New Indian social media rules threaten freedom of expression

The new rules will undeniably harm freedom of expression, privacy and security and could be subject to legal challenges, said Mozilla Corporation public policy advisor Udbhav Tiwari. Some activists warn the regulations could be challenged in court.

Sri Lanka ends forced cremations, allows burials of Muslims

The government first banned burials of those who died from Covid-19 in April over concerns — which experts said were baseless — by influential Buddhist monks that the practice could contaminate groundwater and spread the virus.

China, India aim for broader disengagement to ease Ladakh border tensions

The deadly Galwan Valley border clash between the forces in 2020 led to multiple rounds of talks and a breakthrough appeared to have been achieved at a September meeting between the two foreign ministers in Moscow.

From protester to embattled Armenian PM: Nikol Pashinyan’s fall from grace

PM Nikol Pashinyan, who accuses the military of an attempted coup, has faced opposition calls to step down ever since he signed a November 10 peace deal that saw Azerbaijan reclaim control over large parts of Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding areas.

Consistent anti-coup rallies leave Myanmar's junta outclassed

Despite risks to their lives and livelihoods, many Myanmar civil servants are refusing to work for the junta, as a growing civil disobedience movement seeks to thwart the generals by paralysing their bureaucracy.

Facebook resumes news for Australians after media bargaining deal

Facebook followed Google in agreeing to negotiate paid arrangements with Australian media, leading the government to water down the arbitration requirements.

Pakistan to stay on FATF 'grey list' despite 'significant progress'

Global money laundering watchdog Financial Action Task Force says Islamabad has made "significant progress" but there remained "serious deficiencies" in mechanisms to end money laundering and terrorism financing.

US welcomes India-Pakistan ceasefire in Kashmir

The nuclear-armed neighbours signed a ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control in 2003, but the truce has been fraying in recent years and the two sides have exchanged fire hundreds of times in recent months.

Clashes erupt in Myanmar between pro-military and anti-coup protesters

The army seized power this month after alleging fraud in a November 8 election swept by Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy, arresting her and much of the party's leadership. UK announced sanctions against 6 military figures.

Armenian PM says Russian missiles don't work

Nikol Pashinyan’s remarks on why Russian-made Iskander ballistic missiles did not explode during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict have sparked a controversy over the efficiency of the missiles.

Armenian PM warns army demanding his resignation amounts to coup

Nikol Pashinyan has previously faced protests and calls to quit over what his opponents say was his mishandling of a six-week conflict last year.

Australia passes landmark law requiring tech firms to pay for news

The government says the law will ensure that news businesses "are fairly remunerated for the content they generate, helping to sustain public interest journalism in Australia."