Government Policy

The Japanese government approved its basic tourism promotion plan on March 27, 2026, confirming a target to implement overtourism measures in 100 areas by 2030—building on a January draft. The plan balances resident quality of life with goals of 60 million inbound visitors and 15 trillion yen in spending.

March 25, 2026 Reported by AI

The government has ordered households in areas with existing piped natural gas (PNG) infrastructure to switch from LPG cylinders to PNG connections within three months of notice, or lose gas refill supplies. The directive addresses mounting pressure on India's LPG imports amid the West Asia conflict. Petroleum ministry joint secretary Sujata Sharma described it as a supply security measure.

The Ethiopian government has announced it will significantly reduce and fully eliminate fuel subsidies imposed over the past four years by the end of February 2026. This move forms part of economic reform commitments made with international financial institutions. A new price adjustment took effect at the start of the current Tahsas month, raising diesel prices by 11 percent and benzene by 5 percent.

January 29, 2026 Reported by AI

In an effort to make school education more inclusive for children with special needs, the Delhi government is actively involving Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in training and capacity-building activities for its schools. This decision aligns with recommendations from an internal committee of the Directorate of Education (DoE), formed last year to improve the school environment for students and teachers. The government has accepted all recommendations, with implementation currently underway.

South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok stated on Friday that the government's focus for 2026 will be on fostering strategic industries, protecting lives from disasters, and promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula. He outlined these priorities during a ceremony marking the new year's first day of work at the government complex in Sejong, emphasizing pursuit under three key goals: an open government, one that listens to field voices, and a nation confident on the international stage.

December 31, 2025 Reported by AI

The number of households consisting of a single person aged 65 or older in Japan has surged to 8.15 million in 2025. An expert panel from the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry proposed in December a new system to support the livelihoods of these elderly individuals and handle post-death procedures. The system would cover funerals and identity verification for hospital admissions, with low or no cost options for those in financial hardship.