Stefano Vecchia

A government agency is exploring the possibility of opening a launch base for private companies’ satellites, whilst the first ‘made in Thailand’ experiment has taken place on the International Space Station. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s first astronaut is set to depart for the Chinese Tiangong space station in November.

The forum organised by seven UN agencies involved businesses and civil society groups, and provided an opportunity for dialogue in a region that is home to 66.9 million migrants (many of whom hail from the same region). Recruitment systems and difficulties in accessing protection mechanisms rank among the major challenges.

With the Bothekoshi Valley impassable, the only open trade route with China now runs through the Korala Pass at an altitude of 4,650 metres. Beijing is pushing for major infrastructure projects there as well. Until now, Kathmandu has preserved the environment and identity of the plateau, a region some identify with the mythical Shangri-La.

Damage to infrastructure and the disruption of links with Tibet come on top of the heavy reliance on remittances from the more than 2.6 million Nepalis living abroad. A still-fragile economy and youth unemployment exceeding 20 per cent are fuelling an exodus of young people that has been strongly encouraged in recent years.

After years of delays and violence, 2.39 million people in the five Muslim provinces of the large southern island of the Philippines are heading to the polls today to elect an assembly that is expected to consolidate the peace process. About 100 international observers have also been deployed. Three people were killed in a shooting at a polling station in Cotabato.

Hydropower plants, where workers were trapped, are not only meant to meet local energy needs but also serve for exports. The goal is to boost production capacity to 28.5 GW by 2035, up from the 4 GW generated by the existing 189 plants. Finding suitable places for solar power remains a challenge.

The account of Bhim Chand, a tour operator who has been at the forefront of efforts to protect the Himalayas for years: “We avoided the valley floor to reach the disaster area: in the narrow valley, there was no chance of escape. These glaciers, the planet’s water reserve, are collapsing due to warming caused by human activity.”

The impeachment proceedings began today in the upper house in Manila against the Philippine vice president who has been charged, among other things, of mismanagement of public funds and death threats against President Marcos. Behind the scenes, the influence of opposing parties (and clans) is being played out, jeopardising the very credibility of the institution.

Steve Suwannarat The labour agreement, which will come into effect next year, represents a significant opportunity for the small Asian nation’s development. The goal is to avoid dependence on Indonesia or Australia, especially when it comes to resource development. Wong describes the agreement as “mutually beneficial” and “a platform for closer coordination”.

A case that began after authorities rescued six newborns bound for the city-state has put the spotlight on a widespread practice. Criminal groups exploit the economic difficulties of many women to circumvent adoption regulations, increasingly using social media for recruitment.

Under pressure from Darjeeling producers, India’s Ministry of Commerce is blocking imports from Nepal, ostensibly for “quality control”, seriously damaging the Himalayan country's economy. Yet, India itself actually needs to supplement its production to meet the volumes demanded by the global market and sells Nepali tea marketing it as its own.

Malaysia’s Refugee Registration Document framework, a programme for asylum seekers held in the country’s immigration detention centres, became operational on 1 June. So far, some 4,000 people have been registered, mostly Rohingya who fled Myanmar. The programme, the government stressed, is not aimed at granting citizenship.