ASIA

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Japan's government on Friday approved an extra budget to help pay for a massive stimulus package after the ruling coalition's worst election result in 15 years.

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Malaysia is mourning the death of billionaire Ananda Krishnan, one of the most influential business figures in the country, who died aged 86. Famed for his sprawling business empire that ranged from telecommunications and oil to media and real estate, Krishnan was also greatly respected for his philanthropy and deep devotion to Buddhism. The third-wealthiest Malaysian, with a net worth of more than $5 billion, the death of Krishnan marks the end of an era in Malaysia’s corporate and cultural history.

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President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea is in the middle of a political crisis after his sudden attempt to impose martial law brought fierce backlash from lawmakers and the general public. On Tuesday night, Yoon announced martial law, invoking the need to save the country from “North Korea’s communist forces” and to quash what he termed “anti-state elements.” But for many, it was an attempt to cling to power with slumping approval ratings and domestic scandals piling up.

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The families of two Australian teenagers killed in a suspected methanol poisoning in Laos have been a bit satisfied with the news that eight people have been detained during a police investigation into the incident. Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both 19, were among six foreign tourists who died after apparently consuming the toxic substance, which is commonly added to bootleg alcohol.

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India, is building what it boasts will be the world's largest renewable power plant along its border with Pakistan, an emblem of a determined push to boost solar energy. The Khavda plant in Gujarat state consists of some 60 million solar panels and 770 wind turbines spread over 538 square kilometres (208 square miles) -- almost the size of the sprawling megacity Mumbai.

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The Malaysian government has been ordered by a court to return 172 rainbow-coloured watches it seized from watchmaker Swatch last year. The government said it took the timepieces from the Swiss company because they featured "LGBT elements." However, a court ruled the government did not have a warrant to confiscate the items and a law prohibiting their sale was only passed later, making the seizure unlawful.