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August 31, 2026
Nuclear Tests Shatter Trust, Not Prove Strength, UN Chief Warns on International Day against Nuclear Tests
Geopolitics

Nuclear Tests Shatter Trust, Not Prove Strength, UN Chief Warns on International Day against Nuclear Tests

Elliot Wrentham

China is launching a Moon mission to find water ice. It’s unlike anything NASA has done
Science

China is launching a Moon mission to find water ice. It’s unlike anything NASA has done

US-Philippines Defense Treaty Turns 75
Geopolitics

US-Philippines Defense Treaty Turns 75

Tribune | Asia

Geopolitics

Nuclear Tests Shatter Trust, Not Prove Strength, UN Chief Warns on International Day against Nuclear Tests

Nuclear Tests Shatter Trust, Not Prove Strength, UN Chief Warns on International Day against Nuclear Tests

UN Secretary-General António Guterres marked the International Day against Nuclear Tests on 29 August with a call for all nuclear-armed states to maintain existing moratoria and bring the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty into force without delay. Guterres framed nuclear testing not as a demonstration of power but as an act that shatters trust, invites reciprocal tests, and fuels a nuclear arm…

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Elliot Wrentham
August 19, 2026
Burmese Handicrafts - Arts, Markets, and Cultural Significance
Culture

Burmese Handicrafts - Arts, Markets, and Cultural Significance

It's woven into Myanmar's social fabric, where generations of artisans transform local materials into objects of utility, devotion, and beauty. Artisans work wi…

March 20, 2026
Langkawi Island Tours - Beaches, Cable Car, and Travel Tips
Asia

Langkawi Island Tours - Beaches, Cable Car, and Travel Tips

There's no other destination in Malaysia that pairs duty-free shopping with lush rainforests and scenic karst formations quite like Langkawi, making it a conven…

March 20, 2026
Balinese Hindu Traditions - Rituals, Temples, and Daily Practices
Culture

Balinese Hindu Traditions - Rituals, Temples, and Daily Practices

You witness in Balinese Hindu traditions a coherent system of rituals, temple roles, and daily offerings that sustain communal spirituality, social order, and a…

March 20, 2026
Culinary

Luang Prabang Restaurants - Authentic Lao Dishes and Dining

Many visitors find Luang Prabang's restaurants deliver authentic Lao flavors, from khao soi to laap, in welcoming atmosp…

Luang Prabang Restaurants - Authentic Lao Dishes and Dining
Asia

Kyrgyzstan’s Dordoi Bazaar: a world made from shipping containers and a city within a city

Every container opens onto its own distinct social world.…

Tribune | Asia
Kyrgyzstan’s Dordoi Bazaar: a world made from shipping containers and a city within a city
Taiwan Festivals Guide - Lantern Festival, Ghost Festival
Culture

Taiwan Festivals Guide - Lantern Festival, Ghost Festival

Festivals in Taiwan fuse ancient ritual, community celebration, and spectacular visuals; the Lantern Festival and Ghost Festival offer contrasting windows into Taiwanese culture. The Lantern Festival …

Phuket Travel Guide - Beaches, Routes, Island Access
Asia

Phuket Travel Guide - Beaches, Routes, Island Access

Anuradhapura Heritage Guide - Buddhist Sites, History
Culture

Anuradhapura Heritage Guide - Buddhist Sites, History

Vietnam Food Guide - Pho, Banh Mi, Local Dishes
Culinary

Vietnam Food Guide - Pho, Banh Mi, Local Dishes

Luang Prabang Restaurants - Authentic Lao Dishes and Dining
Culinary

Luang Prabang Restaurants - Authentic Lao Dishes and Dining

Many visitors find Luang Prabang's restaurants deliver authentic Lao flavors, fr…

Kyrgyzstan’s Dordoi Bazaar: a world made from shipping containers and a city within a city
Asia

Kyrgyzstan’s Dordoi Bazaar: a world made from shipping containers and a city within a city

Every container opens onto its own distinct social world.…

Taiwan Festivals Guide - Lantern Festival, Ghost Festival
Culture

Taiwan Festivals Guide - Lantern Festival, Ghost Festival

Festivals in Taiwan fuse ancient ritual, community celebration, and spectacular …

Phuket Travel Guide - Beaches, Routes, Island Access
Asia

Phuket Travel Guide - Beaches, Routes, Island Access

Phuket is Thailand's largest island and a gateway to Andaman Sea islands, offeri…

Anuradhapura Heritage Guide - Buddhist Sites, History
Culture

Anuradhapura Heritage Guide - Buddhist Sites, History

Many visitors come to Anuradhapura to explore its vast Buddhist monuments and an…

Politics

North Korea's Governance Structures Face a New Era

North Korea has long occupied a singular position in the landscape of Asian governance — a state built on a philosophy o…

Culture

Borobudur Temple History - Architecture and Visitor Information

Borobudur stands as a ninth-century Mahayana Buddhist monument in Central Java, showcasing layered mandala architecture,…

Borobudur Temple History - Architecture and Visitor Information

Asia

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Asia Pacific Trade Dynamics Shift as Regional Powers Recalibrate Economic Strategies

Asia Pacific Trade Dynamics Shift as Regional Powers Recalibrate Economic Strategies

Asia Pacific economies are experiencing a fundamental transformation as traditional trade patterns evolve amid changing geopolitical dynamics and technological advancement. Regional powerhouses including China, Japan, and South Korea are repositionin

Mount Paektu Travel Guide - Access Routes, Tour Rules

Mount Paektu Travel Guide - Access Routes, Tour Rules

There's clear guidance for visiting Mount Paektu: authorized access routes, seasonal restrictions, permit requirements, and mandatory tour rules enforced by local authorities-follow official operators, respect safety briefings, and prepare for high-a

Sigiriya Travel Guide - Rock Fortress Access, Tips

Sigiriya Travel Guide - Rock Fortress Access, Tips

Sigiriya rises from the central plains of Sri Lanka as a 5th-century rock fortress crowned by palace ruins, frescoes, and extensive water gardens. Access to the site is through the official ticket office at the entrance, where separate fees apply for

Laos Reshapes Governance for a Modern Era

Across the landlocked nation of Laos, a measured but meaningful evolution in governance is taking shape. Political institutions that have long operated within a tightly structured single-party framework are increasingly embracing administrative modernization, community-level engagement, and transparency initiatives that reflect a broader ambition: to make the state more efficient, more accessible, and more attuned to the needs of a young and rapidly urbanizing population.

Politics

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Southeast Asia Navigates Complex Political Transitions Amid Rising Regional Tensions

Southeast Asia Navigates Complex Political Transitions Amid Rising Regional Tensions

Southeast Asian nations are experiencing significant political upheaval as several key countries undergo leadership transitions and policy shifts that could reshape regional dynamics. From Indonesia's evolving foreign policy stance to Thailand's ongo

Pakistan's Digital Governance Revolution Transforms Citizen Services

Pakistan's Digital Governance Revolution Transforms Citizen Services

Pakistan has positioned itself at the forefront of digital governance transformation in South Asia, implementing comprehensive e-government initiatives that are reshaping how citizens interact with public institutions. The nation's commitment to technological modernization has created a robust frame

Taiwan's Digital Democracy Platform Transforms Civic Engagement

Taiwan's Digital Democracy Platform Transforms Civic Engagement

Taiwan has emerged as a global pioneer in digital democracy, with innovative online platforms fundamentally transforming how citizens engage with governance and participate in decision-making processes. These technological advances are creating unprecedented opportunities for transparent, inclusive

North Korea's Governance Structures Face a New Era

North Korea has long occupied a singular position in the landscape of Asian governance — a state built on a philosophy of self-reliance, centralized authority, and collective identity that diverges sharply from the administrative models adopted by its regional neighbors. In recent months, renewed attention has turned toward how the country's political institutions function at multiple levels of society, and what internal dynamics shape the lived experience of ordinary citizens.

Economy

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Laos Navigates Great Power Competition as Trade Tensions Mount

Laos Navigates Great Power Competition as Trade Tensions Mount

Laos occupies a critical position in the evolving dynamics between China and the United States, serving as a crossroads for competing economic and strategic interests across Southeast Asia. The landlocked nation's geographic location, infrastructure

Indonesia's Path to Electric Vehicle Adoption

Indonesia's Path to Electric Vehicle Adoption

Indonesia stands at a pivotal moment in its automotive evolution, positioning itself as a key player in Southeast Asia's transition to electric vehicles. The world's fourth most populous nation possesses the raw materials, manufacturing capacity, and

Microfinance was supposed to save Asia’s poor. Why has it failed to live up to its promise?

Microfinance was supposed to save Asia’s poor. Why has it failed to live up to its promise?

For the poorest households in Asia, even small loans can lead to expensive debt traps.

This history of currencies suggests the US dollar’s dominance may fade – but it will happen slowly

This history of currencies suggests the US dollar’s dominance may fade – but it will happen slowly

The US dollar is said to benefit from ‘exorbitant privilege’ in international trade. But history shows that may not last.

Business

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WIPO Appoints Thailand's Princess Sirivannavari as Ambassador for Fashion and Design

WIPO Appoints Thailand's Princess Sirivannavari as Ambassador for Fashion and Design

The World Intellectual Property Organization has appointed Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya of Thailand as its Ambassador for Fashion and Design, citing her 541 IP assets and her work connecting Thai artisans with global markets. The appointment, announced in Geneva on 28 May 2026, underscores Thailand's growing ambitions as a creative economy and its royal family's long engagement with intellectual property.

Geopolitics

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US-Philippines Defense Treaty Turns 75

US-Philippines Defense Treaty Turns 75

The United States has marked the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines, reaffirming its commitment to the alliance and to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The milestone coincides with the 80th anniversary of U.S.-Philippines diplomatic relations.

North Korea grows stronger as South Korea reckons with fading US support

North Korea grows stronger as South Korea reckons with fading US support

South Korea continues push for peace with the north, as Pyongyang’s military strength grows.

Nuclear Tests Shatter Trust, Not Prove Strength, UN Chief Warns on International Day against Nuclear Tests

Nuclear Tests Shatter Trust, Not Prove Strength, UN Chief Warns on International Day against Nuclear Tests

UN Secretary-General António Guterres marked the International Day against Nuclear Tests on 29 August with a call for all nuclear-armed states to maintain existing moratoria and bring the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty into force without delay. Guterres framed nuclear testing not as a demonstration of power but as an act that shatters trust, invites reciprocal tests, and fuels a nuclear arms race.

Artificial Intelligence Patents in Asia: The Race to Dominate Tomorrow's Technology Landscape

Artificial Intelligence Patents in Asia: The Race to Dominate Tomorrow's Technology Landscape

New data from the World Intellectual Property Organization reveals that generative AI patent publications nearly tripled in two years, with Asian nations — led by China and Japan — positioning themselves at the forefront of one of the fastest-moving innovation races ever recorded. Patent trends expose a deepening strategic competition for intellectual property dominance in generative AI across the Asia-Pacific region.

Travel

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Ancient Temples of Angkor - History and Visitor Information

Ancient Temples of Angkor - History and Visitor Information

Over 1,000 surviving Angkor temples reveal Khmer engineering, religious art, and imperial history; practical visitor information covers best seasons, entry rules, local etiquette, and top sites such as Angkor Wat and Bayon. Iconic Monuments of the An

South Korea Travel Guide - Seoul, Busan Routes Plan

South Korea Travel Guide - Seoul, Busan Routes Plan

SouthKorea travel guide for planning routes between Seoul and Busan with transit tips and sample itineraries to make the most of a short trip. Seoul arrival options include Incheon Airport via AREX express train, airport limousine buses, and taxis. K

Ho Chi Minh City Guide - Landmarks, District Routes

Ho Chi Minh City Guide - Landmarks, District Routes

Just follow this authoritative guide to Ho Chi Minh City landmarks and district routes, with clear maps, transport options, and practical tips for efficient sightseeing across central districts. Political History and the Independence Palace Independe

Sundarbans Wildlife Tours - Best Routes and Safety Tips in Bangladesh

Sundarbans Wildlife Tours - Best Routes and Safety Tips in Bangladesh

Sundarbans covers the largest mangrove forest on the planet and hosts Royal Bengal tigers, estuarine crocodiles, spotted deer, and hundreds of bird species, making wildlife tours here unforgettable. Popular entry points for tours include Godkhali (ne

Culinary

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Karachi Food Streets Guide - Burns Road Dining Spots

Karachi Food Streets Guide - Burns Road Dining Spots

You can experience Karachi's culinary heritage on Burns Road, one of the city's oldest and most celebrated food streets. Burns Road grew as a migrant hub after partition and became famous for family-run eateries that serve slow-cooked, richly spiced

Philippines Food Guide - Adobo, Sinigang, Local Dishes

Philippines Food Guide - Adobo, Sinigang, Local Dishes

Most Filipino meals revolve around rice and bold, balanced flavors that blend sour, salty, sweet, and umami elements drawn from Malay, Spanish, Chinese, and American influences. Rice remains the constant companion at the table, while sauces, vinegars

Vietnam Food Guide - Pho, Banh Mi, Local Dishes

Vietnam Food Guide - Pho, Banh Mi, Local Dishes

Guide to Vietnam's food: pho, banh mi, and local dishes explained with concise tasting notes, ingredient details, ordering tips, and street-food safety guidance for confident eating. The Mastery of Pho: Regional Nuances Pho captures regional signatur

Street Food in Ulaanbaatar - Local Snacks and Eating Spots

Street Food in Ulaanbaatar - Local Snacks and Eating Spots

With brisk city air and a blend of nomadic flavors, Ulaanbaatar's street food scene offers a direct way to taste Mongolian comfort food outside formal restaurants. Khuushuur are popular deep-fried pockets filled with minced mutton or beef and chopped

Health

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Do we really need 10,000 steps a day?

Do we really need 10,000 steps a day?

The infamous 10,000 steps per day recommendation didn’t come from a research laboratory.

Culture

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Korean Demilitarized Zone Tours - History, Visitor Rules

Korean Demilitarized Zone Tours - History, Visitor Rules

Over seventy years after the armistice, the Korean Demilitarized Zone offers guided tours explaining its Cold War history, ongoing military significance, and strict visitor rules, including identification requirements, prohibited items, and behavior

Borobudur Temple History - Architecture and Visitor Information

Borobudur Temple History - Architecture and Visitor Information

Borobudur stands as a ninth-century Mahayana Buddhist monument in Central Java, showcasing layered mandala architecture, relief panels, and stupa terraces; this guide outlines its historical origins, design features, conservation efforts, and practic

Sindhi Culture Guide - Ajrak, Music, Heritage Traditions

Sindhi Culture Guide - Ajrak, Music, Heritage Traditions

With roots stretching back over a thousand years, Sindhi culture blends Sufi spirituality, artisanal craft, and communal customs that shape daily life across Sindh and its diasporas. Ajrak serves as a visual emblem of Sindhi identity, a deep indigo a

Vietnamese Culture Guide - Customs, Family, Heritage

Vietnamese Culture Guide - Customs, Family, Heritage

Over centuries Vietnamese culture blends Confucian filial piety, family-centered social structure, ancestor worship, and Tet celebrations; customs emphasize respect for elders, strong kinship ties, communal rituals, and preservation of heritage acros

Science

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China is launching a Moon mission to find water ice. It’s unlike anything NASA has done

China is launching a Moon mission to find water ice. It’s unlike anything NASA has done

We’ve known for a while now that the Moon has water. Accessing it will make it easier not just to visit, but to stay.

Megalodon’s legendary life revealed by fossil rediscovery

Megalodon’s legendary life revealed by fossil rediscovery

Previously lost fossils sometimes reemerge, but how do palaeontologists end up losing specimens in the first place?

When a teenager makes the ‘stupid choice’, their brain is working exactly as designed

When a teenager makes the ‘stupid choice’, their brain is working exactly as designed

If a young person trusts the system to deliver a just outcome, their brain’s urgent need for retribution is dialled down.

Nasa’s new space telescope will tackle some of the universe’s biggest mysteries

Nasa’s new space telescope will tackle some of the universe’s biggest mysteries

The Nancy Grace Roman telescope will probe dark energy and discover exoplanets.