Asia Singapore Singapore announced it will host the World Bank’s ICSID Investment Disputes Centre first office outside the United States; the new hub will handle investor-state arbitration cases in the region and provide related training
Asia United Arab Emirates The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre launched a major initiative giving readers access to over 30.000 digital libraries worldwide to promote reading and expand Arabic publications; OverDrive platform for e-book and audiobook is the technology partner
Asia Iraq Mosul, 2.500-year-old city whose landmarks were hit by ISIS destruction, has seen the completion of a seven-year restoration of l Nuri Mosque and its leaning minaret, along with the churches of Our Lady of the Hour Convent and Al Tahera, a UAE-led project
Asia Jordan Electronic passports have been launched; citizens can apply through the Sanad App or at Civil Status and Passport Department offices, application follows the usual procedures and fees and current passports will remain valid until their expiry date
Asia Mongolia The Economic Development Board has been institutionalized as a permanent government body; led by the Prime Minister, it will drive reforms in taxation, business policy, budget transparency, ensuring private sector input shapes legislative proposals
Asia Cambodia Parliament approved a law stripping citizenship from anyone convicted of treason or colluding with foreign powers; The move, backed by the ruling CPP, strengthens penalties on opposition figures amid an ongoing political crackdown
Asia Kazakhstan Artificial intelligence has become a mandatory discipline across all universities in Kazakhstan; 93 universities have already integrated AI into their academic programs, while 20 institutions have launched 25 new educational tracks
Asia Maldives President Muizzu called for more inclusion of small developing countries in international decision-making at the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization Council of Heads of State meeting SCO Plus meeting in Tianjin, China
Asia Malaysia The Gig Workers Bill 2025 was passed, extending labor protections to about 1,2 million gig economy workers; the law mandates written contracts and basic benefits, like insurance and leave, for drivers, freelancers and platform workers
Asia Afghanistan A 6,0 magnitude earthquake killed at least 800 people, injured over 2.500 in eastern province of Kunar, according to figures provided yesterday by the Taliban government; locals reportedly called for global help, feeling abandoned to themselves
Asia Pakistan Punjab province suffered its worst floods ever in late August, as monsoon rains and upstream dam releases inundated towns and fields; Two million people were affected, with widespread evacuations and damage to homes and infrastructure
Asia Myanmar A military airstrike on the gem-mining town Mogok killed at least 21 civilians, in a monastery and nearby homes; The Ta’ang National Liberation Army reported more casualties as the civil war intensifies under threats of an upcoming election
Asia Nepal Climbing fees have been waived for nearly 100 Himalayan peaks in the remote northwest for the next two years, aiming to attract mountaineers to these less-developed regions