Asia

The Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology has blocked terrorist organizations from using over 1,2 million links to evade digital monitoring; Riyadh-based Etidal was founded in 2017 as a NGO with the purpose of combating extremism

3rd Gulf Housing Week, 18-22 May, will be hosted in Kuwait under the theme “Real Estate Development for Sustainable Housing”; the event is part of ongoing efforts by Gulf Cooperation Council states to strengthen regional cooperation in the housing sector

Free admission to Qatar Museums venues and exhibitions today 18 May and educational activities will celebrate International Museum Day; museum should evolve to remain an essential connection amid ongoing changes, actively shaping resilient communities

OpenAI is reportedly considering building data centers in the United Arab Emirates to greatly expand its Middle East footprint. A deal could be announced as soon as this week, according to Bloomberg

The Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Expo will return for its seventh edition from 20 to 22 May at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Centre, bringing together the world's top entertainment and amusement brands

The Kanlaon volcano erupted on May 13, spewing a 4,5 km-high ash plume and affecting nearby villages; Authorities raised alert level 3, enforced a 6 km radius evacuation zone, and warned of possible further eruptions though no casualties were reported

Japan came 14th among 36 developed countries in new child well-being survey, up from 20th in the previous survey released in 2020; the UNICEF Innocenti report comprehensively evaluates children's mental well-being, physical health and skills

A military airstrike hit a school in Ohe Htein Twin village, Sagaing Region, killing at least 22 people, including 20 students and two teachers, during morning classes

A project to design and build a network of advanced research laboratories for veterinary and agricultural research was announced by Public Works Authority Ashghal; they will be located in Old Airport area, Al Sheehaniya, Qatar Science and Technology Park

A national digital ID system has been launched with support of Vietnam and Japan to modernize public services and boost data security; it includes a centralized citizen database and aims to streamline government operations and improve service access

An American climber died of cardiac arrest while descending Makalu, Nepal’s fifth-highest peak; the incident renews growing concerns over safety and overcrowding on Himalayan mountains during peak climbing season