Asia

After a 17-month boycott over the government’s plan to boost med school admissions, medical students announced their return to classes; They urged academic support and reforms in training, while trusting Parliament and the government to guide improvements

Citizenship will be granted to 140.000 stateless people born in Thailand mainly from ethnic minorities long excluded from full rights; the move excludes migrant workers and aims to resolve decades of legal limbo for hill-tribe communities

Another child who became disabled after taking Doc-1 Max has died, adding to the dozens of officially recognized victims of the Doc-1 Max and Ambronol cold syrups from India's Marion Biotech; mass poisoning occurred from September to December 2022

An archeological campaign is studying the irrigation systems around Gadara, Yarmouk area; the town was connected to a 170km water network built between AD 90 and AD 210 that supplied Decapolis cities, including Abila and Adraha (now Daraa, in Syria)

Amendments to the law on restricting the circulation of plastic bags and products now make room for the reintroduction of single-use plastic dining implements, PET bottles, plastic food packaging: previously fully banned, now banned only if non-recyclable

Following a rabies outbreak last month that killed at least 6 people in different municipalities, national health authorities have issued a circular detailing measure to be strictly followed; rules include vaccination of animals and legal responsibility

A preliminary investigation into last month’s plane crash found that the fuel was switched off to both engines after takeoff, but offered no explanation why; experts say it can either be intentional or an electronic failure, basically excluding mistake

Art Basel announced it will debut in Qatar with a new format and artist Wael Shawky as Director; the inaugural edition of the fair will run on 5–7 February 2026, with Preview Days on 3 and 4

Over 500 wrestlers, including Mongolia’s top champions, will compete in the National Naadam wrestling tournament on 11-12 July; This ancient contest of strength and honor dates back to the Mongol Empire, with origins as early as 1206

Beginning the construction of Gelephu International Airport, His Majesty speech recalled Bhutan’s deep-rooted tradition of community service; Hundreds took part in a “Shapto” ceremony, voluntarily contributing labor, a symbol of unity and shared purpose

Cambodia has formally asked the UN General Assembly to intervene in its border dispute with Thailand, after a Thai-triggered firefight in May killed a Cambodian soldier; Phnom Penh also seeks ICJ resolution over several contested temple areas