Asia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The National Assembly has impeached Acting President Han Duck-soo, who had assumed the role following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s suspension over a martial law declaration; Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is serving as Acting President amid ongoing turmoil

Mongolia and France’s Orano Mining Group have reached a preliminary agreement to develop a $1.6 billion uranium mining project; the preparatory phase is set to be conclude in 2027, with production expected to begin in 2028

Lahore High Court has ruled that non-Muslims cannot inherit property from Muslim relatives, citing the Muslim Personal Laws Application Act of 1937; the decision came after a Muslim contested his Ahmadi uncle’s inheritance of land from a Muslim ancestor