Asia Thailand An “AI passport” program has been proposed, aiming to certify citizens’ AI skills through training, assessments and broader access to AI tools; The initiative aims to improve workforce readiness, reduce digital inequality and support adoption of AI
Asia Oman A tender was launched for Al Shuwaymiyah port; national and global marine contractors have a 6 September deadline to bid for the development of Oman's first seaport designed to primarily handle minerals like gypsum, limestone and dolomite
Asia Tajikistan Upcoming international tourism conference this summer in the mountains of Childukhtaron, in one of Tajikistan's most iconic provinces, will bring stakeholders to an area where tourism has long been hindered by security concerns and lack of infrastructure
Asia Turkmenistan “Architecture. Innovation. Sustainable Development” was the theme of the XXV International Exhibition and Conference White City Ashgabat 2026, a platform for discussing critical aspects of sustainable urban development and infrastructure in the region
Asia Kazakhstan As mountain tourism grows, rescuers, tourism officials and mountaineers are raising concerns about increasing number of unprepared hikers venturing into dangerous terrain influenced by social media; mandatory registration for tourists is being considered
Asia India 49 organisations and collectives, 553 environmentalists and academics, citizens wrote a letter to Chief Justice demanding that the Supreme Court withdraw oral remarks that cast doubt on the right of communities to seek enforcement of environmental law
Asia Jordan On the Kingdom’s 80th Independence Day, the Dead Sea "Corniche" was inaugurated; with several promenade and entertainment areas, it will enhance the offer for domestic tourism, serving citizens along Dead Sea coast with highest standards
Asia Iran A senior Iranian cleric said women without proper hijab should not be excluded from wartime gatherings, while Nour News, affiliated with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, called for reason and moderation over ideological confrontation
Asia China Worst coal mine accident in over 15 years leaves at leas 90 dead; President Xi Jinping called for authorities to “spare no effort” in treating the injured and conducting search and rescue operations in Liushenyu, Qinyuan County, Shanxi Province
Asia Iraq Foreign Minister and Turkish Ambassador to Iraq discussed the activation of an oil pipeline from Kirkuk to the Turkish port of Ceyhan stressing that enhancing cooperation on oil exports serves the interests of both countries
Asia Bangladesh Garment workers face heat stress risks as fuel shortages impact use of cooling equipment in factories amid rising temperatures
Asia Qatar Over 60% of Qatar's revenue come from natural gas and related exports, now blocked for more than two months; the cut of sea routes hit imports, from vehicles to fresh produce; fears of regional instability affected tourism and eroded business sentiment
Asia Armenia The 2026 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, an international wine competition, will bring to Yerevan 400 wine experts and professional judges from 65 countries to taste 10.000 wines on 21-23 May; Armenian wines will also be presented