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Main Slide
Sri Lanka Set to Exit IMF Agreement as President Dissanayake Rejects Austerity; Economists Warn of Severe Risks
By Leo Nirosha DarshanCOLOMBO — Sri Lanka is preparing to pull out of its agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) when the current Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program period concludes in March. The decision follows President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s firm rejection of new austerity measures proposed by the Washington-based…
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South East Asia
Indonesia Bids for UN Security Council Seat, Pledges Dialogue-first Diplomacy
Foreign Minister Sugiono addressing the U.N. General Assembly (U.N. TV) By Habib ToumiNew York: Indonesia will seek a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for 2029–2030, Foreign Minister Sugiono said, pledging to promote dialogue, respect for international law and practical cooperation amid growing geopolitical tensions. Sugiono told the…
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South Asia
Pakistan: 11 Killed in Suicide Bomb Attack
Screenshots of the bomb attack By Nasir Aijaz,The AsiaN Representative ISLAMABAD: At least 11 people, including two women and a two-year-old child, were killed when a suicide bomber drove an explosives-laden vehicle into an anti-smuggling check post in the Darazanda area of Dera Ismail Khan District of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhaw…
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East Asia
Singapore Pay Bonanza for PM, Cabinet
By Ivan LimFormer AJA President, Contributor to AsiaN Prime Minister Lawrence Wong (Ministry of Digital Development and Information) SINGAPORE: Fourth generation Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will draw a S$3.6 million annual income, up from $2.2 million, under a revised framework for Singapore political leaders, earning him the “world’s best-paid political…
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East Asia
Peace Walk Held in Chuncheon to Mark 45th UN International Day of Peace, WT Poomsae Championships
By Seok-jae KangVice President, Asia Journalists Association CHUNCHEON, Korea: The 2026 Chuncheon Peace Walk was successfully held on Sept. 17 near the Songam Sports Town in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, commemorating the 45th anniversary of the UN International Day of Peace and celebrating the 2026 World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships. The 4-Km…
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West Asia
Stephanie Hallett Makes History in Bahrain as First U.S. Woman Ambassador
Stephanie L. Hallett delivering her speech (Al Ayam) By Habib ToumiMANAMA: “The U.S. was here, is here, and is not going anywhere.” With those emphatic words, U.S. Ambassador Stephanie L. Hallett underscored the enduring nature of the American-Bahraini relationship on September 15, 2026, as she welcomed guests to the 250…
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East Asia
Anseong Invites World to Experience Korea’s Traditional Arts
Anseong Namsadang Baudeogi Festival in Korea (Anseong City) ANSEONG: The city of Anseong in South Korea is preparing to host the 2026 Anseong Namsadang Baudeogi Festival from October 2 to 5. The event, at Anseong Matchum Land and the surrounding Anseongcheon area, celebrates the country’s rich traditional performing arts and…
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South Asia
“Workers in Bangladesh Lose $4.1 Billion in Annual Wages Due to Extreme Heat”
By Bhanu Ranjan ChakrabortyDHAKA: Bangladesh loses approximately 1.18 billion workdays annually due to reduced work capacity and heat-related illnesses caused by severe heatwaves or extreme heat. Consequently, workers lose about $4.1 billion in wages each year. This information emerged from a joint study conducted by the UK-based research organization International…
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West Asia
Bahrain, China Poised to Take Strategic Partnership to New Level, Ambassador Says
By Habib Toumi MANAMA: China and Bahrain are poised to deepen political trust, expand mutually beneficial cooperation and strengthen people-to-people exchanges as the two countries work to take their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to a new level, Chinese Ambassador to Bahrain Ni Ruchi said. Addressing the Chinese National Day Reception marking…
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Main Slide
Indian Defence Minister Visits Sri Lanka after 38 Years
By Leo Nirosha DarshanCOLOMBO: With geopolitical tensions and maritime security challenges escalating in the Indian Ocean region, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrives in Sri Lanka for an official visit. The visit—widely viewed across South Asian political and security circles as a critical milestone—is set to elevate bilateral strategic relations.…
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