(CANBERRA, Australia) Prime Minister Julia Gillard edged closer to retaining power in Australia yesterday when an independent lawmaker said he would support her centre-left Labor Party to form a government.

(BANGKOK) Most of the 76 industrial projects halted last year because of pollution and licensing concerns can be restarted, a Thai court ruled, a decision that may resolve uncertainties about the country's investment regulations.

(TOKYO) Japan 'is ripe' for more mergers and acquisitions as companies have ample cash and the level of takeover activity is lower than it should be, according to Goldman Sachs Group Inc.