No-hoper steals S. Korean presidential debate
A far-left candidate polling at around one percent in South Korea's presidential candidate stole the campaign's first TV debate with a scathing attack on conservative front-runner Park Geun-Hye.
Japan eyes reduced emission cut target: official
Japan may backpedal on its pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions by a quarter, an official said Wednesday, dealing a further blow to already deadlocked global warming talks in Doha.
115 killed in Philippines typhoon
The death toll from a powerful typhoon that struck the Philippines has risen to 115, as confirmation of more victims filtered in from isolated areas.
India warns Maldives over airport deal row
India warned its neighbour the Maldives on Monday that it might freeze annual aid worth $25 million amid anger over an attempt to kick out the Indian firm managing the main airport in the country.
Software mogul slams S. Korean presidential politics
South Korean software mogul Ahn Cheol-Soo formally ended his popular independent presidential campaign Monday with a withering criticism of the country's entrenched left-right political divide.
Sophie Marceau hopes to push French cinema in China
Iconic film actress Sophie Marceau said Monday France needs to start pushing its films in China where there is a huge but restricted market for movies that is largely dominated by Hollywood.
Maldives president to face no-confidence vote
The Maldivian parliament Monday voted to hold a secret vote on a no-confidence motion against President Mohamed Waheed in a move that threatens the leader who took charge during turmoil less than a year ago.
90 sent to hospital after Singapore oil rig incident
About 90 workers were sent to hospital Monday after an oil rig being built at a shipyard in Singapore tilted to one side, forcing many of them to jump into the water.
Safety probe after Japan tunnel collapse kills 9
Japan ordered inspections of ageing highway tunnels on Monday after a fiery collapse that killed nine people, as suspicion over the cause of the accident centred on decaying ceiling supports.
Evacuations as powerful typhoon nears Philippines
A powerful typhoon barrelled towards the Philippines Monday, prompting authorities to order the immediate evacuation of thousands of people from coastal and low-lying areas.
N. Korea installs rocket on launch pad: report
North Korea has installed the first stage of a long-range rocket it plans to launch this month on the launch pad, defying international calls to cancel the mission.
China manufacturing hits 13-month high in November: HSBC
Manufacturing activity in China hit a 13-month high in November, HSBC said Monday, in another sign that the world's second largest economy is emerging from a drawn-out slumber.
Australia set for China's Forbidden City theme park
A China theme park in Australia featuring a full-size replica of gates to the Forbidden City and a nine-storey temple could rival the Sydney Opera House as a tourist drawcard.
S. Korea postpones rocket launch to 2013: official
South Korea has postponed its third bid to put a satellite in orbit until next year, after a technical problem forced the cancellation of last week's scheduled launch.
Missing Pacific island riddle solved: researcher
A New Zealand researcher Monday claimed to have solved the riddle of a mystery South Pacific island shown on Google Earth and world maps which does not exist, blaming a whaling ship from 1876.
War-era shell kills four Vietnamese children
A shell from the Vietnam War killed four children and seriously injured four other villagers when it exploded at a family party.
SIA in talks to sell off Virgin Atlantic stake
Singapore Airlines said Monday it was in talks with "interested parties" on a possible sale of its 49 percent stake in Virgin Atlantic as media reports listed US carrier Delta Air Lines as a possible buyer.
Australia readies for first plain pack cigarettes
All cigarettes sold in Australia will be in identical, plain packages from Saturday in a world first after the government overcame legal challenges from the tobacco industry.
Weapons stolen from Australian navy vessel
An intruder robbed an Australian navy vessel of a cache of weapons Friday after overpowering military personnel on guard, the defence department said, in a major security breach.
Rhythmic gymnastics: Kazakhstan athletes won silver in Japan
Kazakhstan national junior rhythmic gymnastics team was ranked second in Japan Rhythmic Gymnastics tournament.