Asia Japan A Japanese court has declared the ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional, a decision that activists welcomed as a step towards marriage equality in the only nation in the Group of Seven that provides no legal protection for same-sex unions
Asia Vietnam Streetlights are being switched off and generating companies are shifting operations to off-peak hours to keep national electricity system running, as record temperatures in some areas have caused a surge in demand
Asia North Korea The country's first military reconnaissance satellite will be launched in June to monitor live US military activities, state media KCNA reported
Asia Maldives Pedestrian traffic lights in the outskirts of Hulhumale went into operation for the first time; Urbanco stated that the main purpose of installing the device was to create a safe environment for residents
Asia Bangladesh Dengue infection has increased fivefold in the last five months, with the number rising alarmingly, as stated by Minister of Health and Family Welfare
Asia Bhutan The sustainable financial solutions identified in National Biodiversity Financing Plan, roadmap to a greener and safer nature and society, will help the country protect its rich and pristine biodiversity, create green jobs and combat climate change
Asia Brunei The country has the highest percentage of women executives in the private sector within ASEAN, according to the ASEAN Gender Outlook 2021, a joint report between ASEAN and UN Women
Asia Jordan Rashid Al Rabab'a is the first Braille news presenter in the Arab world; a Media and Communications graduate, he joined Roya Media Group this month of May 2023
Asia Taiwan Local manufacturing business sentiment dropped for the first time in six months in April due to weakening global end-user demand, according to the Taiwan Institute of Economic Research
Asia Singapore A few weeks after becoming the Singaporean woman to win both the 100 and 200 metres at the same Southeast Asian Games, Shanti Pereira set a new national record in the 100 metres twice on the same day
Asia Syria The country took part in the China Senior Officials' Meeting held in the Chinese city of Chengdu and in the seventh session of the Arab-Chinese Senior Officials' Strategic Political Dialogue
Asia Sri Lanka Cabaret performer Nathasha Edirisooriya, who got into trouble for her remarks on religions that caused much controversy, was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department at Bandaranaike International Airport while trying to leave the country
Asia Tajikistan Roghun tourist zone development programme for the period 2024-2028 has been approved: approximately 18 million somoni (equivalent to USD 1,7 million) is the budget needed