Asia Laos About $12 million in digital taxes from global technology companies have been collected under new law: foreign providers of online services must register with Lao tax authorities regardless of whether they have a physical presence in the country
Africa Republic of the Congo Modernisation work on the 250 km railway line between Mont-Belo and Mbinda, built between 1959 and 1962, is underway: rails, ballast and sleepers are being replaced and level crossings renovated
Africa Sao Tome and Principe Ensuring the safety of fishermen through early warning was the objective of practical work on land in the area of Ponta Mina, Príncipe, as well as knowing the signals and behaviour of the tides before the arrival of bad weather
Asia Philippines The Philippines' Five-Year Action Plan for the Elderly was launched; it aims at creating an inclusive and elder-friendly society that safeguards the rights and privileges as well as the health and well-being of senior citizens nationwide
America Brazil A blockchain-based digital ID program will be launched; over 214 million Brazilians will benefit from this secure digital identity system, enhancing data protection and streamlining government services
Europe Estonia A sugar tax will be introduced starting in 2025, estimated to bring in at least 25 million Euros in revenue; it is not yet clear which impact it will have on consumers as the percentage weighing on shoppers hasn't been decided yet
Oceania New Zealand Whanganui rower and New Zealand's oldest living Olympic medallist, Reginald "Reg" Douglas, has been awarded a medal of recognition for his dedication and excellence in sport
America Belize A new a socio-emotional learning program in its early childhood curriculum has been implemented, aligning Belize with global sustainable education goals, emphasising on new themes like climate education, global citizenship, and human rights education
America Saint Kitts and Nevis The participation of St. Kitts and Nevis in the International Cricket Council's 2024 Men's Twenty20 Cricket World Cup, which would offer positive economic spin-offs and excitement for local fans, is currently being finalised
Oceania Samoa Seumanutafa Mathew Te'o, founder and leader of the dance group Aumaga, celebrates four years since founding the group and looks back on how the art of Siva Samoa has helped him with his mental health while studying abroad
Asia Qatar The Al Wakrah Challenge race, organized by the Qatar Sports for All Federation, ended its first edition with the participation of 442 male and female competitors
Europe Vatican City Catholic women are hoping for change in the Church as the Synod of Bishops prepares to open on 4 October at the Vatican; for the first time, both women and lay people will be able to vote
America Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Air Canada will return to Saint Vincent with three-weekly flights starting from 30 October
Asia Nepal Malaria elimination target could be missed again after seven new cases of indigenous infection were reported in various districts since the beginning of 2023