Asia

Alif, a fintech operator, in partnership with Visa, launched a fee-free remittances system directly transferring money to Alipay and WeChat wallets in China, thus avoiding losses from double currency conversion from Somoni to US Dollars to Chinese yuan

Pope Leo XIVcould be visiting Lebanon on his first foreign visit, Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi said, a trip that would give a chance to speak in broad terms about peace in the Middle East and the plight of Christians there

A military hospital, fully funded by China under newly signed agreement in military cooperation, will be built in Timor Leste; the signing has been part of celebrations of the 50th Anniversary of the National Liberation of Armed Forces held in Tasi Tolu

Bahrain Post’s online services will be available exclusively in app MyGov from 28 August; the move will unify access to government e-services, enhancing digital transformation process, in line with users’ expectations for seamless, integrated experience

Online game Roblox will be soon blocked upon Ministerial decision, citing its potential dangers to children's behavior and mental health; similar bans are in place in Qatar, Oman, China, Turkey, Jordan, North Korea and Kuwait public called on authorities

National Action Plan on Combating Violence Against Women 2026-2030 is at final stage of preparation; to confront this critical issue, Turkey has capitalized on achievements and international experience with a scientific basis and a participatory approach

Following the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina amid bullying allegations, the Malaysian Media Council is demanding better journalist safety after unaccredited individuals disrupted a press conference, creating safety risks for reporters covering the case

The restoration of a 27-meter-long enclosure at Ta Prohm Temple is complete: the six-month project, a collaboration between the Apsara National Authority and the Archaeological Survey of India, repaired damage caused by aging and plant roots

80th Independence Day was celebrated with nationwide festivities on 17 August; the grand ceremony in Jakarta, led by President Prabowo, with a historic flag parade, cultural performances and fireworks, marked the milestone with massive public celebration

Mimee Phommaly, a 27-year-old woman with a degree in agriculture, is transforming in Luang Prabang farming: her Khamphet Farm cultivates over 25 types of fruit, actively challenging gender stereotypes in farming and empowering community by providing jobs

The 390th birthday of Undur Gegeen Zanabazar, a revered spiritual leader and artist has been commemorated at the Zanabazar Museum that houses his masterpieces: sculptures, thangkas, metal works blend traditional Buddhist iconography and Mongolian identity