SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir -- Incessant rains over the past four days pushed water levels up in rivers in Indian-controlled Kashmir early Wednesday, officials said.

According to the officials, the water level of the Jhelum river has crossed the flood alarm mark at Sangam in Anantnag.

Reports pouring in from various places in the region said water has entered various localities and inundated the low-lying areas. Local authorities have evacuated residents from low-lying areas to safer locations. (India-Kashmir-Heavy Rains)

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PHNOM PENH -- The cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China has provided mutual benefits and greatly contributed to regional peace, stability and development, Cambodian deputy prime minister and defense minister Gen. Tea Banh said here on Wednesday.

Gen. Banh made the remarks while co-chairing the ASEAN-China Defense Ministers' Informal Meeting via video link with Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe. (Cambodia-China-ASEAN)

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KUALA LUMPUR -- Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob unveiled measures on Wednesday, aimed at easing the rising cost of living, as the country copes with increased food prices.

Among these is an increase in cash aid for lower-income households, in view of the removal of certain subsidies and ceiling prices including for bottled cooking oil, he said in a televised speech. (Malaysia-PM-Food Prices)

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TOKYO -- The official campaigning for Japan's House of Councilors election began on Wednesday, with the ruling and opposition parties focusing on issues including inflation concerns and arguments over whether a more robust defense posture is necessary.

For the upper house election scheduled for July 10, a total of 125 seats are up for contest among the 248 members' seats, and over 530 people are expected to file their candidacies. (Japan-Upper House Election, ROUNDUP)