Asia
China-made jetliner completes overwater demo flight
Shanghai, Dec 26 (Xinhua/UNB) -- China's first domestically-made regional jetliner, the ARJ21-700, completed its first manned overwater demonstration flight in southern China's island province of Hainan on Tuesday.
Pakistan's journalists complain of increasing censorship
Islamabad, Dec 26 (AP/UNB) — Pakistani journalists, who have taken on military dictators and been beaten and jailed in the pursuit of a free press, say they now face a form of censorship that is more subtle but no less chilling, one spearheaded by the security services.
Japan announces withdrawal from IWC to resume commercial whaling in 2019
Tokyo, Dec 26 (Xinhua/UNB) -- Japan will withdraw from the International Whaling Commission (IWC) in order to resume commercial whaling in July 2019, the Japanese government said Wednesday.
Gunmen kill ex-Pakistani lawmaker outside home in Karachi
Karachi, Dec 26 (AP/UNB) — A senior Pakistani police officer says gunmen opened fire on a former lawmaker outside his home in the southern port city of Karachi before fleeing.
Thailand approves medical marijuana
Bangkok, Dec 26 (AP/UNB) — Thailand's legislature on Tuesday agreed to amend the country's drug law to allow the licensed medical use of marijuana, as well as kratom, a locally grown plant traditionally used as a stimulant and painkiller.
Indonesian asked to avoid coast near erupting volcano
A tsunami that followed an eruption of Anak Krakatoa hit communities along the Sunda Strait on Saturday night, killing more than 420 people and displacing thousands. The eruption is believed to have set off a landslide on the volcano's slopes, displacing the water that then slammed into Java and Sumatra islands.
Tsunami toll now 429 dead, thousands homeless
Indonesia, Dec 25 (AP/UNB) — The death toll from the tsunami that hit Indonesian islands without warning Saturday night has passed 420 with more than 1,400 people injured.
India opens its longest railroad bridge in Assam
Dhaka, Dec 25 (UNB) – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday opened the Bogibeel railroad bridge in Assam, billed as India's longest railroad bridge.
43 people killed in brazen attack in Kabul
Kabul, Dec 25 (AP/UNB) — A suicide bomber and extremists armed with assault rifles and explosives attacked a government building in the Afghan capital in an eight-hour-long siege that left 43 people dead and more than 20 wounded, authorities said. It ended when the three gunmen were killed.
Stealth Indonesia tsunami turns perfect night into nightmare
Tanjung Lesung, Dec 25 (AP/UNB) — As the white strobe lights flashed hypnotically, the band's lead singer screamed into the crowd: "We are! We are Seventeen! Seventeen!" He then let loose with a long note as the guitarist wailed behind him.