asia
China says lightning caused forest fire that killed 31
Beijing, Apr 6 (AP/UNB) — Lighting sparked a forest fire in mountainous western China last month that killed 27 firefighters and four local helpers in one of the country's deadliest days for first responders, investigators said.
Malaysia won't join ICC over pressure from Muslim opposition
Kuala Lumpur, Apr 6 (AP/UNB) — Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said Friday Malaysia won't ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, the second treaty the government is withdrawing from after coming under pressure from the majority Muslim opposition.
Unprecedented fire engulfs northeastern S. Korea, killing 1, injuring dozens
Seoul, April 5 (Xinhua) - An unprecedented fire engulfed the mountainous region along the northeastern coast of South Korea, killing one people and injuring dozens of others.
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.