Asia Singapore New cat ownership rules require pet cats to be microchipped and licensed, with limits on the number of cats allowed per household; After a two-year transition period, owners must comply or face penalties, while licences will become chargeable
America Grenada After widespread public protest against linking bloody army massacre of October 19 1983 at Fort George with activities marking the 50th anniversary of independence, the government has turned back on the day chosen to kick off the independence celebrations
Africa Democratic Republic of the Congo Eight UN peacekeepers stationed in Beni, eastern DRC, were arrested in connection with allegations of sexual exploitation and acts of violence
Africa Gabon Gabon's former first lady, Sylvia Bongo Ondimba, has been transferred to Libreville Central Prison, being charged with embezzlement of public funds and money laundering
Africa Nigeria A severe teacher shortage is jeopardizing education, largely due to massive teacher retirements without the necessary replacement and limited opportunities for professional development
Europe Germany The country will allow Israel to use two of its Heron TP combat drones and is considering the Jewish state's request for ammunition for warships
Europe Ireland About 210.000 students up to the Junior Cycle will get free books; the funds will not cover the cost of digital devices and it will not apply to nearly 30.000 students attending fee-paying schools
America Bolivia President Luis Arce was expelled from the MAS party due to his refusal to attend the party's congress, deepening his rivalry with former President Evo Morales, who was named MAS sole candidate for the 2025 elections
Asia Japan A bill pending in Saitama Prefecture that would have made it illegal for guardians to leave children unattended at home or let them play outside and going to school by themselves will be withdrawn following a public uproar
America Belize The Belize Police Department has reported a significant decrease in crime, attributing this positive trend to the hard work of its officers; recent statistics from COMPSTAT highlight this decline at a nationwide level
Africa Madagascar Malagasy companies will be among the participants in the fourth edition of the Turkey-Africa Economic and Trade Forum being held today and tomorrow in Istanbul
Europe Malta A new national airline will make its first flight on 31 March next year, replacing the current national airline, which will make its last flight on 30 March; the government plans a partial privatisation of the new airline
Africa Ivory Coast Deforestation decreased from 229.000 hectares per year in 1990 to 26.000 today; significant actions included policy and strategy for conservation, restoration and extension of forests, implementation of Cocoa and Forests Initiative with 35 companies