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.

BTS to skip Grammy submissions after new Asian pop category launch

July 29, 2026

BTS has confirmed that it will not submit music for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards, with all seven members announcing the decision via a coordinated Instagram story on a Wednesday, local Korean time. The group said it hopes music can be “heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region…
Japan in a ‘race against time’ to rescue people trapped beneath rubble after quake

July 29, 2026

A magnitude 6.8 earthquake has struck the Japanese island of Kyushu, killing at least 13 people, leaving others missing and displacing thousands from their homes. Rescue teams are engaged in what has been described as a “race against time” to reach people still trapped beneath rubble, with officials warning that the death toll is likely…
‘I thought I would die’: Survivors describe the shock and horror of powerful Japan earthquake

July 29, 2026

A powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto prefecture in southwestern Japan late on Tuesday, killing at least 13 people and leaving dozens more feared trapped beneath a collapsed Aeon shopping mall in Kumamoto city. Survivors described scenes of terror as buildings shook violently, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi warning that rescue teams face a “race against…
‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Swings to China’s Biggest Superhero Opening in Seven Years

July 29, 2026

Spider-Man: Brand New Day has opened in China to the strongest box-office results for a US superhero film in seven years, signalling renewed Chinese appetite for Hollywood comic-book blockbusters after a prolonged slump. The film took over $16.5 million (RMB 112 million) by midday on its Wednesday debut, with local tracker Maoyan forecasting a $37.4…
Rescuers search for the missing after Japan earthquake as death toll rises to 13

July 29, 2026

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu on 29 July 2026, killing at least 13 people and leaving others missing or trapped under rubble. Soldiers and emergency workers are racing to reach survivors at a collapsed shopping mall and a paper factory, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi warning it…
Caitlin Clark erupts for 32 points as Fever hold off Storm to complete season-series sweep

July 29, 2026

Caitlin Clark scored 32 points to lead the Indiana Fever to a win over the Seattle Storm, completing a sweep of the season series between the two teams. The result underlines Clark’s continued impact as a scoring threat for Indiana and extends the Fever’s dominance over Seattle this season, with the victory coming on the…
‘Blast’ & ‘Idhayam Murali’ Actress Preity Mukhundhan Lands IMDb Breakout Star Award

July 29, 2026

Actress Preity Mukhundhan has won IMDb’s ‘Breakout Star’ STARmeter Award, recognising her rapid rise in Indian cinema since starting her career in 2024. The award follows standout performances in the Tamil films Blast and Idhayam Murali, which released within two months of each other and significantly boosted her profile among audiences tracking the platform’s Popular…
Pokémon Pokopia ‘Bubbly Basin’ Expansion Pass DLC Locks In Switch 2 Release Date

July 29, 2026

The Pokémon Company has confirmed that “Bubbly Basin”, the first part of the paid Expansion Pass for Pokémon Pokopia on Switch 2, will launch on 5th August 2026. The date was revealed via a Japanese television commercial rather than an official announcement, giving players an underwater-themed content drop just weeks after the expansion pass was…
America bans imported robots due to supply chain and security risks

July 29, 2026

The US government has effectively banned the sale of advanced robots manufactured outside America, citing national security and supply chain risks. The move, disclosed via a National Security Determination and an updated Federal Communications Commission (FCC) banned-device list, cites concerns that internet-connected robots create broad attack surfaces vulnerable to data exfiltration, remote disruption and insecure…
Koei Tecmo Reiterates Support For Switch 2, Plans To Release Even More Ports

July 29, 2026

Koei Tecmo has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Nintendo Switch 2, confirming during its latest financial report that it plans to keep releasing games and ports for the console. The Japanese publisher, known for franchises such as Dynasty Warriors, Dead or Alive and Atelier, said it will continue diversifying its output across major titles,…