Asia
India signs $5 billion deal for Russian air defense systems
New Delhi, Oct 06 (AP/UNB) — India signed a $5 billion deal to buy five Russian S-400 air defense systems on Friday despite a looming threat of U.S. sanctions on countries that trade with Russia's defense and intelligence sectors.
Interpol president reported missing after trip to China
Paris, Oct 5 (AP/UNB) — A French judicial official says the president of Interpol has been reported missing after traveling to China.
Gunmen kill 2 Kashmir activists from pro-India party
Srinagar, Oct 5 (AP/UNB) — Suspected rebels on Friday shot and killed two activists affiliated with a pro-India Kashmiri political group in the disputed region's main city, officials said, as authorities prepared for elections with the deployment of tens of thousands of additional soldiers in the already highly militarized region.
Crew recount terror of tsunami that dumped ferry in village
Wani, Oct 5 (AP/UNB) — The captain and crew sailing the Sabuk Nusantara ferry to new owners on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi got the task done and then some.
Rescuers detect possible sign of life under quake-hit hotel
Palu, Oct 5 (AP/UNB) — A French rescue team said Thursday it has detected a possible sign of life under the rubble of a hotel in Indonesia's Sulawesi island nearly a week after it was hit by a powerful earthquake and tsunami, as the death toll rose to more than 1,500.
India deports Rohingya Muslims to Myanmar
Gauhati, Oct 4 (AP/UNB) — India on Thursday deported its first group of Rohingya Muslims since the government last year ordered the expulsion of members of the Myanmar minority group and others who entered the country illegally.
Six rescue divers drown trying to save teen in Malaysia
Dhaka, Oct 4 (UNB) - Six rescue divers have drowned while trying to save a teenager from a disused mining pool in Malaysia, reports BBC.
Little but uncertainty in Indonesian city hit by disasters
Palu, Oct 4 (AP/UNB) — Life is on hold for thousands living in tents and shelters in the Indonesian city hit by a powerful earthquake and tsunami, unsure when they'll be able to rebuild and spending hours each day often futilely trying to secure necessities such as fuel for generators.
Malaysia ex-PM's wife pleads not guilty to money laundering
Kuala Lumpur, Oct 4 (AP/UNB) — The detained wife of former Malaysian Prime Minister Najjib Razak pleaded not guilty Thursday to laundering illegal proceeds from a graft scandal involving the 1MDB state investment fund, five months after her husband's shocking electoral loss.
Vietnam nominates Communist Party chief to become president
Hanoi, Oct 4 (AP/UNB) — The ruling Communist Party of Vietnam has decided to nominate its general secretary as the sole candidate for the presidency, succeeding late President Tran Dai Quang.