Asia China “Bone ash apartments" will be illegal after new law prohibits use of residential properties to store ashes or bury remains outside dedicated areas; scarce space in cemeteries, low house prices made more affordable to entomb remains in an empty apartment
Asia Myanmar Ministry of Information signed a $3 million-per-year lobbying contract with Washington-based DCI Group; The deal comes amid the transition to a nominal civilian interim government, though military chief Min Aung Hlaing remains in powe
Europe Germany A central Berlin street with an unfortunate name referring to 'moros' has been renamed after Anton Wilhelm Amo, a Black German Enlightenment philosopher, who in 1734 became the first Africa-born scholar to receive a European doctorate
Asia Vietnam Plans have started for the evacuation of over half a million people and all boats are ordered to stay ashore as Vietnam braces for an intensifying Typhoon Kajiki
Europe Czech Republic Registration period for Czech expats wishing to vote by mail in the upcoming parliamentary elections has closed and first figures report over 24.000 people listed; it is the first time that citizens abroad can vote and it follows a reform passed in 2023
Asia Uzbekistan The Azerbaijani state oil company SOCAR has commenced developing an oil field in Uzbekistan and 'very promising' feedback is expected with one or two years, Uzbekistan announced in a trilateral meeting with Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan
Africa Tunisia Members and backers of Tunisia's largest trade union rallied in support of the organisation, which has faced mounting pressure from President Kais Saied; it was the largest demonstration recently held in the country, denouncing a rollback of freedoms
Africa South Sudan Residents of Juba are raising alarm after heavy rains left harvested rainwater appearing black in color, prompting health and environmental concerns as dark, almost charcoal-colored rainwater pooled in containers and drainage ditches across the city
Asia Afghanistan Youth in remote areas of Zabul area demand access to modern education as a key to their future; some teachers have started a few courses in English, with computers, and students are highly motivated; access to education in general remains a key issue
Africa Comoros Over 2.000 people were checked in five days as part of the identity and residence verification operation launched by the Ministry of the Interior: the result is 23 illegal immigrants, eight deportations, and 150 citizens ordered to obtain an identity card
America Haiti National Road 6, a key link to the Northeast and the border with Dominican Republic, one of Haiti’s most dangerous roads for its poor conditions, claimed other 3 this month; families highlight the need of investment on infrastructure and driving training
Africa Ivory Coast The Independent Electoral Commission is keeping its doors open with full service schedule over this weekend to favor the reception of candidacy files for the upcoming presidential election scheduled for 25 October
Europe Belgium Three Brussels athletes kitesurfed across the Channel reaching England in less than 5 hours and raising €12.500 for charity; while praising the initiative for its intention, Mobility Ministry stressed sailing without permit is illegal and dangerous
Asia Kyrgyzstan Mandatory tips, a 5-15% ever more often charged separately in restaurant, will be banned in Kyrgyzstan; the practice, authorities affirm, raises concerns in terms of tax regulation, consumer protection, and business transparency