Asia

A 5-years, €118 million climate-smart initiative for rice farming sustainability has been launched; it aims to assist 253.400 farmers across 21 provinces in adopting water management and laser land leveling to target a 2,44 million-ton CO₂ reduction

In a highly anticipated Champions Trophy match, Pakistan lost to India by six wickets, intensifying their cricket rivalry; Virat Kohli guided India to surpass Pakistan’s 241-run total and diminishes Pakistan’s chances of advancing in the tournament

As part of efforts to preserve and document Omani heritage, the National Museum hosted the 'National Symposium to Document the Omani Astronomical Heritage' organised by the Oman Astronomical Society

Farmers in Chhudzom Gewog are shifting to organic farming, aligning with the nation’s 100% organic goal; despite lower initial yields and limited bio-inputs, government support, training, and market demand are driving success, boosting profitability

5.168 people have been arrested, including 199 foreigners, in the 2024 drug crackdown; authorities seized large amounts of narcotics, destroyed opium fields, sent 5.132 addicts to rehab centers while stricter laws rules and global cooperation are planned

The Philippines and China are open to joint oil&gas exploration despite territorial tensions; talks focus on energy cooperation while ensuring Philippine sovereignty in a bid to overcome past failures over legal issue and seek a mutually beneficial deal

Coal exports to China will grow by nearly 20% in 2025 up to 100 million tons; the initiative seeks to enhance energy cooperation and capitalize on China’s demand and the strategy includes infrastructure improvements and streamlined border processes

Hundreds of people were rescued in recent days from forced-labor facilities that were dedicated to a multibillion-dollar industry of online scams; tens of thousands more remain imprisoned in the fraud factories, lured by false promises of good-paying jobs

An event was held to gather international support for the 'Clean Sri Lanka' initiative, a government-led initiative focused on enhancing waste management, promoting sustainability and improving the nation's general cleanliness

A minor planet has been named after Taiwanese artist Chen Cheng-po after approval by the International Astronomical Union that recognised him as one of the 'most iconic figures in Taiwanese art history'

Asia-Plus news agency and a number international media won't be able to cover parliamentary elections, scheduled for 2 March, as according to the Central Commission for Elections and Referendums, a permit is required to cover the elections