Tuesday, 26 Nov 2024

Asia

Asia News – Get latest breaking news & top stories today in Asia, South-East Asia, South Asia, East Asia, Australia/New Zealand at…

Saudi Arabia may cut February heavy crude prices to Asia

SINGAPORE (Reuters) – Top oil exporter Saudi Arabia is expected to cut February prices for heavier crude grades sold to Asia due to weaker fuel oil margins, respondents to a Reuters survey said on Thursday. Weak refining margins and an expected drop in Asia’s crude demand during second-quarter refinery maintenance were also factors that may […]

Violent street protests after women defy ban to enter temple

Two women defied a centuries-old ban on entering a Hindu temple in the Indian state of Kerala yesterday, sparking rowdy protests and calls for a strike by conservative Hindu groups outraged by their visit. Police fired teargas and used water cannons to disperse a large crowd of protesters in the state capital of Thiruvananthapuram, television […]

One dead, 15 injured in violence after women enter flashpoint India temple

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, INDIA (AFP) – One person was killed and at least 15 injured as violence broke out across southern India’s Kerala state after two women defied traditionalists to enter one of Hinduism’s holiest temples, police said on Thursday (Jan 3). Clashes were reported across the state after the two women activists, escorted by police, entered […]

U.S. banks 'well-positioned' for adverse market conditions: OCC spokesman

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. banking system has strong capital and liquidity and is well-positioned to manage more adverse market conditions, a spokesman for the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency said on Wednesday. In a statement to Reuters, Bryan Hubbard said the banking regulator was monitoring the effects of falling stock markets on […]

U.S. banks 'well-positioned' to manage adverse market conditions: OCC spokesman

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. banking system has strong capital and liquidity and is well-positioned to manage more adverse market conditions, a spokesman for the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency said on Wednesday. In a statement to Reuters, Bryan Hubbard said the banking regulator was monitoring the effects of falling stock markets on […]

European shares start 2019 shakilyas China, EU figures deepen gloom

LONDON (Reuters) – European shares lost further ground in their first trading day of 2019 on Wednesday as fears about global growth, trade wars and political instability rolled over into the new year while investors sought safety in stocks considered less risky. While sentiment had already been hit by disappointing data from China, fresh surveys […]

Dollar starts 2019 strong, safety bid lifts yen

NEW YORK (Reuters) – The U.S. dollar climbed against the euro and sterling on Wednesday, starting the new year on a strong footing, but fell against the safe-haven Japanese yen as investors remained wary of slowing global growth and volatile equity markets. The euro fell 0.9 percent against the U.S. dollar, following weak manufacturing data […]

Indonesia on tsunami alert after new cracks appear on Anak Krakatau volcano

JAKARTA – New cracks have emerged on Anak Krakatau volcano, prompting Indonesian authorities to urge those in the vicinity to be on the alert in case a collapse sets off yet another tsunami. Dr Dwikorita Karnawati, head of the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), told reporters on Wednesday (Jan 2): “Of course the hope […]

Activity on social media of Canadian detained in China raises questions

BEIJING (REUTERS) – The social media accounts and messaging apps of a Canadian businessman detained in China have been active since he was arrested in December on suspicion of being engaged in activity that endangered China’s security. Mr Michael Spavor was shown as being “active” on Viber, an instant messaging app blocked in China, as […]

Unification Plan From China’s Xi Finds Few Takers in Taiwan

BEIJING — President Xi Jinping declared on Wednesday that he wants progress on China’s decades-long quest to win control of Taiwan. But his proposal appeared unlikely to win over residents of the self-ruled island, who have seen Hong Kong’s freedoms in rapid retreat under a similar deal. Mr. Xi stressed how vital unification with Taiwan […]