Asia /
South Asia
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India
India’s military upgrade to counter regional threats gathers pace
While US$30 billion of defence packages for weapon buys and others have been approved, the pace of roll-out is worrying, analysts say.
3 Jan 2026 - 2:51PM
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India
Netflix-Warner deal sparks concern in India’s entertainment sector
2 Jan 2026 - 8:58PM
Sri Lanka
‘Show your kinky side’: Sri Lanka probes syllabus error linking to gay site
2 Jan 2026 - 5:05PM
India
Air India pilot taken off duty over intoxication allegations in Canada
Canada’s transport regulator called the incident a ‘serious matter’ and demanded answers from the airline amid safety concerns.
2 Jan 2026 - 3:47PM
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Air India is facing scrutiny after a pilot in Canada failed breathalyser tests. Photo: Reuters
Mainland China
China’s Ukraine war role, EU vs Shein and Temu: 7 global relations reads
From a ‘blindsided’ Dutch minister to Brussels’ China de-risking, here are highlights from the SCMP’s overseas correspondents in December 2025.
1 Jan 2026 - 11:00PM
Japan
Japan may lose GDP race to India amid weak yen, tourism woes, China row
Japan’s economy is likely to fall behind India’s this year, which analysts say would diminish Tokyo’s global influence.
1 Jan 2026 - 3:18PM
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Bangladesh
‘Clear advantage’: why return of Zia’s son may influence Bangladesh’s election
The death of ex-prime minister Khaleda Zia may have boosted voter support for her son Tarique Rahman, who is contesting in the election.
31 Dec 2025 - 6:53PM
Then acting Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairman Tarique Rahman addresses his supporters after his return from London in Dhaka on December 25. Photo: Reuters
India
In India, New Delhi’s smog crisis exposes the high price of clean air
The winter smog has widened the affordability gap among residents, with many lower-income families lacking the means to buy an air purifier.
31 Dec 2025 - 10:30AM
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India
India overtakes Japan as world’s fourth largest economy, eyes top 3 in 2026
Government data shows India’s GDP at US$4.18 trillion, with projections it will surpass Germany by 2026 despite global trade challenges.
30 Dec 2025 - 7:27PM
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Extreme weather
Asia’s year of costly climate disasters spurs calls for ‘decisive action’
With Asia accounting for four of the world’s six costliest weather disasters in 2025, experts urge investment in climate resilience.
30 Dec 2025 - 5:09PM
Bangladesh
Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia dies after prolonged illness
Despite her ill health, 80-year-old Zia, a dominant figure in Dhaka’s turbulent power struggles, had vowed to run in next year’s election.
30 Dec 2025 - 6:08PM
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Bangladesh’s former prime minister Khaleda Zia at a Dhaka rally in 2016. Photo: AFP
Bangladesh
Will Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh ease tensions, restore stability?
Rahman could help consolidate the BNP’s position as the dominant electoral force, while tempering a volatile political climate, analysts say.
29 Dec 2025 - 6:50PM
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Nepal
Ex-rapper to run for Nepal PM after youth-led protests
Two popular leaders form an alliance ahead of Nepal’s March 5 elections.
29 Dec 2025 - 1:36PM
Nepal
Nepal probes illegal matchmaking as China cautions citizens over ‘bride buying’
Officials say online brokers are promoting Nepali women to Chinese men, prompting detentions and official warnings.
29 Dec 2025 - 12:25PM
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India
Indian rice could become costlier for US amid Trump’s tariff threat
Experts warn of wider repercussions, including efforts by importers to divert shipments and renewed strain in US-India trade talks.
26 Dec 2025 - 8:06PM
A worker gathers rice grain with a broom in a grain market at Mansa in the northern state of Punjab, India, in November. Photo: Reuters
India
As India’s US$70 million obesity drug market bulges, so does price war
Pharmaceutical giants like Lilly and Nordisk are battling for dominance in India’s weight-loss market with price cuts and early launches.
26 Dec 2025 - 2:58PM
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Bangladesh
Aspiring Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman welcomed home after 17 years abroad
The political heavyweight is to lead the BNP through an election after ex-premier Sheikh Hasina’s exit following a student-led uprising.
25 Dec 2025 - 5:46PM
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India
Duopoly of Air India, IndiGo to face challenge from 2 new airlines
The approval for Al Hind Air and FlyExpress to operate in India comes amid mounting calls to challenge the dominance of Air India and IndiGo.
26 Dec 2025 - 12:40PM
Aircrafts queue up on the tarmac before taking off at Mumbai airport. Photo: AFP
United States
Trump’s US$100,000 H-1B visa fee upheld by judge, as lottery system ends
The US awards 85,000 H-1B visas annually via lottery, with Indian nationals accounting for nearly three-quarters of recipients.
24 Dec 2025 - 8:42PM
India
Indian doctor suspended, charged after allegedly assaulting patient
Dr Raghav Narula is accused of speaking disrespectfully to a patient at a hospital in Shimla, but has denied wrongdoing in the confrontation.
24 Dec 2025 - 7:35PM
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India
India’s new law to fuel energy needs, drive nuclear power growth
The new law, which will end years of near-exclusive state control, could unlock stalled investment and boost nuclear capacity, analysts say.
24 Dec 2025 - 5:35PM
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India
India’s gem exports defy US tariffs as Asia, Middle East demand grows
Shipments rose 19.64 per cent year on year to US$2.51 billion in November, reflecting a successful diversification push, analysts say.
24 Dec 2025 - 4:00PM
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A salesman checks the quality of a diamond necklace through a magnifier at a jewellery store in Chennai. India is the world’s largest exporter of diamonds due to its dominance in gem cutting and polishing. Photo: AFP
Nepal
Nepal’s plan to tackle uphill task on Mount Everest: clean up waste
Over the years, the authorities have removed a mountain pile of trash and the bodies of climbers on the world’s highest peak.
23 Dec 2025 - 12:30PM
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India
India’s partial visa suspension signals unease over Bangladesh’s recent unrest
India halted visa services from its Chittagong mission after violent protests, underscoring its concern over security and stability.
23 Dec 2025 - 11:41AM
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India
Why India to Europe trade corridor is stalling even as talks continue
A key hurdle hampering the progress of the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor is the lingering uncertainty over Gaza.
21 Dec 2025 - 5:00PM
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