Asia

Penang has recorded a rise in permits for korban, the ritual slaughter of livestock during Eid al-Adha; Authorities say due to the religious festivity stricter oversight of slaughter procedures and hygiene standards will be required

One month after Min Aung Hlaing was been installed as president of Myanmar, consolidating his power after leading the 2021 military coup, critics say it formalized military rule, undermining democratic transition amid ongoing conflict and repression

Traffic is temporarily banned at km 110 of the Kutaisi–Alpana–Mamisoni Pass road due to a rockfall near the entrance to Oni; local authorities and emergency services are on site and taking appropriate measures

Livestock breeders demanded to meet President Christodoulides amid ongoing outbreak of foot and mouth disease, spotted in yet another farm, with their representative describing the government’s handling as “unacceptable” as it lacks a contingency plan

A charity plans to launch a new Social Capital Index in 2027 to measure trust and community support, amid increasing social gaps; The index aims to track how relationships and access to opportunities influence inequality or social mobility

A $28 million fraud investigation is shaking Nepal’s business elite, with alleged fake transactions and misuse of funds; Authorities are probing high-profile figures and companies, exposing regulatory gaps and weak oversight in Nepal’s corporate sector

At the National Al-Quran Reading Competition for Adults Finals for 1447 Hijrah, His Majesty the Sultan underlined that Al-Quran is not only to be recited, but also to be studied, understood and practised as a guide for life

The 7,5 km Hamrin concrete bridge in Diyala province, which will be the longest in Iraq, has been temporarily opened with 90% of construction completed after roads were damaged and traffic disrupted by rising water levels in the neighboring lake

Live coverage from various social media reports that Israel Navy has begun intercepting Gaza Flotilla tens of miles off shore; in a footage an Israeli officer can be heard calling to change course and proceed to the port of Ashdod with humanitarian aid

Classrooms with more than 35 students have been diminishing, but 5,2% - some 13.500 out of 259.636 - still exceed; senior officials from the Ministry of Preschool and School Education outlined their plans for addressing the shortage of school places

Qatar will adopt summer timing for schools starting 3 May; the change won't affect the number of school hours, but it will adapt the schedule to the season's rising temperatures also in view of June's end-of-term examinations

Construction is underway on a new 400-bed Maternal and Child Health Center in Dashoguz along Gorogly Street, with a total development are of 9 hectares

New regulations on ship and port security have been introduced with Ministerial Resolution to organize and direct vessels entering or docking at Yemeni ports, aiming to strengthening maritime safety and security standards