Author: Verified News Online

AdvertisementAseanThis Week in AsiaPoliticsWhat Trump’s visa pause means for Southeast Asia and US regional prioritiesThe move reflects an ‘America first’ policy approach and treats certain allies in the region as ‘strategically insignificant’, analysts say
Reading Time:4 minutesWhy you can trust SCMPSam BeltranPublished: 2:00pm, 17 Jan 2026The inclusion of four Southeast Asian nations in the United States’ 75-country visa suspension has thrown up questions over Washington’s foreign policy approach, including its interest in the region.Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and Thailand are among countries affected by the indefinite suspension, set to take effect on January 21, as the Donald Trump administration continues to roll out punitive measures to drastically restrict immigration.
The list, released by the US Department of State on Wednesday, is targeted at countries embroiled in conflict, but also extends to long-standing American allies and others with a long history of relations with Washin..

AdvertisementTrending in ChinaPeople & CultureTrending in ChinaChinese woman seeks online help to slaughter pigs, attracting over 1,000 volunteers to her farmOn day of event, local public security bureau dispatches staff to maintain order, ensuring a smooth experience for all attendees
Reading Time:2 minutesWhy you can trust SCMPYating Yangin BeijingPublished: 2:00pm, 17 Jan 2026A woman in southern China who did not know how to slaughter a pig turned to the internet for help, unexpectedly sparking a heartwarming viral reaction that attracted over 1,000 enthusiastic volunteers and transformed the event into a festive gathering.
The story began on January 9, when a woman nicknamed Daidai from Hechuan, Chongqing, posted a short video on social media inviting netizens to assist in holding down two pigs for slaughter, while also extending an invitation to enjoy a traditional boiled pork soup feast.
“We’re slaughtering two pigs on January 11,” she said. “Can anyone come help us hold them dow..

UAE updates school admission age rules from 2026–27 / AI-Generated Image The UAE Ministry of Education (MoE) has officially hit the “refresh” button on school admissions. Starting from the 2026-2027 academic year, schools that begin in August or September, including British, American, and IB curricula, will move their age cut-off date to December 31.Previously, children had to reach the required age by August 31. This four-month extension is a game-changer for “end-of-year” babies who would have previously had to wait an entire extra year to start their journey. Under the new rules, if your child turns three, four, or five by New Year's Eve, they are officially eligible to step into the classroom that September. It’s a move designed to align the UAE with international standards and provide families with more flexibility.Who is affected and who is not?While much of the education sector is shifting gears, schools following the Indian, and Japanese curricula are holding steady. Becau..

Kuwait and Oman declared January 18 a public holiday to observe the holy Isra Wal Miraj/Representative Image As Isra Wal Miraj approaches, only two Gulf countries, Kuwait and Oman, have announced a public holiday to mark the sacred occasion, highlighting its importance in the Islamic calendar.Kuwait and Oman have declared Friday, January 18, as a public holiday to observe Isra Wal Miraj, coinciding with the latter part of the Islamic month of Rajab. The announcement comes as Muslims prepare to commemorate the night through prayer, reflection, and recognition of its historical and spiritual significance.What is Isra Wal Miraj?Isra Wal Miraj is a major event in Islamic history that commemorates the miraculous night journey of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).According to Islamic belief, on this night the Prophet was taken from Masjid Al Haram in Makkah to Masjid Al Aqsa in Jerusalem, an event known as Isra. This was followed by Miraj, during which the Prophet ascended to the heavens.The occasion ..

AdvertisementSouth KoreaThis Week in AsiaPoliticsSouth Korea’s Yoon gets 5 years in prison for obstructing justice during martial law bidThe ruling comes days after prosecutors in a separate case demanded Yoon Suk-yeol be sentenced to death for masterminding insurrection
Reading Time:2 minutesWhy you can trust SCMPAgence France-PressePublished: 2:08pm, 16 Jan 2026Updated: 2:18pm, 16 Jan 2026A South Korean judge sentenced former president Yoon Suk-yeol on Friday to five years in prison for obstructing justice and other charges linked to his disastrous martial law declaration and in its chaotic aftermath.The sentence is the first in a series of verdicts for the disgraced ex-leader, who briefly suspended civilian rule in South Korea on December 3, 2024, prompting massive protests and a showdown in parliament.Now ousted from power, Yoon faces multiple trials for actions taken during that debacle and in the turmoil that followed.
AdvertisementAmong them are charges he committed obstruction ..