Asia

Efforts have been stepped up to boost local food production in vital food categories: under its National Food Security Strategy 2030, Qatar aims for 55% self-reliance in vegetables, 30% in red meat, 80% in fish, 100% in dairy and fresh poultry production

Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission of Saudi Arabia stating that there have been no radiation leaks affecting the country, thus confirming the safety of the Kingdom’s environment notwithstanding rising regional tensions

A series of agricultural product festivals in 13 locations in 9 economic zones will run until November to encourage local production and highlight the potential of various regions; the first event scheduled is the Apricot Festival in the Samukh regiona

A 25-year extraction contract with Chinese company Afchin signed in 2023 regarding operations in the Amu Darya basin has been cancelled; among the reasons given: failure to employ Afghan nationals, lack of environmental, capacity-building responsibilities

With the Malaysian Media Council Act an independent body has been established to uphold media ethics, manage complaints, protect journalists, guide AI use in media, aiming at press integrity and accountability through self-regulation and legal recognition

The decision to reinstate Class X cut-off point, citing declining education quality in Bhutan, has sparked criticism from education experts and lawmakers, who argue the move lacks data, research and public consultation, potentially generating inequalities

Bahrain Airport Company signed MoUs with Texel Air and Valo Aviation on the very first day day of 55th Paris Airshow, a top global event that aims at fostering international cooperation in the aerospace sector

To tackle high accident rates, mainly due to speeding, strict speed limits have been enforced with radar tech and fines; Minister Sar Sokha promoted a data-driven strategy focused on structural reforms, legal enforcement, and public awareness

A nationwide blood drive have started in Luang Prabang and Vientiane to tackle persistent shortages ahead of World Blood Donor Day; fear and misinformation hinder donations and the Lao Red Cross is calling for voluntary contributions

The black boxes of the Air India aircraft that crashed in Ahmedabad causing over 270 casualties may be analysed by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau at its new laboratory inaugurated on 9 April instead of being sent abroad

State media reported that renovations on the Kalma train station in Wonsan have completed; they are part of the final preparations for the expected grand opening of the Wonsan Kalma beach resort later this month