Asia
"Your slap will be a blessing," PM retorts after Mamata Banerjee's attack
Dhaka, May 9 (UNB) - Two days after Mamata Banerjee said she wanted to give him a "tight slap of democracy", Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his response while campaigning in Bengal. At a rally in Purulia today, PM Modi said coming from "Didi", he would consider a slap a blessing. He also doubled down on his "tolabaazi" or extortion allegation that had provoked Mamata Banerjee's comments, reports NDTV.
Malaysian PM says no timetable for handing over power
Putrajaya, May 9 (AP/UNB) — A year after his election victory, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has defended his government's record but gave no timetable for handing over power to his successor Anwar Ibrahim.
Singapore reportedly criminalizes publication of fake news
Singapore, May 9 (AP/UNB) — Singapore reportedly has passed a law criminalizing publication of fake news and allowing the government to block and order the removal of such content.
NKorea says weapons drill was defensive, criticizes Seoul
Seoul, May 9 (AP/UNB) — North Korea has described its firing of rocket artillery and an apparent short-range ballistic missile over the weekend as a regular and defensive military exercise and ridiculed South Korea for criticizing the launches.
Christian acquitted of blasphemy leaves Pakistan
Islamabad, May 8 (AP/UNB) — Pakistani media say Aasia Bibi, a Christian woman acquitted of blasphemy after spending eight years on death row, has left Pakistan for Canada to be reunited with her daughters.
Suicide bombing outside Pakistan shrine kills 8
Lahore, May 8 (AP/UNB) — A suicide bomber attacked security forces guarding a famous Sufi shrine in Pakistan's eastern city of Lahore on Wednesday, killing at least eight people and wounding 23 others, police said.
Gandhi scion comes into his own as India polls near finish
New Delhi, May 7 (AP/UNB)— With India's general election inching toward the finish line, the battle for one seat in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh is being examined to see whether the scion of India's most important modern political dynasty can retain his seat and revive his party's fortunes.
Opposition slams decision for re-run Istanbul vote as 'coup'
Ankara, May 7 (AP/UNB) — Turkey's opposition is denouncing a decision by the country's electoral board to force a re-run of the mayoral race in Istanbul.
Myanmar frees Reuters reporters jailed for Secrecy Act crime
Yangon, May 7 (AP/UNB) — Two Reuters journalists who were imprisoned for breaking Myanmar's Official Secrets Act over reporting on security forces' abuses of Rohingya Muslims were pardoned and released Tuesday.
Thai king wrapping up coronation with audience for public
Bangkok, May 6 (AP/UNB) ) — Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn is wrapping up three days of coronation ceremonies with appearances before the public and the diplomatic corps.