Asia

Tbilisi City Hall will dismantle the twin glass-and-steel structures in Rike Park known a the “Rike Jars,” as they do not align with the city’s urban development guidelines; a new development would occupy the same footprint as the current structures

Thailand will push for greater international engagement with Myanmar’s junta at the upcoming ASEAN summit, aiming to expand diplomatic efforts to end the civil war

The native bee population in Cyprus is estimated around 25% of the original number; bees imported from other countries - Italy, Turkey and Israel - is increasing at the expense of the Cypriot bee, which doesn't produce as much honey as the imported ones

Five major initiatives with a total investment of around $19.5 billion in the metallurgical and petrochemical sectors are being implemented, expected to create over 8.000 permanent jobs; the news was reported during a May 21 government meeting

Tajik labor migrants residing in Russia and seeking to legalize their status within the new deadline of 10 September report unfair treatment and discrimination at Kazakh-Russian border

Iran's National Virtual Space Center will take legal action against Google and other international platforms over the distortion of the historical name of the Persian Gulf, considering the use of other names a violation of national identity and of ICCPR

The energy industry, once the backbone of the Syrian economy, is now the strategic bottleneck as the country starts its post-sanctions recovery; experts warn the sector would need $20 billion

With 'Hidden Heroes: An Anthology of North Korean Fiction', selection of 10 short contemporary stories on ordinary citizens who quietly contributed to society, curators Kim and Berthelier make a point of distinguishinging propaganda from storytelling

Water meter boxes on the ground level across Bahrain are being moved to more accessible locations, like nearby walls, to improve safety on streets and sidewalks and modernise the country’s utility infrastructure

Hazara Culture Day was celebrated in Kabul; featuring women and girls it honored the rich heritage of the Hazara people, with handmade clothing and traditional Hazara foods, aiming to introduce Hazara culture to other ethnic groups in Afghanistan

A sustainable tourism initiative has been launched in partnership with Thailand’s Packon Company; it aims to integrate smart technologies, enhance infrastructure, and develop eco-friendly attractions like electric tour buses and riverside walking streets