Asia

Umm Qasr port, Iraq's sole deep-water port will receive $120 million from International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank Group’s private-sector arm; through Aloreen Company for Investments new equipment for port services will be funded

On February 19 the eruption of Mount Kanlaon on Negros Island disrupted classes in 107 public schools, affecting about 52,975 learners; Ashfall and volcanic activity led to emergency measures, as authorities are assisting impacted communities

A strategic stockpile of over 2,2 million bottles of Zamzam water has been prepared to meet the needs of pilgrims during the holy month of Ramadan; Production operations at the Zamzam Water Project have paced up to 200.000 5-liter bottles per day

Mid-March has been set by the junta as the target date for convening a new parliament; critics say the process lacks credibility and is designed to entrench military control following the 2021 takeover

A new episode of "Government Page" TV Show has been recorded; featuring the Minister of National Liberation Combatants Affairs, Gil da Costa Monteiro aka “Oan Soru”, it is dedicated to National Liberation Fighters

Over 700.000 visitors attended this season’s Liwa International Festival, confirming the success of large-scale events; the 23-days festival in Al Dhafra, transforming Tal Moreeb area, UAE’s tallest sand dune, into one of the busiest winter destinations

The house of representatives formally initiated impeachment proceeding against Vice President Sara Duterte, after four separate complaints were filed from opposition parties, civil and religious organizations due to alleged misuse of confidential funds

A new legislation imposing time, location and security restrictions on meetings between lawyers and detainees held on terrorism and organized crime charges is reportedly being drafted following cases where leaders kept issuing instructions from prison

Precision farming technologies are being promoted: AI-driven crop monitoring, satellite /drone-based field mapping, IoT sensors for soil and irrigation management, and blockchain for traceability, high-tech greenhouses, biotech seeds, digital supply chain

A landmark decision granted provincial governors broad authorities marking one of the most signifcant steps toward administrative decentralisation since 2011; the move will accelerate streamline project implementation, and reduce bureaucratic congestion