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Ukraine so far has not commented or confirmed that the exchange took place. — AFP file pic

Moscow hands over 1,000 soldiers’ remains to Ukraine in rare wartime exchange

Workers clear rubble from the site of an Israeli airstrike the day before that targeted the Bir Hassan neighbourhood in Beirut's southern suburbs on April 9. — AFP pic

Israel digs in for ‘forever war’ as truce talks between US and Iran take shape

Members of the United Nations Security Council vote during at a United Nations Security Council meeting on a Hormuz resolution at UN headquarters in New York City, April 7, 2026. — Indonesia is intensifying diplomatic efforts to secure backing for its bid to serve as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2029-2030 term. — Reuters pic

A seat at the UN table: Indonesia steps up push for 2029–2030 Security Council term

The 3.7-metre-long and 65-centimetre-wide object was fished from the ocean on Monday about 10 kilometres from the popular tourist island of Gili Trawangan, West Nusa Tenggara, the navy said. — Screengrab from social media

Mystery torpedo-like device found in Indonesian waters sparks navy probe

Lebanon declares day of mourning after Israeli strikes kill nearly 200, strain US-Iran truce

This photo shows the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) command centre on Thitu Island in the South China Sea on April 9, 2026. — AFP pic

Philippines sets up new coast guard command on Thitu Island amid South China Sea tensions

Election officials transport electronic voting machines (EVMs) by boat to a polling station from the bank of the Brahmaputra river in Assam’s Darrang district on April 8, 2026 on the eve of the legislative assembly election. — AFP pic

Millions head to polls as India kicks off multi-state elections amid tensions in West Asia

Prospective Indonesian pilgrims practice circumambulation rituals around a replica of the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest shrine, at the Al Mahmudah Manasik Training Center (AMTC), a Haj training facility featuring replicas of key pilgrimage sites, in South Tangerang on April 5, 2026. — AFP pic

Indonesia cuts Haj cost by RM465 per pilgrim, trims maximum waiting time to 26 years

Muslim worshippers gather near the Dome of the Rock at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound for the fajr dawn prayer in Jerusalem on April 9, 2026. The Al-Aqsa Mosque was reopened to Muslim worshippers Thursday following a 40-day closure since the US-Israel war with Iran began on February 28. — AFP pic

Al-Aqsa Mosque reopens to worshippers after 40-day Israeli closure

Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul delivers his government's policy statement to Parliament in Bangkok on April 9, 2026. — Reuters pic

Thai PM Anutin unveils economic reform drive, debt relief and cost-cutting plan

US President Donald Trump speaks during the 2026 White House Easter Egg Roll at the White House in Washington, DC on April 6, 2026. — Reuters pic

Trump says US military will stay put around Iran until ‘REAL AGREEMENT’ is struck

Rescue workers search for a wolf that escaped from a zoo in Daejeon on April 8, 2026. An escaped wolf from a zoo in South Korea remained at large on April 9 authorities said, prompting a local school to close over safety concerns as the search continued. — Yonhap handout pic via AFP

Escaped wolf prompts school closure in South Korea

US President Donald Trump looks on as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen Dan Caine speaks during a press conference in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, DC, April 6, 2026. Trump claimed ‘total’ victory after a ceasefire with Iran. But critics say the deal is a fresh example of their maxim that the tough-talking US president always ‘chickens out.’ — Reuters pic

‘Total victory’ or TACO? Trump faces critics saying he always ‘chickens out’ on Iran deal

French President Emmanuel Macron walks before welcoming French Nationals freed by Iran after three and a half years in detention, at the Elysee Palace in Paris, on April 8, 2026. — AFP pic

Macron tells Trump, Iran president to extend ceasefire to Lebanon

Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli strike that targeted an area in Beirut on April 8, 2026. — AFP pic

Israeli strikes kill 250 in Lebanon amid fragile ceasefire

 A map showing the Strait of Hormuz is seen in this illustration taken June 22, 2025. Iran announced alternative routes on Thursday for ships travelling through the Strait of Hormuz, citing the risk of sea mines in the main zone of the vital waterway. — Reuters pic

Iran warns of sea mine risk, issues alternative routes through Strait of Hormuz