Rising expectations for another rate hike in Japan are gaining momentum as inflation pressures persist. Markets closely watch the Bank of Japan’s upcoming policy meeting for potential tightening signals.

Best Asian Daily Information Website

Rising expectations for another rate hike in Japan are gaining momentum as inflation pressures persist. Markets closely watch the Bank of Japan’s upcoming policy meeting for potential tightening signals.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister faces a major setback as his allies endure defeats in the Sabah state polls, hinting at tough challenges looming for his administration, Reuters reports

Exxon is reportedly in talks with Iraq to acquire Lukoil’s stake in the massive West Qurna 2 oilfield, sources say. This potential deal highlights a surge of interest in strengthening and expanding Iraq’s energy partnerships

Sheikh Hasina, the former leader of Bangladesh, now stands accused of crimes against humanity. In a bold move, she has filed a petition to lift the voting ban placed on her, stirring up political drama as the nation gears up for crucial upcoming elections

A former UK soldier has come forward, revealing shocking allegations that British forces committed war crimes in Afghanistan, including unlawful killings and attempts to cover them up. This groundbreaking inquiry seeks to uncover the full extent of misconduct during the conflict

Asia Rugby recently hosted a dynamic high-level meeting aimed at supercharging rugby development in Tajikistan. The focus was on delivering strategic support, launching innovative training programs, and enhancing infrastructure to fuel the sport’s rapid growth across the region

Israel has just signed a groundbreaking labor agreement with Cambodia to tackle its pressing agricultural worker shortage. This exciting partnership will bring skilled Cambodian workers to Israel’s farms, enhancing productivity and bridging critical labor gaps in the farming sector

Tokyo court ruled Japan’s ban on same-sex marriage constitutional, rejecting a landmark challenge. The decision upheld current laws, sparking debate over LGBTQ+ rights in the country.

The XRP ETF surge triggers a market wave, with Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana trailing behind. Meanwhile, Thailand boosts crypto appeal by scrapping capital gains tax, sparking fresh investor interest.

Malaysia plans to ban children under 16 from social media platforms, mirroring Australia’s recent move. The policy aims to protect minors from online harms and promote digital safety, officials said.

India has once again stood firm in its support for a two-state solution for Palestine, highlighting the importance of peaceful coexistence. The government has vowed to continue backing efforts that promote lasting peace and stability across West Asia, reports DD News

The EU trade chief announced plans to secure free trade deals with the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia by 2027, aiming to strengthen economic ties and boost market access in Southeast Asia.

The WFP Lao PDR Country Brief, February 2025, showcases dynamic efforts to tackle food insecurity in the face of escalating climate challenges. WFP remains steadfast in its commitment, delivering vital nutrition and emergency aid to support the most vulnerable communities

The recent US travel ban has thrown Turkmen students’ futures into turmoil, abruptly halting their education plans and clouding their academic and career opportunities abroad with uncertainty

U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan has thrown his weight behind Joe Mitchell in the Eastern Iowa Republican primary, giving a powerful boost to Mitchell’s campaign as the election approaches, The Gazette reports. This endorsement marks a significant show of support from influential party leaders

PM Shehbaz Sharif and fans celebrate as Pakistan secures a 3-0 ODI series whitewash against Sri Lanka with a dominant win in the third match, showcasing clinical performance and team strength.

Despite their strong economic connections, China and Japan’s relationship is still shadowed by historical wounds and ongoing territorial conflicts. This lingering mistrust continues to block deeper collaboration, highlighting the complex challenges faced by these vital trading partners

Kuwait is expected to experience warm and humid days with temperatures rising, while nights will turn cooler with a chance of fog, the latest weather report from Arab Times Kuwait indicates. Residents are advised to stay prepared.

Qatar and Saudi Arabia have clinched their places in the 2026 World Cup by dominating their groups in the Asian qualifiers, kicking off the region’s journey to the tournament with impressive momentum, Jakarta Globe reports

Maersk’s bold pivot to Southeast Asia marks a thrilling new chapter in the US-China trade war. By intensifying its focus on this dynamic region, the shipping titan is placing a high-stakes bet on emerging markets as tensions between the two superpowers continue to rise