China

China blames military drills for reef damage around disputed shoal

BEIJING: China said without naming any country that military activities such as bomb-dropping training in the waters around Scarborough Shoal have damaged the coral reefs there, state broadcaster CCTV said on Monday (Dec 29) citing an ecological report.

Commodities

Oil gains as investors weigh Middle East tensions

OIL prices rose on Monday as investors weighed Middle East tensions that could disrupt supply, while a major hurdle remains in the Russia-Ukraine peace talks.

Indonesia

Indonesia fire kills 16 people in retirement home

JAKARTA: A fire at a retirement home in the city of Manado on Indonesia's on Sulawesi island has killed 16 people, a local police official was quoted as saying on Monday (Dec 29) by state news agency Antara.

Economy

BOJ debated need for more rate hikes even after December move, summary shows

TOKYO: Bank of Japan policymakers debated the need to keep raising interest rates even after a hike in December with one calling for increases every few months, a summary of opinions showed, highlighting their focus on inflationary pressures.

World

South Korean president vows to reveal truth on anniversary of Jeju Air crash

MUAN, South Korea, Dec 29 (Reuters) - South Korean President ‌Lee Jae Myung on Monday apologised to the families of the 179 people who died in a Jeju ‌Air crash a year ago, vowing to reveal the truth behind the worst aircraft accident on the country's ‌soil. 

Thailand

Thailand issues tighter New Year controls on fireworks, floating lanterns and gunfire

BANGKOK: Thailand's Interior Ministry has ordered governors nationwide to step up safety measures for the New Year 2026 holiday period, including strict controls on fireworks and floating lanterns, and a hardline crackdown on firing guns into the air, with offenders to face tough legal action.

World

Indonesia fire kills 16 people in retirement home

JAKARTA, Dec ‌29 (Reuters) - A fire at a ‌retirement home in the city ‌of Manado on Indonesia's on Sulawesi island has killed 16 people, a local police ‍official was quoted as ‍saying on ‌Monday by state news agency Antara.

Style

Dubai Watch Week reveals its finest creations

Of visionary creators, immersive exhibitions, serious collectors and watchmaking mastery.

South Korea

S. Korean president vows to reveal truth on anniversary of Jeju Air crash

SEOUL: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Monday(Dec 29) apologised to the families of the 179 people who died in a Jeju Air crash a year ago, vowing to reveal the truth behind the worst aircraft accident on the country's soil.

Nation

Floods: One more relief centre opens in Segamat

SEGAMAT: One more temporary flood relief centre has opened here, bringing the total to seven as of Monday (Dec 28) morning.

Singapore

Cambodian tycoon Chen Zhi linked to scams: Authorities to seize more assets in Singapore

SINGAPORE: More assets in Singapore linked to Cambodian businessman Chen Zhi and his firm, Prince Group, may be seized after their existence was disclosed in a court hearing.

Style

Grand Seiko’s Alive In Time exhibition in KL celebrates Japanese watchmaking artistry

Grand Seiko's Alive In Time exhibition in KL highlights Japan's natural landscapes, being present in each moment.

Video games

A gaming tour de force that is very, very French

Without a blockbuster budget or much experience, the creators of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 astounded the industry with an emotional narrative and old-school design.

Wellness

How peptides can help in overall wellness

These smaller versions of proteins are being researched for their ability to help enhance our body's functions.

Living

Destroyed by insects: Lebanon’s historic pines are dying, one cone at a time

In the heart of southern Lebanon, where pine trees once stood tall and abundant, a quiet crisis is unfolding. The cones are barren, the trees are drying and a forest that was a lifeline for entire communities is under siege.

Football

Soccer-Petkovic - ‘Every game tougher’ as Algeria chase African crown

Dec 28 (Reuters) - Algeria coach ‌Vladimir Petkovic admitted he did not expect the ‌level of resistance from Burkina Faso after his ‌side battled to a 1-0 win on Sunday to reach the Africa Cup of Nations last 16.

Markets

Asian stocks rise, precious metals hit records on Fed rate cut bets

SINGAPORE: Asian stocks were at six-week highs on Monday, while the dollar hovered near its lowest in almost three months on expectations of the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates next year, which have also sparked a fierce rally in precious metals.

Entertainment

Brigitte Bardot obituary: The screen goddess and sex symbol who gave it all up

She was the ultimate sex symbol whose voluptuous figure and libertine lifestyle sent tremors through the straitlaced 1950s, but Brigitte Bardot soon tired of the male gaze and walked away from it all to care for animals.

Style

TV series by Wei Koh shows how passion turns into watchmaking craft

Wei Koh has never merely told time. He has also spent two decades shaping the culture around it. The 55-year-old has channelled his boundless curiosity into a global lifestyle empire.

Forex

Ringgit opens higher for 12th consecutive session

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit continued its upward momentum on Monday, opening higher for the 12th consecutive session ahead of a holiday-shortened trading week leading into the New Year.