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.

Busan Takeaways: Record Crowds Meet a Political Storm as Asia’s Producers Close Ranks

October 16, 2026

The 31st Busan International Film Festival drew its biggest film audiences since 2015, while political disputes over a Korean film and an Iranian director’s speech put creative freedom and historical interpretation in the spotlight. The event also highlighted the growing role of its Asian Contents & Film Market, alongside concerns that public funding has not…
Nawazuddin Siddiqui to Star as Delhi Street Detective in ‘Kabootar’ (EXCLUSIVE)

October 16, 2026

Nawazuddin Siddiqui will lead *Kabootar*, the debut feature by writer-director Ishan Sharma, as Mehboob, a street detective in Old Delhi. The India-France-Norway co-production is set amid the area’s ageing architecture and follows Mehboob as he secretly reads letters addressed to a Djinn to find clients; the project’s international backing could help bring the story to…
Nintendo Announces Switch 2 Repair Price Hike For Japan

October 16, 2026

Nintendo will raise repair prices for Switch 2 and Switch consoles in Japan from 16 November 2026. The change follows global console price increases earlier this year and means customers there will pay more for some hardware repairs. CPU board, LCD and other component repairs are expected to cost more, while controller and accessory repair…
‘BTS Recipe Book Volume 2’: K-Pop Superstars Break Down Even More of Their Favorite Korean Dishes

October 15, 2026

BTS and publisher Running Press are releasing a second cookbook, offering fans recipes inspired by the group’s album eras. The book focuses on Korean dishes and adds digital extras, giving readers a way to explore foods associated with the seven members. BTS Recipe Book Volume 2: Book of Tasty Stories is scheduled for release on…
A Timeline of the Controversy Over the Grammys’ Asian Pop Music Performance Category

October 15, 2026

The Recording Academy’s new Best Asian Pop Music Performance Grammy category has prompted debate over whether separate recognition gives Asian artists more opportunities or risks dividing music by region and language. The discussion intensified after BTS said it would not submit music for Grammy consideration, despite the success of its comeback album. The Academy announced…
Scottish Green MSP’s St Andrews rector bid draws scrutiny over public service record

October 15, 2026

The article argues that Q Manivannan’s election as a Scottish Green MSP and bid to become rector of the University of St Andrews show, in the author’s view, a focus on identity politics over public service. It questions whether voters knowingly chose Manivannan personally, as they were elected through a regional party list rather than…
‘Arabian Nights’ Epic Fantasy Series in the Works From ‘Spartacus’ Creator, Veritas Entertainment (EXCLUSIVE)

October 15, 2026

A 10-episode fantasy series based on “One Thousand and One Nights” is in development, with filming planned in Bahrain in 2027. The project brings Shahrazad, Sinbad, Aladdin and Ali Baba together in a single adventure, recasting the traditional tales as an interconnected saga. Kamran Pasha is creating the series and co-writing its pilot and overview…
Bollywood Actor Imran Khan Heads to High Court to Fight Order to Leave India Over Election Protest

October 15, 2026

Bollywood actor Imran Khan is preparing to challenge a notice ordering him to leave India by 28 October, after he attended a protest calling for the chief election commissioner to resign. The case raises questions about whether an Overseas Citizen of India cardholder can be ordered to leave the country for taking part in a…
Japanese Charts: Kingdom Hearts Collection Grabs The Top Spot, Despite A Slow Start

October 15, 2026

Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] debuted at the top of Japan’s physical game charts, selling 23,411 copies. Its lead came during a quiet week, while the collection had not reached the top three in the UK. Rhythm Heaven Groove placed second, and last week’s leader, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, came third. Dragon’s Dogma II:…
Fears of China spying on US military prompt GOP hawks to demand retaliation against the shipping giant

October 15, 2026

Three senior House Republicans have urged the Department of Homeland Security to remove Chinese shipping company COSCO’s vessels from a US Coast Guard programme that gives trusted operators fewer routine port inspections. They say reports of alleged intelligence gathering near US military facilities, alongside COSCO’s Pentagon designation as a Chinese military company, make its preferential…