Europe Switzerland Competitiveness Report 2025 by think tank Eight Competitiveness Lab has ranked Switzerland as the most competitive country in the world thanks to its economy and education system; the study assessed 58 countries
Asia Bahrain A joint inspection campaign in several marine areas was conducted to ensure compliance with maritime safety regulations and to raise awareness among workers and sea-goers about the importance of following safety guidelines and instructions
Africa Algeria Commemorating the 64th anniversary of the demonstrations of 17 October 1961, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune delivered a message on the occasion of the National Immigration Day
Europe Belarus New bill “On amending the laws on the granting of loans” was signed to protect the property rights of citizens in relation to borrowing money; among other measures it prohibits having only residential property as collateral for loan contracts
Europe Belgium A new plan to combat antimicrobial resistance will be launched amid a global rise in infections resistant to common antibiotics; the WHO calls the occurrence a “silent pandemic”
Asia Armenia A crisis team will analyze the problem of traffic in Yerevan and develop solutions; PM stressed that the issue also has psychological and social consequences and that cars import must be considered an element of the puzzle
Africa Botswana The Beneath The Surface deep house events returns for the 8th edition today 18 October at Wagga Gardenex for a night of rhythm, soul, connection, attracting over 1.500 music lovers with an all-local lineup to promote Botswana’s talent
Asia Bangladesh The 'July Joddha Sangsad', or July fighters, announced a highway blockade in every district across Bangladesh Sunday 19 October if their demands are not included in the July Charter: recognition as martyrs, rehabilitation of families, legal assistance
Europe Greece Competition Commission has identified inefficiencies and potential distortions in coastal shipping; with 299 vessels operated by 216 companies the sector remains concentrated, with Attica Group and Seajets controlling about 60% of total passenger capacity
Europe Netherlands 20.000 Dutch men a year travel abroad with the intention of sexually abusing a child, a recent study commissioned by the Scientific Research and Data Center found; the anti-abuse organization Offlimits launched a campaign aimed at stopping the phenomenon
Africa Eswatini Investigations have revealed that about 41 drivers in the Ministry of Education and Training allegedly siphoned more than E11.9 million (€590.000) from government coffers through fraudulent overtime claims dating back five years
Oceania Solomon Islands A new toilet facility was handed over to Honiara Senior High School, an important achievement in improving sanitation and hygiene in schools across Honiara; the project was funded by New Zealand through UNICEF and S.I. Ministry of Education
Europe Montenegro State prosecutors have accused and arrested former minister Predrag Boskovic, an opposition official, of being part of a criminal organisation that targeted political opponents using the media and social networks
Africa Namibia Singer, songwriter and disability advocate Alvarita Benedito Lucungo, known professionally as Alvara, is set to represent Namibia at the Grenzenlos Kultur Festival in Mainz, Germany, an international celebration of inclusive art and performance