January 2009
Calls for Australia to lift ban on aid
Updated 30/01/2009 12:12:11
The Australian government has again been urged to lift the ban on Australian foreign aid being spent on abortion and related services.
China says it can maintain growth
Updated 30/01/2009 12:12:11
Due to domestic economic pressures, both President Obama and his Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner were absent from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Obama takes aim at Wall Street greed
Updated 30/01/2009 12:12:11
US President Barack Obama has criticised big executives on Wall Street who awarded themselves multi-million dollar bonuses, while taxpayers bailed out their industry.
Malaysia and Indonesia request interviews with Guantanamo Bay inmates
Updated 30/01/2009 12:12:12
As the Guantanamo Bay detention facility looks set for closure within a year, Malaysian and Indonesian authorities have aleady requested to interview their countrymen who're being held there.
Wounded civilians evacuated from Sri Lanka's north
Updated 30/01/2009 12:12:12
The United Nations has evacuated hundreds of severely wounded civilians from behind rebel lines in Sri Lanka.
Cityslickers not happy with life in the big smoke
Updated 30/01/2009 12:12:10
Australians may be moving to the big cities in increasing numbers, but it's not making them any happier.
Cambodians have little knowledge of Khmer Rouge Tribunal
Updated 30/01/2009 12:12:10
A report released in Cambodia this week, said 85 per cent of Cambodians have little or no knowledge of the UN-backed special court, currently putting former Khmer Rouge leaders on trial.
Recession presents economic opportunities
Updated 30/01/2009 12:12:10
British Climate economist Nicholas Stern whose ground breaking report gave climate change a financial perspecitve, says the world's economic crisis presents opportunities for countries in recession.
Singapore wants to take lead on sustainable development
Updated 30/01/2009 12:12:10
Last week Singapore's government earmarked $1 billion Singapore dollars for sustainable development.
Scorching Australia: extended interview
Updated 30/01/2009 12:12:10
Australia's southern states are struggling through what is likely to be a once-in-a-century heat wave. Our Canberra correspondent, Linda Mottram brings us an extended interview.
Scorching Australia: climate change at work
Updated 30/01/2009 12:12:11
The economy is not the only thing in meltdown in Australia this week. The country's southern states are struggling through what is likely to be a once-in-a-century heat wave.
New website to attract nurses to rural areas
Updated 30/01/2009 12:12:11
To healthcare in Australia, and instead of fruitpicking, nurses who are travelling around Australia are being encouraged to work in rural hospitals to meet critical staff shortages.
Japan prepares anti-pirate naval deployment off Somalia
Updated 29/01/2009 11:58:01
Japan is taking steps to join the ranks of a number of naval forces deployed in the Gulf of Aden to protect international trade vessels against pirates. Pirates in the Gulf of Aden made around US$30m in ransom money in 2008 by targeting among others a super oil tanker from Saudi Arabia and a trade vessel from Hong Kong.
Conservationists look to protect marine life from commercial fishing
Updated 29/01/2009 11:58:02
Since the development of cheaper fishing gear and bigger, faster boats, thousands of kilometres of nets and lines are set in the world's oceans each day.
Beijing seeks dialogue with underground churches
Updated 29/01/2009 11:58:02
Government officials in Beijing are reported to have held a secret meeting with leaders from banned protestant churches.
CEO survey shows business slump in business confidence
Updated 29/01/2009 11:58:02
As the business world and governments commiserate with each other at Davos in Switzerland, a new survey of CEO's has revealed just how far their confidence has plummetted.
Global unemployment could rise by 50 million
Updated 29/01/2009 11:58:02
A new report suggests unemployment could rise by up to 50 million worldwide and by up to 27 million people in the Asia Pacific.
IMF warns of slowing growth
Updated 29/01/2009 11:58:03
The International Monetary Fund says the world economy will come to a virtual standstill this year.
Thailand accused of mistreating Burmese asylum seekers
Updated 29/01/2009 11:58:03
Thailand is maintaining a hardline against illegal immigrants amid repeated accusations that the Thai military has mistreated ethnic Rohingyas from Burma and might be responsible for the deaths of hundreds of boat people in recent months.
Pakistan vow to take control of Swat valley
Updated 29/01/2009 11:58:03
Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari has vowed to control Taliban militants in the country's north-western Swat valley.
A 'more active partnership' between Canberra and Washington
Updated 29/01/2009 11:58:03
Australia and the United States are promising a 'more active partnership' but Australia says that doesn't mean it'll send more troops to Afghanistan for now. But Afghanistan did at least get a mention when US President Obama made his first post-inauguration phone call to Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
Socceroos draw in Jakarta
Updated 29/01/2009 11:57:57
The ability of Australia's soccer team, the Socceroos, to win in Asia was given another reality check last night when Pim Verbeek's rookie side of A-League players struggled to a draw against Indonesia.
Credit crunch sees countries turning to barter
Updated 28/01/2009 12:41:33
While money may be cheap it is no longer readily available.
US rate policy hampered
Updated 28/01/2009 12:41:33
Spare a thought for the US Federal Reserve as it faces a thorny dilemma.
Japan releases stimulus package
Updated 28/01/2009 12:41:33
Japan's parliament has approved an emergency 53-billion dollar extra stimulus package including a controversial plan to hand out 22-billion dollars to the public to fight the recession.
The two-trillion-yen cash handout plan had been held up for a day due to bickering between the lower house and the upper chamber, which is controlled by the opposition. In the end, the more powerful lower house won. The spending plan is the second of supplementary funding for this financial year, following an initial injection of 1.81 trillion yen.
Australia contemplating further stimulus
Updated 28/01/2009 12:41:33
First to the global economic crisis, and while Australia is not technically in recession, the danger signs are already there and the government is bracing the nation for the worst.
Burmese refugees seek new life in US
Updated 28/01/2009 12:41:32
There are more than 100,000 refugees from Burma living in camps strung along the Thai border.
Humanitarian crisis brewing in Sri Lanka
Updated 28/01/2009 12:41:32
Sri Lanka says it's doing all it can to spare civilians, as its military campaign intensifies against Tamil Tiger rebels in the island's north.
Breakthrough in IVF technique
Updated 28/01/2009 12:41:33
Scientists in the UK have developed a new IVF screening technique that could double the success rate of pregnancies.
US expects Afghan conflict to be 'long and difficult'
Updated 28/01/2009 12:41:33
In the United States the Obama administration has been outlining it's military strategies describing the war in Afghanistan as America's "greatest military challenge".
Chinese graduates face grim job prospects
Updated 28/01/2009 12:41:33
The Chinese government has announced a series of measures aimed at training around one million jobless university graduates. The announcement comes as Beijing warns of a grim job market.
Fighting continues in Sri Lanka
Updated 28/01/2009 12:41:32
Sri Lankan troops say they're making rapid progress against Tamil Tiger fighters and are close to recapturing the only stretch of coastline still held by the rebels.
Microcredit booming but still controversial
Updated 27/01/2009 12:15:14
They talk of enterprise rather than charity to help the world's poorest, trade their way out of poverty.
Secularists challenge religious power in Indonesia
Updated 27/01/2009 12:15:14
The Indonesian Council of Ulamas has issued a fatwa or religious ban on yoga, smoking and abstaining from electoral voting.
China turning to the humble potato
Updated 27/01/2009 12:15:14
The UN's World Food Programme has warned of a growing crisis, to feed the poor.
Japan's hostesses feel economic downturn
Updated 27/01/2009 12:15:14
The upmarket Tokyo district of Ginza is renowned throughout the world for its designer boutiques, trendy bars and top-end restaurants.
Backyard water tanks could promote dengue
Updated 27/01/2009 12:15:14
In Australia's far north experts say there's a real risk of people dying as the Dengue Fever epidemic grows.
Demarcation talks to start in February
Updated 27/01/2009 12:15:15
Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to begin demarcating their disputed border in early February after talks between the Thai foreign minister and his Cambodian counterpart.
Tamil Tigers likely to go underground
Updated 27/01/2009 12:15:15
Sri Lanka's army is reported to be pushing deep into the last tracts of jungle still held by Tamil Tiger rebels.
Big job losses in the US
Updated 27/01/2009 12:15:15
And the US recession is cutting a swathe through the American workforce, with companies announcing nearly 60-thousand job cuts in a single day.
Obama vows to take lead on climate change
Updated 27/01/2009 12:15:15
The US President Barack Obama is vowing to lead the world in the fight against climate change.
Indians celebrate Republic Day without 'berserk' elephants
Updated 27/01/2009 12:15:14
India has been celebrating it's Republic Day. But this year there's a difference. The decorated elephants that have delighted crowds at every Indian Republic Day since 1950 have been banned from a parade through New Delhi because of their sometimes 'berserk' behaviour.
Cyber vigilantes take on corrupt officials in China
Updated 27/01/2009 12:15:14
Lawmakers in China's Xuzou city have passed a regulation making internet 'manhunts' illegal.
Japan's 'bad boy' sumo champ makes stunning comeback
Updated 26/01/2009 12:40:48
He's known as the 'bad boy' of sumo wrestling...a man who was once disqualified for pulling the hair of an opponent, had allegations of match-fixing levelled against him, and he's the first grand champion in the sport's two-thousand year history to be suspended.
Parties accused of breaching child protection rules
Updated 26/01/2009 12:40:48
The Indonesian legislative election is starting in April, but three political parties have already been reported to the national Elections Supervisory Board, for allegedly breaching election and child protection laws in their election campaign activities.
Malukus election nears resolution
Updated 26/01/2009 12:40:48
In Indonesia, a provincial election dispute in a potentially-volatile region appears to be moving towards a resolution.
Workers expected to flock home after Malaysian freeze
Updated 26/01/2009 12:40:48
Malaysia is putting a freeze on foreign workers and neighbouring countries, such as Indonesia and the Philippines, are preparing for the impact of thousands of returning migrants.
Year of the Ox welcomed in Australia
Updated 26/01/2009 12:40:48
Chinese Asians have welcomed the arrival of the Year of the Ox and celebrating the Lunar New Year .. which is also observed in Vietnam as 'Tet'.
Talks held between Australia and South Korea
Updated 26/01/2009 12:40:48
Australia and South Korea enjoy a strong relationship particularly when it comes to trade. South Korea is Australia's fourth largest export market and its sixth largest overall trading partner.
North Korean succession mystery
Updated 26/01/2009 12:40:48
The North Korean leadership saga continues with Kim Jong Il's eldest son ruling himself out of the top job.
Australian of the year calls for dialogue
Updated 26/01/2009 12:40:48
Aboriginal lawyer, academic and activist, Mick Dodson, has been named Australian of the Year for 2009, an award made every year on this day, Australia Day.
Australia Day Awards announced
Updated 26/01/2009 12:40:49
Today is Australia Day, the 'National Day' that commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788, marking the start of British colonisation of this continent.
Slumdog Millionaire opens in Mumbai
Updated 26/01/2009 12:40:47
Oscar-nominated film Slumdog Millionaire has finally opened in Mumbai, the city where it's set.
Australian writer 'victim of political conflict'
Updated 23/01/2009 13:15:07
A prominent human rights lawyer says Australian writer Harry Nicolaides appears to have been an unfortunate victim of Thailand's political conflict. The 41 year old Australian has been jailed for three years after being found guilty this week of insulting the Thai Monarchy. Human rights lawyer, Somchai Homlaor, says insulting the monarchy is an offence that's used too often as a political weapon in Thailand.
Corruption rife among Indonesian police: Transparency International
Updated 23/01/2009 13:15:03
Bribery is so rampant in the Indonesian police force, that almost half the businesses surveyed say they've paid off officers. The survey by Transparency International Indonesia found corrupt judges got the biggest bribes, netting over nine thousand dollars in each transaction, around 50 times the amount taken by the police.
Court victory for Bangladeshi Islamic students
Updated 23/01/2009 13:15:07
Bangladesh's High Court has ordered the country's top university to admit students from Islamic seminaries, saying restrictions barring them were illegal.
North Korea expert says Australia should discuss ties with Pyongyang: Extended Interview
Updated 23/01/2009 12:54:23
South Korea and Australia have been holding talks to expand their co-operation as Asia-Pacific middle powers. Radio Australia's Linda Mottram speaks to Doctor Leonid Petrov, North Korea expert from the Australian National University.
South Korea's ambassador to Canberra discusses relationship. Extended Interview
Updated 23/01/2009 13:15:07
South Korea and Australia have been holding talks to expand their co-operation as Asia-Pacific middle powers. Radio Australia's Linda Mottram speaks to Dr Kim Woosang, South Korea's ambassador to Canberra.
Australia and South Korea hold relationship talks
Updated 23/01/2009 13:15:07
South Korea and Australia will continue efforts to expand their co-operation as Asia-Pacific middle powers, when the two countries foreign ministers hold talks in the West Australian city of Perth on Friday.
China to execute two men over milk scandal
Updated 23/01/2009 13:15:07
Human rights advocates have condemned a decision by Chinese authorities to execute two men involved in last year's milk poisoning scandal. At least six babies died and nearly 300,000 children fell ill from drinking milk that was intentionally mixed with melamine, a chemical used to make plastics.
China to overhaul health care system
Updated 23/01/2009 13:15:08
China has unveiled a plan to overhaul its health care system earmarking 120 billion dollars to make improvements, over the next three years. Premier Wen Jiabao made the announcement at a meeting of the cabinet-level State Council.
Thailand investigates asylum seeker deaths
Updated 23/01/2009 13:15:08
Thailand's government is fighting off accusations that its military might have caused the deaths of hundreds of boat people from Burma and Bangladesh. In the past month, about a thousand people are believed to have passed through Thai waters and possibly mistreated by the Thai military. Thailand's new government is investigating but it's also vowing to get tough with human smugglers.
Burma's government-in-exile mulls future
Updated 23/01/2009 13:15:08
Burma's government-in-exile is holding its fourth congress in the Irish city of Dublin. The group is made up of elected parliamentarians from the 1990 polls, shortly before the military junta seized power. Many belonged to Nobel laureate and detained Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy, the NLD.
Analysts rate Obama's inauguration speech
Updated 23/01/2009 13:15:08
As America looks forward to improving its image overseas, analysts are still mulling over President Barrack Obama's inauguration address. What was President Obama's message to the world and did it hold clues about how he plans to tackle the unprecedented challenges that await him?
Obama to shut Guantanamo Bay
Updated 23/01/2009 13:15:08
President Barack Obama has formally ordered the closure within a year of the controversial Guantanamo Bay detention camp. The new US leader is moving quickly to repudiate some of the most maligned war on terror programmes introduced by his predecessor George W Bush. President Obama has also banned harsh interrogation techniques and ordered the CIA to shutdown its secret overseas prisons.
Heath Ledger nominated for Academy Award one year after his death
Updated 23/01/2009 13:15:03
One year after his death, Heath Ledger has been nominated for an Academy Award. If the award goes to Ledger for his performance in the latest Batman movie, it will be only the second time an oscar has been awarded to an actor posthumously.
China announces big defence spending increase
Updated 22/01/2009 12:33:08
China this week signalled a massive boost to defence spending, citing security challenges from domestic separatist groups and nations wishing to curb its world influence. China's 2009 defence budget has not been released, but last year, it set aside 61-billion dollars for defence spending, up 17-and-a-half percent.
Obama tipped to visit Asia in early days of office
Updated 22/01/2009 12:33:08
Iraq and Afghanistan are no doubt among the most important foreign policy issues on the Obama administration's agenda, with the North Korean and Iranian nuclear programmes also vying for his attention, along with the the Israel-Palestinian question.
Obama to close Guantanamo Bay
Updated 22/01/2009 12:33:09
President Barack Obama has made closing the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay one of his first priorities. The president is already drafting executive orders to close Guananomo Bay in 12 months.Some reports say individual prisoner cases would be investigated, with the possibility they they be moved to US based prisons.
Obama moves quickly to deal with challenges facing the US
Updated 22/01/2009 12:33:09
Just 24 hours into his presidency, Barack Obama has moved quickly to deal with the economic challenges facing the US while also implementing his plans to close down the Guantanamo Bay detention facility. President Obama is also putting in motion his plans to end the war in Iraq.
Australian Indigenous culture celebrated in Jakarta
Updated 22/01/2009 12:32:56
An Australian Indigenous Cultural Festival is being held in Jakarta today, with five Australian films screened and two Aboriginal artists from Western Australia visiting to present their works. The festival is hoped to provide access for dialogues between Indonesians and Australians, and promote understanding between the neighboring countries.
Indonesians celebrate inauguration of Barack Obama
Updated 22/01/2009 12:33:08
The new US President Barrack Obama has become a favourite son in Indonesia because of the years he spent in the country as a child. Former schoolmates have been celebrating the president's inauguration with a hope that Indonesia will now have a friend in the Whitehouse.
Union push for Australian jobs summit
Updated 22/01/2009 12:33:08
Australia's peak union body, the ACTU, is urging the prime minister to convene a national jobs summit. The call comes as the global mining giant BHP announces plans to shed up to six thousand jobs - more than half of them in Australia. The mining sector job cuts have also reignited calls for the emissions trading scheme to be delayed.
Philippines blames extremists for aid worker kidnappings
Updated 22/01/2009 12:33:08
The United States has offered to help Philippine authorities look for three aid workers kidnapped in the country's south. The Red Cross (ICRC) workers were abducted during an assignment on the island of Jolo last week. Local authorities say Islamic separatist group, Abu Sayyaf, is behind the kidnapping.
Research suggests schizophrenia and bipolar disorder may be the same d
Updated 22/01/2009 12:33:08
A new study suggests bipolar and schizophrenia should be classified as the same diseases. Australian psychiatrists are alarmed as they fear doing this could affect the way sufferers are treated.
Antarctica not immune from global warming; scientists
Updated 22/01/2009 12:33:08
There's new evidence that Antarctica may be getting warmer at least as fast as the rest of the planet. Scientists have long puzzled over why the interior of the icy continent has appeared to get colder while everywhere else seems to get warmer.
50 million Chinese workers tipped to lose their jobs
Updated 22/01/2009 12:33:08
The global economic downturn is being felt in China where a leading leading academic has warned that 50 million workers might lose their jobs this year. Experts say China's massive stimulus package is unable to address the mass unemployment issue, which could lead to dire social and political consequences. The Chinese government is planning some short term measures to tackle the unemployment problems but experts say China needs to spend its way out of the economic downturn.
Tibet to celebrate the end of feudal rule
Updated 21/01/2009 12:03:10
China has announced a new annual holiday in Tibet called 'Serf's Emancipation day', to commemorate the end of what Beijing says was a system of feudal oppression. But Tibetan groups in exile have a different view. One Tibet expert in Australia says that last year's massive demonstration in Tibet has proven China's unpopular rule in the Himalayas region.
Australian cities on Dengue alert
Updated 21/01/2009 12:03:10
Australian health authorities have conceded that an outbreak of dengue fever in the Queensland cities of Cairns and Townsville is at epidemic proportions and they'll have difficulty controlling it. So far about 175 cases of the deadly disease have been reported in the far north of the state.
Khmer Rouge Tribunal to begin hearings in mid-February
Updated 21/01/2009 12:03:10
Cambodia's UN-backed Khmer Rouge Tribunal has officially set February 17th as the start date for the long-awaited trials of former Khmer Rouge leaders accused of atrocities in the 1970s. Former prison chief Kaing Guek Eav - better known as Duch - will be the first person to appear on charges of crimes against humanity, breaches of the Geneva Convention and pre-meditated murder and torture.
Australia looks at new financial rescue plan
Updated 21/01/2009 12:03:10
The Australian prime minister is hinting at a new rescue plan, to help Australia through the world financial crisis. In an address in Adelaide, Kevin Rudd spoke about his fears for the credit markets and the availability of banking loans for Australian businesses.
China urges closer US military ties
Updated 21/01/2009 12:03:10
With a new administration taking office in the United States under Barack Obama, China is urging America to work closer with it on military affairs. This comes just months after China demanded the US cancel a multi billion dollar arms deal with Taiwan.
Huge crowd helps usher in a new era
Updated 21/01/2009 12:03:10
Radio Australia's Joanna McCarthy has been in the United States for the past six months. She covered Barack Obama's election victory in November and was among the estimated crowd of one million people who took to the streets of Washington for the President's inauguration.
Barack Obama sworn in as 44th President
Updated 21/01/2009 12:03:10
Barack Obama has been sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. He'll have to tackle some daunting problems, including the two wars the US is engaged in. Mr Obama will also have to confront America's biggest economic crisis since the Great Depression. He's also signalled his desire to fix a battered US image overseas.
Regional basketball league for Southeast Asia
Updated 21/01/2009 12:03:08
Southeast Asia is set for it own regional basketball league. The ASEAN Basketball League will be launched in September this year and is being backed by AirAsia founder Tony Fernandes and Indonesian media mogul Erick Thohir, who're pumping millions into the venture.
Australian conference probes activities of cyber criminals
Updated 21/01/2009 12:03:08
International computer experts are in Australia this week to discuss ways of catching internet criminals. A three-day conference in Adelaide this week has been looking at legal issues and the problems facing investigators in gathering electronic evidence.
Lawyers to seek Royal Pardon over Australian author's sentence
Updated 20/01/2009 12:37:03
Lawyers for Australian author, Harry Nicolaides, will lodge an application for a Royal Pardon this week after the Melbourne man was sentenced to three years' jail for insulting the Royal family.
Bollywood farewells George W. Bush
Updated 20/01/2009 12:36:38
Before George W. Bush leaves the White House, Bollywood is ready with a farewell present - a film that pokes fun at the outgoing U.S. president.
Helping Pakistani women scarred by acid attacks
Updated 20/01/2009 12:36:38
It's an act of cruel vengeance that permanently disfigures the victim, but in Pakistan, acid throwing attacks are on the rise.
Appeal for development aid in global financial crisis
Updated 20/01/2009 12:37:02
The Secretary General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development has warned of a "disproportionate" amount of funds being pumped into the world's troubled financial systems - instead of helping the world's disadvantaged.
Australia's PM vows to overcome economic challenges
Updated 20/01/2009 12:37:02
Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has returned to work after a short break and already, the global financial crisis is on his mind, as he vows to get the country through the challenge.
Asian American leaders celebrate ahead of inauguration
Updated 20/01/2009 12:37:02
Asian American leaders and activists are in Washington this week to toast their own successes in last November's election.
Washington in security clampdown ahead of inauguration
Updated 20/01/2009 12:37:02
Washington is under a massive security clampdown prior to Barack Obama's inauguration as America's 44th President.
Dutch and Australian foreign ministers discuss Afghanistan
Updated 20/01/2009 12:37:02
Australia and the Netherlands, a key NATO contributor, are discussing the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan and progress with reconstruction of the country. The Dutch foreign minister is on an official visit to Australia and has again left the door open for an extended role for his country's troops in Afghanistan.
Taliban threatens to kill school girls in Pakistan's Swat region
Updated 20/01/2009 12:37:03
Taliban insurgents have carried out their threat to blow up schools in Pakistan's Swat valley region if girls are allowed in.
Australian writer jailed for insulting Royal family
Updated 20/01/2009 12:37:03
Australian writer Harry Nicolaides could have been jailed for up to 15 years for insulting Thailand's revered royal family in a novel.
South Korean carmaker's demise felt around the world
Updated 19/01/2009 13:25:09
In every industrialised nation across the world, a country's automotive industry continues to be a massive driver of the economy, employment, technological advancement and even self esteem.
Australian man to face Thai court over royal insult claims
Updated 19/01/2009 13:25:09
An Australian man, Harry Nicolaides, is due to appear in a Bangkok court today charged with insulting Thailand's royal family. Mr Nicolaides published a novel in 2005 which makes brief reference to Thailand's Crown Prince. The book sold less than ten copies but the 41 year old faces a possible 15 years in prison if found guilty. During a recent interview with Thailand's new Prime Minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, our South East Asia correspondent Karen Percy asked him about this case and the laws.
Australia warned of impending recession and job losses
Updated 19/01/2009 13:25:10
A report from leading consultant Access Economics warns Australia will go into recession this year as the economic boom unwinds "scarily fast". The result will be the loss of 300,000 jobs and a worsening current account defecit. Access believes China is now caught up in the global economic crisis and that means sinking commodity prices.
Burma cash-strapped after Cyclone Nargis
Updated 19/01/2009 13:25:10
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, says nearly 700 million US dollars may be needed over three years, to help Burma recover following Cyclone Nargis. Cyclone Nargis hit Burma's coastal region last May, claiming 140 thousand lives and severely affecting another 2.4 million people.
Thai PM to probe alleged human rights abuses
Updated 19/01/2009 13:25:10
Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva says he'll meet human rights officials to discuss allegations that the Thai navy forced hundreds of illegal immigrants back out to sea. 500 illegal migrants from Burma's Muslim Rohingya ethnic minority were allegedly towed out to sea with little food and water. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees says it's concerned by the reports.
Tensions high on Korean Peninsular
Updated 19/01/2009 13:25:10
Tensions are high on the Korean Peninsula, with the communist North declaring what it calls an all-out confrontational posture against the South. Pyongyang has accused Seoul of provoking it, by allowing South Korean ships into a disputed area of the Yellow Sea. Earlier, an American scholar who'd just visited Pyongyang, said North Korean officials told him that they had enough plutonium for four or five nuclear bombs.
Malaysia's ruling coalition in by-election setback
Updated 19/01/2009 13:25:10
Malaysia's ruling coalition suffered a setback on the weekend, when the opposition snatched a parliamentary seat in the eastern peninsular state of Trengganu. The by-election win by Parti Islam SeMalaysia or PAS dealt a severe psychological blow to the Barisan Nasional government, as many saw it as a test of the nation's political mood. PAS is part of the three-party Opposition led by former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Guantanamao treatment among Barack Obama's many challenges
Updated 19/01/2009 13:25:10
Among the many issues facing the incoming Obama presidency is whether to prosecute senior members of the Bush administration over the use of torture.
Australia was a strong supporter of the Bush administration's "war on terror" under the previous Howard government and top lawyers had warned that joining the war in Iraq exposed it to a possible case under international criminal law.
Historic inauguration nears for Barack Obama
Updated 19/01/2009 13:25:10
The stage is set for this week's historic inauguration week for president-elect Barack Obama. Mr Obama will be sworn in on Tuesday in Washington DC and in the same week is expected to start tackling some huge problems facing the US and the world. The Iraq war and the American economy will dominate Mr Obama's first full day as President.
Young Australians ignoring sunscreen message
Updated 19/01/2009 13:25:06
Despite consistent awareness campaigns about the dangers of the sun, it seems young Australians just aren't getting the message.
Australian author honoured in China
Updated 19/01/2009 13:25:07
An Australian author has won China's prestigious Annual Foreign Novels 21st Century literary award.
China cracks down on democracy petitioners
Updated 16/01/2009 11:48:25
China's signalling it could be taking a tougher line with dissent in 2009 with a crackdown on those who've signed a petition calling for democracy.
Sri Lanka eyes end to civil conflict
Updated 16/01/2009 11:48:25
Sri Lanka's 25 year conflict may be entering its end game after the Sri Lankan military took total control of the northern Jaffna peninsula, one of the last remaining strongholds of power for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.
Australia 'implicated' in Guantanamo torture
Updated 16/01/2009 11:48:25
Pressure on Australia to take Guantanamo Bay inmates continues to mount, after an unexpected admission by the woman in charge of the Guantanamo Bay military commissions that the US did carry out torture there.
Britain's foreign secretary says War on Terror ' a mistake'
Updated 16/01/2009 11:48:25
The British Foreign Secretary David Miliband has labelled the US war on terror a 'mistake' which could have 'caused more harm than good'.
UN's Gaza headquarters hit by Israeli shells
Updated 16/01/2009 11:48:25
There's been a significant escalation in fighting in the Gaza Strip.
Malaysian by-election provides a crucial test of political strength
Updated 16/01/2009 11:48:25
Malaysians are casting their eyes northwards this weekend to see where the political winds are blowing.
Huge cash injection to China state media
Updated 15/01/2009 11:31:55
Large Western media organisations could do nothing but shake their heads this week as reports came out of China that $US7 billion dollars was to flow into state media.
Lawyers in Khmer Rouge trial meetings
Updated 15/01/2009 11:31:55
The long-awaited trials of the Khmer Rouge leaders are reaching a crucial stage in Cambodia..
Isrealis back war despite international criticism
Updated 15/01/2009 11:31:55
Israel has carried out new bombing raids on the Hamas-run territory of Gaza while diplomats have renewed efforts to end the conflict.
Camels in decline in India's north
Updated 15/01/2009 11:31:54
India's famed camel population, which is largely found in northern states such Rajasthan, is in decline.
Child trafficking on the rise in Vietnam
Updated 15/01/2009 11:31:55
People trafficking continues to blight Asia.
Over 200 still missing after Indonesia ferry disaster
Updated 14/01/2009 11:46:12
The search for survivors from Sunday's ferry disaster in Indonesia continues, with around 200 passengers still missing.
Prominent Thai academic charged with insulting monarchy
Updated 14/01/2009 11:46:12
While there are many stated differences between Thailand's competing political parties, their one constant, as with all Thais, is a reverence for the Thai royal family.
Amnesty claims 'systematic torture' in Thailand's south
Updated 14/01/2009 11:46:12
Human Rights Group Amnesty International is calling on Thailand's new government to halt the use of torture by security forces in the country's south.
Watching the detectives: Indian style
Updated 14/01/2009 11:46:11
Anti corruption campaigners in India have set up an innovative campaign to crackdown on crooked police.
Pressure grows on Australia to take Uighers from Guantanamo
Updated 14/01/2009 11:46:11
After rejecting two requests from the United States to accept detainees from Guantanamo Bay there is continuing pressure on the Australian government, now especially over a group of 17 ethnic Uighurs who've been held at the facility.
Pakistan extends detention of suspected militant
Updated 13/01/2009 12:28:50
Pakistani authorities have extended the detention of the founder of the Islamist militant group that India's blamed for November's attacks in Mumbai that killed 179 people.
Indian film success at Golden Globes
Updated 13/01/2009 12:28:50
A film about a boy from the slums of Mumbai is an international success story for the Indian film industry.
Thai tourism bouncing back, but India in slump
Updated 13/01/2009 12:28:50
The international tourism market is facing its worst downturn in decades, and it's partly due to the global financial crisis.
Asylum seekers endiring 'miserable conditions': Rights Commission
Updated 13/01/2009 12:28:50
The Australian Human Rights Commission says asylum seekers are still being treated like political footballs, and enduring "miserable" conditions at some immigration detention centres.
NKorea want nuclear negotiator at inauguration
Updated 13/01/2009 12:28:50
The secretive and paranoid regime of North Korea is known for its brash approach to diplomacy.
New coalition gains seats in Thai bi-election
Updated 13/01/2009 12:28:50
Thailand's coalition government, under new prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, has won most of 29 parliamentary seats that were contested in a bi-election on Sunday.
Farming land cleared in Vietnam for Eco Park
Updated 12/01/2009 12:01:30
The clearing of land has begun for a new township and golf course south east of Vietnam's capital Hanoi despite protests from hundreds of farmers.
Sri Lanka army claims 'decisive blow' against rebels
Updated 12/01/2009 12:01:31
Sri Lanka's military launched air attacks against the last remaining jungle hideouts of Tamil Tiger rebels after driving them out of their main strongholds.
Anger mounts in Arab world as Israel's goals 'nearly achieved'
Updated 12/01/2009 12:01:31
The war in Gaza is now into its third week and there are hints an end could be near.
Ferry capsizes in Indonesian waters
Updated 12/01/2009 12:01:31
Bad weather is being blamed for the sinking of a passenger ferry carrying hundreds of people off the Indonesian island of Sulawesi.
Women on Wheels in New Delhi
Updated 12/01/2009 12:01:30
For decades, taxi driving in India has been man's work.
Obama inspires young Aborigines
Updated 12/01/2009 12:01:30
From Australia's remote western desert to the heart of American power, an Aboriginal law student is heading to Washington to for the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th, and first black, U-S President on January 20th.
Draft bill to start up Philippine nuclear plant
Updated 09/01/2009 09:49:50
There is a push on in the Philippines to get a 22-year-old nuclear power plant up and running. The plant was built in Bataan province in 1986, but following the Soviet Union's Chernobyl disaster the same year, the Philippines government decided not to switch it on. Now Congressman Mark Cojuangco has prepared a draft bill to recommission the plant, and says it is identical to one that's operated successfully in South Korea for 25 years.
Urgent mission to study Philippine ebola outbreak
Updated 09/01/2009 09:49:50
An urgent investigation is underway in the Philippines by UN and World Health Organisation experts after ebola virus was discovered at pig farms in two provinces. There are several strains of ebola, and the one found in pigs in Pangasinan and Bulacan provinces - ebola reston - isn't normally fatal in people. But the WHO says it is alarmed because ebola's normally found in monkeys, and this is the first time it's occurred in pigs anywhere in the world.
Sri Lanka reimposes ban on LTTE
Updated 09/01/2009 09:49:50
The Sri Lankan government has formally re-imposed a ban on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. The move comes as government forces in the north of the country continue to advance into rebel held territory.
UN suspends Gaza relief work after lethal attack
Updated 09/01/2009 09:49:51
The United Nations says an attack on one of its trucks in northern Gaza has forced it to suspend its relief work in Gaza. The tank fire killed at least one aid worker and the UN says it won't resume operations in the Palestinian territory until Israel can guarantee the safety of its staff. The Red Cross has also accused the Israeli government of breaching "international humanitarian law", saying it's stopped rescue teams from reaching wounded civilians. But with Israeli cities under continued rocket fire by Hamas, Israeli leaders are talking about increasing the scale of the operation.
Australia's wealthiest state 'mired in scandal'
Updated 09/01/2009 09:49:50
The famous sails of the Sydney Opera House and the graceful arch of the city's Harbour Bridge are iconic images around the world. But Australia's biggest city, and indeed the entire state of New South Wales, is in crisis - so deeply mired in scandal and mismanagement, some analysts warn it could drag the rest of the country down with it. They say the one thing that could, perhaps save the day, at least in terms of public confidence, would be an election. But that's still three years away, and opinion polls rank the main state opposition party as poorly as the government.
India warns global turndown could cost 10 million jobs
Updated 09/01/2009 09:49:50
Senior Indian economists say 10 million jobs in the export sector will be lost this year, as the global financial crisis dampens demand for "made in Asia" goods. The bleak prediction comes from the Federation of Indian Export Organisations.
Israel agrees 'principles' for Gaza ceasefire
Updated 08/01/2009 10:02:46
Israel says it has agreed on "principles" for a ceasefire deal with Hamas which is being brokered by French and Egyptian leaders. The plan has the backing of the United States, the Palestinian Authority, and the European Union, although the details have yet to be finalised. Hamas says the agreement must involve Israel lifting its blockade on Gaza.
Bumper year for lethal Australian wildlife?
Updated 08/01/2009 10:02:45
With summer now here, many Australians are heading for the beach, the bush or the back-garden, where they're more likely to encounter deadly creepy crawlies than any other time of year. But if you've been watching Australia's news over the past month you'd be forgiven for thinking the nation is under heavier-than-average siege from our deadliest creatures.
'Growing support' for Asia-Pacific community
Updated 08/01/2009 10:02:45
Modifying APEC or the East Asia Summit have emerged as possible mechanisms for Australia's proposal for an Asia-Pacific community by the year 2020. Under Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's initiative, his envoy - the long-serving diplomat, Richard Woolcott - has consulted with 16 countries so far. Mr Woolcott will shortly visit Vietnam, and will also head to the United States and Russia before finalising his report by April.
Economic crisis damaging Asia-Pacific children's chances
Updated 08/01/2009 10:02:46
The United Nations has warned the global economic turndown could have serious knock-on effects on the children of poor families in the Asia-Pacific region. Indonesia's Finance Minister delivered the key-note address at the two-day meeting hosted by UNICEF in Singapore, where delegates heard calls for wealthy nations to honour their commitments to the world's poor.
Japanese opposition wants transparency on stimulus package
Updated 08/01/2009 10:02:46
The Japanese government has announced a $30 billion cash handout, to try to stimulate the depressed economy. But the opposition has called it an irresponsible vote-buying exercise in the lead-up to this year's election.
Cambodians mark 30 years since Khmer Rouge fall
Updated 08/01/2009 10:02:46
Thousands of Cambodians have been marking the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Khmer Rouge. Nearly two million people are believed to have died under the regime led by Pol Pot.
International aid arrives in quake-hit Papua
Updated 07/01/2009 10:13:41
International aid has begun arriving in the Indonesian province of Papua, where around 14,000 people have spent a third night sleeping outdoors in tents, following Sunday's 7.6 magnitude earthquake. Communication to the worst-affected towns of Manokwari and Sorong remains largely cut off. Relief agencies have started delivering food and medical supplies to the worst affected communities.
Downturn driving interest in Australian army jobs
Updated 07/01/2009 10:13:41
Rising unemployment and economic uncertainty are believed to be behind a 20 percent increase in the number of applications for the Australian Defence Force. The ADF says that's in comparison to the same period a year ago. But it is warning would-be recruits that enthusiasm is no substitute for aptitude, and that not everyone who wants to get a job in the armed forces will get in.
Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina sworn in
Updated 07/01/2009 10:13:41
Bangladesh's new prime minister Sheikh Hasina was sworn in yesterday, bringing a formal end to two years of military rule and restoring the country to democracy.
India claims direct Pakistani involvement in Mumbai blasts
Updated 07/01/2009 10:13:41
Indian Prime Minster Manmohan Singh has ramped up tensions with Pakistan by accusing the government in Islamabad of direct involvement in November's terrorist attacks on the city of Mumbai. For its part Pakistan has denied India's allegation.
Australia calls for Gaza solution
Updated 07/01/2009 10:13:41
The situation in Gaza has fuelled a vigorous debate here in Australia between pro-Israel groups, and a combination of pro-Palestinian and anti-Zionist Jewish elements. The ruling Labor government, as with previous Australian governments, has been giving a carefully balanced response. Where it has sought to define its stance is by boosting aid to the Palestinians, and observers say one reason may be the push by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's government for a UN Security Council seat.
Israeli strike hits UN school in Gaza
Updated 07/01/2009 10:13:41
United Nations officials say an Israeli attack on one of its schools in the Gaza Strip has killed at least 30 people and injured more than 55. It was by far the biggest death toll from any single incident in the 11 days since Israel launched its offensive against Gaza. Hundreds of people had been taking shelter at the school from Israeli fire, and the UN says thousands of civilians are looking to it, to protect them from Israeli attacks. For its part Israel says it was responding to Hamas rocket fire from the school, and that Hamas militants have continued firing rockets across the Gaza-Israeli border.
Outdoor play can save kids' eyesight
Updated 06/01/2009 10:12:09
Researchers in Australia have discovered that playing outdoors can help protect children from becoming short-sighted. The study was done by the Australia Research Council's Centre of Excellence in Vision Science; its scientists compared ethnic Chinese Australian children with children in Singapore. Nearly a third of Singaporean six-year-olds need glasses; but they're worn by just three percent of ethnic Chinese children living in Australia. The lead researcher, Professor Ian Morgan, says that while genetic inheritance causes some children to develop short-sight, in most cases the real problem lies in spending too much time studying and reading indoors, and not enough time outside playing.
Massive clean-up on the way for India's Ganges River
Updated 06/01/2009 10:12:09
Rising pollution into India's mighty Ganges River - sacred to the country's 930 million Hindus - has prompted the Indian government to declare the Ganges a national watercourse, a move that opens the way for new investment to fund a massive clean-up.
Emergency teams assess Indonesia's earthquake in Papua
Updated 06/01/2009 10:12:09
Emergency teams are assessing the damage after Indonesia's West Papua region was struck by a series of earthquakes two days ago. Five people died and up to 250 were injured in the main towns of Manokwari and Sorong, and the United Nations says around 14,000 people are now in temporary shelters, many of them too frightened to go home. UN agencies are carrying out relief efforts, and say hundreds of homes and dozens of government buildings, schools and places of worship were damaged. The government has sent relief supplies, including food, medicines, tarpaulins, water purifying equipment and generators to the region.
Pakistan reviews Mumbai bomb blast evidence
Updated 06/01/2009 10:12:10
The Indian government has handed to Pakistan what it says is evidence linking Pakistan-based militants to last November's bomb attacks on Mumbai. New Delhi's foreign minister Pranab Mukherjee says he'll be launching a major diplomatic campaign to keep international pressure on Islamabad to identify the perpetrators. India says the evidence has handed to Pakistan includes details from interrogations of Mohammed Ajmal Amir Iman, the only surviving gunman from the November attacks, and whom India says is a Pakistani national. The evidence also includes weapons and data retrieved from recovered GPS data and satellite phones.
US criticised for failing to condemn Gaza violence
Updated 06/01/2009 10:12:10
The United States government continues to shy away from joining European and Muslim states in calling for an "immediate" ceasefire in Gaza, saying that any end to the violence must be "sustainable". But for the first time since Israel's ground invasion, both President George Bush and President elect Barack Obama have spoken out about the crisis. However Washington's critics say the US has been too slow to respond, compared to the quick American condemnation of the recent bomb attacks on the Indian city of Mumbai.
Mumbai Rabbi's home may become museum
Updated 05/01/2009 10:07:36
It's just over a month since co-ordinated bomb attacks on India's financial capital Mumbai killed at least 170 people. Among them were an Israeli Rabbi and his wife who lived in Nariman House apartments, one of ten locations across Mumbai targeted in the attacks. They had been running a Jewish centre in the city, which has pledged to continue its work, and some in the community want to turn the Nariman apartments into a museum.
Australia 'morally obliged' to take Guantanamo detainees
Updated 05/01/2009 10:07:36
The Australian government has turned down a request from US President George Bush and president-elect, Barack Obama, to accept inmates from Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. Both Mr Bush and Mr Obama have said they want the detention centre closed down within two years, and more than 100 countries have been asked to take in some of the 250-odd remaining inmates as migrants.
Capture of rebel town may not end Sri Lanka's civil war
Updated 05/01/2009 10:07:37
Sri Lankans have been celebrating the capture of the Tamil Tigers' de facto capital Kilinochchi last Friday. But military observers say there may be bloodier battles still ahead, with the rebels taking refuge in the jungles.
Israel continues ground operation in Gaza
Updated 05/01/2009 10:07:37
Scores of Israeli tanks have now made their way into Gaza, and divided the narrow strip of Palestinian territory into three sections. As the Israeli army continued its ground operation for a second night, there was continued rocket fire from Gaza into Israel. Israel has banned foreign journalists from entering the territory but has confirmed that one of its soldiers has been killed in the fighting. Palestinian medics say the Palestinian death toll has now passed five hundred.
Thai puppetry revival underway in Bangkok
Updated 05/01/2009 10:07:36
Its political system remains under pressure and its economy was brought to a halt with protests at its airports last year. But Thailand is pressing ahead efforts to revive lost aspects of the kingdom's rich culture. One such endeavour is being showcased at the award-winning Joe Louis Theatre company in Bangkok.
Secret cabinet documents on Australia-Asia relations released
Updated 02/01/2009 11:10:34
Australian government documents from 1978 show how concerned Canberra was at the fall of Australia's standing in Southeast Asia.
Pakistani forces attack Taliban militants along Afghan border
Updated 02/01/2009 11:10:34
Pakistani security forces have block off the Khyber Pass for the offensive, obstructing the main transport route for supplies to NATO and US forces, who are themselves fighting the militants in Afghanistan.
New Year revellers killed in Bangkok nightclub inferno
Updated 02/01/2009 11:10:35
Safety and fire regulations in Thailand are under scrutiny as authorities investigate the cause of the deadly fire in a Bangkok night club in the early hours of yesterday morning.
Japan's underworld reeling from financial crisis
Updated 02/01/2009 11:10:33
Japan's leading organised crime expert says the global financial crisis is now squeezing the economy so badly it is even hurting the Japanese mafia - the Yakuza.
Indonesian court clears former intelligence head of murder
Updated 02/01/2009 11:10:34
An Indonesian court has acquitted the former deputy chief of Indonesia's National Intelligence Agency, Muchdi Purwoprandjono of the murder of prominent human rights activist, Munir Thalib.
2008 - China's 'annus horribilis'?
Updated 01/01/2009 12:00:04
It's been a big year for China. The 2008 Beijing olympics has been and gone. China was criticised for its heavy handed response to an uprising in Tibet. There was the food poisoning scandal which resulted in the deaths of several babies, and the devastating earthquake in Sichuan Province. Our China Correspondent Stephen McDonell ponders whether 2008 was China's "annus horribilis".
2009 proclaimed the International Year of Astronomy
Updated 01/01/2009 11:59:59
The United Nations has proclaimed 2009 as the International Year of Astronomy, to celebrate and encourage the celestial science. Thousands of years of observing the skies have contributed to a better understanding of life on Earth, while evidence is rapidly growing of worlds beyond our planet.
