Palau

A new voter database system, GVRS Hybrid, has replaced the older software; according to the Palau Election Commission, it improves registration tracking introducing major upgrades in voter data management, fraud prevention and election transparency

Over 82 tons of unexploded bombs have been removed from a sunken ship in Malakal Harbor, ending a seven-year operation of the Japan Mine Action Service: the Japanese merchant vessel converted for wartime use during WWII had sunk with 469 depth charges

Cesarean section birth rate in Palau has risen to 42% —from 33% in 2020 to 42% in 2021— with WHO estimating a world average of10%; Palau is thus among the countries with the highest rates globally, raising concerns about women’s health and birth outcomes

Speaking at a panel with the advertising industry at Cairns Crocodiles - an international festival - sitting President of Palau stressed the importance of consistent campaigns as powerful tools to address climate issues with impacting results

Palau abstained from a UN vote on a resolution on Russian aggression in Ukraine, focused on cooperation with the Council of Europe; in February, Palau had aligned with the US voting against another resolution condemning Russia’s aggression against Ukraine

Border security has been tightened in a direct response to growing concerns about foreign criminal activity, not specified; the measure resulted in an 88% denial rate for Chinese visa applications according to Tia Belau Newspaper

Okubo Hideaki, currently director of the ENEOS baseball team, one of the strongest in Japanese amateur baseball, has visited Palau to observe Little League games, hold a meeting, and celebrate the 100th anniversary of Japan introducing “Iakiu” to Palau

A new book of Palauan legends written in the Palauan language, financed by the Sasakawa Foundation, the Palau High School Student Science Club, offers people the opportunity to learn about traditional stories and strengthen their language skills

The Senate is again considering a proposal to lift the ban on the export of reef fish, with a bill that would allow limited shipments abroad of certain species for personal use

An innovative genetic study of ancient remains has revealed new insights into the ancestry and migration patterns of Palau's early inhabitants, distinguishing them from other Pacific island populations

A newly introduced bill allocates $1,4 million in social assistance funds with a one-time payment of $450 for retirees who have no other source of earned income and for individuals receiving disability insurance benefits

Aimeliik primary school students have now access to a music and dance programme, German-funded, that provides teaching, tools and practical training

Faced with what law enforcement officials described as a drug crisis, President Surangel Whipps Jr. identified the fight against illegal drugs as a top priority, pledging to toughen penalties for related crimes and offenders