Off the wire
• China hopes for a comprehensive deal on Iran  • Urgent: Filipe Nyusi sworn in as Mozambique's new president  • Mekong River Commission Council calls for assistance from development partners  • News Analysis: Terrorism spreads further beyond Yemen as AQAP claims Paris attack  • Philippines recalls U.S. imported apples  • China runs more trains to meet travel demand  • Japan-Australia EPA takes effect  • Interview: China means great opportunities instead of threat: Japanese business owner  • Malaysia calls for more funds to assist flood-affected traders  • Hong Kong's house prices expected to be flat in 2015: Fitch  
You are here: 　 Home

Xinhua Asia-Pacific news summary at 1000 GMT, Jan. 15

Xinhua, January 15, 2015 Adjust font size:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reduced the interest rate, or repo rate by 25 basis points on Thursday to stimulate the economy.

"The RBI had committed to initiate the process of monetary easing as soon as data indicated that medium term inflationary targets would be met," the bank Governor Raghuram. G. Rajan said in a statement. (India-Interest Rates)

----

KABUL -- Four Taliban militants have been killed in clashes with the army in Afghanistan within the past 24 hours while three soldiers lost their lives in bomb attacks elsewhere, the country's Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

"Over the past 24 hours, four terrorists were killed, and three detained following army operations and clashes, and three army soldiers died in roadside bomb attacks," the ministry said in a statement. (Afghanistan-Taliban-Operation)

----

SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir -- A fresh gunfight between militants and Indian troops Thursday broke out in restive Indian- controlled Kashmir, police said.

The gunfight erupted at Kellar forest area of Shopian district, about 83 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian- controlled Kashmir. (India-Kashmir-Gunfight)

----

TOKYO -- Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement (JAEPA) came into effect Thursday, with Australia becoming the first major agricultural exporter to reach a free trade agreement with Japan.

The agreement, signed by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his Australia counterpart Tony Abbott in July 2014, provides Japan with valuable preferential access for Australian exports. (Japan- Australia-EPA) Endi