Asia
North Korea says Kim ordered preparations for 2nd Trump meet
Seoul, Jan 24 (AP/UNB) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered preparations for a second summit with President Donald Trump, saying he'll "wait with patience and in good faith" to work toward a common goal, the North's state media reported Thursday.
Thailand sets March election date after 5-year military rule
Bangkok, Jan 24 (AP/UNB) — Thailand's Election Commission on Wednesday announced that the nation's first general election since the military seized power in a 2014 coup will be held on March 24.
Governor convicted of blasphemy freed from Indonesian prison
Jakarta, Jan 24 (AP/UNB) — A polarizing Christian politician whose campaign comments ignited protests that were the largest in Muslim-majority Indonesia in years was freed Thursday after serving nearly two years in prison for blasphemy.
Priyanka Gandhi formally enters politics in India
New Delhi, Jan 23 (AP/UNB) — A scion of India's most famous political dynasty on Wednesday formally entered politics, with the opposition Congress party assigning her a position as it prepares for national elections due before May.
Air raids kill 10 militants in Afghanistan's western province
Qala-E-Naw, Jan 23 (Xinhua/UNB) -- Afghan fighting aircraft targeted a Taliban hideout in Ab Kamari district of Afghanistan's western Badghis province on Tuesday, killing 10 militants on the spot and injuring four others, the official said Wednesday.
China demands US drop Huawei extradition request with Canada
Beijing, Jan 23 (AP/UNB) — China on Tuesday demanded the U.S. drop a request that Canada extradite a top executive of the tech giant Huawei, shifting blame to Washington in a case that has severely damaged Beijing's relations with Ottawa.
A look at Malaysia's monarchy before sultans pick next king
Kuala Lumpur, Jan 23 (AP/UNB) — After stripping Malaysia's royal families of some of their powers during his 22-year stint as prime minister, Mahathir Mohamad almost didn't make it to the premiership a second time.
Royal decree for Thailand's election issued
Bangkok, Jan 23 (Xinhua/UNB) -- A royal decree for Thailand's general election was issued on Wednesday to be followed by the announcement of the election date within the next five days.
Afghan officials: Death toll rises to 45 in Taliban attack
Kabul, Jan 22 (AP/UNB) — Afghanistan was reeling on Tuesday from a brazen Taliban assault on a military base in the country's east the previous day that killed at least 45 people and wounded as many as 70, most of them military personnel, according to provincial officials.
6.4-magnitude quake hits Bogorawatu, Indonesia - USGS
Hong Kong, Jan 22 (Xinhua/UNB) -- An earthquake measuring 6.4 magnitude jolted 85km SSW of Bogorawatu, Indonesia on Tuesday, the U.S. Geological Survey said.