Damaged painting in Taiwan could be a fake

TAIPEI• Doubts emerged yesterday over the authenticity of an Italian painting supposedly worth US$1.5 million (S$2.11 million), which hit headlines after a 12-year-old punched a hole through it as he tripped and fell during an exhibition in Taiwan. Curators questioned why the "Flowers" painting, which dates back to the 1600s, was exposed to an environment without constant temperature and humidity. AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Japan lawyers also against security Bills

TOKYO• Japan's national bar association yesterday threw its weight behind growing opposition to controversial security Bills that could pave the way for Japanese troops to engage in combat for the first time since the end of World War II. AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

India, Australia to hold joint naval drills

NEW DELHI• India and Australia will hold their first joint naval drills next month, as the two countries seek to deepen defence ties and counter China's growing sway in the Indian Ocean.

The maritime exercises, to be held in the Bay of Bengal off India's eastern coast next month, will include anti- submarine warfare and coordinated anti-submarine drills. REUTERS