Asia Kyrgyzstan Women of Orto-Boz village in Batken district have presented a new high-end, low-theine tea variety using apricot blossoms
Asia China “Bone ash apartments" will be illegal after new law prohibits use of residential properties to store ashes or bury remains outside dedicated areas; scarce space in cemeteries, low house prices made more affordable to entomb remains in an empty apartment
Asia Bangladesh A government proposal to introduce online classes amid the ongoing energy crisis has triggered widespread concern among parents, many of whom fear it could worsen learning gaps and increase children’s dependence on digital devices
Asia Armenia Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant has been taken out of service for five months, a decision made within the program to extend its operation period; Minister added that min 2026 solar plants could produce as much electricity as the nuclear power plant
Asia Bahrain A new, flexible student assessment system for private and government schools came into effect ensuring smooth learning process amid current circumstances and the challenges faced by students and families during the past month of distance learning
Asia Syria Specialists argue that the geography of Syria, in the intersection of three continents, places it as a potential corridor for energy flows, a that the country could harness its favourable position
Asia Nepal Banana prices in Kathmandu have surged due to supply shortages caused by weather damage, transport disruptions and lower production; Traders say rising demand and limited imports have further pushed up prices, affecting consumers and small retailers
Asia South Korea Authorities warned that false terror threats, popular on April Fools’ Day, can trigger panic and major security responses; Police reminded that such hoaxes are punishable offenses, urging the public to avoid pranks that misuse emergency resources
Asia Georgia Four Turkish companies and a municipal firm from China bid for the tender for the construction of a new 7.5-kilometer tram line and depot in Tbilisi; with an estimated cost €134 million, it's a key project in the capital’s public transport development
Asia East Timor A youth special dialogue was held in Dili; promoted at ministerial level, the event titled "Youth Empowerment with Strong Character for Peace Building and State and Nation Building" involved hundreds of young people promoting their commitment
Asia Azerbaijan The “Absheron” Battery Energy Storage Center of the AzerEnergy Open Joint-Stock Company has been inaugurated; with 50 accumulator batteries and 13 inverter containers, it can reach full charge or discharge in two hours
Asia Iraq As Iraq seeks to diversify its export away from the Strait of Hormuz, news report that Ministry of Oil received a strategic proposal from Hong Kong-based Heritage Funds to build a nationwide pipelines network under an EPC model funded through oil barter
Asia United Arab Emirates The pause on NASA Gateway lunar space project was welcomed by the UAE, reiterating its long-term commitment to space exploration; the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre will continue collaborating with NASA, aiming to advance the nation’s lunar capabilities