Asia Pakistan Anti-smuggling measures and import restrictions imposed by Pakistan have led to a sharp decline of the Afghan Transit Trade that registered -66% in the first eight months of current fiscal year compared to same period in FY 2023-24, The Nation reported
Asia Afghanistan A tree plantation campaign has begun: experts and religious scholars stress tree plantation is a key strategy for protecting the environment and alleviating the effects of climate change in Afghanistan; Kabul says damaging trees will entail legal action
Asia Philippines Transport and commuter advocacy groups appealed to President to overturn the fare increase for the Light Rail Transit Line 1 LRT-1 in Manila, which would affect around 370.000 commuters daily and should take effect today
Asia Laos Luang Prabang province in Northern Laos welcomed 1.167.581 tourists in the first three months of 2025, marking a 162% increase compared to the same period in 2024
Asia Nepal A curfew was imposed in areas of Kathmandu as pro-monarchy protests turned violent, with public and private property vandalized, including political party offices; authorities acted to maintain order amid rising calls to restore monarchy and Hindu state
Asia Malaysia Army engineers are working to reconnect villages isolated by severe floods that have damaged infrastructure, leaving communities without access to essential services; the military's efforts focus on restoring transportation and communication links
Asia South Korea The military deployed 600 soldiers and 49 helicopters to combat wildfires in southeastern provinces, as nearly 7.000 personnel and over 300 helicopters have been involved to curb fires scorched 48.000 hectares, causing 30 deaths and at least 40 injuries
Asia Taiwan Data Image, a unit of Taiwanese electronics maker Qisda, starts phase two of its Vietnam plant expansion; the move aims to cut reliance on China, avoid tariffs, and improve supply chains, reflecting a broader regional shift in tech manufacturing
Asia Cyprus An extra Easter allowance for low-income pensioners was approved by the council of ministers, amounting to €3,3 million; the allowance has increased by 30% from 2024, amounts to €250, and will reach over 11.000 beneficiaries
Asia Syria Royal Jordanian Airlines announced a test flight by a Jordanian technical team to Aleppo International Airport as part of a comprehensive evaluation on the operational safety and security before deciding on the resumption of flights from and to Amman
Asia Jordan Starting today, any non-Jordanian student found working illegally will face deportation regardless of circumstances; all public and private universities and colleges are informed that non-Jordanian students aren't allowed to work under current labour laws
Asia Azerbaijan Construction industry in Azerbaijan registered an upward trend, with latest data showing a +19% increase in production of construction plaster in the first two months of 2025 compared to last year
Asia East Timor East Timor's economic performance showed substantial progress in 2024, with a 4% increase in Gross Domestic Product compared to 2,4% in 2023