Asia
Coastal forest fire kills 2, destroys 120 homes in S. Korea
Seoul, April 5 (AP/UNB) — A forest fire burning in the mountainous region where South Korea hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics has destroyed 120 homes and caused two deaths, authorities said Friday as thousands of people fled.
Afghan officials: Taliban kill at least 20 troops, policemen
Kabul, Apr 4 (AP/UNB) — Afghan provincial officials say a Taliban attack on a government compound in western Badghis province has killed at least 20 troops and policemen.
Thai election body orders redo in places over irregularities
Bangkok, Apr 4 (AP/UNB) — Thai election authorities have ordered a recount of votes and new elections in some polling areas after finding irregularities in last month's elections.
Malaysian ex-PM Najib attends 1st day of graft trial
Kuala Lumpur, Apr 3 (AP/UNB) — Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak appeared in court Wednesday for the start of his corruption trial, exactly 10 years after he was first elected to office only to suffer a spectacular defeat last year on allegations he pilfered millions of dollars from a state investment fund.
India election body struggles with scale of fake information
Bhimtal, Apr 3 (AP/UNB) — When India's Election Commission announced last month that its code of conduct would have to be followed by social media companies as well as political parties, some analysts scoffed, saying it lacked the capacity and speed required to check the spread of fake news ahead of a multi-phase general election that begins April 11.
Firefighters contain fire in China's mountains where 30 died
Beijing, Apr 2 (AP/UNB) — Firefighters on Tuesday had contained a blaze high in the rugged forested mountains of western China that claimed the lives of 30 of their colleagues, in one of the worst disasters for the emergency services in recent years.
Air is so dirty in northern Thailand, leader flies to see it
Bangkok, Apr 2 (AP/UNB) — The air hanging over Thailand's far north has become so polluted, the prime minister went Tuesday to see in person what's been called a severe health crisis.
Pakistan, India trade fire in disputed Kashmir: 7 people die
Islamabad, Apr 2 (AP/UNB) — Pakistan and India traded fire in the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir, leaving seven people dead — three Pakistani soldiers, a Pakistani villager, an Indian woman and a girl and a member of the Indian paramilitary troops, officials said Tuesday.
Thai polls show divisions and instability remain
Bangkok, Apr 2 (AP/UNB) — Thailand's junta leader looks set to return as prime minister after a general election stacked heavily in his favor, but the process reveals that more than a decade's polarization in Thai politics is as strong as ever.
China says 30 killed fighting mountain forest fire
Beijing, Apr 1 (AP/UNB) — A fire high in the mountains of western China's Sichuan province has killed 30 firefighters and others, the government said Monday.