Asia Thailand 70 tigers died at a private park in Chiang Mai, possibly for an outbreak of canine distemper virus; Officials are examining vaccination records, quarantine measures and disease-control protocols as lapses in biosecurity could contribute to mass fatalities
Asia Myanmar Construction of China–Myanmar railway, high-speed passenger and freight corridor linking Yunnan to Kyaukphyu deep-sea port on the Bay of Bengal, is being accelerated; the line will give China direct access to the Indian Ocean, bypassing the Malacca Strait
Asia Pakistan Over 31 million births registered with Union Councils across Pakistan have not been uploaded to the central database of the National Database and Registration Authority, raising concerns about identity records and data accuracy nationwide
Asia South Korea Former President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to life in prison, charged with leading an insurrection as he imposed martial law for a few tumultuous hours on 3 December 2024; some argue it is a sign of a healthy democracy
Asia Turkmenistan “Smart” city Arkadag, developed at the initiative of Turkmenistan’s leader, is experiencing a campaign of apartment inspections to check if residents are officially employed in town or registered, in a bid to 'clean up' the area from “unnecessary” people
Asia China In latest satellite images released in Europe the once-submerged Antelope Reef, 30 Paracels islands in the South China Sea claimed by Beijing (Lingyang Jiao), Taipei and Hanoi (Da Hai Sam) appears much larger, suggesting China has expanded its reclamation
Asia Sri Lanka Government doctors launched protests and strikes over pay and conditions, as President Anura Kumara Dissanayake rejected increases, citing IMF limits; Critics warn reforms risk undermining the country’s free public healthcare system
Asia Laos An agreement for a 100-megawatt solar power plant in Oudomxay province was signed with a South Korean energy company including panels, transmission links and grid integration; Laos aims to diversify beyond hydropower and attract foreign investments
Asia Singapore Rail task force has proposed a long-term overhaul of the MRT system, including front-loading asset renewal, replacing ageing components before failure, tightening maintenance standards and strengthening engineering capabilities
Asia Nepal A long-awaited Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty with India now enables cooperation in criminal investigations, evidence sharing and extradition-related procedures; The deal formalizes cross-border legal coordination after years of negotiations
Asia Mongolia An atmospheric distillation column for Altanshiree oil refinery, built in India, is ready for shipment; The 58,4-meter unit will separate crude oil into fuels such as gasoline and diesel at the core processing facility, aims to boost local fuel production
Asia Qatar With Ramadan approaching, Qatar Foundation hosted a session of the Education City Lecture Series: Internal Conversations, with Islamic scholar Dr Omar Suleiman speaking on the meaning of fasting as spiritual reflection, social connection, personal growth
Asia Cambodia CN19 Club, one of Cambodia’s leading Kun Khmer boxing clubs, plans a multi-million-dollar investment to raise young fighters, funding training centres, scholarships and international exposure, aiming to elevate Cambodia’s global profile in the sport