News from across Asia

[AlbertC]

Why is India's pollution much worse than China's?

As India's north continues to struggle with extreme pollution levels, the story has put a fresh spotlight on air quality in cities across Asia.

Why is India's pollution much worse than China's?

You may think China has Asia's worst pollution - but Pakistan, India and Bangladesh are far worse.

www.bbc.com

 

[AlbertC]

Japan 'glasses ban' for women at work sparks backlash

Wearing glasses at work has become an emotive topic in Japan following reports that some firms have told female employees to remove them.

Japan 'glasses ban' for women at work sparks backlash

Reports of firms restricting women from wearing glasses at work have reignited dress code debates.

www.bbc.com

 

[AlbertC]

Barred from Wearing Glasses, Japan Working Women Take to Twitter

By Kurumi Mori
November 8, 2019, 4:35 AM EST

• Some companies enforce a no glasses policy for female workers
• Frustration follows #KuToo movement seeking change for women

www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-11-08/barred-from-wearing-glasses-japan-working-women-take-to-twitter

https://twitter.com/x/status/1192746733727600641

 

[Johnny Au]

On October 31, India split the region of Ladakh from Jammu and Kashmir and made both areas union territories.

 

[AlbertC]

Thailand hopes to have bullet trains running by 2023

David Luekens, CNN • Updated 17th November 2019

Thailand hopes to have bullet trains running by 2023

After years of discussion, it's finally happening. Bullet trains are coming to Thailand. But with one project under construction, another approved and others being considered, many in the country are debating whether high-speed rail (HSR) will be the right fit.

www.cnn.com

 

[Johnny Au]

Thailand hopes to have bullet trains running by 2023

David Luekens, CNN • Updated 17th November 2019

Thailand hopes to have bullet trains running by 2023

After years of discussion, it's finally happening. Bullet trains are coming to Thailand. But with one project under construction, another approved and others being considered, many in the country are debating whether high-speed rail (HSR) will be the right fit.

www.cnn.com

Thailand is a very densely populated country with high ambitions.

I will not be surprised if one of the HSR bridges over the Chao Phraya in Bangkok will be named after its current king, Rama X. After all, many bridges over the Chao Phraya in Bangkok are named after previous kings.

 

[Johnny Au]

The Grand Rama 9 Tower in Bangkok will be taller than the CN Tower (615m tall vs. 553m tall).

Currently, construction of the skyscraper is suspended.

 

[AlbertC]

Philippines: President Duterte's fierce rival stripped of 'drug czar' post

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has sacked "drug czar" Leni Robredo, just weeks after her appointment.

Philippines: President Duterte's fierce rival stripped of 'drug czar' post

A critic of the president's war on drugs, Vice-President Leni Robredo was only appointed this month.

www.bbc.com

 

[AlbertC]

India pollution: Supreme Court says world 'laughing' at smog issues

India pollution: Supreme Court says world 'laughing' at smog issues

Northern parts of India have been blanketed in smog for weeks.

www.bbc.com

 

[AlbertC]

Essex lorry deaths: last of bodies returned to Vietnam

Remains of 23 victims arrive in Hanoi following repatriation of further 16 to their hometowns days earlier

Reuters in Hanoi
Sat 30 Nov 2019 07.55 GMT

Essex lorry deaths: last of bodies returned to Vietnam

Remains of 23 victims arrive in Hanoi following repatriation of further 16 to their hometowns days earlier

www.theguardian.com

 

[AlbertC]

North Korea threatens Japan with 'real ballistic missile'

North Korea has branded Japan's PM Shinzo Abe an "imbecile" and "political dwarf", and accused him of mislabelling its latest weapons test.

North Korea threatens Japan with 'real ballistic missile'

North Korea calls Japan's leader an "imbecile" and "political dwarf" in a row over its latest test.

www.bbc.com

 

[AlbertC]

Deaths of K-pop stars put focus on mental health taboos in South Korea

Toxic mix of misogyny and view of mental illness as a failure is ruining lives beyond music industry

Deaths of K-pop stars put focus on mental health taboos in South Korea

Toxic mix of misogyny and view of mental illness as a failure is ruining lives beyond music industry

www.theguardian.com

 

[AlbertC]

North Korea unveils town hailed as 'epitome of civilisation'

North Korea unveils town hailed as 'epitome of civilisation'

The new town, which boasts a ski slope and a stadium, is said to be unlike any other in North Korea.

www.bbc.com

 

[AlbertC]

Corruption scandals plague Philippines' Southeast Asian Games

Reports about faulty preparations, coordination mishaps and photos of unfinished facilities for the Southeast Asian Games have raised questions about the mismanagement of the $146-million (€132-million) budget.

Corruption scandals plague Philippines' Southeast Asian Games | DW | 03.12.2019

Reports about faulty preparations, coordination mishaps and photos of unfinished facilities for the Southeast Asian Games have raised questions about the mismanagement of the $146-million (€132-million) budget.

m.dw.com

 

[AlbertC]

India: woman set on fire on way to testify against alleged rapists

Woman left with 70% burns in latest attack as film director’s tweets on rape cause outcry

Hannah Ellis-Petersen South Asia correspondent
Thu 5 Dec 2019 12.57 GMT

India: woman set on fire on way to testify against alleged rapists

Woman left with 70% burns in latest attack as film director’s tweets on rape cause outcry

www.theguardian.com