Secular News

Watch the best shots of Joe Root's first innings as he scores an impressive 160 to help England to 384 all out against Australia on day two of the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney.

We have put together stories from our coverage last weekend to help you stay informed about news across Asia and beyond. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. ‘Stop subverting Venezuelan regime’: China urges US to release Maduro China has expressed “serious concern” over the US capture and forcible removal of the Venezuelan leader, calling on Washington to ensure the personal safety of Nicolas Maduro and his wife and “release them immediately”. 2. Why...

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr on Monday signed into law the 2026 budget worth 6.793 trillion pesos (US$115 billion) as his administration aims to revive an economy stunted by a government corruption scandal. While the 2026 budget was 7 per cent higher than last year’s spending plan, the president cut nearly US$1.6 billion in so-called unprogrammed appropriations that are historically prone to corruption. Marcos approved the 2026 budget later compared to previous years, as allocations...

It’s a new year here in the Free State of Florida and you’re freer than ever! Free to tote guns; free to kill bears; free to drain and pave; free to call ICE if you spy some brown-complected fellows in the Home Depot parking lot. Most of all, you’re free to make New Year’s Resolutions. […]

US President Donald Trump on Sunday told reporters that US officials have determined that Ukraine did not target a residence belonging to Russian President Vladimir Putin in a drone attack last week, disputing Kremlin claims that Trump had initially greeted with deep concern. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov last week said Ukraine launched a wave of drones at Putin’s state residence in the northwestern Novgorod region that the Russian defence systems were able to defeat. Lavrov also...

Chinese President Xi Jinping said major powers should take the lead in respecting the development path of other nations in a veiled swipe at the United States for raiding Venezuela and taking its president, Nicolas Maduro, to New York. Xi made the remarks which add to Beijing’s earlier criticism of Washington’s attacks on Venezuela when meeting visiting Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin on Monday. “The world today is undergoing changes and turbulence not seen in a century, with unilateral acts...

China has made condoms and other contraceptives more expensive as it tries to boost birth rates, but residents in Beijing and analysts say the measure will have little impact.

This article was first published on January 6, 2006 By Ng Kang-chung South Pole in the bag ... next stop Greenland Fresh from a history-making expedition to the South Pole, Hong Kong adventurer Chung Kin-man is already planning his next great challenge. Chung, 52, who with 54-year-old Shenzhen entrepreneur Wang Shi became the first Chinese to climb the highest peaks on seven continents and visit both poles, returned to Hong Kong yesterday (January 5, 2006). He is already preparing for a mission...

Dear Eric: My boyfriend of almost two years seems unable to break away from his former spouse’s family. The marriage lasted 15 years. There were no children, so he has virtually no contact with the wife. However, he seems unwilling to refuse any invitation from the family to have dinner, lunch and go on weekend […]

Soft drinks, chocolate, pizzas and ice creams will be targeted in the UK government's plan.

Soft drinks, chocolate, pizzas and ice creams will be targeted in the UK government's plan.

Aaron Rodgers threw for a season-high 294 yards, and the Steelers claimed their first AFC North title in five years with a 26-24 win over the Ravens.