Asia Sri Lanka Unprecedented visitors' arrivals have been registered in 2026, marking a strong recovery in numbers; However, the tourism boom has not translated into higher earnings, as shorter stays and lower spending per visitor have led to declining dollar revenues
America Jamaica A Kingston-bound flight was forced to return to Miami and several other international services were delayed or rescheduled in Jamaica for temporary airspace restrictions linked to SpaceX's Flight 12 launch from Starbase, Texas, US
Europe France France has banned Israel’s National Security Minister Ben-Gvir from its territory after footage of him taunting abducted flotilla activists earlier this week triggered international criticism
Europe Slovakia Water restrictions were introduced in Ruskov, Ďurkov, Svinica: residents should use drinking water for essentials like cooking, hygiene, laundry while water use for pools, gardens, washing cars is banned; despite rainfall forecast, restrictions remain
Africa Guinea-Bissau The Bijagós archipelago is the third largest location in the world for green turtles Chelonia mydas hatching, and the most important in Africa; data are reported in new book coordinated by Portuguese biologist Paulo Catry freely accessible on the internet
Oceania Samoa Lakapi Samoa chairman Namulauulu Sami Leota has rejected the creation of a second rugby union in Samoa and called on opposing rugby factions to work together, warning that division could damage Samoa’s standing with World Rugby
America Saint Vincent and the Grenadines On 17 May, International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia IDAHOBIT, Equal Rights, Access and Opportunities SVG Inc. ERAO SVG, launched National Call for Reparations for LGBT Vincentians
Europe Portugal Electronic ‘ankle bracelets’ for perpetrators of crimes related to domestic violence have risen by 222% in 10 years: today almost 2.000 people wear the device
Europe Serbia Extensive injuries sustained in a police crackdown on anti-government protesters in Valjevo in August 2025 show the use of force was often ‘punitive’, not an immediate response to danger, according to a report compiled by forensic medicine experts
Africa eSwatini Gospel star Nothando Hlophe with her ‘Methodist Medley’ has achieved the digital milestone of fifteen million views on YouTube; the success of the track from album ‘A New Dawn’ confirms the important role of worship music across Africa
America Bolivia Main public hospitals in La Paz are rationing oxygen and medical supplies and began postponing surgeries due to the impact of 16 days of road blockades: the care of hundreds of patients is at risk, according to warnings from directors of medical centers
Asia Iraq Foreign Minister and Turkish Ambassador to Iraq discussed the activation of an oil pipeline from Kirkuk to the Turkish port of Ceyhan stressing that enhancing cooperation on oil exports serves the interests of both countries
Africa Djibouti The educational reform workshop organized by the Ministry focused on integrating the General History of Africa into the secondary school curriculum; the UNESCO-supported initiative fits in the frame 'rethink educational content based on African reality'
America Ecuador Water level in the Mazar reservoir reached 2.151,28 meters a.s.l., 1,72 m below full capacity, at over 61% of its energy potential; Mazar is crucial in regulating Ecuador's electricity system and for the operation of Paute Integral Hydroelectric Complex