Bahrain has launched the “Global Digital Twinning for eGovernment Excellence” initiative, part of its collaboration with the United Nations. The program aims to share Bahrain’s digital governance expertise to help partner countries improve their digital services. The iGA highlighted Bahrain’s digital transformation and successful implementation of advanced technologies.
Nepal has lifted its nine-month TikTok ban, following a request from the platform’s South Asia division. The ban had impacted many content creators in the country. TikTok’s return is expected to revive opportunities for Nepali users who had shifted to other platforms during the suspension.
Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority has licensed Tahleeq Drone Services to manage drone air traffic, focusing on the registration and monitoring of drone operators. The service, using the Serb platform, will enhance air safety, streamline permit issuance, and secure drone operations, with data stored locally on secure servers.
The PTA, in collaboration with FIA, raided a retailer selling illegal mobile boosters, seizing 25 booster sets and one laptop. Additionally, the PTA launched Cybersecurity Awareness Week 2024 to raise awareness about online security, data privacy, and cybercrime laws, encouraging participation from citizens, businesses, and educational institutions.
MAJRA has launched the MAJRA Impact Stream, a digital platform aimed at enhancing CSR and ESG initiatives in the UAE. The platform will support private sector contributions to sustainable development, with a focus on transparency, accountability, and collaboration. Partnerships with universities will further enrich knowledge-sharing efforts.
Sudan’s National Telecommunications Corporation (NTC), in partnership with Sudatel and NGOs, is working to restore telecom services for relief workers amidst the ongoing conflict. This collaboration aims to improve communication for aid workers assisting those affected by war, disease, and famine, while addressing importation and clearance delays of telecom equipment.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has launched a registration system for freelancers in the IT sector to register their VPNs using mobile numbers. This move aims to facilitate secure and uninterrupted VPN use, ensuring the growth of Pakistan’s digital economy. Over 31,000 VPNs have already been registered.
Minister Gurung pushes for faster deployment of rural connectivity initiatives and the expansion of 4G and 5G services in Nepal. He emphasizes institutional cooperation and regulatory reforms, while urging the completion of pending projects to advance the Digital Nepal campaign.
Pakistan’s 5G spectrum auction will be held in April 2025, with the government addressing IT infrastructure issues. Amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act are under review. The PTA also plans to introduce VPN licensing from January 2025. Industry leaders emphasize the importance of a stable, fast internet.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has revoked the licences of 334 internet and telecommunications service providers for failing to renew their licences on time. The companies, including ISPs and call centres, were found non-compliant with BTRC’s rules, leading to licence cancellations and potential penalties for continued operations.
