Global energy demand will surge by a third over the next two decades on advancing prosperity, but Indian demand growth will eclipse that of flagging giant China, Britain's BP forecast.

Lined up in cavernous rooms at a state restaurant in Pyongyang, North Korean chefs carefully assemble their dishes, watched by crowds of onlookers at a cooking competition in a country that suffers chronic food shortages.

At least 100,000 babies die every year because of armed conflict and its impact, from hunger to denial of aid, Save the Children International said.

After generals seized power in Thailand in a 2014 coup they turned to Beijing to kickstart growth and buff up their vision of an innovative, developed country steered by wise leaders and buoyed by China-backed infrastructure.

The prices of RON95 and RON97 will be increased by 1 sen each while diesel remains flat.

Malaysia posted a gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 4.7 per cent in the fourth quarter (Q4) of last year, leading to an overall economic growth of 4.7 per cent in 2018, says Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).

Philippine journalist Maria Ressa was freed on bail on Thursday following an arrest that sparked international censure and allegations she is being targeted over her news site's criticism of President Rodrigo Duterte.

More than one billion young people risk damaging their hearing through excessive use of smartphones and other audio devices, the UN warned Tuesday, proposing new safety standards for safe volume levels.

The ruling coalition now has a two-thirds majority advantage in the Parliament for the first time since 2008, with 154 seats.

Thailand's election commission on Wednesday asked the constitutional court to dissolve a political party that put forward a princess as candidate for prime minister, days after the move earned a royal rebuke from her brother, the king.