Asia

WHO in Lebanon is working to curb cholera cases before a few reported occurrences spread, bringing health risks even more difficult to manage amidst the conflict

Sri Lanka has decided to apply for membership of the BRICS and the New Development Bank; Foreign Minister says neither he nor the new president will be able to attend the October summit in Russia for the upcoming parliamentary elections of 14 November

UNICEF launched a water management initiative at the UN House in Turkmenistan, focusing on improving water use and integrating practices into local management

A Russian company will build a $100m aluminium can production unit in Navoi with an investment of $100m

The government has turned to the defense industry to bolster the military’s ability to intercept aerial drones; a competition was launched among eight large and small firms including Elbit, Rafael and Israel Aerospace Industries

Researchers at the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology and Shikoku Electric Power are conducting a project exploring the potential of soil microbes for use in fuel cells, as they could serve as a clean, long-lasting, and affordable power source

After 23 years, Ghodegaun village in Jumla district celebrates the return of electricity, now powered by solar energy from nearby Pokharigaun; the village had lost power due to Maoist insurgency in 2001

Government is expanding mental health services nationwide through The PEMA Center, which offers key helpline support and early intervention programs, focusing on reducing mental health stigma and providing accessible care across the country

The city of Kolkata looks set to decommission its iconic trams, in operation since 1873 and India's oldest tram, after a lack of investment, inadequate maintenance and a sharp decline in passenger numbers led to a decline in their status in recent decades

A wave of resignations has swept the Ministry of Education, which is fighting with a wave of retirement requests, as some 2.500 employees in educational, supervisory and administrative roles seek to leave their places

The budget for 2025 will include changes to subsidies for sugar, domestically produced white rice and RON95 petrol, and will likely introduce further cuts in subsidies and new taxes to strengthen the fiscal position ahead of declining government revenues

Government is considering a large-scale demographic strategy 2024-2040, reducing population aging by 20% by 2040 compared to inertia-based forecast and promoting a balanced age distribution; planned investment is $6,5 billion, expected return $44 billion

China's total foreign trade reached 32,33 trillion yuan ($4,57 trillion) in the first three quarters of 2024; electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries and photovoltaic products accounted for 4,1% of the total value