Japan mulls 'departure tax' on travelers in 2019

Japan plans to start collecting a "departure tax" of up to 1,000 yen ($9) from 2019 from tourists and its own citizens who leave the country, media has reported.

France frets over internal threat two years after attacks in Paris

PARIS - Two years after militants killed 130 people in coordinated attacks across Paris, French officials said there remains an unprecedented level of "internal" threat from both within and outside the country.

Smog chokes Indian capital as emergency measures fail

NEW DELHI - A thick cloud of toxic smog 10 times the recommended limit enveloped India's capital city on Monday, as government officials struggled to tackle a public health crisis that is well into its second week.

Trump's China visit receives high marks

China watchers in the United States have spoken positively of US President Donald Trump's visit last week.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Express delivery for fans of classic murder mystery

ISTANBUL - Agatha Christie's spirit is alive and well in Turkey. Aficionados and movie buffs had the chance to see the latest adaptation of the late author's classic thriller Murder on the Orient Express at a premiere at Istanbul's historic Sirkeci railway station where the famous train started its journey in the film.

Labels have designs on the rental market

PARIS - Fancy hitting the town in the latest Dior dress with an outrageously expensive Louis Vuitton bag on your arm - but haven't the cash to afford even the clasp?

Craft brewers edge their way into Lebanon beer market

BATROUN, Lebanon - For decades, beer in Lebanon has meant just one thing: the ubiquitous local pilsner, Almaza. But now a crop of local microbrews is making headway in the home market.

Norway's e-retailers jump on Singles Day sales campaign

OSLO - Inspired by the highly successful Singles Day shopping extravaganza in China, many of Norway's online retailers also launched sales promotion on Saturday to celebrate being alone.

Bollywood 'failing to follow' US lead

MUMBAI - When Indian actress Divya Unny flew into the southern state of Kerala in 2015, she thought it was for a business meeting with an award-winning director about a role in his upcoming film.

Financial sector opened up further

Foreign ownership limits in JV firms will be raised from 49% to 51%

Honeywell bets big on growth in China

Industrial conglomerate Honeywell said on Friday that China is currently the single largest contributor to its global growth and it was committed to expanding business in the country.