Asia

Former oceans minister was summoned by police over a bribery scandal involving the Unification Church: prosecutors allege he received cash and a luxury watch in exchange for backing church-linked projects; Chun denies the claims as raids widen the probe

As the Southeast Asian Games concluded, Thailand finished top of the medal table, leading on home soil; Host athletes won in multiple disciplines, underscoring the country’s regional sporting strength despite rising competition from Vietnam and Indonesia

After an “extraordinary” drop in Chenab River flows, which Islamabad links to unusual drawdown and refill of the Baglihar dam, potentially breaching the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan has demanded an explanation from India

Junta is pushing to revive the long-stalled, China-backed Myitsone Dam, despite public opposition over environmental and cultural risks; The move signals growing reliance on Beijing for political and economic support amid escalating domestic conflict

Over 2.700 people have been fined for vape-related offences since tougher penalties took effect on Sept 1; Authorities report higher enforcement action as part of efforts to curb vaping, especially among youths, amid growing public health concerns

Dyslexia affects around 10% of children in Türkiye, as in global averages, according to president of the Dyslexia Learning Disability Association; field studies show that at least one student with dyslexia can be found in every primary school classroom

The new history textbook allegedly presents a political bias, downplaying human-rights abuses and favoring pro-government military-friendly narratives; Scholars warn it distorts key events, noting it's not the first state attempt at historical revisionism

Liquor shops in Phuentsholing face severe shortages ahead of Bhutan’s upcoming alcohol tax hike; Suppliers are unable to meet demand, pushing retailers to the brink as prices rise and stock dwindles, with businesses warning of mounting financial strain

The women of Kalavasos are coming together this holiday season to create a marketplace where each woman participating showcases handmade creations: designers, artists, painters, healers and community weavers join forces for solidarity

The Joint Rain Emergency Committee has made intensive efforts to remove recent rainwater accumulations; the total amount of rainwater removed reached 72.317.200 gallons, transported in 12.191 trips with 544 tankers, 36 pumps, 813 employees and workers

A historic landmark, Kabul’s Ariana Cinema has been demolished to make way for a commercial market, sparking concerns over the city’s cultural heritage

Schools in Eastern Province and Hafr Al-Batin governorate have switched to distance learning via the Madrasati platform yesterday, following reports from the National Center for Meteorology of rainfall in the region and snowfall in Tabuk area