South Korea proposes holding border talks with North
South Korea has proposed holding border talks with North Korea, signalling a potential diplomatic step amid ongoing inter-Korean tensions.
Asia
Japan to overhaul tax-free shopping for foreign visitors to curb resale
Japan will overhaul its tax-free shopping system for foreign visitors from Nov 1, requiring upfront tax payment and departure refunds to curb resale abuse.
South Korean Constitutional Court upholds harsher penalties for killing parents
South Korea's Constitutional Court upheld harsher penalties for killing parents or ascendants, citing moral family bonds. One justice dissented.
China's Xi calls for qualitative improvement, measurable growth in economy
Chinese President Xi Jinping urged qualitative economic improvement and reasonable growth, emphasizing high-quality development, military leadership, and reforms during a Long March anniversary speech.
Review finds KPMG Australia mishandled whistleblower claims, pause on government work extended
Review finds KPMG Australia mishandled whistleblower claims, extending ban on new federal work until February 2027 amid governance weaknesses.
Handful of Micron workers strike in Taiwan
Micron workers in Taiwan struck after failed talks over profit-sharing demands. Unions seek higher bonuses and a permanent profit-sharing system. Talks resume Oct 23.
Student suicides in South Korea rise 26% in three years
South Korean student suicides rose 26% from 2022 to 2025, reaching 244 deaths; 985 occurred by mid-2026, with many causes unknown.
Kim Jong Un's sister issues new warning to South Korea, says border loudspeakers to be ready within days
Kim Jong Un's sister warns South Korea, saying border loudspeakers will be operational within days, escalating tensions.
S. Korea’s Yonsei University portal breach affects 10,000 local, international students and faculty
Yonsei University cyberattack leaked personal data of about 10,000 students and faculty in South Korea, including passwords and contacts; no ID numbers exposed.
India voter roll protests: ‘Cockroach’ movement leaders released from jail
Two Cockroach Janta Party leaders were released from Tihar Jail after over a week in custody for protesting voter-roll changes, vowing to keep demanding India’s election commissioner resign.
Kuching school attack: Sarawak minister urges accountability and compassion
Sarawak minister Fatimah Abdullah urged accountability and compassion after a student allegedly attacked a teacher in Kuching, warning against shaming and saying the teen’s reported loneliness must not be ignored.
China, Russia slam 'destructive external interference' in Eurasia: Joint statement
China and Russia slammed "destructive external interference" in Eurasia in a joint statement, urging respect for regional sovereignty and opposing outside meddling.