Asia
S Korea tests new virus steps as infections reach new high
Officials also planning to treat most mild cases at home and reshape a testing regime that had been centered around PCR tests
Pak to hand over 20 Indian fishermen to India at Wagah border
The fishermen, kept in Karachi's Landhi Jail, were released on Sunday on humanitarian grounds
Nine hamster samples test positive for COVID-19 in Hong Kong
A total of 2,581 small animals were seized from local pet stores during the past week, Hong Kong Free Press said citing government figures
China media say foreign parcels suspected in new COVID infections
China has repeatedly emphasized the danger of infection from packaging, despite only trace amounts of the virus being found on such items
Two Indians, one Pakistani killed in UAE drone attack
The suspected audacious terror attack sent shock waves through the region
China's birth rate at record low in 2021: official
Beijing has been grappling with a looming demographic crisis as it faces a rapidly ageing workforce, slowing economy
North Korea fires more suspected missiles, flouts new sanctions
The launches come at a delicate time in the region, with North Korea's sole major ally China set to host the Winter Olympics next month
China faces omicron test weeks ahead of Beijing Winter Olympics
With the success of the Games and China’s national dignity at stake, Beijing is doubling down on its 'zero-tolerance' COVID-19 policy
Indonesia starts COVID boosters for elderly, others at risk
The government hopes to provide 21 million booster shots in January to people who received their second jabs at least six months ago
North Korea fires second suspected missile in less than a week
The early-morning launch came as the UN Security Council met to discuss last week's test of what Pyongyang called a hypersonic missile