Asia

Asia covers news and developments across the world's largest and most populous continent, where billion-dollar industries, geopolitical tensions and technological innovation shape global markets and international relations. The region encompasses many of the world's fastest-growing economies and most influential technology sectors, making Asian affairs consequential for businesses, policymakers and consumers worldwide.

Stories from across Asia reflect the region's complexity: from energy markets and trade relations to corporate accountability, data security and competition in emerging industries like electric vehicles. Whether driven by government policy, corporate behaviour or market forces, developments in Asia often ripple through global supply chains, financial markets and international diplomacy, making regional news essential context for understanding world affairs.

Nursery owner in China jailed for life after hundreds of children poisoned

October 17, 2026

A nursery owner in Gansu, China, has been jailed for life after a court found that food served at her kindergarten was deliberately contaminated with lead. The case involved more than 200 children and staff with abnormally high blood lead levels, and raised concerns about the safety of school meals and attempts to conceal the…
The Cignetti effect is real: Indiana football sparks an unbelievable ‘revival’ in Bloomington

October 17, 2026

Indiana’s rapid football success under head coach Curt Cignetti has transformed the mood in Bloomington, where fans and local businesses are embracing a level of excitement once largely reserved for basketball. The article describes the change as a revival and says Indiana’s rise has encouraged other college programmes to believe they can rebuild quickly. Ahead…
Hull teenager pursues sumo dream after moving to Tokyo

October 17, 2026

Nicholas Tarasenko, a 17-year-old from Hull, has moved to Tokyo to pursue a career in professional sumo, with the ambition of becoming world champion. His training master says he has the potential to reach yokozuna, the sport’s highest rank, after Nicholas gave up a promising judo path to start again in sumo. He wakes at…
UK troops head to Poland as Oregon school shooting details emerge

October 17, 2026

Britain will rehearse support for Ukraine after a ceasefire, while new accounts describe a teacher confronting the gunman at an Oregon school. A German heiress stands trial over an alleged child abduction, and films probe technology leaders.
In 1973, Hall and Oates knew they had written a masterpiece that would stand ”the test of time”. In 1976, it was finally a hit

October 17, 2026

Hall and Oates’ song ‘She’s Gone’, first released in 1973, became a US hit three years later after its initial chart performance disappointed. The article presents its renewed attention, including on TikTok, as evidence of the song’s lasting appeal and the duo’s continued popularity despite their feud. John Oates says the song has stood “the…
Reform councillor resigns after being filmed making racist remarks

October 17, 2026

Reform councillor Alan Feeney resigned from all his posts on Solihull and Birmingham councils after an undercover ITV investigation recorded him making racist remarks about Asian people. The comments, including calling Asian homeowners “parasites”, have drawn condemnation from Solihull Council and the Ministry of Justice, which suspended him from his prison service job. Feeney had…
‘Renoir’ Producers Join Asia-Europe Co-Production Panel at Tokyo Market as Japanese Accelerator Atmovie Global Track Partners With Ties That Bind

October 17, 2026

Producers behind Hayakawa Chie’s Cannes competition film “Renoir” will join an open panel on Asia-Europe film co-production at Tokyo’s TIFFCOM market on 30 October. The session coincides with a new partnership between Japanese accelerator Atmovie Global Track and European workshop Ties That Bind, which aims to help filmmakers develop projects and build international production partnerships.…
Chinese visitors pay to experience controlled disaster simulations

October 16, 2026

Chinese tourists are increasingly paying for intense experiences that simulate disasters, including typhoons and floods. The trend blends entertainment with safety education, as visitors seek to feel what an emergency might be like in a controlled setting. At a 200,000-square-metre centre in Hangzhou, visitors experience simulated extreme weather; one participant travelled more than 1,300km to…
Japan’s Takaichi faces criticism over comments on makeup and housework

October 16, 2026

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has drawn online criticism after saying her morning housework and makeup routine means she spends three or four more hours than male predecessors. Her remarks have renewed debate about gender roles and long working hours, both widely discussed issues in Japan. Takaichi, 65, said she bathes, prepares breakfast, washes dishes…
Nicolas Cage’s ‘True Detective’ Season 5 Officially Recruits an Indiana Jones Star

October 16, 2026

Antonio Banderas has joined Nicolas Cage in the fifth season of HBO’s crime anthology True Detective, giving the two actors their first pairing in the series. Cage will play detective Henry Logan, while Banderas takes the role of Rai Garcia; their casting adds two prominent film stars to a show known for changing casts each…