Asia

$697 million have been allocated for Baghdad first metro project, following a delay of several years; the funds cover design studies and project management

Eighteen public works projects valued at €112 million will get underway across the island this year, according to data from the Department of Public Works

In response to growing environmental concerns, the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority has declared a four months comprehensive suspension of both professional and recreational fishing, ending 30 April, to safeguard reproduction and egg-laying period

Senior Hamas official Saleh Al-Arouri was among at least six people killed in a suspected Israeli drone strike in the southern Beirut suburb of Dahiyeh; this fact could change the evolution of the ongoing conflict, according to experts

The government is aiming at increasing the budget for fertilizer subsidies by Rp14 trillion (around US$903 million) this year to handle the shortage of fertilizers

In response to the persistent power shortages in Northern Vietnam, the Vietnam Electricity Group is considering to import wind power from Laos; all domestic electricity is concentrated in southern Vietnam, with the north in frequent need of power supply

Afghanistan, Vietnam and Russia have been named the most dangerous countries for journalists: according to a 2023 report by Reporters Without Borders, there were at least 21 cases of journalists arrested in Afghanistan

A new Act introducing up to MVR 50.000 (almost 3.000€) fine for unlawful strikes carried out by trade unions has been ratified by the Parliament

The release of a Spanish national detained in Iran was a “humane” step, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said; Santiago Sanchez Cogedor was held as protests were roiling Iran after the death in custody of the young Iranian Mahsa Amini

The Sultanate of Oman will host the annual meeting of the International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds (IFSWF) in November 2024

The commission responsible for television and radio announced that the licence of Tospa, Sputnik Armenia's broadcaster, has been suspended for 30 days starting December 20 following remarks made in November by Russian TV personality Tigran Keosayan