America Canada Canada Strong Fund, the first ever national sovereign wealth fund will be launched with an initial endowment of $25-billion (€15,5 billion); PM says the investment will ensure all Canadians reap the rewards of government support for major new projects
Africa Gabon The ban on single-use plastic bags has come into force in supermarkets in the municipalities of Akanda, Libreville and Owendo, press reports; the measure comes after a four-month awareness campaign launched on June 23
Africa Sao Tome and Principe Bela Vista community in the Autonomous Region of Príncipe is expressing growing concern about the quality of daily water, supplied from an open-air reservoir with no protective structures, which residents say poses a serious health risk
Africa Guinea-Bissau The International Federation of Journalists has condemned the "increase in attacks, threats and intimidation" against journalists and independent media outlets in Guinea-Bissau as the November elections approach
Oceania Vanuatu 250 chainsaws of those acquired with recovery funds were reportedly handed out in front of schools without following the proper government procedures, raising concerns about the possible political misuse of government property
Asia Singapore The Association of Banks Singapore and major lenders are developing new guidelines to protect elderly clients from financial abuse by family members; Frontline staff will be trained to spot warning signs and offer appropriate support
Europe Ukraine 48 Ukrainian children in Donetsk have reportedly been forced into psychiatric treatment for alleged “extremism,” echoing Soviet-era abuse of psychiatry to silence dissent
Africa Uganda The Electoral Commission met to harmonize the campaign events of the 8 candidates or the upcoming elections scheduled from 12 January to 9 February 2026; campaign rallies will start today
Europe Spain Los domingos ('Sundays') by filmmaker Alauda Ruiz de Azúa won Golden Shell for Best Film at the San Sebastián Film Festival (19-27 September); the Voice of Hind Rajab claimed the festival’s Audience Award
Africa Senegal For the second quarter of the year 2025, the unemployment rate decreased by 2,6% compared to the same period in 2024
Asia Philippines Sixteen roads remain impassable and nearly 7.000 passengers stranded as typhoons Mirasol, Nando and Opong plus monsoon rains battered the country; Coast Guard is clearing ports and rescuing crews, while churches in Bicol launched fundraisings for Masbate
Asia Thailand 1.520 public buses will be converted into electric vehicles under a 7-year leasing scheme, aimed at reducing emissions and modernizing public transit, Minister of Transport announced
Africa Ghana Deputy General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress, Mustapha Gbande, has warned party members against using social media to address internal issues; he suggested members respect the party’s structures avoiding pronouncements online
Africa Mauritania First Lady Dr. Mariem Mohamed Fadel Dah, participated at the workshop to validate the action plan of Women in Mining Africa 2025–2030; in her speech emphasized the importance of women in the mining sector, focusing on added value, leadership, empowerment