Category: Asia

Asia

TEEN DROPS SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICTION CASE VS. META, GOOGLE AND SNAP—BUT THE BIGGER LEGAL BATTLE IS JUST BEGINNING

WASHINGTON/LOS ANGELES — A U.S. teenager has withdrawn a closely watched lawsuit against Meta, Google and Snap, accusing the technology giants of contributing to social media addiction and mental-health problems among young people. The New Jersey teen, identified in California court records only as P. M-Y., voluntarily dismissed her claims on Thursday, according to a court filing. Her case had been selected as one of three so-called “bellwether” cases—test lawsuits intended to give lawyers and

August 21, 2026

Asia

Japan’s Manufacturing Boom Is Back—But the Real Game Changer Is What’s Driving These Record Orders

Japan’s manufacturing sector is showing fresh momentum, with new orders recording their fastest growth since January 2018—a powerful signal that demand for Japanese-made goods is accelerating despite a recent slowdown in the broader economy. The S&P Global Flash Japan Manufacturing PMI climbed to 55.1 in August from 54.5 in July, remaining comfortably above the 50-point threshold that separates expansion from contraction. But the headline number is only part of the story. AI and semiconducto

August 21, 2026

Asia

China’s Bold Moon Mission Begins: Will It Be the First to Discover Usable Ice at the Lunar South Pole?

China is set to take another giant leap in its rapidly advancing space program as it prepares to launch the Chang’e-7 mission, an ambitious expedition aimed at searching for water ice at the Moon’s south pole—one of the most mysterious and scientifically valuable regions in the solar system. The mission, scheduled to launch aboard a Long March 5 rocket from Hainan province, is considered one of China's most complex lunar projects to date. Unlike previous missions, Chang’e-7 will not only orbit

August 21, 2026

Asia

South Korea’s Stock Boom Turned Into a $38.7 Billion Nightmare—Now Investors Are Paying the Emotional Price

South Korea’s spectacular stock-market boom has turned into a painful reckoning, leaving thousands of retail investors facing steep losses, rising financial stress and shaken confidence in the country’s markets. The KOSPI, South Korea’s benchmark stock index, has fallen roughly 30% from its June 19 peak, according to Reuters, reversing a stunning rally that had made Korean equities one of the world’s hottest markets in the first half of 2026. The damage goes beyond falling share prices. Reute

August 21, 2026

Sport

Liam Lawson Is Back at Red Bull—But His Message Before Zandvoort Says Everything

ZANDVOORT, Netherlands — Liam Lawson has been handed an unexpected second chance with Red Bull Racing, but the New Zealand driver insists he is not returning to the team with anything to prove. Lawson has been promoted from Racing Bulls to replace the injured Isack Hadjar at this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix, giving him a remarkable return to the senior Red Bull team less than two years after his first promotion ended abruptly. Rather than treating the opportunity as vindication, however, Lawson

August 21, 2026

Philippines

14-Year-Old Student Brings Gun to Cebu School—Then a Surprise Bag Check Reveals What Was Inside

A routine classroom safety check in Cebu took a disturbing turn after a teacher discovered a .357 Magnum revolver inside the school bag of a 14-year-old Grade 9 student at Lut-od National High School in Barangay Lut-od, Pinamungajan. The firearm was found on Thursday, August 20, during a surprise inspection of students’ bags, according to reports from ABS-CBN News and The Freeman. The teacher immediately sought assistance from school authorities, who contacted the police. Responding officers s

August 21, 2026

Asia

Malaysia’s Anwar Orders Forensic Probe Into Khazanah Unit—What Happened Inside Xeraya?

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has ordered a comprehensive forensic investigation into Xeraya Capital Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional Bhd, after concerns were raised over governance and documentation involving past transactions. Anwar, who also serves as chairman of Khazanah, announced the investigation after a Khazanah board meeting on Thursday, Aug. 20. The move comes after Xeraya’s board identified irregularities in documen

August 21, 2026

Asia

India’s $15-Billion Coaching Industry Is Under Fire—But the Exam Leak Scandal May Be Only the Beginning

India’s lucrative private coaching industry is facing mounting scrutiny as exam-paper leaks, aggressive marketing, soaring tuition costs and intense academic pressure expose deeper problems in the country’s high-stakes education system. For millions of Indian students, private coaching has become almost inseparable from the race for coveted places in medical, engineering and other competitive university programmes. But a series of exam scandals in 2026 has intensified questions over whether the

August 21, 2026

Sport

WEST HAM DRAWS THE LINE: Club Warns Fans Over Controversial Chant Linked to Manor Solomon — What Happens Next?

West Ham United has issued a strong appeal to its supporters to avoid “offensive and divisive” chanting after a controversial chant containing an anti-Palestinian message was heard during the club’s Championship opener against Burnley. The incident occurred during West Ham’s 2–2 draw at Turf Moor on Sunday, Aug. 16, as the London club began life in the Championship following relegation from the Premier League. Reuters and CNA reported that the chant was sung by a section of West Ham’s travellin

August 20, 2026

Philippines

A Wet Wall Nearly Set an Olongapo Home on Fire—But the Real Danger Was Hidden Inside the Outlet

OLONGAPO CITY — A family narrowly avoided a potentially devastating house fire after an electrical outlet apparently exposed to rainwater suddenly burst into flames, filling part of their home with smoke and renewing warnings about electrical hazards during prolonged wet weather. The incident, reported by GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon on Thursday, August 20, happened inside a house in Olongapo City, where continuous rain reportedly caused moisture to seep into a wall containing an ele

August 20, 2026