Asia Philippines An Air Quality Index has been issued amid temporary haze from Indonesian forest fires; The Health Department advised residents to wear masks, limit outdoor activities, and remain indoor if possible
Europe Portugal A new tobacco law has been approved: it bans smoking at beaches, public swimming pools and water parks as well as next to certain public buildings such as schools, hospitals, restaurants and will be effective starting October 2023
Africa Namibia Greater cooperation in the field of green hydrogen and dialogue with third countries regarding the war in Ukraine were the main topics of Dutch Prime Minister Rutte's visit to the country
Europe Sweden The goal of 100% fossil fuel-free energy was adopted by Parliament, giving the right-wing government the green light to go ahead with plans to build new nuclear power plants; 40 years ago the country voted to phase out atomic energy
Africa Ghana With a +32% in gold production last year - considering both small-scale and large-scale mines - Ghana has regained its status of Africa's leading gold producer
Africa Sudan International donors pledged nearly $1,5 billion in aid for the humanitarian response in Sudan and neighbouring nations hosting refugees fleeing the conflict in the country
Africa Mauritius Jindal Steel and Power Ltd has announced a balance sheet restructuring plan for its subsidiary, Jindal Steel & Power (Mauritius) Ltd, which will result in a decrease in the value of outstanding debts
Europe Finland The wolf population in Finland has increased by 10% every year since 2017, with the latest estimates of 310 wolves living in the country, according to a report by the Natural Resources Institute Finland
Africa Democratic Republic of the Congo The 'forced prostitution' of women and girls in IDP camps in the east of the country has been recognized, made public and condemned by Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Sexual Violence in Conflict
Europe Vatican City Pope Francis sent a message of greeting to the participants of this year's Vatican Specola Summer School of Astrophysics, inviting them to never lose their sense of wonder, in their research and in their lives
Africa Rwanda Fulgence Kayishema, accused of playing a major role in the genocide in Rwanda and arrested last month near Cape Town after 22 years on the run, will seek asylum in South Africa, his lawyer announced
Europe United Kingdom According to the latest data published by the Ministry of the Interior, more than 600 migrants were detected attempting to cross the English Channel on Sunday, the highest number in 2023; the total number of migrant crossings in 2023 so far was 8.380
Asia Lebanon The Lebanese tourism chief called on the country's political and security leaders to work together to create the conditions for an eventful summer season, asking the authorities to ease traffic restrictions where possible to encourage visitors
Africa Libya Electoral laws recently agreed upon by Libya's two legislative bodies are not enough to resolve contentious issues and allow elections in the country, according to UN envoy to Libya Abdoulaye Bathily