Asia Lebanon The Council of Ministers approved a fourfold increase in public sector salaries, on top of the two previously approved, provided that attendance is 14 days per month
Asia Kazakhstan The Aenoica science project, developed by Almaty school students Ramazan Amre and Symbat Barsagazy, won the NASA space settlement competition, the Kazakh Ministry of Education reported
Asia Israel The World Zionist Congress, which brings together representatives of Jewish Zionists from 40 countries, has begun; the Congress is the supreme body in terms of legislation and policy-making of the WZO
Asia Azerbaijan The country withdrew its athletes after a spectator snatched the Azerbaijan flag from a flag-bearer and set it on fire at the opening ceremony of the European Weightlifting Championships in Yerevan
Asia Jordan The Petra Light Festival, the first digital art festival in Jordan, will be open tomorrow through 3 May; three 3D mapping shows across the Treasury's façade are planned each evening, each performance lasting around 90 minutes
Asia Iran The authorities have started to install cameras in public places to identify women not wearing the hijab; it was stated that women who violate the law will receive a warning message on their phone about the consequences of their act
Asia Pakistan The completion date of Pakistan's first digital census has been extended for the third time by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics until 20 April, with work to continue in more than 20 districts
Asia Oman The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority has granted a new licence to Oman Data Park for the provision of voice or video telecommunication services via Internet Protocol, thus ultimately enhancing offer for citizens
Asia North Korea According to state media, ambitious designs for new Air Koryo aircraft, passenger quadcopters, cars 'of the future' and unmanned tractors were displayed at a North Korean industrial art exhibition last week
Asia Nepal Air pollution has increased across the country due to several days of wildfires in various locations
Asia Myanmar Myanmar Labour Alliance, a coalition of trade union federations and labour organisations, has published an open letter to members of the European Commission and the European Parliament calling to denounce the EU-funded MADE in Myanmar project
Asia Saudi Arabia Makkah hotel occupancy rate reached 100%, highest since pandemic, aided by improved transportation system, relaxed visa rules, better services, opening of facilities