Asia

1.647 people crossed from Tajikistan to Afghanistan through the Panji Poen–Sherkhon Bandar border from July 17 to August 10: 671 returned voluntarily to visit their relatives, while 976 people were forcibly deported according to According to the IOM

Authorities are running a monthly enforcement drive to protect consumers by ensuring fair pricing and accuracy of weighing equipment used for trade; in recent days four offences under the Price Control Act and the Weights and Measures Act were reported

Mother’s Day and Queen Mother’s Birthday was celebrated on 12 August, a national holiday dedicated to the Queen Mother, Sirikit, and all mothers across Thailand; a deeply symbolic day, it blends royal tribute, Buddhist traditions and festivities

A package of laws to enhance the use of the Kyrgyz language in public and professional life has been signed by President Japarov, in line with Parliament Committee that has been supporting the use of local language in schools with a series of measures

Concrete discussions on the opening of the border with Armenia have not yet begun, though the negotiation process is expected to continue, according to a diplomatic source in Türkiye, via Russian media

UN rice resold at 10€/kilo, 50% commissions on cash: this is how people survive in the northern Gaza Strip, a local journalist shows in a video published in El Pais, saying that only those receiving a salary can resist the absence of humanitarian agencies

Transport associations have revoked a 72-hour nationwide strike announced for today after government softened its stance on phasing out outdated vehicles; though it didn't meet the eight-points demanded, it will start to ban the older vehicles first

Up to $150 billion over the next five years will be spent for equipment from U.S. multinationals for semiconductor, aerospace and data center industries in an articulated plan that reduces threatened U.S. tariff on Malaysian goods from 25% to 19%

“Ebarimt” the VAT receipt system that issues lottery-based tax receipts to encourage compliance will be fully digitalized; Led by the Digital Development Ministry with the central bank, it will replace paper receipts with mobile and card-based tracking

On August 1, Bagmati Province was officially declared fully vaccinated for children aged 16–23 months, with all districts achieving complete coverage

Over 200 supporters of former PM Imran Khan were detained during countrywide rallies marking his arrest anniversary; Clashes in Lahore and Karachi saw police using force to disperse crowds

Government will convene a “conclave-style" gathering of stakeholders to develop a comprehensive policy on online gambling, as announced by President Marcos; The initiative signals a renewed effort to address concerns surrounding internet gaming regulation