China is ending a decades-long tax exemption on contraceptives to push up its birth rate. Experts say the change could leave women and young people more vulnerable.
Princess's popularity spurs calls to ditch male-only succession in Japan
Historically, Japan has had numerous women monarchs. But current laws prevent the emperor's daughter from succeeding him — and politicians, including the prime minister, support the status quo.
Beijing warns against using Hong Kong blaze to 'disrupt' city
Thousands of people pay tribute to the victims of Hong Kong's deadliest fire in more than 75 years, as Beijing warns it will crack down on any "anti-China" protest in the wake of the blaze.
Death toll tops 800 as intense storms hammer Asian countries
At least 355 people are dead and 366 are missing in Sri Lanka as floods, cyclones and torrential rain continue to affect millions of people across Asia.
Rescue efforts underway after flash floods kill hundreds in Indonesia
Torrential rain causes flash floods and landslides in Indonesia, where the toll rises as authorities mount rescue operations.
South-East Asia floods kill hundreds as cyclone hits Sri Lanka
Parts of South-East Asia have been hit with record levels of rain as a cyclone hits Sri Lanka, causing floods and landslides, as the system heads towards India.
Seven towers burned — but the real fear in Hong Kong is how many could be next
Hong Kong's worst fire in decades exposed long-standing weaknesses in its aging residential blocks. The question haunting the city is whether the disaster could happen again.
Hong Kong fire kills at least 83, hundreds still missing as buildings smoulder
Authorities say the apartment complex blaze may have been caused by a "grossly negligent" construction firm using unsafe materials. Three men have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
Hongkongers built their own SOS map as seven towers burned
When a fatal fire tore through seven high-rise towers in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, thousands of families were glued to a single webpage that offered updates far more quickly than official government briefings.
Glass lift at Bali beach set for demolition after governor intervenes
A controversial glass elevator at one of Bali's most picturesque beaches will have to be dismantled, with authorities citing planning violations.
Floods leave at least 50 dead across Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia
The Thai city of Hat Yai received its heaviest rainfall in 300 years, while mudslides killed dozens on the Indonesian island of Sumatra.
ASX rises, APRA to impose home loan limits — as it happened
The Australian banking regulator will impose limits on large home loans from February, while the ASX rises as Wall Street extended a recent recovery. See how the trading day unfolded on our live blog.
Hong Kong fire death toll rises to 55 as blaze continues to burn — as it happened
A massive high-rise apartment fire in Hong Kong's Tai Po district has killed at least 55 people and left hundreds more missing, with firefighters continuing to battle the blaze — as it happened.
Hong Kong's worst fire in years leaves scores dead
Fires that have burnt through the night are yet to be extinguished as firefighters struggle to reach those in need.
Russia overtakes Australia in Asia regional power ranking
The latest Asia Power Index shows Australia slipping behind Russia for influence, while the region remains dominated by the US and China.
'The names have been selected': Crooked operators rig working visas
Thousands of young Indonesians want the chance to come to Australia to work, but first they have to win a visa application "war" that puts them in the sights of scammers and dodgy operators promising them what they want — for a price.
US says Myanmar 'safe', terminates nationals' protection status
The US government is ending the temporary legal status of thousands of Myanmar nationals arguing they can safely return to the war-torn South-East Asian country.
Jakarta is now the world's largest city dwarfing Australia's entire population
For decades Tokyo held the title of the most populous city on the planet. Yet the Indonesian and Bangladeshi capitals have overtaken the Japanese megacity.
Death toll rises to 41 in central Vietnam flooding, more heavy rain forecast
More than 1.5 metres of rain has fallen in parts of Vietnam and authorities have warned of further floods with heavy rains set to continue.
Mexico's bullied pageant contestant gets payback by being crowned Miss Universe
Fátima Bosch Fernández of Mexico is crowned Miss Universe, a dramatic victory for the woman at the centre of pageant controversy when standing up to public bullying from one of the hosts.
Report finds $200 billion of Chinese credit pumped into Australia
A new study has revealed the scale of China's lending for projects and activities in Australia, with money poured into everything from tollways to supermarkets, wind farms and breweries — but mostly mining projects.