Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.

'Journey Through Japan'; Explores Culture and Beauty Through the Eyes of Thad Lolling
From neon-lit streets in Tokyo to serene shrines in Kyoto, Thad Lolling, our newscast director, recently returned from an unforgettable trip to Japan, and he brought his camera along for the ride. His experience became the heart of our special...

Asia Folk 2025 Festival to Be Held for the Seventh Year in Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar, June 12, 2025 /MONTSAME/. Under the auspices of the Governor of the Capital City of Mongolia and Mayor of Ulaanbaatar Nyambaatar Khishgee, the “Asia Folk 2025” Festival of Folk Art and Handicrafts of Asian Cities will be held on June...

India's digital infrastructure development 'game-changer': Databricks CEO Ghodsi
India's digital infrastructure development has been a "game-changer", putting the country ahead of most other nations, Databricks CEO and Co-founder Ali Ghodsi has said. At a press conference here on Wednesday at the Databricks Data + AI Summit...

India’s Coal Production To Drop Further In June After 4.7% Decline In April–May: Nuvama
The coal output in the country is expected to decline further in June as demand remained muted across several regions during the pre-monsoon season, according to a report by Nuvama Research. The report highlighted that India’s major coal producer,...

Japanese News Looks at How Idol Industry Bans Sex, Dating and Romance
Japanese News Looks at How Idol Industry Bans Sex, Dating and Romance News outlet Japan Today just released a video with news caster Jeff Richards titled “Why Japan’s J-pop idol industry bans sex, dating and romance.” The video, which is about 10...

India Is Digital Ready For AI Revolution: Databricks CEO Ali Ghodsi
India's digital infrastructure development has been a "game-changer", putting the country ahead of most other nations, Databricks CEO and Co-founder Ali Ghodsi has said. At a press conference here on Wednesday at the Databricks Data + AI Summit...

India’s Private Consumption Slows In Q4 FY25; Fiscal Deficit Target Met, But FY26 Revenue Off To A Weak Start: BoB Report
Private consumption in the Indian economy moderated slightly in the fourth quarter of FY25, according to a recent report by Bank of Baroda. The report added that the real private consumption spending grew by 5.9% in Q4FY25, a marginal dip from...

China Backs Students to Influence Japan’s Research and Academia
In the United States, concerns about Chinese influence on university campuses have escalated. US authorities have scrutinized institutions like Harvard for accepting large donations from entities linked to the Chinese government, and have arrested...

Music & More Guide for June 12: Local concerts, music, theater, arts and more
Concerts Stars Over Texas Jamboree with Kenneth Elliott as Elvis, John McAnally, Steve Young and Andy Thomas, Encore Edition, 7 p.m. Thursday, Lee Lockwood Library and Museum, 2801 W. Waco Drive; $16 and $20, available at Lee Lockwood and online...

China-backed militia controls rare earth mines in Myanmar
A Chinese-backed militia is protecting new rare earth mines in eastern Myanmar, according to four people familiar with the matter, as Beijing moves to secure control of the minerals it is wielding as a bargaining chip in its trade war with...

Japan makes inroads into African infrastructure
A key focus at this year’s Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), much as it has been at previous events, is channelling Japanese investment into African infrastructure. Japan is, in theory, an ideal partner for African...

China-Backed Militia Takes Charge Of New Rare Earth Mines In Myanmar
A militia supported by China is guarding newly established rare earth mines in eastern Myanmar, according to four sources familiar with the situation. This move reflects Beijing’s efforts to tighten its control over the crucial minerals it is...

Art with a purpose: Kate Humphrey unmasked in new creative journey
In one form or another, art has been at the core of Chagrin Falls resident Kate Humphrey’s entire working life. From advertising, product development and interior design, to visual merchandising, fashion and publishing, the three-year village...

China’s Fortress Doctrine: A New Phase of Strategic Posturing
When China’s State Council released its white paper, “China’s National Security in the New Era”, in May 2025, it wasn’t just an exercise in political signalling. It was a blueprint—a warning shot and a reassurance, depending on who’s reading....

Japan continues to rank among lowest for gender equality
BERLIN—Japan again ranked 118th out of 148 countries in terms of gender equality—the lowest among Group of Seven nations—according to the World Economic Forum (WEF)’s Global Gender Gap Report 2025. The report, released June 12, ranks countries...

India’s Shadow War
In the high-stakes arena of South Asian geopolitics, the rivalry between India and Pakistan burns with an intensity that defies resolution, fuelled by mutual suspicion and the spectre of nuclear escalation. Unable to risk open conflict, these two...
China stocks soar on AI, US-China trade hopes. Who are the country’s ‘Terrific Ten’ firms?
[SINGAPORE] Chinese stocks have see-sawed since late last year, as investors reacted to factors ranging from government stimulus, artificial intelligence and Trump tariffs. The Asian giant’s companies had experienced a lengthy bear market in the...

ASEAN’s geostrategic future depends on Timor-Leste and PNG
hen ASEAN was founded in 1967, its vision was clear but limited in geography. It was an association built on the wreckage of colonial legacies and Cold War anxieties, a bloc designed to prevent the spread of communism and promote economic growth...

Japan Summer Festival
You don’t have to hop on a plane to immerse yourself in Japanese culture. The Japan Summer Festival at One Punggol is where you can experience Japan in a nutshell, and enjoy live performances including the thunderous rhythms of Taiko drumming,...

‘Tarfest’ oozes with music, art, food and fun
Enjoy “Tarfest” on June 14 at Pan Pacifc Park with music, food and art. (photo courtesy of LAUNCH LA) Pan Pacific Park will come alive with music, dance and art on Saturday, June 14, from 2-8 p.m. during the 22nd annual “Tarfest,” a day of arts...