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Asia
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Kazakhstan
Almaty to the skies: Kazakhstan tests Central Asia's first air taxi
Central Asia's first air taxi test flight has taken place in Kazakhstan, as authorities and private partners work to develop a new urban air mobility network. Commercial trial operations are expected by early 2029, subject to certification and regulatory approval.
Lebanon
UN urges calm as Israel advances into Lebanon
The UN has called on all sides to respect the ceasefire following an Israeli military push into Lebanon, which threatens to derail US-Iran peace talks. Israel ordered strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs as Hezbollah targeted Haifa, prompting Iran to threaten the opening of new fronts.
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Iran
Trump says he halted Israel's offensive, keeps door open to Iran talks
The US president further eased tensions sparked by Tehran's announcement on Monday of an end to mediated negotiations, saying in a separate post on Truth Social that talks with the Islamic Republic continued "at a rapid pace".
Focus
Can cities keep pace with growing populations?
In partnership with World Urban Forum
Housing, climate resilience and urban development took centre stage at the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum, where delegates exchanged ideas and practical solutions for the challenges facing cities worldwide.
Iran
Iran suspended negotiations via mediators with US, state media says
Iran has suspended all indirect talks with the US and announced it would pursue "complete closure of Strait of Hormuz," accusing Israel of "continuing crimes" in Lebanon and stating that any ceasefire breach on one front breaks the truce in general.
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan calls for more Asian, African and Latin American UNSC seats
As he announced his country's candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, Kyrgyzstan's Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubaev called for its reform to include greater representation from Asia, Africa and South America.
Business
Kazakhstan targets €45bn in non-commodity exports as global export ins
Kazakhstan plans to increase non-commodity exports by more than a quarter to nearly €45 billion by 2030, as global export credit agencies and investment insurers expand their presence in the country to back major infrastructure and industrial projects.
Travel News
Iran conflict threatens Southeast Asia’s summer tourism season
Tourism across Southeast Asia was finally recovering from the pandemic. Now, soaring fuel prices, flight disruptions, and growing economic uncertainty linked to the Iran conflict are threatening to slow demand just as the region enters its crucial summer travel season.
Iran
Iran executes two men over alleged mosque attack as crackdown deepens
Two men were executed after being convicted of setting a Tehran mosque on fire during protests that erupted over the collapse of the rial, as Amnesty International documented 39 political executions and more than 6,000 arrests since the war began in February.
Economy
China's factory activity flatlines casting doubt over the economy
China's manufacturing sector barely held its ground in May, with official data showing activity slipping to its weakest reading in three months as the fallout from the Iran war and entrenched domestic weakness raise fresh doubts about Beijing's growth ambitions.
Earth News
Amur tigers released into the wild in Kazakhstan to help restore the extinct Turan species
Vladimir Putin has gifted four Amur tigers to Kazakhstan during his state visit. The initiative is aimed at restoring an apex predator that disappeared from Central Asian region more than 70 years ago.
