Japan is seeing strong tourism growth as visitors from Asia, the US, Europe and South Korea help make up for shifts in travel patterns. The surge highlights Japan’s continued appeal as a major global tourism destination and provides a boost to its travel and hospitality sectors.

Japan makes up for lost tourism from Asia, US, Europe & Korea

A relentless heatwave is gripping parts of Asia and Europe, with soaring temperatures and worsening drought creating fresh concerns over water, homes and livelihoods. South Korea has recorded its highest temperature since 1904, while parts of Indonesia have gone months without rain. England and Wales also endured their driest July in 190 years, highlighting the growing reach of extreme weather.


Extreme heat and drought across Asia, Europe

Asia and Europe bake under record heat and brutal drought

Asia's property market is sending mixed signals. While countries like India and Japan continue to post record demand and rising investments, markets such as Hong Kong and Mainland China are still grappling with weaker fundamentals. But beneath those headline numbers lies a deeper story -one of widening gaps between cities, sectors and even buildings. Here's a closer look.


India's real estate investment nears $20 billion 

Biofuels are making a comeback as volatile oil markets push governments to rethink energy security. Interest in cleaner fuels had surged after the pandemic, with the International energy agency projecting biofuel demand would more than double by 2030 to support global net-zero goals.


Rising oil prices revive Asia’s biofuel push

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi concluded her visit to India, reaffirming Tokyo's commitment to the strategic partnership envisioned by Shinzo Abe, former Japanese PM. From economic security to infrastructure and shared democratic values, here's how India and Japan continue to shape Asia's future together.

India-Japan summit: How India, Japan may shape Asia's century 

Indonesia is launching a national AI roadmap (2026–2029) to integrate artificial intelligence across ministries and regional administrations. The strategy aims to support key presidential programs, drive economic growth, and accelerate AI adoption in public services. Through this draft initiative, the government intends to boost Indonesia’s regional and global competitiveness in the AI landscape.

Indonesia's AI Push: Can Jakarta Become Asia's Next AI Hub?

Cambodia has accused Thailand of cultural erasure amid a growing dispute over historical temples and heritage claims. The disagreement has triggered fresh diplomatic tensions between the two Southeast Asian neighbours, with both sides defending their cultural identity and historical ownership. The controversy has reignited nationalist sentiments and raised concerns over regional relations.

Cambodia: Thailand Demolished Hindu States

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth renewed calls for America’s allies in Asia to increase military spending to boost deterrence against China, in a speech marked by a shift away from a confrontational stance toward Beijing.

“The era of the U.S. subsidizing the defense of wealthy nations is over. We need partners, not protectorates,” Hegseth said in a Saturday speech, while offering assurances that the Trump administration wouldn’t reduce the U.S. security presence in Asia as it seeks calmer ties with China.

Hegseth's Softer Tone on China Part of Broader Shift in US Policy?

Several Asian currencies have weakened significantly against the U.S. dollar over the past two years, with some hitting record lows. This data-driven breakdown explores which currencies fell the most and what it means for regional economies, trade balances, and inflation pressures across Asia.


Asian Currencies Over 2 Years: Dollar Strength & FX Breakdown

Asia’s deep dependence on Gulf oil is now turning into a major economic vulnerability. As the energy crisis disrupts global supply chains, Asian economies are facing rising fuel prices, slowing growth, and mounting inflation pressures.


Asia’s Gulf Oil Imports Drop 30% in April

Oil remained above 110 dollars per barrel on Wednesday as the Trump administration mulled a response to Iran’s latest proposal.
The two-month-long conflict remains in a stalemate with energy and other supplies through the critical strait of Hormuz at a standstill.
That has LED to fuel rationing across much of Asia and Africa and fears of a global economic slowdown.

Oil's Wild Moves

A new warning from the Hindu Kush Himalaya region shows a sharp decline in snow reserves which is a critical source of water for nearly two billion people. Scientists say this natural water bank is shrinking, threatening river flows, agriculture, and energy supply across countries like India. As glaciers melt faster and snow levels drop, the risk of long, dry summers is becoming a growing concern.


Himalayas: Fourth Straight Year Of Decline 

Asia's Water Lifeline Is Fading as Himalayan Snowfall Plunges 

Asia’s biggest oil consumers have found ways to circumvent the seven weeks of conflict in the Persian Gulf. However, these alternatives have started to run low.

Demand Destruction From Iran War Set to Deepen

Asia’s economic outlook is facing a growing risk from the ongoing negotiations in West Asia. According to the International Monetary Fund, the region is more vulnerable to an energy shock than others due to its heavy reliance on fuel imports from the Gulf.

Asia Faces High Risk From Energy Shock: IMF Warns Asia Most Exposed

From tokyo to sydney, asian nations are feeling the heat as soaring oil prices and fuel shortages shake economies and households alike.
With the escalating west asia conflict disrupting crude supply, countries are racing against time to keep lights on, factories running, and fuel in the tank.
Governments are deploying coal, rationing fuel, freezing taxes, and seeking billions in emergency aid, to navigate one of the region’s toughest energy crises in years.
Take a look at this next report for more.


Asia on Energy Edge | West Asia Conflict Drives Oil Prices Up

As the global energy crisis deepens, Asian economies have become the most vulnerable. This is due to their energy dependence on key Gulf routes. Here are the key policy highlights as Asia prepares for a new reality.


US-Iran War: Asian Economies Scramble to Contain Energy Fallout 

Asian Economies Scramble to Contain Energy Fallout 

Asia refiners have asked Saudi Arabia to change the way it prices crude, after the West Asia war has disrupted the traditional system. A Bloomberg report quoting traders showed the talks with Saudi Aramco were ongoing. But trades said the discussions may now be successful.


Saudi Arabia Faces Calls from Asian Buyers to Link Oil Prices to Brent 

Asian Buyers Ask Saudi to Change Oil Pricing Peg to Brent 

Asian stock markets tumbled sharply as geopolitical tensions and rising global uncertainties spooked investors. Japan’s Nikkei index fell 5.2%, marking one of its steepest declines in recent months.
Market participants moved quickly to safe-haven assets, including gold, U.S. Treasuries, and the Japanese yen, amid fears of further volatility. Analysts warn that ongoing conflicts and oil price surges are contributing to the flight from equities across the region.

Breaking: Asian Stocks Crash | Japan’s Nikkei Falls 5.2%, Investors Seek Safe Havens

Asia has significantly reduced climate disaster-related deaths despite facing increasingly extreme weather events, according to a new study. The research suggests improved early warning systems, disaster preparedness and resilience planning have helped save lives across the region. The findings highlight how adaptation measures are reducing vulnerability even as climate risks intensify.


Asia Cuts Climate Disaster Deaths Despite Extreme Weather | WION

SATTE (South Asia’s Travel & Tourism Exchange) brings together global travel leaders, tourism boards, and industry stakeholders in New Delhi. The premier travel trade exhibition showcases destinations, innovations, and partnerships shaping the future of tourism in South Asia and beyond. Stay tuned for highlights, key announcements, and industry insights from the event.


SATTE 2026: South Asia's Travel And Tourism Exchange From Feb 25-27

A new study reveals India as the second most congested country in Asia, with Bengaluru ranked as the most congested city in India and second globally. Traffic congestion continues to affect commuters, economy, and urban planning.

India Second Most Congested Asian Country, Bengaluru Tops Global Traffic Charts

A Reuters report quoting official sources shows that India is set to allow Chinese firms to bid for government contracts. This is an extension to last year's bonhomie between the two Asian giants.

India Set to Lift Curbs on Chinese Firms?

Russia has deployed TU-95 nuclear-capable bombers over the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea, with Japan responding by scrambling fighter jets to monitor the situation. The Russian bombers, escorted by Su-35 and Su-30SM fighters, flew within Japan’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) but did not enter sovereign airspace.


China Reveals Radio Comms With Japan Over Aerial Encounter

Two powerful militaries, China and Japan, nearly came to confrontation in the skies over the Western Pacific. Japan has claimed that Chinese fighter jets had aimed their radar at Japanese military aircraft in two 'dangerous' incidents near the Okinawa islands, an account Beijing has disputed. Tune into 


China-Japan Push Region to Brink of All-Out War

Sri Lanka faces a devastating humanitarian crisis with 627 dead and nearly 200 still missing after severe floods. As recovery efforts continue, the IMF has prioritised Colombo’s request for financial aid, while India has stepped up emergency support, sending relief supplies and assistance to affected regions.


IMF Prioritises Sri Lanka's Financial Aid Request, New Delhi Ramps Up Aid 

Severe floods have devastated parts of Asia, leaving widespread destruction and loss of life. Over 500 people were killed in Indonesia, 340 in Sri Lanka, and 170 in Thailand as torrential rains triggered landslides, displacement, and infrastructure collapse. Rescue teams continue urgent operations as governments coordinate relief efforts. Thousands remain missing or affected as the region battles one of its deadliest flood disasters in recent years.

Sri Lanka Floods: 474 Killed, 336 Remain Missing | Recovery Operations Underway

asia

Asia, News on Asia, stories on Asia, articles on Asia, Asia stories at Wion, Asia news, Asia latest news