Asia

3.407 investors from 60 countries obtained long-term residency visa by the end of February 2025; launched in 2021, Investment Residency Programs are offered through real estate, investment and long-term bank deposits on a renewable five and ten-year basis

Ministers of Transport of the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Iraq met in Baghdad to discuss enhancing cooperation in transport and logistics as a driver of economic growth and regional integration

Over 100 chemical weapons sites, many not secure, could have remained after the fall of Bashar al-Assad, according to a leading chemical weapons watchdog, a number higher than any previous estimate; government pledged to destroy any remaining weapons

Thousands of teachers of the Nepal Teachers’ Federation protested in Kathmandu earlier this month wearing black masks and demanding the long-delayed School Education Act; a nationwide strike closed schools and put more pressure on the government

33 fishers, including six women, were rescued from a den of pirates from a deep jungle in the Sundarbans: they were allegedly abducted for ransom days ago; the Coast Guard also recovered 16 fishing boats from the den but no pirate could be detained

Much importance is given to summer camp activities, harnessing the energies talents and creativity of young people; Holy Quran, cultural-educational-social aspects, sports and professional activities foster national belonging and personal awareness

Jakarta plans to launch its own film festival; Deputy Governor Rano Karno envisions the event as a platform to celebrate national cinema, strengthen the local film industry and boost Jakarta's cultural identity

Taiwan’s youth suicide rate has risen above the OECD average of 6,5, up from 4,5 in 2021, latest comparative report says, and mental health problems are worsening according to a National Taiwan University survey

Councillors have unanimously approved an urgent request to preserve a historic natural spring in Samaheej; members of the Muharraq Municipal Council stressed the heritage value of ‘Ayn Aloudah’, one of the island’s archaeological water sources

The presidential election have been officially scheduled for June 3, following the Constitutional Court's impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol; Candidate registration closes May 11, with campaigns starting May 12

In Jan-March 2025, 988 road accidents where recorded in Armenia, resulting in 60 deaths and 1.391 injuries, confirming an alarming trend of the past 10 years; lawmakers held hearings on Road Safety to identify key problems and find systemic solutions

11 island districts will be turned into “special zones”, areas directly managed by provinces with no district-level administration; This reform simplifies governance, boosts development, and strengthens national sovereignty in strategic maritime regions

“National AI” Program will train 250 AI specialists and 2.250 teachers over five years; In partnership with global institutions, it will offer AI education in Mongolian to bridge the digital divide and foster innovation nationwide