Asia Palestine Overall Producer Price Index in Palestine reached 199,93 in 2025, +32,90% compared to 2024, according to Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics; increases in the prices of goods and services in several key sectors have driven the rise
Asia Georgia Invasive surveillance technology has been introduced against pro-democracy protesters: capable of recognizing a person whose photo is uploaded to the system, they give police means to fine for obstructing streets; fines exceed the average salary
Asia Sri Lanka Tourism industry has recorded a robust start to 2026, welcoming 194.553 international visitors during the first 22 days of January, +9,7 percent on the corresponding period in 2025 and a key sign of resilience after the impact of floods
Asia Bangladesh As campaigning began for general election on 12 February, Chief Advisor Yunus directed the armed forces to remain on high alert to help ensure free, fair, impartial results; Bangladesh is under interim administration following mass uprising in 2024
Asia Armenia The detention period of Bishop Mkrtich Proshyan, head of Aragatsotn Diocese, has been extended; he faces charges of coercing participation in elections or preventing participation in rallies via blackmail or material incentives using official authority
Asia Afghanistan 91 kilometers of the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India TAPI gas pipeline are now prepared for installation in western Herat province; TAPI extends 1.800 km linking Turkmenistan to India through Afghanistan and Pakistan 816 km run through Afghanistan
Asia Indonesia To curb illegal mining across about 190.000 hectares of woodland - cause of deforestation, pollution and revenue losses - the government plans stricter enforcement, permit reviews and inter-agency coordination to restore damaged forests
Asia Cambodia A US Navy warship docked at Ream Naval Base, signalling renewed naval cooperation; The visit seeks to counter concerns over China’s role in upgrading the base, which Phnom Penh says remains under Cambodian control and open to multiple partners
Asia Bhutan Reform of Copyright Act will tackle growing digital piracy and weak enforcement; amendments are expected to focus on online violations, licensing rules, protection of digital creators to better align with international intellectual property standards
Asia Philippines The first natural gas discovery in over a decade in the Philippines has been announced, an offshore field with an estimated 98 billion cubic feet of gas; Officials say it could boost energy security and support a transition away from coal
Asia United Arab Emirates Schools across the UAE are increasingly putting student well-being at the centre of the school day, introducing later start times and eco-friendly programmes to help children become calmer, more focused, and ready to learn
Asia Vietnam Long-term strategic goals for national development have been set at 14th National Party Congress, approving key political and economic orientations, and electing a new Central Committee; Tô Lâm was reconfirmed as General Secretary, a signal of stability
Asia Singapore A fake bomb threat circulated online claiming an attack on Paya Lebar Air Base is being investigated; Ministry of Defence said no threat was found, the post specified time, locations and commanders, raising concerns over public alarm and security breaches