America Brazil Sharks off the coast of Brazil tested positive for cocaine, with numerous Brazilian sharpnose sharks showing drug levels up to 100 times higher than previously reported for aquatic creatures, highlighting the level of drug pollution in the ocean
Europe Monaco The EU anti-corruption body GRECO has published a new report on the Principality of Monaco, calling for stricter measures and sanctions for high-ranking officials and transparency in the issuing of residence permits
Asia Kuwait The Cabinet called for a significant advancement of electronic systems and applications to improve efficiency and safeguard the nation's digital infrastructure
Asia Afghanistan Afghan passports rank the worst in the world in the latest ranking published by Henley Passport Index; based on the number of destinations their owners can access without a prior visa, Afghan passport gives access to 12% of countries globally, or 26
Europe Netherlands Zwolle will probably abandon its plan to ban advertisements for services using fossil fuels, such as long-distance air travel, combustion engine cars and cruise ships, as research has shown that a ban is 'legally impossible'
Europe Greece The authorities conducted over 4.500 inspections in the past three weeks based on citizen complaints about beach and shoreline zoning violations, imposing a total of €800.000 in fines
Africa Kenya To stop the spread of an invasive mosquito species that transmits malaria, the Kenya Medical Research Institute, in collaboration with Imperial College London, will introduce genetically modified mosquitoes
Europe France The candidature of the French Alps, proposed as a preference vote by the International Olympic Committee in June to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2030, has been approved - subject to France providing financial guarantees
Europe Estonia Estonia is one of the freest countries in the world, with a score of 95 out of 100 according to the Freedom House Freedom in the World 2024 index
Europe Iceland A new study on calf DNA may shed light on the causes of the high calf mortality rate in the Icelandic cattle population; about 15% of Icelandic calves are born dead, while in neighbouring countries the rate is about 5%
Oceania Marshall Islands The 15th Triennial Pacific Women's Conference was held in Majuro; the welcoming ceremony was attended by government delegations from 22 countries, representatives of civil society organisations, traditional leaders, among others
Europe Ireland Queen's University announced more funds to help Palestinian students with scholarships; the programme established in 2020 funds tuition fees and accommodation, but not visa or travel costs
Asia Nepal The Nepalese Army has so far opened 1.411 kilometres of tracks in different parts of the country
Europe Czech Republic The Minister of Education has proposed that all children start learning English from grade one onwards