asia
44 charged with rioting to appear in Hong Kong court
Hong Kong, Jul 31 (AP/UNB) — Supporters rallied outside a court in Hong Kong on Wednesday ahead of an appearance by more than 40 fellow protesters who have been charged with rioting.
Seoul: North Korea launches 2 short-range ballistic missiles
Seoul, Jul 31 (AP/UNB) — North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast Wednesday, South Korea's military said, its second weapons test in less than a week. North Korea is angry over planned U.S.-South Korean military drills and may be trying to boost pressure on the United States to win concessions as the rivals struggle to set up talks over the North's nuclear weapons.
Heavy rain triggers floods in Pakistan's Karachi, killing 6
Karachi, Jul 30 (AP/UNB) — Heavy monsoon rains have lashed Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi, triggering floods and killing six people. Authorities closed schools.
Malaysia's new king calls for racial unity at coronation
Kuala Lumpur, Jul 30 (AP/UNB) — Malaysia's sports-loving Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah called for racial unity as he was installed Tuesday as the country's 16th king under a unique rotating monarchy system.
Top diplomats gather in Bangkok for key Asia-Pacific talks
Bangkok, Jul 30 (AP/UNB) — Top diplomats from the Asia-Pacific region started gathering Tuesday in the Thai capital to discuss issues of concern to the area, including security on the Korean peninsula and China's territorial claims in the South China Sea.
China defends Hong Kong police, blames Western forces
Beijing, Jul 30 (AP/UNB) — China blamed Western forces and defended police conduct after Hong Kong endured another weekend of violent clashes between protesters and police.
Pakistani army plane crashes into homes, killing at least 17
Rawalpindi, Jul 30 (AP/UNB) — A Pakistani military plane on a training flight crashed into homes near the garrison city of Rawalpindi before dawn Tuesday, killing at least 17 people, most of them on the ground.
Odisha's Rasagola receives Geographical Indication tag
Dhaka, July 29 (UNB) - Odisha on Monday received the official recognition from the Geographical Indication of India after its 'Rasagola' received the GI tag. The name of the geographical indication will be read as "Odisha Rasagola". The GI tag of "Odisha Rasagola" will be valid until February 22, 2028, reports India Today.
Parched manufacturing city in India brings in water by rail
Jolarpet, Jul 29 (AP/UNB) — Amid the green Yelagiri hills of southern India, the train inches along the tracks, carrying what has become precious cargo: drinking water bound for Chennai, India's parched Motor City.
Death toll in attack at Afghan political office rises to 20
Kabul, Jul 29 (AP/UNB) — The death toll from an attack against the Kabul office of the Afghan president's running mate and former chief of the intelligence service climbed to at least 20 people on Monday, an official said.