Asia
Uyghur rights group urges hotel chains not to ‘sanitise’ China abuses in Xinjiang
April 18, 2025
Uyghur rights group urges hotel chains not to ‘sanitise’ China abuses in Xinjiang
Almost 200 international hotels are operating or planned in China’s Xinjiang region amid government efforts to promote tourism despite ongoing human rights concerns, The Guardian reported. A report by the Uyghur Human Rights Project (UHRP) identified 115 active hotels and…
Japan’s Population Declines by Record 898,000 Amid Demographic Crisis
April 15, 2025
Japan’s Population Declines by Record 898,000 Amid Demographic Crisis
The decline, driven by aging demographics and a record-low fertility rate (1.2 children per woman in 2023), has prompted urgent policy measures. In June 2024, Japan passed legislation to boost birthrates, expanding child allowances and parental leave. Officials warn the…
Kyrgyzstan Enforces Niqab Ban Amid Public Safety Concerns
April 9, 2025
Kyrgyzstan Enforces Niqab Ban Amid Public Safety Concerns
Kyrgyzstan has implemented a ban on the full-body niqab, which covers women’s bodies and faces, following a decree from President Sadyr Japarov in January, WION reported. The ban has now received support from the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kyrgyzstan,…
Singapore Detains Two Teenagers for Extremist Plans
April 3, 2025
Singapore Detains Two Teenagers for Extremist Plans
Authorities have detained two teenagers under the Internal Security Act, one for planning to attack mosques and the other for wanting to join Daesh, Arab News reported. The 17-year-old male, who held far-right extremist views, intended to shoot mosques and…
Japan Reinstates Free Public High School Education
April 2, 2025
Japan Reinstates Free Public High School Education
Japan’s parliament, the Diet, has voted to make public high school education free for all students, reversing a previous decision that reinstated tuition fees in 2013 after their abolition in 2010, HRW reported. This new measure, included in the latest…
Curfew Imposed in Nepal After Pro-Monarchy Protests Turn Violent
March 30, 2025
Curfew Imposed in Nepal After Pro-Monarchy Protests Turn Violent
A curfew has been imposed in the Tinkune, Koteshwor, and Sinamangal areas of Kathmandu following violent clashes between pro-monarchy protesters and security forces, Jurist News reported. The decision, announced by the district administration office, restricts movement and gatherings in the…
Japan Enhances AI Education in High Schools
March 27, 2025
Japan Enhances AI Education in High Schools
Japan is intensifying its focus on artificial intelligence (AI) education in high schools, recognizing the need to equip students for the technology’s significant potential—both beneficial and harmful, Anadolu Agency reported. According to public broadcaster NHK, 48 senior high school textbooks…
Migrant deaths in Asia reach record high in 2024, UN data reveals
March 27, 2025
Migrant deaths in Asia reach record high in 2024, UN data reveals
In 2024, migrant deaths in Asia reached a record high, with at least 2,514 fatalities reported, a 59% increase from 2023, according to the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM). The surge is primarily linked to vulnerable populations, particularly the…
Dubai International Airport to receive over 3.5m travelers during Eid holiday
March 27, 2025
Dubai International Airport to receive over 3.5m travelers during Eid holiday
Dubai International Airport anticipates 3.6 million travelers during the Eid holiday from March 26 to April 7, coinciding with school spring break, Arab News reported. Departures are expected to rise by 19% compared to February’s average, with daily traffic averaging…
Türkiye, China to Collaborate on AI in Medicine and Agriculture
March 26, 2025
Türkiye, China to Collaborate on AI in Medicine and Agriculture
Türkiye’s Scientific and Technological Research Institution and China’s National Natural Science Foundation are set to collaborate on artificial intelligence (AI) applications in medicine and agriculture, Anadolu Agency reported. The partnership will focus on oncology studies, particularly cancer immunotherapy and magnetic…