Asia East Timor 10th Dili International Marathon, scheduled on 8 August 2026, will be supported by Australia's National Critical Care and Trauma Response Center; the international competition has developed into a platform for community participation and health awaremness
Asia Syria The European Union has proposed the full resumption of its cooperation agreement with Syria, signaling a gradual normalization of relations after years of isolation; The move would reopen broader cooperation on trade, development and institutional support
Asia China Starting in May 2026, China will completely exempt from customs duties goods from over 50 African countries as part of Beijing's strengthening trade ties with Africa, according to Chinese state media
Asia Sri Lanka An “Ehi Passiko” peace walk began in Dambulla, bringing together Buddhist monks and participants to promote peace and mindfulness; “Ehi Passiko,” meaning “come and see,” reflects a core Buddhist principle encouraging understanding through experience
Asia Israel The 21st alternative Israeli-Palestinian Memorial Day ceremony took place in Jaffa, forced to keep its location secret due to far-right threats to disrupt the event and following last year's disruption of a screening in a mosque
Asia Maldives A group of locals has caught a large crocodile on an uninhabited island in Lhaviyani Atoll and handed it over to the Maldives National Defense Force; the 1,5 m reptile, seen on 'Dhihdhoo' island, is neither an exceptional sight nor an endemic species
Asia Saudi Arabia Native plant nursery and seed bank in AlUla governorate has a target of more than 500 local plant species by 2030; supplying reserves and urban landscapes it is strengthening its position as a model for ecological restoration
Asia Iran The Straight of Hormuz will remain "completely open" for all commercial vessels as long as the ceasefire in the Middle East lasts, Foreign Minister Araghchi declared on X
Asia Oman Beekepers in Oman are preparing for Al Baram season, the crucial time of year when Acacia tortilis and Acacia ehrenbergiana begin to bloom and their blossoms, the 'Baram', give distinctive, refined taste to honey
Asia Malaysia A Syariah-based diyat compensation system for drink-driving cases is being proposed to complement existing laws with a restorative justice approach; it would allow victims’ families to receive financial restitution alongside criminal penalties
Asia Laos First aquarium in laos is being planned in Vientiane, featuring freshwater species from the Mekong and regional rivers; The facility will include educational exhibits, conservation programs and research spaces
Asia Jordan Increase in container traffic at the Aqaba Container Terminal during the past month, despite regional tensions, reflects Jordan’s growing logistical role in the region with flexible supply chains at Aqaba Port becoming a secure, stable alternative route
Asia North Korea Runways at Wonsan beach resort as well as Sinuiju and Samjiyonon on the border with China are being updated, according to satellite images; new angled taxiways will allow large planes to exit faster and suggest a planned commercial expansion