Asia Saudi Arabia FIFA announced Saudi Arabia as the host for the 2034 World Cup, prompting backlash from rights groups due to the country's human rights record
Asia Cyprus The Cipromed project was presented: with a total budget of €4,7 million, it closes the gap between science and practical application, enables consumers to source protein from microalgae and insects and helps producers cut costs and enhance competitiveness
Asia Georgia Mikheil Kavelashvili, anti-Western former footballer, has been elected president, but current head of state Zourabicvili called the appointment 'unconstitutional'; protests outside parliament have continued uninterrupted for 17 days
Asia Kazakhstan An interactive map providing information on the environmental situation and natural resources is available on the Tabigat.gov.kz website
Asia Kuwait Dr. Intisar Al-Hattlani, Professor of Chemistry at Kuwait University's College of Science, was awarded the L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award 2024, as part of the Young Talent Programme for the Middle East
Asia Iran President Massoud Pezeshkian, who has a reformist orientation, is explicitly criticising a law that tightens controls and penalties for women who do not wear the veil properly, supported by parliament and the Guardian Council
Asia South Korea Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said he opposed President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law declaration on 3 December and regretted he could not keep Yoon's martial law imposition at bay, adding he feels regretful and remorseful
Asia United Arab Emirates Freight forwarder dnata logistics has started work on a new $27m logistics centre close to Dubai World Central Airport; the 57.000 sq m facility will process 400.000 tonnes of cargo each year and increase the firm’s logistic storage capacity by around 50%
Asia Brunei Children between the ages of 2 and 6 should limit themselves to one hour of screen time per day, while between the ages of 6 and 18 should not exceed two hours per day, according to new recommendations from Ministry of Health
Asia Bangladesh Bangladesh was unanimously elected Vice-President of the UN Human Rights Council, which is responsible for the promotion and protection of all human rights in the world
Asia Afghanistan Russian parliament voted in favour of a law that would allow the Taliban to be removed from Moscow's list of banned terrorist organisations, thus taking a step towards recognising the Taliban government of Afghanistan
Asia Kyrgyzstan Aidanpharma, local drugs manufacturer, will produce 120 pills and capsules, 20 ointments and 10 syrups, a significant expansion of domestic drug production; imported products represent over 90% of the pharmaceutical market in Kyrgyzstan
Asia Cyprus With Cyprus ranking 15th globally for its coffee consumption, people are urged to use reusable cups when ordering, as at least 10.000 single-use caps go to waste every day, according to the Keep Our Sand and Sea Plastic Free initiative