Asia

Turkish defense authorities said that there is no evidence of a mass influx of Iranians crossing the border despite a government crackdown on protesters in the neighboring country

128 competitors, 59 male and 69 female, took part in this year's Mutun competition; the event awards the three best in seven categories, each focusing on the memorization and comprehension of foundation texts related to Quranic sciences

Uzbekistan's electricity production in 2025 reached 86,7 billion kWh, a 6% increase from the previous year; 16,8 billion kWh of total production came from renewables - solar, wind, and hydroelectric power plants, +29% compared to 2024

Union Solidarity and Development Party USDP with military-appointed seats secured enough seats to form a new government before the final phase of the junta-held elections concludes, amid widespread criticism of the process’s legitimacy

State Security Service SSSG said it has launched an investigation into “sabotage” and “unauthorized penetration of a government computer system” after media outlets found classified documents on an official government website

A proposed law that would forbid children under 15 years of age to create social media accounts was reviewed by the Shura Council’s woman and child affairs committee, a move to address growing concern over the risks faced by youngsters online

Air force chiefs held talks with those of Pakistan on a potential pact covering the sale of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets to Dhaka, as Islamabad widens its arms supply ambitions and expands ties with Bangladesh

FoodTech Challenge winners have been proclaimed and awarded $500.000 each; winning ideas demonstrated real-world impact on food loss, yields and resource efficiency: natural produce protectors, tree-health sensors and insect-based waste recycling systems

Hà Nội's metro operator carried nearly 21 million passengers in 2025, surpassing targets by 7,3%; Cát Linh–Hà Đông line alone secured revenues exceeding plans by 26,6%

Livestock Bill 2025, which aims to modernize regulation and improve food safety, was debated by National Assembly; expanded meat production clashes with Buddhist values and animal welfare highlighted contrasts among tradition, public health, economy needs

Laos and Vietnam will establish a joint university in Laos and expand student exchange programs; The initiative seeks to strengthen bilateral ties, improve higher education and develop human capital through closer academic and institutional cooperation

5th Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge, connecting Bueng Kan to Bolikhamxay, is now the shortest strategic route linking Thailand, Laos and Vietnam; it helps make Bueng Kan a logistics centre, supports cross-border tourism in the area with a permanent route

In Hadath, Beirut’s outskirts, a shelter for abandoned cats has been running for 12 years: it began with a single rescue and became a long-term commitment; since 2024, the war has intensified the pressure and cats are relocated amid scarce housing options