Japan's plans to resume a controversial Antarctic whale hunt in the name of research, which opponents say is really just for the meat, came under scrutiny.
China's Presidentnwas in the Maldives beginning a three-nation tour of South Asia with a historic visit to an island paradise gaining a new reputation.
Australia raised the terror threat level to "high" for the first time in a decade, on concerns about Australians returning from fighting in Iraq and Syria.
OPEC member Kuwait said there was no need to call an emergency meeting for the producers' cartel to discuss sliding oil prices after crude hit a 17-month low.
Afghan President has decided a lavish residence specially built for his imminent retirement is too big and he will move into a more modest home instead.
Australia is the most expensive place for an international student to attend university, ahead of Singapore and the United States, with India the cheapest.