Asia Maldives Import duty on cigarettes and vape will double after the parliamentary committee approved the amendments tabled by the government
Asia Myanmar Insecurity Insight identified 1500 incidents of violence against or obstruction of health care in Myanmar from the military coup on 1 Feb 2021 to 1 Oct 2024 in which 930 health workers have been arrested and 126 killed, health facilities damaged 327 times
Asia Iraq Weekly oil exports to the US increased last week to 237.000 barrels, announced the Iraqi Energy Information Administration
Asia Iran The ban on importing Apple's latest products has been lifted; the ban on importing iPhones had been in place since 2023 and now the models 14, 15 and 16 will be also registered in Iran
Asia Kuwait According to recent government estimates, traffic congestion in Kuwait has decreased by 30% since flexible working hours were implemented in 24 government agencies last year
Asia Lebanon An evacuation order issued by the Israeli army has affected Baalbek, one of Lebanon's largest cities, known for its ancient temples and other ruins dating back to Roman times, which have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984
Asia Pakistan The 4th Karachi Biennale opened at Bagh Ibne Qasim: works by 40 artists from 10 countries highlight food security in Pakistan's climate challenges; the biennale explored historical influences on food systems and awarded emerging Pakistani talents
Asia Cambodia Artist Seyha's "Dream Odyssey" exhibition at Phnom Penh's Pi-Pet-Pi Gallery dives into the subconscious in 27 evocative paintings; surreal landscapes and Khmer symbols capture Cambodia's spiritual and cultural essence in a mystic exploration of identity
Asia Bangladesh Long working hours and lack of job security are a concern for care workers, with some 39,6% of workers reporting being dismissed from their jobs without notice, according to a new study by the International Labour Organisation
Asia China Ms. Wang Haoze will participate in China's next space mission; Wang is currently China's only female spaceflight engineer and will be the third female Chinese national to be sent to space
Asia East Timor The European Union Delegation in East Timor and the European Investment Bank have prepared investment projects with the government; the three proposals focus on water supply, solid waste management and forestry
Asia Turkmenistan The Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan is launching a large-scale educational campaign to develop B2B e-commerce in all regions of the country
Asia Israel On October 27 official Israel marked the Hebrew date to commemorate the Hamas onslaught on southern Israel and the massacre of 1.200 people last 7 October, international calendar, which sparked the ongoing war