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
Asia Bahrain Wego, the number one travel app and the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa, has partnered with the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority to promote the Kingdom's tourism sector
Asia Bangladesh Bangladesh risks a return to the rights violations that occurred under the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina unless a robust reform is initiated, Human Rights Watch warned
Asia Brunei Brunei's representative, Dayangku Ummi Siti Syazana binti Pengiran Haji Marjuki, left for Indonesia to participate in the 4th International Holy Quran Competition
Asia Armenia The Armenian government has proposed legislative amendments to improve the asylum and refugee protection system, including several laws to bring them in line with international standards
Asia Bahrain Private veterinary quarantine facilities will be established following an order issued by Minister of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture Wael Al Mubarak, a decision that follows the Ministry's commitment to advance Bahrain's livestock sector
Asia Turkmenistan A three-day seminar on securities market development was held for specialists from the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan and the Ashgabat Stock Exchange within the framework of the joint UN Development Programme project