Asia Laos Mineral sector has exceeded its five-year production and revenue targets; The government credits stricter oversight, improved licensing, and stronger environmental standards
Africa Namibia 31.1% of young Namibians between the ages of 13 and 15 are consuming tobacco products according to data from the World Health Organisation, and alcohol abuse is also on the rise with an alarming rate
Europe Switzerland The village of Brienz in Graubünden was closed again due to risk of landslides as 1,7 million cubic meters of rock masses in two areas above are threatening to collapse; after evacuation last November, daytime agricultural activities were recently allowed
Africa Ethiopia Startup Proclamation was unanimously approved by Council of Ministers: it is a long-due policy to address chronic barriers faced by entrepreneurs and support Ethiopia's for early‑stage, technology‑driven companies with a dedicated framework
Asia Indonesia The Indonesian Army plans to recruit 24.000 non-combat troops for agriculture, health services and local development; civil groups fear a return to Suharto-era “Dwifungsi" that would jeopardize democracy, professionalism, and combat readiness of the army
America Bahamas A proposal to reform charter fees for Bahamian-flagged vessels has been submitted to Cabinet by Minister of Transport and Housing as part of a broader strategy to incentivize the use of the the national yacht registry to boost sector revenue
America Antigua and Barbuda An official website has been developed to optimize the distribution of textbooks across Antigua and Barbuda, ensuring timely access to essential learning materials, textbook availability, distribution schedules, ultimately supporting educational goals
Europe Germany Balcony solar systems - small photovoltaic units - are reshaping the look of German cities: their number has doubled within a year and are now around one million, according to Market Master Data Register and estimates by German Solar Industry Association
Europe Belgium A veterinary care group is calling on pet owners to add their animals to the blood donation register to cope with the severe shortage of animal blood donors; according to AniCura transfusions help surgery recovery and increase effectiveness of medication
Africa Chad All visas to US citizens will be suspended out of "reciprocity", after Chad learnt it is one of a dozen countries whose nationals are banned from travelling to the US; President Idriss Déby Itno cited "dignity and pride" in his post
Africa Cape Verde Cape Verde is among 36 countries that may be added to Trump's expanded travel ban; either it 'addresses security and vetting concerns' or it would face restrictions on their citizens entering the US
Asia Bahrain Bahrain Airport Company signed MoUs with Texel Air and Valo Aviation on the very first day day of 55th Paris Airshow, a top global event that aims at fostering international cooperation in the aerospace sector
Asia Bhutan The decision to reinstate Class X cut-off point, citing declining education quality in Bhutan, has sparked criticism from education experts and lawmakers, who argue the move lacks data, research and public consultation, potentially generating inequalities
Europe Albania The prolonged pre-trial detention with no formal charges of Erion Veliaj, Tirana Mayor and potential successor of PM Rama, is raising questions about Albania’s judicial practices diverging from European legal standards