Asia Philippines A persistent infestation of soft scale insects continues to threaten Philippines’s sugar industry, damaging crops and reducing yields in key producing provinces; Authorities are expanding monitoring and pest-control measures to contain the outbreak
Europe France Applications for the Eiffel scholarship are accepted until today; open to international students, it is the most prestigious scholarship offered by the government for students of master's, doctorate or PhD programme at any French university
Oceania Samoa The Samoa Observer reported that Papalii Deputy Commissioner of Police Monalisa Tiai-Keti said the names on Samoa's sex offenders list are increasing because more sex offenders are being convicted
America Belize The country’s soybean production is projected to break its yield record this year, with an additional 31% of soybean yield that will contribute to the country’s exports
Africa Chad The Children's Light association organised a ceremony to accompany young Anicet, whose eyes were gouged out by individuals, to the boarding school of the Centre for Education and Training of the Visually Impaired and Blind
Asia Palestine The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates announced on Sunday that Israeli authorities have withdrawn the VIP travel permit for Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Riyad Al-Malki
America Saint Lucia The country has suspended the ban on sugary drinks in schools "until further notice", in a note sent to all primary and secondary school headmasters
Asia Philippines Scientists identified 228 key biodiversity hotspots in the country, but only 91 are currently part of protected areas; the adoption of the new Global Biodiversity Framework, which commits signatories to protect 30% of ecosystems by 2030, could change this
Africa Mauritania Former Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, who is on trial on suspicion of corruption, said on Thursday that he was banned from leaving the country
Asia Myanmar Green Power Energy has successfully commissioned the Taung Daw Gwin solar project in Myit Thar, Myanmar, its subsidiary Gold Energy having won the tender to develop the 20 MW plant
Africa Angola The Angolan economic growth is expected to slow to 2,6% this year due to declining oil production and prices, after being close to +3% in 2022, according to estimates by consultancy Oxford Economics
Africa Libya A preparatory forum for a comprehensive national reconciliation conference has kicked off in Tripoli, with the participation of representatives of the various Libyan parties
Africa Gabon In a statement, TotalEnergies EP Gabon, the majority-owned subsidiary of Total, said it had reached a new exploration and production sharing agreement; the Baudroie-Mérou Marine G5-143 licence will last until 2047
Oceania Kiribati The Kiribati National Olympic Committee Athletes Commission has reviewed its work plan for 2023 and completed a four-day assessment of its 2022 activities