Asia Myanmar The collapse of public health infrastructure has left communities to address widespread trauma independently; Kawthoolei Care Hospital in Kayin is training community health workers to provide mental health support amid ongoing conflict and displacement
Asia Sri Lanka The prices of vegetables have risen sharply in several economic centers last week compared to the previous week, causing concerns among consumers and traders alike
Asia Nepal In Karnali Province, pervasive poverty compels thousands to migrate to India for work, leaving behind villages populated mainly by women, children and the elderly; despite government efforts, significant progress remains elusive
Asia Bangladesh Inland water transport strike disrupted Bangladesh supply chain: crisscrossed by hundreds of rivers, over 80% of its cargo imported in bulk is delivered at sea and transported through waterways to its destination
Asia Japan A government-commissioned panel of experts largely supported the proposed new energy policy that calls for bolstering renewables up to half of electricity needs by 2040 while maximizing use of nuclear sources to accommodate Japan's growing power demand
Asia Jordan Latest report by Ipsos found that Jordanians are looking towards 2025 with renewed optimism, as 69% believe the coming year will be better personally and 55% expect people in Jordan to start feeling more optimistic about the long-term future
Asia Qatar News updates on referendum, budget announcements, cabinet reshuffle, holiday announcements for Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, and weather reports were some of the most viewed articles by The Peninsula readers in 2024, the news outlet reports
Asia North Korea The first high-quality photos of a new warship currently under construction have been revealed by Korean Central Television, indicating that it is likely to be the largest in the navy and will be equipped with a missile launch system
Asia Turkey The country's first domestically produced communication satellite has successfully entered its permanent geosynchronous orbit at 42 degrees east; the announcement came on 28 December
Asia Bahrain Illegal fishing and the dumping of harmful wastes could lead to fines up to 100.000 dinars (250 Euros) and longer prison sentences if MPs approve proposal on 31 December; current penalties have been insufficient for deterring those violations
Asia Indonesia A tanker spilled 20 tonnes of sodium hydroxide on an 8-km road in West Java between Cikalongwetan and Padalarang, injuring over 100 motorists and damaging 150 vehicles; the supplier, CV Yasindo Multi Pratama, apologized and pledged responsibility
Asia Singapore Cleanup following the Shell pipeline spill near Bukom Island, which released 30 tonnes of oil-water slop on 20 October, has been completed; authorities confirmed no new oil detection but urged caution, advising against water sports near East Coast Park
Asia Philippines Schools adopt alternative learning methods during calamities to ensure education continuity: online classes, modular learning, broadcast media; the Department of Education highlights preparedness and flexibility to maintain access for affected students