Around Asia: Five-power naval exercise, $100,000 air tickets and DPRK to be struck off terror list

• Indian Ocean / Malacca Straits - Five-power naval exercise gives China the jitters [New Zealand Herald]
  Are the warships from the United States, India, Japan, Australia and Singapore that are exercising together this week off the east coast of India harbingers of a new military alliance in Asia to contain China?


• Singapore - Pair of seats on inaugural A380 flight go for $100,000 [USA Today]
  Singapore Airlines, the first carrier in the world to fly the new superjumbo A380, said Tuesday a pair of premium seats on the jet's inaugural flight were auctioned for more than $100,000 on eBay.


• Pyongyang, North Korea - DPRK closer to being struck off US terror list [AFP]
  North Korea is closer to being removed from the US state sponsors of terrorism list following its commitments to end its nuclear weapons program, a US official said Tuesday.


• Bangkok, Thailand - Thaksin to face new charges [The Times]
  The controversy surrounding Thaksin Shinawatra, the Manchester City owner, deepened yesterday when another set of warrants were issued for the arrest of the former Prime Minister of Thailand and his wife.


• Kathmandu, Nepal - Tricky transition to democracy [WSJ]
  With parliamentary elections set for Nov. 22, tensions are rising between the Maoists and the democratic Seven Party Alliance, and within the Maoist party itself.


• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Malaysia celebrates 50 years of nationhood [AFP]
  As Malaysia celebrates its 50th birthday, the unity of the nation has shown cracks along racial and religious divides. Meanwhile, former premier Mahathir Mohammed is recovering after heart surgery

Photo of Indian naval ships from Azgar Khan: India has joined up with the US, Japan, Australia and Singapore in a naval exercise that is widely construed to contain China.