ASIA

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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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Delhi has shut all primary schools indefinitely as air pollution levels in the Indian capital reach hazardous levels, officials announced. Classes will shift online while the city battles a smog emergency caused by a mix of vehicle emissions, crop stubble burning, and weather conditions that trap pollutants. 

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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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A special tribunal in Bangladesh on Tuesday asked the international police organization Interpol to issue a red notice for the arrest of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in connection with the deaths of hundreds of protesters during a mass uprising against her.

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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.

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Despite an election setback that saw his coalition lose its majority in the lower house, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has won a run-off vote in parliament to maintain his position.

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Zhong Shanshan, China's richest man and founder of beverage giant Nongfu Springs, has publicly criticized the aggressive pricing tactics of online shopping platforms, accusing them of destabilizing industries amid the country's economic downturn. 

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In a significant diplomatic development, Afghanistan will participate in the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, marking the first Taliban-era representation at a major climate summit since 2021. Foreign Ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi confirmed on Saturday that "a delegation of the Afghan government will be in Baku" for the conference, which begins November 11.