Asia

Laos is relocating 845 families in Oudomxay Province to clear land for a hydropower dam; Authorities are displacing communities to resettlement sites with housing and services, but concerns remain over compensation and loss of livelihoods

Local firms are testing AI-driven commerce tools: pilot chatbots for customer service, AI-powered product recommendations, demand forecasting and automated ad targeting; trials focus on e-commerce platforms to boost sales and efficiency

One month after Min Aung Hlaing was been installed as president of Myanmar, consolidating his power after leading the 2021 military coup, critics say it formalized military rule, undermining democratic transition amid ongoing conflict and repression

Livestock breeders demanded to meet President Christodoulides amid ongoing outbreak of foot and mouth disease, spotted in yet another farm, with their representative describing the government’s handling as “unacceptable” as it lacks a contingency plan

Traffic is temporarily banned at km 110 of the Kutaisi–Alpana–Mamisoni Pass road due to a rockfall near the entrance to Oni; local authorities and emergency services are on site and taking appropriate measures

A $28 million fraud investigation is shaking Nepal’s business elite, with alleged fake transactions and misuse of funds; Authorities are probing high-profile figures and companies, exposing regulatory gaps and weak oversight in Nepal’s corporate sector

Live coverage from various social media reports that Israel Navy has begun intercepting Gaza Flotilla tens of miles off shore; in a footage an Israeli officer can be heard calling to change course and proceed to the port of Ashdod with humanitarian aid

The 7,5 km Hamrin concrete bridge in Diyala province, which will be the longest in Iraq, has been temporarily opened with 90% of construction completed after roads were damaged and traffic disrupted by rising water levels in the neighboring lake

At the National Al-Quran Reading Competition for Adults Finals for 1447 Hijrah, His Majesty the Sultan underlined that Al-Quran is not only to be recited, but also to be studied, understood and practised as a guide for life

Classrooms with more than 35 students have been diminishing, but 5,2% - some 13.500 out of 259.636 - still exceed; senior officials from the Ministry of Preschool and School Education outlined their plans for addressing the shortage of school places

New regulations on ship and port security have been introduced with Ministerial Resolution to organize and direct vessels entering or docking at Yemeni ports, aiming to strengthening maritime safety and security standards

Construction is underway on a new 400-bed Maternal and Child Health Center in Dashoguz along Gorogly Street, with a total development are of 9 hectares

Qatar will adopt summer timing for schools starting 3 May; the change won't affect the number of school hours, but it will adapt the schedule to the season's rising temperatures also in view of June's end-of-term examinations