Asia

The second phase of the plastic bag ban in the Sultanate of Oman has begun on 1 January 2025; Environment Authority said this phase will focus on tightening restrictions on the use of single-use plastic bags

A transplant-policy change has been proposed to allow ABO-incompatible kidney transplants, offering hope to over 411 dialysis patients; the plan also suggests raising daily allowances for patients referred to India to approximately $4,65

Bahrain’s Alba, aluminium smelter, will continue pursuing mergers and acquisitions, particularly in Europe, after its multi-billion-dollar agreement with Saudi Arabian Mining Company Maaden will be officially signed, presumably in the first half of 2025

Muslims in Brunei can now pay zakat harta - a form of almsgiving and a religious obligation, next after prayer in importance - on their account through eZakat Harta Wang Simpanan platform, promoted in alignment with the Digital Economy Master Plan 2025

Authorities have begun confiscating passports of those who have outstanding bank loans: documents are seized upon leaving the country and given back once the loan is repaid; many of them are migrant workers heading abroad to earn money to send home

Sri Lanka's Cinnamon Development Department has unveiled a plan to boost its annual cinnamon export revenues, with the aim of doubling the current earnings of US$250 million to 500 million

As Jordan braces for its winter peak, authorities have implemented precautionary measures to help farmers safeguard their livelihoods against the challenges posed by frost and heavy rainfall, as this year’s unpredictable conditions have amplified concerns

Armenia border guards will now carry out controls at Agarak checkpoint on the border with Iran; PM thanked the Border Guard Troops of the Russian Federation that carried out border control at Agarak checkpoint since Armenia's independence in 1991

Former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant resigned from the Knesset, the country's parliament, over his opposition to the law on exemption from military service for ultra-Orthodox Jews, which has existed since the founding of the state of Israel

At the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Dhahran, a professional training programme in generative artificial intelligence was launched for 4.000 Saudi citizens, offered by the Gen AI Academy

1.149 cultural artefacts have been repatriated to the country in 2024 and added to the over 13.000 objects returned to the country since 2002