Asia Pakistan CABI, together with the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, is leading an initiative to promote organic agriculture as part of an ambitious plan to help alleviate poverty and mitigate the impacts of climate change
Asia Singapore In an optic of pandemic control, the country is distributing tens of thousands of Bluetooth devices for those who, not owning smartphones, cannot open Apps to track contacts and interactions with others
Asia China Millions of people have been struck by severe flooding in the northern province of Shanxi, with last week's torrential rains leading to the collapse of houses and triggering of landslides in more than 70 districts across the area
Asia Uzbekistan According to UNESCO, the literacy rate in 2021 reached 99.99% due to an increase in preschool education coverage - growing from 24% in 2017 to 62% in 2021 - and higher education up to 28%
Asia Bangladesh As a major exporter of labour, the country has suffered from the pandemic crisis with thousands of Bangladeshis unemployed; before it, 700.000 Bangladeshis were employed abroad every year and many more emigrated
Asia Brunei Government announces financial aid for laid-offs and laid-off workers, who will receive $250 per month for three months
Asia United Arab Emirates Maryam Buti Al Suwaidi, as chief executive of the Securities and Commodities Authority, has become the first woman to head the UAE's markets regulator
Asia Turkey The Grand National Assembly has adopted a bill to ratify the Paris Agreement on climate change - thus leaving only four countries outside the treaty - but the government has challenged its classification as a developed nation and officially refused it
Asia Iraq Despite being scheduled to vote next year, elections were held yesterday in the country due to a strong popular uprising; airspace and land border crossings were closed and more than 250.000 security personnel were tasked with protecting the vote
Asia Georgia A day of mourning is declared today for the victims of Batumi building collapse; the show planned to celebrate Tbilisoba will be canceled and the amount allocated for the event will be transferred to the fund of the families of the victims
Asia Cyprus The Queen’s Baton Relay, with Her Majesty The Queen’s message to the Commonwealth, began its journey across 72 countries, landing in Cyprus as first stop on the 140.000 km relay
Asia Laos The country has been able to successfully reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 34% over the past ten years, having incorporated the Paris Agreement targets into its national socio-economic development plan and national green growth strategy
Asia Pakistan A report on the problems the country faces because of climate change predicts temperature will rise 3,9°c by 2090, more than other countries in the world, eventually putting some five million people in danger of flooding between 2035 and 2044