Girls take care of their baby brother before leaving for school in Seoul. South Korea just recorded its first rise in fertility rates in nearly a decade.
ASIA PACIFIC / Society
Feb 26, 2025
South Korea's policy push springs to life as world's lowest birth rate rises
That shift in societal norms could prove pivotal in a country that has seen its birth rate plummet to the lowest in the world.
A woman fits her wedding dress at a bridal shop in Luliang, northern China's Shanxi province, on Feb. 11.
ASIA PACIFIC / Society
Feb 25, 2025
China adviser pushes to lower legal marriage age to 18 to boost birthrate
The comments comments come ahead of China’s annual parliamentary meeting, where officials are expected to announce measures to offset the country's declining population.
About 80% of children in Australia between the ages of 8 and 12 used at least one social media platform in 2024.
ASIA PACIFIC / Society
Feb 21, 2025
Underage social media users show large Australian breaches
About 80% of children in Australia between 8 and 12 used at least one platform in 2024, a watchdog report has found.
Demonstrators take part in a protest against China to support the ethnic Uyghur community, in Istanbul in December 2022.
ASIA PACIFIC / Society
Feb 4, 2025
China eases travel curbs on Uyghurs but maintains 'severe' controls
Human Rights Watch says Uyghurs are rarely permitted to travel overseas with family members and often face interrogation on returning to China.
Hindu devotees sit after a deadly stampede before the second Shahi Snan (royal bath) at the Maha Kumbh Mela, or Great Pitcher Festival, in Prayagraj, India, on Wednesday.
ASIA PACIFIC / Society
Jan 29, 2025
Over a dozen dead in stampede at Hindu mega-festival in India
The six-week Kumbh Mela festival is the single biggest milestone on the Hindu religious calendar.
Strong waves from the Pasig River pummel the shoreline in Manila on Nov. 17 as Super Typhoon Man-yi hits the Philippines.
ASIA PACIFIC / Society
Jan 24, 2025
Disaster fatigue: When storms drown out compassion
Natural disasters in the Philippines are taking a toll not only on the most vulnerable but also on those whose very job it is to help to them.
Thai actors Apiwat "Porsch" Apiwatsayree (right) and Sappanyoo "Arm" Panatkool pose for pictures in front of a Thai national flag after registering their same-sex marriage at the Phra Nakhon district office in Bangkok on Thursday.
ASIA PACIFIC / Society
Jan 23, 2025
Hundreds to wed as Thai same-sex marriage law comes into force
Thursday's milestone makes Thailand the first Southeast Asian country to allow equal marriage, and the biggest place in Asia to recognize such unions.

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An ongoing shortage of rice has resulted in rising prices for Japan's main food staple.
Why Japan is running out of rice — and farmers to grow it