Asia Laos Houaphanh Province,will recognize Tai Daeng singing and Pa Bum sauce as cultural heritage on 30 December; Tai Daeng features traditional instruments in ceremonies, while Pa Bum is a fermented fish sauce central to local cuisine
Asia Armenia The Armenian sugar market saw import volumes falling by more than half in the first half of 2024, and the supply structure shifting drastically in favour of Russian products
Asia Brunei Brunei's gross domestic product grew by 6% year-on-year in Q3 2024, driven by a 12,9% expansion in the oil and gas sector, while the non-O&G sector grew by 0,3%
Asia Iran The ban on WhatsApp and Google Play has been lifted; it was imposed over two years ago during the mass protests against the government that began in reaction to the death of Mahsa Amin
Asia Georgia The European Higher Education Quality Assurance Registry suspended the registration of the National Centre for Quality Improvement in Education of Georgia due to violations dating back to 2023
Asia Afghanistan According to the World Bank, the country is grappling with a severe food security crisis, with 11,6 million people - around 25% of the population - experiencing food insecurity
Asia Kazakhstan Kazakhstani officials discussed the introduction of new digital technologies and artificial intelligence into everyday activities during a government meeting
Asia Kyrgyzstan The Bishkek mayor's office has proposed a draft legislation on the introduction of restrictions on the driving hours of vehicles delivering goods to shops and bazaars, especially during peak hours
Asia Maldives Amendments to the Tobacco Control Act, which prohibit the import, sale, free distribution and use of vaping devices and electronic cigarettes in the Maldives, came into force on 15 December; already nine persons have been sanctioned
Asia Bhutan Swiss light artist Gerry Hofstetter lit up Bhutan’s National Day, projecting dragons, tigers, prayer flags and more cultural symbols onto landmarks such as the Buddha Dordenma and Tiger’s Nest in a celebration of Bhutanese identity
Asia Turkmenistan The Turkmenistan University of Sport has become a member of the International Association of Universities of Physical Education and Sport
Asia Uzbekistan The 10% excise tax on mobile communication services will be abolished starting January 1, 2025; the announcement was made after reviewing the country's progress in 2023 and in the frame of key plans for 2025 to support entrepreneurship
Asia Taiwan A large uncrewed aerial vehicle testing facility in Chiayi County will be set to help establish Taiwan's drone supply chain with a greater share of the global market; about 50 companies are already based in the drone R&D center