Asia Sri Lanka Unprecedented visitors' arrivals have been registered in 2026, marking a strong recovery in numbers; However, the tourism boom has not translated into higher earnings, as shorter stays and lower spending per visitor have led to declining dollar revenues
Asia South Korea Unionized workers at Samsung Electronics approved a new wage deal, averting an 18-day strike; The agreement includes uncapped long-term stock bonuses tied to semiconductor profits, potentially worth up to $440.000 per employee
Europe Norway A settlement between trade union federation Fellesforbundet and the national organization of hotel and restaurant employers ended a strike involving 2.000 workers since 19 April, 4.000 last week, agreeing to a pay hike of up to 1,4/hour from 1 June
Africa Ethiopia 143 polling stations out of 50.000 failed to open for yesterday's general elections over security issues; voting was suspended in parts of Oromia and Amhara regions, while the whole Tigray has been totally excluded from the poll
Africa Tunisia Tunisian Television celebrated its 60th anniversary; the first official broadcast on 31 May 1966 was a 2-hour black-and-white program, establishing an identity for the country by showcasing local faces, languages and culture that are now a key document
Asia Nepal Recurring barriers from India are hurting exports of Nepali tea, experts claim, as disputes persist over branding and competition with the Darjeeling label; Producers argue certification issues limit market access and weaken Nepal’s premium tea industry
Asia China In an intense month of May for Chinese diplomacy, Xi Jinping met US President Trump reaffirming the importance of stable ties between the world’s two largest economies and Russia's President Putin confirming their comprehensive strategic partnership
Africa Cape Verde A large fire broke out today on the beach of Ponta Belém, destroying over 80% of clothing stalls, affecting houses and buildings; a large team from the fire brigade is still fighting the flames
Africa Gabon 100-day evaluation of Gabon's the Fifth Republic was presented in May 2026; it highlights completing 97,8% of the o&g sector roadmap, reaching 80% progression in employment and civil service reforms, advancing public education and infrastructure goals
Africa Equatorial Guinea China Road presented the final design of the new EG national ferry; the future Ro-Pax vessel will improve maritime connectivity between Malabo, Bata, Annobón, and Corisco, strengthening passenger and freight transport
Oceania Nauru An amendment to Tobacco Control Act 2009 inserted new Section 18A, authorising Cabinet to impose a nationwide ban up to 24 hours on a specific day to prohibit the import, distribution and sale of all tobacco or smoking-like products
Asia Lebanon Videos from southern Lebanon show the destruction in the city of Tyre; multiple strikes targeted densely populated neighborhoods and residential buildings that had largely been emptied after Israel issued forced displacement orders
Africa Madagascar Ravatomanga, tycoon founder of Sodiat Group, a major conglomerate with interests in transport, aviation, construction, media, energy, agriculture, is confirmed in custody in Mauritius on suspicion of money laundering involving approximately $163 million
Africa Eritrea Eritrea took part in meetings of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States OACPS, joining discussions on trade and multilateral cooperation; The participation reflects Asmara’s efforts to deepen engagement across the Global South