Asia Maldives The government of the Maldives commissioned the Thai company Control Data to redesign the system for managing civil registration, vital statistics and identification
Asia Jordan A €3 billion Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership was signed between Jordan and EU to upscale cooperation, better tackle common challenges, open up further avenues for investments and enhance business opportunities for European companies
Asia Palestine A ban on the UN agency for Palestinian refugees from operating in Israeli territory has come into force, affecting the organisation's work in Gaza and the occupied West Bank
Asia Oman An agreement for the construction of the dual carriageway of the Raysut-Al Mughsail road, a 33 km highway with 6 overpasses, subways, animal crossings and roundabouts, has been signed by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology
Asia Sri Lanka The Sri Lanka Export Development Corporation's latest report revealed that the country has reached an all-time high of $16,17 billion in export earnings in 2024
Asia Malaysia High tide brought a massive amount of rubbish to Kampung Jawa beach in Penang, covering the shoreline with waste; Authorities and local volunteers are working to clean up the area
Asia Pakistan A court in Rawalpindi sentenced four men to death for allegedly sharing blasphemous content online; the decision highlights the country’s strict blasphemy laws, which human rights groups have criticized for being misused or harshly enforced
Asia Philippines The Puerto Princesa City Jail, in Palawan, promotes sports for Persons Deprived of Liberty; basketball, volleyball, chess, and more, aim to improve physical and mental well-being, foster discipline, teamwork, and support rehabilitation
Asia Myanmar Myanmar’s military and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army have agreed to a ceasefire following mediation by China; the truce aims to end recent clashes near the Chinese border
Asia Mongolia The Best Mongol Calligrapher 2024 International Contest honored its winners at Chinggis Khaan Museum; over 1.200 participants showcased script artistry, coinciding with the script’s reinstatement in public offices
Asia India There is a principle of agreement between India and China to resume direct flights between the two countries, after nearly 5 years of interruption after the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a statement from Indian Foreign Ministry
Asia Iran An underground labyrinth city and aqueduct were recently unearthed in the ancient city of Abarkuh, Yazd province; further research into the city's interconnected chambers and tunnels is currently underway
Asia Kuwait The Kuwait Public Labour Authority has announced new regulations to improve workers' living conditions: employers must ensure that accommodation offers a minimum space per person and accommodates no more than four workers per room