Iraq Arrests 11 on Terror Charges in Anti-ISIS Raids

The Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) announced the arrest of 11 individuals on terrorist charges across several provinces. The operations were carried out with the Iraqi National Intelligence Service, Kurdish security agencies, and local forces. Five suspects were captured in Nineveh, where army aviation supported the destruction of seven hideouts. Four individuals were arrested in different [...]

Bhutan Raises Legal Marriage Age for Women to 18

For decades, Bhutan widely practiced 18 as the minimum legal marriage age, yet the Marriage Act of 1980 still allowed girls to marry at 16. This legal contradiction was resolved on June 25, 2025, when a Joint Sitting of Parliament passed the Marriage (Amendment) Bill of 2024, officially setting the minimum marriage age for women [...]

Rights Groups Warn of Escalating Crackdown on Minorities in Iran

The U.S. State Department has condemned Iran’s death sentences against protesters from the 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom movement, urging Tehran to halt executions, free unjustly detained individuals, and end its repression. The protests began after the death of Mahsa Jina Amini in morality police custody, sparking nationwide unrest. Rights groups report that detainees have faced [...]

Dhaka’s Rickety Buses Threaten Health, Safety, and Air Quality

Dhaka’s public transport fleet, dominated by rundown and poorly maintained buses, poses severe health and safety risks. These vehicles emit toxic fumes, contributing heavily to Bangladesh’s worsening air pollution, which is linked to over 159,000 premature deaths annually. Bangladesh recorded PM2.5 levels in 2023 that were 16 times higher than the WHO safe limit, making [...]

Malaysia, Bangladesh to Ink Key Trade and Defence MoUs

Bangladesh’s chief adviser, Muhammad Yunus, began a three-day official visit to Malaysia at Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s invitation. The trip follows Anwar’s visit to Bangladesh last year and will include an official welcoming ceremony, bilateral talks, and the signing of multiple MoUs in sectors such as defence, energy, semiconductors, and trade. The leaders will also [...]

Cambodia Demands Return of 18 Soldiers Held by Thai Forces

On August 11, 2025, Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, spokesperson for Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense, announced that 18 Cambodian soldiers have been detained by Thai forces for 13 days, following their arrest on July 29, 2025—just hours after a ceasefire took effect. Cambodia is calling for their immediate release in line with international humanitarian law, [...]

Bhutan’s Children Face Climate Crisis Despite Green Leadership

Bhutan, renowned for its carbon-negative status and climate leadership, faces a deeper concern—how vulnerable its children are to the growing impacts of climate change. With over 41% of its population under 18, children are especially at risk from flash floods, shortened winters, and infrastructure challenges due to the country’s terrain and scattered settlements. Although Bhutan [...]

Iran’s Medicine Crisis Deepens Amid Soaring Prices, Shortages

Iran is facing a severe medicine crisis marked by shortages, skyrocketing prices, and poor-quality or expired drugs, deepening public frustration. Iranians are struggling to access essential medications, hygiene products, and treatments, with basic items like menstrual pads, insulin, and asthma sprays becoming unaffordable or unavailable. Many have turned to foreign markets to obtain reliable medicines. [...]

Student-Led Party Rallies for New Bangladesh and Democratic Reform

In Dhaka, Bangladesh, student-led rallies marked the anniversary of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, calling for democratic reforms and a "new Bangladesh." The newly formed National Citizen Party, led by Nahid Islam, unveiled a 24-point agenda seeking a new constitution and deeper democratic transformation. Simultaneously, the student wing of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party [...]

RM2.7 Million Drug Syndicate Busted in Major Police Raids

Malaysian police have dismantled a major international drug trafficking syndicate operating across the country and using sea routes to smuggle drugs abroad. Ten suspects aged 29 to 70 were arrested during coordinated raids in Muar, Batu Pahat, and Cheras on July 21. Authorities seized 61.3kg of methamphetamine, 51.3g of ecstasy pills, and luxury items, totaling [...]

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