Asia Iran Temporary marriage, a practice accepted by Shi'ite establishment as a way to prevent illicit relationships, is seeing a renewed debate as even devout families often disapprove, associating the practice with prostitution and social shame
Asia Pakistan National Database and Registration Authority NADRA will open three new “mega centres” in Karachi, in Gulshan-i-Iqbal, Gulberg, and in Surjani Town, by March 2026 to improve public access to services and expand mobile app Pak ID usage
Asia Bhutan National Seed Centre signed a five-year partnership with India’s BVFCL to boost agriculture, securing fertilizers like urea and potash; The agreement aims to improve food security and deepen economic ties with India
Asia Iraq Renting a farm just outside Baghdad has become one of the city’s most popular leisure options; 'going to the farm' has replaced visiting malls or restaurants and even traveling for short holidays
Asia Myanmar China’s oil and gas pipelines from Kyaukphyu to Yunnan have become militarized zones in Myanmar; Villagers near the route face land confiscation, restricted access, forced labor and surveillance; Revenues benefit Myanmar, but locals say costs are too high
Asia Azerbaijan Ahead of tomorrow's Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Formula 1 pilots met fans in Baku and prepared qutab, one of the beloved dishes of Azerbaijani cuisine, in a dedicated area of the paddock ; pictures quickly gained a lot of attention on social medias
Asia Armenia Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II was received by Pope Leo XIV earlier this week at the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo; since his election 25 years ago, Catholicos Garegin has met with St. John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis
Asia Cambodia Sides are trading blame over border violations under the current ceasefire; The Royal Thai Navy warned of action if Cambodia fails to remove structures along disputed areas; Cambodia counters that Thailand continues to intrude and escalate tensions
Asia Laos Female civil servants are now eligible for maternity leave ranging from 4 up to 6,5 months for mothers expecting twins; miscarriages earn one month of leave, with medical extensions as needed
Asia Malaysia Halal exports reached US$7 billion in the first half of 2025, making up 16,1% of Malaysia’s total exports; Main products include food and beverages, halal ingredients, and palm oil derivatives, with key markets in China, the US, and Indonesia
Asia Mongolia National Library has digitized 4.383 volumes of ancient Tibetan-language manuscripts and woodblock printed books for over 1,43m pages, 77.500 titles; in partnership with US Embassy and Asian Legacy Library, it made inaccessible works publicly available
Asia Turkey Several digital streaming platforms including Netflix, Prime Video, MUBI, Disney XD, HBO Max, have been fined for violating moral and family values and obscenity by Turkey’s Radio and Television Supreme Council, the regulator for TV and radio broadcasts
Asia Oman Muscat Alzheimer's Forum recommended drafting a national Alzheimer's guide, devising science-based diagnostic protocols and establishing a specialised national centre for the treatment of Alzheimer's patients