Asia

Samitivej Hospital, a regional medical leader, opened an expanded International Children’s Hospital for advanced pediatric care in Bangkok; a $59,4 million investment, it offers heart treatments, cancer care, specialized surgeries, and digital healthcare

PM Ibrahim said religious mockery cases will be investigated fairly; his statement comes amid rising religious sensitivities and judicial shifts, with concerns over political interference and the balance between religious harmony and judicial independence

The country is facing a critical health emergency with a dramatic rise in acute respiratory diseases, affecting children in particular; WHO has documented a 54,1% increase due to environmental and social factors and the use of poor quality fuels

Fortified exhibition halls have been allocated to store and display recovered antiquities, including artifacts previously stored at the Central Bank of Iraq or recently repatriated from abroad

Guinness World Records has officially recognised Shitsui Hakoishi as the world's oldest professional barber: the Japanese woman, 108-years-old, stated that she plans to retire when she turns 110

A proposed revision of TNI Law would expand army presence in civilian sectors: officers could hold government positions and extend retirement age; critics warn it could undermine army professionalism and revive Suharto-era military influence in politics

Luang Prabang, UNESCO World Heritage city, got 3rd place in the Green Destinations Top100 Story Awards for Destination Management at the ITB Berlin; the accolade recognizes commitment to sustainable tourism, responsible visitor management, crisis recovery

Government proposed to empower victims of online harm to take legal action against tech platforms; the initiative aligns with the set up of an agency to address online safety and responds to public demand for stronger measures against online harassment

The China Railway No.2 Group has proposed restoring Vietnam's 84-kilometer Da Lat-Thap Cham railway, which ceased operations in 1968; the plan was discussed with Lam Dong officials, who indicated that investment procedures would be outlined

South Korea and the US held joint live-fire drills near the inter-Korean border ahead of the Freedom Shield exercise with over 160 military assets, including F-35A jets and Apache helicopters; North Korea condemned the drills as invasion rehearsals

Integrated Management of Childhood Illness programme was launched nationwide by the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, in collaboration with UNICEF

Air pollution exceeded safe limits for 204 days in 2024 in the region of Antalya, according to measurements taken locally over the year

The Red Cross said the Azerbaijan government had ordered it to leave the country; the Azerbaijani division of the Red Cross was the only international organisation authorised to visit some 20 former Nagorno Karabakh officials held in Baku jails