Opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan surged by 330 per cent in 2026 despite a four-year ban, the United Nations said on Thursday. Afghan authorities disputed the findings, while Japan urged continued support for farmers seeking alternative livelihoods.
Dengue fever has killed more people in Bangladesh this year than in the whole of 2025, with October the deadliest month so far, data from Bangladesh's Health Ministry shows.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has ordered Iran's armed forces to respond to any threat immediately and without geographical limits in statements posted to social media platforms on Saturday (31 October).
Demonstrators carrying Iranian flags and placards supporting the hijab gathered outside the Azerbaijani Embassy in London.
Central Asia could gain up to $640 million a year from closer energy cooperation, but strained electricity grids threaten to limit those gains, with Kazakhstan particularly exposed to regional power shortages and growing pressure on its network.
Georgia and Azerbaijan are stepping up efforts to boost trade, strengthen transport links between Asia and Europe and resolve a longstanding border dispute, as both countries seek to deepen their strategic partnership.
Qatari mediators returned to Tehran on Friday as part of efforts to reach a deal between the U.S. and Iran, according to an official briefed on the talks.
People travelling between Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Azerbaijan could soon be able to pay for purchases using their usual banking apps. Central banks from the five countries are working on linking their national payment systems.
The Middle East conflict remains tense as diplomatic efforts continue alongside renewed Houthi attacks. Iran says it remains open to mediation, while the Saudi-led coalition says it intercepted a ballistic missile fired towards the kingdom.
Israeli military prosecutors on Thursday indicted a serving soldier accused of spying for Iran and selling sensitive military information for cryptocurrency, The Times of Israel reported, citing Israeli security authorities.
Foreign ministers from the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) gathered in Ankara on Thursday to strengthen regional cooperation and finalise preparations for Friday's leaders' summit.
Iran and Russia are moving ahead with plans to build small modular nuclear reactors, with Tehran announcing that the two countries are preparing to sign an agreement to accelerate their cooperation.
Georgia’s Constitutional Court is hearing a case to ban five opposition parties, amid disputes over election protests, judicial impartiality and political freedoms. As the legal battle intensifies, opposition groups are preparing fresh street protests.
Azerbaijan has called for closer political, economic and security ties among members of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS), urging greater regional unity, stronger coordination and a more prominent international role for the bloc.
Afghanistan’s government has claimed progress on women’s rights, citing efforts to tackle forced marriage and inheritance disputes, after United Nations officials criticised restrictions on Afghan women and girls during a Security Council debate in New York.
Azerbaijan is expanding its tourism links with the Asia-Pacific region as more than 50 international tourism professionals gather in Baku for the PATA Hosted Buyers Summit 2026, aimed at forging new partnerships and showcasing the country's attractions.
Türkiye aims to increase bilateral trade with Kazakhstan to $15 billion and expand investment cooperation, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said during talks with his Kazakh counterpart, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who was on an official visit to Ankara.
Uzbekistan is launching a new fashion academy in Tashkent to help local clothing manufacturers build their own brands, sharpen design skills and compete in international markets.
Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has unveiled plans to modernise infrastructure, strengthen trade links and boost electricity production in his annual address to the nation, outlining his economic priorities against a backdrop of global uncertainty.
Georgia is laying the groundwork for a digital version of its national currency, with parliament approving a legal framework and the central bank preparing pilot projects. But a nationwide launch remains years away.
