The opposition has won in the Maldives. What does it mean?

The unexpected defeat of President Abdulla Yameen has left many surprised and created uncertainty about the small island state's future.

Maldives president concedes defeat in presidential election

Celebrations broke out across the tropical archipelago with opposition supporters carrying yellow flags of Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and dancing on the streets.

Myanmar's defiant army chief responds to damning UN report

The response is the army chief's first public reaction since a UN fact-finding mission urged the Security Council to refer Myanmar's top military brass to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

India launches world's largest health insurance programme

Named after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the launch of 'Modicare' aims to provide free insurance to 500 million people in India.

China accuses US of "trade bullyism" as both sides impose fresh tariffs

Soon after the fresh duties went into effect, China accused the United States of engaging in "trade bullyism" and said it was intimidating other countries to submit to its will through measures such as tariffs, the official Xinhua news agency said.

India's PM faces calls for resignation over French jet deal

Indian political parties have been gunning for Narendra Modi over the 2016 purchase of 36 Rafale planes from Dassault Aviation estimated to be worth $8.7 billion, saying he had overpaid for the planes and had not been transparent.

Maldives' opposition presidential candidate declares victory in polls

Maldives President Abdulla Yameen was expected to cement his grip on power in the tropical archipelago in an election that opposition and international groups have criticised for a lack of transparency and the suppression of dissent.

Maldives police raid opposition candidate’s office on eve of election

The campaign office of the opposition presidential candidate in the Maldives was raided on the eve of the election, in what critics say could be a government crackdown against the opposition.

Vatican and China announce agreement on bishop appointment

The deal gives the Holy See a decisive role in the appointment of all bishops in the country. The Vatican said Pope Francis recognised the legitimacy of the seven remaining state-appointed Chinese bishops.

India 'arrogant' for cancelling rare meeting: Imran Khan

Reacting to the cancelled FM meeting, Pakistan's prime minister throws shade at India's Narendra Modi on Twitter: "all my life I have come across small men occupying big offices who do not have the vision to see the larger picture."

Maldives election: here's what you need to know

Around 240,000 Maldivians will head to the polls on Sunday to choose their president in the small Indian Ocean nation.

India stamps out rare Pakistan meeting over 'brutal killings'

Only a day after announcing it would take place, India's foreign ministry cancelled a meeting between its minister and her Pakistani counterpart scheduled for the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.