South Korean authorities say autopsies have been completed on 15 out of the 39 people killed in a fire at a warehouse in the city of Icheon on Wednesday, but more are recommended. ( read original story ...)
U.S. sanctions Iranian-Iraqi businessman over support of Iran’s Quds Force
Iraqi businessman and his mining company, accusing him of being involved in efforts by Iran's elite Quds Force to generate revenue illegally and smuggle weapons abroad, the U.S. Treasury Department ... ( read original story ...)
A steadfast brother shows that men have a role in the liberation of Iran’s women
There would be nothing newsworthy about yet another unwarranted arrest in Iran, except that this one involves an unusual story of familial love, with a brother making a profound sacrifice for the sake ... ( read original story ...)
Iran denies US claim it’s helping Venezuela oil sector
Iran on Friday rejected US claims it is helping Venezuela to rebuild its oil industry, saying the accusations are designed to increase pressure and disrupt the two countries' trade ties. It accused ... ( read original story ...)
Philippines criticizes Chinese decision to designate districts in South China Sea
The Philippines voiced strong opposition to a Chinese decision to designate new administrative regions in the South China Sea, where Beijing has claimed disputed islands as part of its own territory. ( read original story ...)
Meet Pepper and Whiz: Japan debuts robots at hotels to look after coronavirus patients
The hotels are also staffed by doctors and nurses, but officials hope the robots can cheer up patients who are isolated in single rooms. ( read original story ...)
Report gives Pakistan failing grade on human rights
An annual human rights report released this week gives Pakistan a failing grade, charging that too little is being done to protect the country’s most vulnerable, including women and children ... ( read original story ...)
Lockdown or No Lockdown? Confusion Dominates Pakistan’s COVID Response
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said Thursday his government would ease coronavirus-linked closures of businesses and allow some industries to open because of the risk of many of the poor starving ... ( read original story ...)
Mediobanca drops plan to buy a stake in Indonesia’s BFI due to COVID-19 crisis
Mediobanca has dropped plans to buy a stake in Indonesia's consumer credit operator BFI Finance because the COVID-19 emergency had made the deal "unrealistic", the Italian financial group said on ... ( read original story ...)
Fearing Infection, Some In Indonesia Refuse Nearby Burial Of COVID-19 Victims
In Jakarta, special police units have guarded burial processions for COVID-19 victims, after protesters blocked streets to prevent the dead from being transported to cemeteries. ( read original story ...)