Asia News – Politics, Culture & Economic Updates

Three months of paralysis: Hormuz remains a ghost route

Shipowners and insurers await stronger security guarantees as traffic remains sparse

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A tractor tows a small boat through shallow water as cargo ships and industrial vessels are anchored in the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas, Iran, Monday, June 1, 2026.

Droughts, extreme heat: Is ‘super’ El Nino coming?

UN forecasts 80% chance of El Nino emerging between June and August as Pacific waters warm

Head of climate prediction services at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Wilfran Moufouma-Okia points on graphs displayed on a computer screen at the WMO headquarters in Geneva, on June 1, 2026.

India seals BrahMos deal with Vietnam, Indonesia next

Supersonic missile sales strengthen India’s strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific

The Vietnam deal is reportedly worth about Rs5,800 crore and includes coastal defence missile batteries, an initial batch of missiles, training and logistics support.

Thailand airport fee hike: What travellers need to know

Departure fees jump over 50% at Thailand’s six busiest international airports

Outbound travellers to pay higher fees as Thailand upgrades key aviation hubs

Visiting Thailand? You may soon need health insurance

Move aimed at curbing unpaid hospital bills and easing burden on healthcare system

Premium levels are still under discussion, but authorities insist affordability will be key to maintaining tourist inflows.

ICC schedules first status conference for Duterte case

Court orders detailed trial planning; detention review, appeal request also underway

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte

ASEAN takes firm stand to protect supply chains

Bloc pushes energy security, food resilience, and uninterrupted flow of essential goods

ASEAN economic ministers exchanged views on energy, food security, and supply chain resilience

Matcha’s successor? Ube makes way across global menus

The vibrant purple yam is fast emerging as the next big cafe trend

The crop has transitioned from a local staple to a premium export ingredient

Filipino seafarers cleared from Hormuz near 1,200

Philippines continues close monitoring, coordination to ensure safety of seafarers

According to ship tracking data, the Russian-owned superyacht "Nord" was able to cross the Strait of Hormuz recently, apparently being allowed by the IRGC to pass safely

What the Philippines fourfold assistance means for OFWs

As tensions continue, the Philippines’ support programme offers protection, aid to OFWs

The assistance covers onsite support, repatriation, reintegration, and labour diplomacy

Passengers warned on distraction tricks used on flights

Passengers reminded to keep valuables secure throughout the flight

Passengers advised to watch for and report suspicious behaviour onboard

A taste of the Philippines in Abu Dhabi night market

20 food and retail vendors showcase authentic Filipino food favourites

Approximately 90 percent of the vendors participating in the event are Filipino

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