Celebrities and fans pay tributes to Asha Bhosle

Thousands of admirers are assembling at Asha Bhosle’s Mumbai home to honor the late Indian icon. The two-time Grammy nominee passed away on Sunday at a hospital in the city after a heart attack. Her funeral will be held on Monday evening at Shivaji Park, marked by full state honors. BBC Marathi’s Mayuresh Konnur Gopal provides the report.

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K-pop’s Biggest Tour Begins in Seoul

BTS launches their most extensive global tour in K-pop history, starting in Seoul on Thursday. The group has been absent from the public eye for nearly four years. BBC News Asia’s Business Correspondent Suranajana Tewari interviewed fans in Manila, who are anticipating the event. An estimated 260,000 attendees are expected at Saturday’s concert, the first since 2022.

Unexpected Viral Moment in Japan

A video of a young Japanese macaque playing with a soft toy at the Ichikawa City Zoo has captivated online audiences. Zookeepers gave the toy to comfort the animal, sparking widespread attention. Meanwhile, in Bangkok, a Lakshmi goddess shrine within a shopping mall has become a popular spot for youth seeking love blessings.

Legal Proceedings in Hong Kong

Jimmy Lai, a media mogul, received a 20-year prison sentence from the Hong Kong High Court. He was convicted of foreign collusion in a pivotal national security trial. BBC News India’s India Editor Vikas Pandey visited a nightclub in India where 25 lives were lost in a recent fire.

Disaster in South and Southeast Asia

Extreme weather conditions have claimed at least 80 lives in Indonesia and 56 in Sri Lanka this week. Footage verified by BBC Verify captures the rapid spread of flames at Wang Cheong House. Firefighters spent 18 hours before gaining control, with over 800 still battling the blaze at Wang Fuk Court today. Smoke plumes rise dramatically as emergency crews deploy cranes to combat the fire.

Myanmar’s Election Under Shadow

According to BBC’s South East Asia Correspondent Jonathan Head, voters in Myanmar describe the recent election as occurring in a “climate of fear.” The correspondent highlights the “devastating” impact of a suicide bomber’s attack on a Shia mosque, which left 31 dead. Meanwhile, a mayor in the Philippines narrowly escaped a rocket launcher strike during daylight hours.

Discovering a Rare Plant

Researcher Septian Andriki was overcome with emotion after spotting the rare Rafflesia hasseltii in Indonesia. This discovery adds to the region’s ecological significance, as noted by local experts. The incident also draws attention to the importance of biodiversity preservation.