Asia

Focus

Global delegates gather in Samarkand as Uzbekistan outlines reforms

In partnership with Center for the Production of Content for Mass Media under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Samarkand hosted UNESCO’s 43rd General Conference outside Paris for the first time in forty years. The gathering showcased global debates on education, culture and technology, and underscored Uzbekistan’s reform priorities.

07/11/2025

Climate

At least five people killed as Kalmaegi makes landfall in Vietnam

At least five people were killed in Vietnam after Typhoon Kalmaegi made landfall on Thursday. It comes just a few days after the storm, classified as a Tropical Depression, claimed the lives of at least 188 people as it barrelled through the Philippines, which is now bracing for the next storm.

07/11/2025

Syria

UN lifts sanctions against Syria's al-Sharaa before White House visit

The sanctions relief fulfils the Trump administration's pledges following the US leader's May meeting with al-Sharaa in Riyadh, during which he promised to lift or waive decades-old sanctions against Syria.

07/11/2025

China

What we know about China's first domestically made aircraft carrier

Beijing commissioned its first home-built aircraft carrier, the Fujian, highlighting Beijing's push to modernise its military and contest US influence in the Indo-Pacific.

07/11/2025

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Typhoon Kalmaegi: 5 dead as powerful storm batters central Vietnam

Typhoon Kalmaegi hit central Vietnam, causing strong winds and heavy rain. At least five people died, and many are missing. Over a million households faced power outages.

07/11/2025

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188 dead in Philippines after Typhoon Kalmaegi

In central Philippines, families mourned 188 Typhoon Kalmaegi victims. President Marcos Jr. declared a national emergency with another typhoon approaching.

07/11/2025

Economy

China's exports fall 1.1% in October, hit by lower shipments to US

China's exports contracted in October as the country recorded a 25% drop in shipments to the United States. Economists expect export growth to rebound next year as lower tariffs take effect.

07/11/2025

Travel News

Gastro Forum Tashkent 2025: From kitchens to culture

At Gastro Forum 2025 in Tashkent, local and international chefs discussed service, training, and the digital tools shaping Central Asia’s growing restaurant industry.

07/11/2025

Lebanon

Israel launches heavy airstrikes on Hezbollah in southern Lebanon

The Israeli military struck several towns in southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah's military infrastructure. Lebanon's government plans to disarm the group.

07/11/2025

No Comment

Miss Universe Thailand organiser apologizes in tears after remarks to Mexico contestant

Miss Universe Thailand organiser Nawat Itsaragrisil tearfully apologized after criticism over alleged disrespectful comments toward Mexico’s contestant, Fatima Bosch.

06/11/2025

Design

Dubai Design Week 2025 puts community at heart of regional goals

As Dubai Design Week marks its 11th year and takes community as its focus, director Natasha Carella reflects on the festival's growth while championing regional voices and authentic design narratives.

06/11/2025

Business

Uzbekistan strengthens labour rights through union-led reforms

Uzbekistan’s trade unions mark 120 years of operation, by taking the lead in labour reform, pushing for equal pay, safer workplaces, and stronger employee rights.

06/11/2025

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Millions affected as typhoon Kalmaegi hits Philippines

Typhoon Kalmaegi has left 140 dead and nearly two million affected in the Philippines, with widespread flooding and severe infrastructure damage.

06/11/2025

Energy Frontiers

“Hydrogen is certainly progressing” says Council chief

In partnership with Azpromo

With $110bn committed and 500+ projects advancing, the next big test for hydrogen is demand, as global markets push for real offtake and scalable clean energy investment.

06/11/2025

Philippines

Philippines declares state of emergency after Typhoon kills hundreds

According to the Office of Civil Defense, nearly 2 million people have been impacted by the typhoon's devastation, with some 560,000 villagers currently displaced.

06/11/2025

No Comment

Mass anti-US rallies held in Tehran on 46th anniversary of US embassy takeover

Large crowds gathered in Tehran on Tuesday to mark 46 years since the takeover of the US embassy in the Iranian capital.

05/11/2025

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Japan deploys troops to help stop bear attacks

Japan’s Self-Defense Forces were dispatched to Akita to help control a surge in bear attacks that have left over 100 people injured and at least 12 dead nationwide since April.

05/11/2025

Modern Nomads

How Kazakhstan strengthened its chess position

In partnership with MDQ

Kazakhstan has rapidly transformed into a global chess powerhouse, with record medal hauls, rising stars, and a new generation of grandmasters.

05/11/2025

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan’s social justice agenda takes stage at Doha Summit

At the World Summit in Qatar, Uzbekistan showcases its social development vision, advancing global cooperation, justice, poverty reduction, and inclusive growth.

05/11/2025

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Typhoon Kalmaegi death toll rises to 66 in the Philippines as thousands displaced

The death toll from Typhoon Kalmaegi has climbed to 66, with more than 700,000 people affected and severe destruction reported across the Philippines.

05/11/2025

Qatar

Doha hosts UN social summit as calls grow for action on equality

Doha is hosting the Second World Summit for Social Development this week with world leaders, experts and youth meeting to tackle poverty, inequality and the future of work.

04/11/2025

Silk Road Adventures

Khiva, Samarkand and Bukhara preserve a living Silk Road legacy

In partnership with Center for the Production of Content for Mass Media under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan’s artisans preserve centuries-old Silk Road traditions, weaving wool and silk into carpets that reflect history, culture and craftsmanship.

04/11/2025

Travel News

Maldives brings in smoking ban for young people - including tourists

The Maldives already has strict rules around bringing electronic cigarettes into the country.

04/11/2025

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Typhoon Kalmaegi kills two, displaces thousands in Philippines

Kalmaegi tore through the central Philippines with powerful winds and floods, killing two people and forcing mass evacuations.

04/11/2025

Health news

How toddlers’ gut microbiomes may affect their mental health later on

The findings are the latest to shed light on how gut health affects overall wellbeing.

04/11/2025

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Powerful quake hits Afghanistan: buildings destroyed, at least 20 dead

At least 20 people were killed and over 640 injured after a strong earthquake struck Afghanistan’s Samangan province, destroying homes and leaving residents to clear rubble.

03/11/2025