, known for its creamy whiteness, subtle jade-like radiance, paper-thin delicacy, and clear, chime stone-like sound, was regarded as a prominent export]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274165792/feature-event-to-showcase-dehua-white-porcelain-kicks-off-in-new-york 274165792 Fri, 15 Mar 2024 16:08:16 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274165792/feature-event-to-showcase-dehua-white-porcelain-kicks-off-in-new-york <![CDATA[Xinhua Asia-Pacific news summary at 1600 GMT, March 15]]> SINGAPORE -- A crew member onboard the Liberia-flagged vessel Utopia was reported missing on Friday afternoon, according to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).

The vessel is in Singapore waters, the MPA added. (Singapore-Vessel Crew-Missing)

- - - -

NEW DELHI -- India strongly reacted on Friday to the U.S. State Department spokesman's statement on the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274165776/xinhua-asia-pacific--summary-at-1600-gmt-march-15 274165776 Fri, 15 Mar 2024 16:05:58 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274165776/xinhua-asia-pacific--summary-at-1600-gmt-march-15 <![CDATA[Ahaan Panday gets his guitar "bless-Ed" with autograph by Ed Sheeran, says "been prepping on this for my debut film"]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274165229/ahaan-panday-gets-his-guitar-bless-ed-with-autograph-by-ed-sheeran-says-been-prepping-on-this-for-my-debut-film 274165229 Fri, 15 Mar 2024 10:55:46 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274165229/ahaan-panday-gets-his-guitar-bless-ed-with-autograph-by-ed-sheeran-says-been-prepping-on-this-for-my-debut-film <![CDATA[Vietnam's ride-hailing market value to reach 880 mln USD in 2024]]> HANOI, March 15 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's ride-hailing market value is estimated to reach 880 million U.S. dollars in 2024, Vietnam News Agency reported Friday, citing India-based market research firm Mordor Intelligence.

By 2029, the market value will hit 21.6 billion dollars, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 19.5 percent, said the firm.

Consumers' increasing preference to private transportation f]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274165183/vietnam-ride-hailing-market-value-to-reach-880-mln-usd-in-2024 274165183 Fri, 15 Mar 2024 09:57:02 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274165183/vietnam-ride-hailing-market-value-to-reach-880-mln-usd-in-2024 <![CDATA[Khan's caution: Pakistan faces inflation, unrest reminiscent of Sri Lanka]]> RAWALPINDI, Pakistan - Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and a former prime minister warned on Wednesday of a looming financial crisis akin to Sri Lanka's, predicting further inflation and public unrest.

Speaking to the media at Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail, Khan condemned what he described as ongoing "deception" in the country, calling the recent general elections fraudulent and alleging institut]]>
http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274165155/khan-caution-pakistan-faces-inflation-unrest-reminiscent-of-sri-lanka 274165155 Fri, 15 Mar 2024 09:31:30 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274165155/khan-caution-pakistan-faces-inflation-unrest-reminiscent-of-sri-lanka
<![CDATA[Pakistan reports first polio case in 2024]]> ISLAMABAD, March 15 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan reported its first polio case this year after the virus was detected in a toddler in the southwestern Balochistan province, the National Institute of Health (NIH) said on Thursday.

The virus was found in a two-and-half-year-old child from Dera Bugti district of the province, the NIH added.

The samples from the child were collected on Feb. 22, after he showed sympto]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274165091/pakistan-reports-first-polio-case-in-2024 274165091 Fri, 15 Mar 2024 08:19:55 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274165091/pakistan-reports-first-polio-case-in-2024 <![CDATA[Business Finland to host industry session showcasing Indian market opportunities to Finnish startups]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274165073/business-finland-to-host-industry-session-showcasing-indian-market-opportunities-to-finnish-startups 274165073 Fri, 15 Mar 2024 08:03:12 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274165073/business-finland-to-host-industry-session-showcasing-indian-market-opportunities-to-finnish-startups <![CDATA[Russia Holds Presidential Election]]> TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Russia began voting on Friday in presidential election as Ukraine launched a barrage of deadly attacks on border regions.

- World news -

Officials in Moscow warned against any protests during the March 15-17 presidential vote, after calls from the opposition for anti-Putin demonstrations on Sunday.

Millions of Russian citizens head to the polls on March 15-17 as early voting for ]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274165039/russia-holds-presidential-election 274165039 Fri, 15 Mar 2024 07:37:12 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274165039/russia-holds-presidential-election <![CDATA[US LNG cargoes forge maritime path around cape of good hope amidst global shipping risks]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274164971/us-lng-cargoes-forge-maritime-path-around-cape-of-good-hope-amidst-global-shipping-risks 274164971 Fri, 15 Mar 2024 05:55:29 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274164971/us-lng-cargoes-forge-maritime-path-around-cape-of-good-hope-amidst-global-shipping-risks <![CDATA[Singapore: Indian Coast Guard chief leads delegation at ReCAAP meeting]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274164948/singapore-indian-coast-guard-chief-leads-delegation-at-recaap-meeting 274164948 Fri, 15 Mar 2024 05:18:28 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274164948/singapore-indian-coast-guard-chief-leads-delegation-at-recaap-meeting <![CDATA[S. Korea's overseas direct investment falls 22.2 pct in 2023]]> SEOUL, March 15 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's overseas direct investment fell in double digits last year due to lingering uncertainty over the global economy, government data showed Friday.

Overseas investment through the purchase of foreign stocks and the establishment of foreign offices stood at 63.38 billion U.S. dollars in 2023, down 22.2 percent compared to the previous year, according to the Ministry of Econom]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274164908/s-korea-overseas-direct-investment-falls-222-pct-in-2023 274164908 Fri, 15 Mar 2024 04:19:46 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274164908/s-korea-overseas-direct-investment-falls-222-pct-in-2023 <![CDATA[Stock market sees lackluster opening, spirals into red amid global unease]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274164904/stock-market-sees-lackluster-opening-spirals-into-red-amid-global-unease 274164904 Fri, 15 Mar 2024 04:18:20 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274164904/stock-market-sees-lackluster-opening-spirals-into-red-amid-global-unease <![CDATA[Newlyweds Rakul Preet Singh, Jackky Bhagnani strike a pose with Ed Sheeran]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274164896/newlyweds-rakul-preet-singh-jackky-bhagnani-strike-a-pose-with-ed-sheeran 274164896 Fri, 15 Mar 2024 03:55:21 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274164896/newlyweds-rakul-preet-singh-jackky-bhagnani-strike-a-pose-with-ed-sheeran <![CDATA[Singapore rounds out regional trip]]> Minister Winston Peters completed the final leg of his visit to South and South East Asia in Singapore today, where he focused on enhancing one of New Zealand's indispensable strategic partnerships.   

 

"Singapore is our most important defence partner in South East Asia, our fourth-largest trading partner and a critical transhipment hub for New Zealand goods," Mr Peters sa]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274165137/singapore-rounds-out-regional-trip 274165137 Fri, 15 Mar 2024 03:47:44 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274165137/singapore-rounds-out-regional-trip <![CDATA[Flash floods hit Indonesia's Sumatra island killing 19; 7 missing]]> PADANG, Indonesia: At least 19 people have lost their lives, and seven others remain missing after heavy rainfall triggered flash floods and a landslide on Sumatra island in Indonesia.

The catastrophe struck the Pesisir Selatan district of West Sumatra province, with tons of mud, rocks, and trees cascading down a mountain, inundating riverside villages.

Doni Yusrizal, head of the local disaster managemen]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274164798/flash-floods-hit-indonesia-sumatra-island-killing-19-7-missing 274164798 Fri, 15 Mar 2024 01:00:36 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274164798/flash-floods-hit-indonesia-sumatra-island-killing-19-7-missing <![CDATA[China Positioning C919 Passenger Jet to Take On Boeing, Airbus]]> washington - China's state-owned plane manufacturer is facing industry skepticism over its claims that its newest passenger aircraft, the C919, can break the passenger-jet duopoly of Boeing and Airbus.

COMAC's promotional tour through the fast-growing aviation markets of Singapore, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Indonesia ended in Malaysia on Wednesday, according to China's official Xinghua news agency. At each stop]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274164682/china-positioning-c919-passenger-jet-to-take-on-boeing-airbus 274164682 Thu, 14 Mar 2024 22:35:27 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274164682/china-positioning-c919-passenger-jet-to-take-on-boeing-airbus <![CDATA[India not abandoning Russian weaponry envoy]]> The South Asian country is the world's largest arms importer

Moscow's ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, has denied allegations that New Delhi is abandoning Russian weapons. In an interview with TASS published on Thursday, the envoy said that almost 1,000 T-90 tanks and 300 Su-30MKI aircraft have already been produced in India under manufacturing licenses.

Alipov's statement comes amid repo]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274164601/india-not-abandoning-russian-weaponry-envoy 274164601 Thu, 14 Mar 2024 21:16:18 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274164601/india-not-abandoning-russian-weaponry-envoy <![CDATA[Turkey Proves No Safe Haven For Central Asian Activists]]> ALMATY, Kazakhstan -- Such is the life of a Central Asian activist abroad: One minute you are bringing attention to a fellow activist in trouble, the next minute the trouble has reached you.

"Transnational repression" -- or a government going abroad to silence an opposition activist -- is increasingly a mainstay topic for rights organizations covering Central Asia, with the region's three most authoritarian count]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274164327/turkey-proves-no-safe-haven-for-central-asian-activists 274164327 Thu, 14 Mar 2024 18:15:27 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274164327/turkey-proves-no-safe-haven-for-central-asian-activists <![CDATA[India is not abandoning Russian weapons envoy]]> The South Asian country is the world's largest arms importer

Moscow's ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, has denied allegations that New Delhi is abandoning Russian weapons. In an interview with TASS published on Thursday, the envoy said that almost 1,000 T-90 tanks and 300 Su-30MKI aircraft have already been produced in India under licenses.

Alipov's statement comes amid reports that New D]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274164319/india-is-not-abandoning-russian-weapons-envoy 274164319 Thu, 14 Mar 2024 18:14:18 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274164319/india-is-not-abandoning-russian-weapons-envoy <![CDATA[Government of India, ADB sign USD 23 million loan agreement to strengthen fintech ecosystem in country]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274164183/government-of-india-adb-sign-usd-23-million-loan-agreement-to-strengthen-fintech-ecosystem-in-country 274164183 Thu, 14 Mar 2024 16:55:32 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274164183/government-of-india-adb-sign-usd-23-million-loan-agreement-to-strengthen-fintech-ecosystem-in-country <![CDATA[China evacuates hundreds of scam factory workers from Myanmar]]> YANGON, Myanmar - Hundreds of people who worked in Myanmar's notorious scam centers have left on Chinese-organized evacuation flights.

The flights represent Beijing's latest victory in its fight against the centers, which are estimated to house hundreds of thousands of human trafficking victims.

China has increased pressure on Myanmar's military government and armed groups to close the centers.

]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274164149/china-evacuates-hundreds-of-scam-factory-workers-from-myanmar 274164149 Thu, 14 Mar 2024 16:29:52 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274164149/china-evacuates-hundreds-of-scam-factory-workers-from-myanmar <![CDATA["It depends on the party," says Preneet Kaur on contesting Lok Sabha polls soon after joining BJP]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274164133/it-depends-on-the-party-says-preneet-kaur-on-contesting-lok-sabha-polls-soon-after-joining-bjp 274164133 Thu, 14 Mar 2024 16:18:34 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274164133/it-depends-on-the-party-says-preneet-kaur-on-contesting-lok-sabha-polls-soon-after-joining-bjp <![CDATA[Cambodia launches 7 gamma dose rate monitoring stations across country]]> PHNOM PENH, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Thursday launched seven new gamma dose rate monitoring stations across its capital and borderline provinces in a bid to strengthen environmental radiation monitoring capabilities.

Donated by the European Union, the MIRA gamma dose rate monitoring systems were installed in the capital Phnom Penh and the provinces of Ratanakiri, Oddar Meanchey, Koh Kong, Preah Sihanouk,]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274164109/cambodia-launches-7-gamma-dose-rate-monitoring-stations-across-country 274164109 Thu, 14 Mar 2024 16:06:21 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274164109/cambodia-launches-7-gamma-dose-rate-monitoring-stations-across-country <![CDATA[Pakistan's forex reserves increase 17 mln USD]]> ISLAMABAD, March 14 (Xinhua) -- The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) said Thursday that its foreign exchange reserves had increased by 17 million U.S. dollars.

During the week ending on March 8, the total foreign exchange reserves of the bank moved to around 7.9 billion dollars, the SBP said in a statement.

Net foreign reserves held by commercial banks came at around 5.2 billion dollars, the central bank said]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274164108/pakistan-forex-reserves-increase-17-mln-usd 274164108 Thu, 14 Mar 2024 16:06:20 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274164108/pakistan-forex-reserves-increase-17-mln-usd <![CDATA[Xinhua Asia-Pacific news summary at 1600 GMT, March 14]]> TOKYO -- An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.8 struck off Japan's northeastern prefecture of Fukushima on Friday (local time), according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).

The tremors were felt in central Tokyo. No tsunami warnings have been issued by the JMA. (Japan-Earthquake)

- - - -

JAKARTA -- Inactive Supreme Court Secretary Hasbi Hasan was sentenced to 13 years and eight mo]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274164107/xinhua-asia-pacific--summary-at-1600-gmt-march-14 274164107 Thu, 14 Mar 2024 16:05:29 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274164107/xinhua-asia-pacific--summary-at-1600-gmt-march-14 <![CDATA[Hundreds In Kyrgyzstan (Again) Fall Victim To Pyramid Scheme]]> BISHKEK -- A doomed pyramid scheme has again fooled hundreds of people into thinking they could earn unreasonably high profits very easily.

Several people have been arrested in connection with what police say was a scam that defrauded its victims of hundreds of thousands of dollars in a country where the average monthly salary is less than $400.

Syezdbek Sainazarov (left)

Police say the Charge Fast co]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274163440/hundreds-in-kyrgyzstan-again-fall-victim-to-pyramid-scheme 274163440 Thu, 14 Mar 2024 11:45:25 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274163440/hundreds-in-kyrgyzstan-again-fall-victim-to-pyramid-scheme <![CDATA[Former Thai PM Thaksin makes public appearance after release on parole]]> BANGKOK, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra made his first public appearance on Thursday since leaving detention on parole last month.

Thaksin visited the Bangkok City Pillar Shrine in the capital early Thursday morning before flying to his hometown in the country's northern Chiang Mai province for a three-day trip, local media reported.

Making his first journey back ]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274157445/former-thai-pm-thaksin-makes-public-appearance-after-release-on-parole 274157445 Thu, 14 Mar 2024 10:31:16 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274157445/former-thai-pm-thaksin-makes-public-appearance-after-release-on-parole <![CDATA[China's bronze-age relics head for U.S. exhibition]]> WUHAN, March 14 (Xinhua) -- More than 260 bronze-age cultural relics from museums in central China's Hubei Province have set off for an exhibition in San Francisco in the United States.

Two cargo aircraft carrying the 263 pieces or sets of artifacts, including jade, bronze, gold, lacquer and textile works, departed from the Chinese capital Beijing on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.

The items will be]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274156823/china-bronze-age-relics-head-for-us-exhibition 274156823 Thu, 14 Mar 2024 10:20:19 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274156823/china-bronze-age-relics-head-for-us-exhibition <![CDATA[Dubai World Trade Centre receives 2.47 million visitors in 2023]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274156744/dubai-world-trade-centre-receives-247-million-visitors-in-2023 274156744 Thu, 14 Mar 2024 09:55:54 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274156744/dubai-world-trade-centre-receives-247-million-visitors-in-2023 <![CDATA[Lufthansa to build 2nd hangar in Philippines]]> MANILA, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Germany's flag carrier Lufthansa is looking to build a second hangar in the Philippines, as part of its expansion plans in the Southeast Asia region, said Philippine Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual on Thursday.

Pascual said the plan was discussed during a meeting between Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos and Lufthansa's managers in Berlin where Marcos was o]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274156733/lufthansa-to-build-2nd-hangar-in-philippines 274156733 Thu, 14 Mar 2024 09:50:16 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274156733/lufthansa-to-build-2nd-hangar-in-philippines <![CDATA[Ranji Trophy Final: Shreyas Iyer misses field for second consecutive day]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274156674/ranji-trophy-final-shreyas-iyer-misses-field-for-second-consecutive-day 274156674 Thu, 14 Mar 2024 09:18:40 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274156674/ranji-trophy-final-shreyas-iyer-misses-field-for-second-consecutive-day <![CDATA[Shopping street car crash kills 1, injures 2 in Japan's Kobe]]> TOKYO, March 14 (Xinhua) -- One was dead with two others injured after two vehicles collided at a shopping street in western Japan's harbor city of Kobe, according to local police.

The accident took place around 10:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday within the pedestrian-exclusive pathway of Kobe's Motomachi Shopping Street arcade, where a light passenger car collided head-on with a wagon that was engaged in cleani]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274156494/shopping-street-car-crash-kills-1-injures-2-in-japan-kobe 274156494 Thu, 14 Mar 2024 05:56:17 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274156494/shopping-street-car-crash-kills-1-injures-2-in-japan-kobe <![CDATA[Vietnam's insurance premium revenue reaches 1.4 bln USD in first 2 months]]> HANOI, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's total insurance premium revenue in the first two months of 2024 was estimated at 33.9 trillion Vietnamese dong (1.4 billion U.S. dollars), up 1.6 percent year on year, Vietnam News Agency reported Thursday, citing the Ministry of Finance.

Insurance enterprises reinjected investment worth 780.7 trillion dong (31.6 billion dollars), up 12.7 percent in the cited period, said th]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274156484/vietnam-insurance-premium-revenue-reaches-14-bln-usd-in-first-2-months 274156484 Thu, 14 Mar 2024 05:45:08 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274156484/vietnam-insurance-premium-revenue-reaches-14-bln-usd-in-first-2-months <![CDATA[Vietnam's GDP to reach nearly 470 bln USD in 2024: IMF]]> HANOI, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's gross domestic product (GDP) is forecast to reach about 469.7 billion U.S. dollars by the end of 2024, ranking the fifth in Southeast Asia, Vietnam News reported Thursday, citing the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines have taken the leading positions in the forecast.

According to IMF, Vietnam's GDP was estimated to ha]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274156474/vietnam-gdp-to-reach-nearly-470-bln-usd-in-2024-imf 274156474 Thu, 14 Mar 2024 05:19:11 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274156474/vietnam-gdp-to-reach-nearly-470-bln-usd-in-2024-imf <![CDATA[Cambodia records 32 landmine, ERW casualties in 2023, down 22 pct]]> PHNOM PENH, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia reported 32 landmine and explosive remnant of war (ERW) casualties in 2023, a 22 percent decline from 41 in 2022, according to an official report on Thursday.

"Four people were killed, 18 others were injured, and the 10 others were amputated in 2023," the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA)'s report said, adding that a total of 29 explosive ordna]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274156437/cambodia-records-32-landmine-erw-casualties-in-2023-down-22-pct 274156437 Thu, 14 Mar 2024 04:31:09 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274156437/cambodia-records-32-landmine-erw-casualties-in-2023-down-22-pct <![CDATA[Early visit to Indonesia strengthens ties]]> Foreign Minister Winston Peters held discussions in Jakarta today about the future of relations between New Zealand and South East Asia's most populous country.

 

"We are in Jakarta so early in our new government's term to reflect the huge importance we place on our relationship with Indonesia and South East Asia as a region," Mr Peters says. 

 

Mr Peters held talks w]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274156749/early-visit-to-indonesia-strengthens-ties 274156749 Thu, 14 Mar 2024 04:19:50 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274156749/early-visit-to-indonesia-strengthens-ties <![CDATA[Shah Rukh Khan teaches Ed Sheeran his signature pose, check video]]> http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274156392/shah-rukh-khan-teaches-ed-sheeran-his-signature-pose-check-video 274156392 Thu, 14 Mar 2024 03:18:11 GMT http://www.asiabulletin.com/news/274156392/shah-rukh-khan-teaches-ed-sheeran-his-signature-pose-check-video <![CDATA[Asia Album: Happy harvest of tomatoes in India]]>

© Provided by Xinhua

NAGAON, India, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Farmers were busy harvesting tomatoes in Nagaon district of India's Assam state, sharing joy of good yield after diligent cultivation.