Asia

A draft law on restructuring Lebanese banking sector was adopted, a condition for unlocking international aid to face the economic crisis it has suffered since 2019; it is considered the first time a Lebanese government has approved a bill of this kind

Two expatriates have been arrested from Hulhumale’ with a large number of vape cartridges, two nanosticks and alcohol; a tip received at Police Intelligence gave way to the process that led to their arrest

The number of licensed rooms recorded a growth of 69% in 2024 compared to year 2023, reaching 475.970 units; Ministry of Tourism spokesperson underlines the ministry's efforts to streamline the licensing process for operators and investors in the sector

Ahmad Manasra was released after 10 years in Israeli prisons: apprehended when he was 13 years old, is now 23 years old upon his release; according to the Palestinian Prisoners’ Media Office, he was released in a remote location away from the prison gates

Indonesia ended its first quarter as a full member of the BRICS bloc of developing economies; though candidacy was accepted in August 2023, it formally joined the bloc only after the formation of its newly elected government last year

India canceled the long-standing transshipment facility that allowed Bangladesh to send export goods to third countries on the same day the US imposed new tariffs, raising great concern among Bangladeshi businessmen and economists

After new landmine incidents that left four people severely injured, the UN in Azerbaijan posted on X it "recognizes the urgency of humanitarian mine action as prerequisite for sustainable development & stands ready to continue to support Azerbaijan"

Rama VII Pier, a 700-sq-meter "smart pier" in Nonthaburi's Bang Kruai district has been inaugurated; with solar panels and real-time boat tracking, is part of a project to modernize 29 piers, bettering connectivity in Bangkok's land-rail-water transport

A 360kg M117 bomb from the US-Vietnam War was safely defused in Quảng Bình Province, by a Mines Advisory Group team; Discovered by a local farmer, the bomb had over 1,5km blast radius; since 2002, MAG has removed over 57.600 explosive devices in the area

A state funeral was held for former President and Party Chairman General Khamtai Siphandone, who passed away at 102; Thousands, including international delegations, attended the ceremony in Vientiane to honor his pivotal role in liberation and development

Former Karabakh residents assembled at Freedom Square in Yerevan; through the council for the protection of the rights of Artsakh they call for a review of the government's decision and ask to keep providing them the 40+10 thousand-dram assistance

Ream Naval Base was upgraded with new pier and Cambodia-China Joint Logistics&Training Center; PM Hun Manet announced an upcoming visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping, emphasizing commitment to sovereignty, denying any exclusive foreign military presence