Asia Laos A national seed policy to ensure quality seed production, improve yields, and enhance food security is being implemented; by integrating digital tools, the initiative also supports sustainable farming and competitiveness in global markets
Asia Cyprus The Cyprus Agricultural Payments Organisation has disbursed over €2 billion in subsidies since Cyprus joined the EU, reached through the efficient distribution of hectare subsidies and efforts to modernise agricultural practices
Asia Lebanon A second aid ship carrying 3.000 tonnes of relief materials was sent to Lebanon by the United Arab Emirates; supplies include food, winter clothing and specific items for children and women
Asia Israel Israel has announced the closing its embassy in Dublin, Ireland, in protest against Ireland’s decisions to recognize Palestinian statehood and to accuse the Israelis of committing genocide in the Gaza Strip
Asia Yemen In response to the Houthi launch of a missile towards Israel, which was intercepted by Israeli defence systems, the Israeli army carried out a series of attacks in Yemen against several Houthi-controlled areas
Asia Malaysia The Malaysian Religious Affairs Minister managed to maintain the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage cost at approximately $2.227 per first-time pilgrim, despite global rising expenses, through new cost control measures and negotiating with Saudi Arabia government
Asia South Korea Novelist Han Kang won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature for her poetic prose addressing historical trauma and humanity’s fragility; her works, including famous 'The Vegetarian and Human Acts', explore violence, love, and resilience
Asia Pakistan Pakistan will support Saudi Arabia in developing cricket by training players, support a player exchange program; Saudi officials were invited to the Champions Trophy as Saudi Arabia, with around 18.000 cricketers, aims to enhance its cricketing prowess
Asia North Korea The US has warned that Russia seems close to accepting North Korea as a nuclear weapon state in a context of increasing military cooperation between the allies
Asia East Timor East Timor signed a visa waiver agreement with Bangladesh to strengthen bilateral ties as East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta was on a three-day visit to Dhaka
Asia Armenia A Strategy for Improving the Demographic Situation for 2024-2040 was developed under the guidance of consulting firm Ameria, to address Armenia's serious demographic challenge
Asia Taiwan Lawmakers from all parties agreed on a budget proposal to build a prototype indigenous submarine, despite opposition lawmakers having previously threatened to cut the budget
Asia Turkey Istanbul's public parking fees are set to rise dramatically in 2025, with proposed increases of up to 115% approved by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Council