Fire at Korean car parts factory kills 10, injures 59, 4 missing
WorldSEOUL -- A fire broke out around lunchtime at a car parts factory in the South Korean city of Daejeon on Friday, leaving 10 people dead, 25 seriously injured and 34 with minor injuries, the country's safety ministry said on Saturday.
Fitch cuts New Zealand rating outlook to negative amid debt concerns
WorldCredit ratings agency Fitch lowered New Zealand's outlook to "negative" from "stable" on Friday, citing the South Pacific country's increasing difficulty reducing debt due to a delay in fiscal consolidation over the last few years.
BTS are back: central Seoul locks down for Kpop supergroup's first show in years
WorldSEOUL -- South Korea shut down the heart of Seoul on Saturday for a comeback concert by Kpop supergroup BTS, as authorities prepare for an estimated 260,000 fans to flood the city's streets and millions more to watch the show live on Netflix.
Japan tourism agency eyes panel on dual pricing
WorldTOKYO -- The Japan Tourism Agency plans to set up an expert panel to draft guidelines for a dual pricing system charging higher fees at tourist facilities for foreign nationals and visitors from outside the local areas, Jiji Press learned Thursday.
Japan resumes gasoline subsidies amid Middle East tensions
WorldTOKYO -- The Japanese government resumed subsidies for oil wholesalers on Thursday, aiming to lower retail gasoline prices to around 170 yen per liter amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
6 dead after tunnel accident in Japan's Mie pref.
WorldKAMEYAMA, MIE PREF., -- Six people, including three children, were confirmed dead in an accident involving four vehicles that occurred early Friday in the Nonobori Tunnel of the Shin-Meishin Expressway in Kameyama, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, police said.
Work from home, avoid air travel to deal with higher energy prices, IEA says
WorldPARIS -- The International Energy Agency (IEA), which this month agreed a record release of oil from strategic stockpiles to deal with the effects of the U.S-Israeli war with Iran, outlined on Friday proposals to ease oil price pressures on consumers, such as working-from-home and avoiding air travel.
WTO reform deadlock may prompt some countries to seek other options on free trade
WorldGENEVA - Failure to chart a viable reform path for the World Trade Organization at a meeting next week will nudge members to pursue other options to set rules and advance free trade, diplomats and officials told Reuters.
Soccer's world governing body FIFA mandates female coaches in all of their women's competitions
WorldMANCHESTER, England -- Every team in a FIFA women's competition will be required to have at least one female head or assistant coach, part of sweeping new regulations from soccer's governing body aimed at boosting the number of women coaching at the highest levels.
Hosts Australia chase rare major trophy in Asian Cup decider against formidable Japan
WorldMELBOURNE -- Australia coach Joe Montemurro will demand bravery from his players and hope for more Sam Kerr magic when the Matildas take on strong favourites and familiar foes Japan in the Women's Asian Cup final in Sydney on Saturday.
