What does Philippines seek with new Thitu map in South China Sea?

China’s quantitative investing sector has produced 18 funds managing more than 10 billion yuan (US$1.5 billion) in assets each so far this year, underlining the industry’s ability to generate competitive returns despite a tight regulatory environment. The firms are among 159 Chinese hedge funds overseeing more than 10 billion yuan in assets each, riding the technology-driven momentum in the world’s second-largest stock market. Among the new entrants to the club were AXQ Capital, Hopeseek Fund...

Two new islands have appeared off Anak Krakatoa, potentially the first in nearly a century to emerge within the caldera left by Krakatoa’s catastrophic 1883 eruption. The formations, discovered following a 25-hour eruption in early September, sit hundreds of metres off opposite sides of Anak Krakatoa – one to the northwest and the other to the southeast – almost on a straight line through the volcano’s crater, according to Indonesia’s Geological Agency. The agency places one about 760 metres...

Singapore’s biggest crackdown so far on fake online reviews has exposed how businesses exploit the appeal of five-star ratings to game the system, with experts warning generative AI will make fake reviews more rampant and consumers need to be more discerning of what they read online. The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCS) has taken action against 45 companies – including a funeral parlour, law firm and an aesthetics clinic – after finding they bought reviews from a provider...

Reggie Manlapig, 46, has been driving jeepneys for nearly 25 years and has weathered rising fuel prices – but with costs spiking amid the global energy crunch, he is now wrestling bigger demons. “The impact has been huge. Before, in a 16-hour shift of driving, I could take home 400 to 500 pesos [US$6.30 to US$8] – now there’s a big cut to that income,” said Manlapig, who plies a two-hour daily round route from Malolos in Bulacan, north of Manila, to San Fernando, Pampanga. “Doing the full route...

The State Department has denied its funding for the next two years, jeopardizing the education of hundreds of female Afghan students.

A recent investigative report strengthens opposition charges that the Modi government is using Kumar to manipulate elections in favor of the BJP.

The topic is a controversial one in China due to the obvious parallels between the Russian and Chinese political systems and the stake the Chinese leadership has in the stability of their neighbor.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is making it harder for immigrants to stay in the country. Critics say she is hurting Japan’s ability to address labor shortages.

Capt. Smit Machchhar suffered stab wounds while fending off an attack from his co-pilot, saving the lives of around 170 people on board, officials said.

Fujigaki Yuko’s selection sparked controversy – and shone a light on Japan’s stubborn gender gap.

As a middle power, with a range of assets and resources, Australia is not powerless in the face of change.