Heavy rains have battered Pakistan’s southwest, with flash floods and lightning killing at least 39 people. Some of those killed were farmers struck by lightning while harvesting wheat, authorities say. Flash floods have also disrupted power supplies and transportation networks.

Early in Asian trading, oil prices experienced a decline following Iran’s retaliatory strike on Israel during the weekend. Despite this, Brent crude, a crucial global oil price benchmark, remained lower but hovered around $90 per barrel on Monday morning.

Israeli Weapons Showcased at Singapore Airshow Amidst International Criticism At the Singapore Airshow held at…

Taiwan has been struck by its most powerful earthquake in 25 years, killing at least seven and injuring at least 700. The 7.7 magnitude caused buildings to collapse, power outages and landslides on the island. The quake has sparked tsunami warnings in southern Japan and the Philippines. 

Thailand’s lower house has passed a bill giving legal recognition to same-sex marriage. It will next head to the Senate and then need a royal endorsement to become law. But it’s widely expected to pass by the end of 2024 and will make Thailand the only Southeast Asian country to recognise same-sex unions. 

Japan’s cabinet has given its nod for the export of newly developed fighter jets, a joint endeavour with the UK and Italy, signalling a departure from its longstanding pacifist stance.