Category: Asia

Asia

14 Newborns Killed in Islamabad Hospital Fire as Pakistan Orders Urgent Investigation

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — A devastating fire at one of Pakistan's major public hospitals has claimed the lives of 14 newborn babies, triggering national grief and urgent questions over what caused the deadly blaze and whether the tragedy could have been prevented. The fire broke out early Wednesday, August 26, at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad, inside the hospital's Mother and Child Health section. Authorities said the blaze occurred on the third floor of the facilit

August 26, 2026

Philippines

More Filipino Babies Are Being Breastfed—But the New Data Reveals a Nutrition Crisis Few Are Talking About

MANILA, Philippines — More Filipino babies are now getting the life-saving benefits of breast milk, but new government data shows the country still faces a critical challenge: too many children are missing out on proper nutrition during their most important years of growth. The National Nutrition Council (NNC) is calling on families, communities, employers, health workers, and government institutions to treat breastfeeding not as a mother's responsibility alone—but as a shared national responsi

August 26, 2026

Sport

Erin Brooks Stuns Fiji Pro With Perfect 10—Can Anyone Stop Her Now?

FIJI — Canadian surfing sensation Erin Brooks has sent an early warning to the rest of the World Surf League field after delivering a perfect 10-point ride in a breathtaking opening performance at the 2026 Fiji Pro. The 19-year-old carved her way into the spotlight at the legendary Cloudbreak, threading a long and powerful barrel on one of the biggest waves of the day. Brooks combined the perfect score with an earlier eight-point ride for a remarkable 18.00 out of 20, the highest two-wave heat

August 26, 2026

Politics

Malaysia and Indonesia Race Against the Haze Before National Day—But Will the Smoke Get Worse?

PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia — With Malaysia preparing to celebrate its 69th National Day on August 31, a familiar threat is once again hanging over the country: thick, cross-border haze. Malaysia and Indonesia have agreed to intensify efforts to prevent and contain forest and land fires as unhealthy air quality affects parts of Malaysia, raising fresh concerns about public health, schools and major national celebrations. As of Wednesday, August 26, 16 areas in Malaysia recorded unhealthy air quality,

August 26, 2026

Business

Jazreel Low Makes Surprise F&B Comeback With High Six-Figure Bet on New Bishan Park Cafe—And the Reason Behind It Is Personal

SINGAPORE — Former actress and entrepreneur Jazreel Low was enjoying semi-retirement, with plans to spend more time knitting and playing mahjong. But one familiar location changed everything. When the restaurant space she once operated for years at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park became available again, Low found herself drawn back into Singapore's notoriously challenging food-and-beverage industry—this time with a high six-figure investment and a brand-new concept called Shared Table. The 60-year-old

August 26, 2026

Entertainment

Taiwanese Actress Tsai Yi-chen Arrested in Japan Over Alleged Temple Incident—But What Happened to a National Treasure?

Taiwanese actress and TV personality Tsai Yi-chen, known to many fans as Wu Xiong from the popular drama KO One, has been arrested in Japan after allegedly pouring liquid onto a centuries-old national treasure at a historic Buddhist temple in Nara. The case has now drawn attention across Asia—and authorities are reportedly investigating whether similar incidents occurred elsewhere. The arrest involves one of Japan's most culturally significant religious sites and a stone monument known as the B

August 26, 2026

Philippines

Bagong-Silang na Sanggol, Tinangay sa Ospital sa Pampanga—Babaeng Suspek Nasakote, Sanggol Nasagip

MABALACAT CITY, PAMPANGA — Isang bagong-silang na sanggol ang umano’y tinangay mula sa isang ospital sa Mabalacat City, Pampanga, habang natutulog ang mga magulang nito—ngunit mabilis na nasagip ng mga awtoridad ang bata at naaresto ang babaeng itinuturong suspek. Ayon sa ulat ng GMA News noong Agosto 26, sinabi ng Mabalacat City Police na nangyari ang insidente makalipas ang 1 a.m., nang kunin umano ng babae ang sanggol habang natutulog ang mga magulang. Sanggol isinilid umano sa eco-bag Ba

August 26, 2026

Philippines

BFP Personnel Arrested in Pampanga Over Alleged ₱500,000 ‘Slot-for-Sale’ Scheme

PAMPANGA, Philippines — A Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) personnel was arrested in San Fernando City, Pampanga, after allegedly offering an applicant a guaranteed position in the agency in exchange for hundreds of thousands of pesos, authorities said. The arrest followed an entrapment operation conducted by the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) and BFP personnel on August 24, 2026, at a parking area of a food establishment in Barangay Maimpis. Ac

August 26, 2026

Philippines

Bam Aquino Draws Line Between Ninoy’s Alias and Sara Duterte’s Confidential-Fund Records

MANILA, Philippines — Senator-judge Bam Aquino on Wednesday drew a sharp distinction between his late uncle, former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., using an alias during his return to the Philippines and the controversial aliases appearing in acknowledgment receipts tied to Vice President Sara Duterte’s confidential funds. During the ongoing impeachment trial of Duterte, Senator-judge Robin Padilla raised Ninoy’s use of the name “Marcial Bonifacio” while discussing whether aliases could leg

August 26, 2026

Philippines

Escudero Tightens Sub Judice Rule in Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial, Warns Parties Over Public Statements

MANILA, Philippines — Senate impeachment court Presiding Officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero has drawn a firmer line against public commentary on the merits of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment case, reminding everyone covered by the court’s rules that the proceedings must be fought inside the courtroom—not in the court of public opinion. On Wednesday, August 26, during the 19th day of Duterte’s impeachment trial, Escudero ordered senator-judges, prosecutors, Duterte herself, their respecti

August 26, 2026