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
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
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
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
America Belize The first case of New World screwworm in humans has been confirmed in Belize; though rare, it is a possible consequence of the spreading of screwworm infections affecting cattle since November 2024
Africa Botswana The possibility of Botswana buying a bigger stake in De Beers mining company is being discussed: it would fulfil the country’s dream of controlling the diamond industry from mine to market and the company’s valuation could be at its cheapest ever
America Argentina A bill that seeks to change Argentina’s time zone during the winter so that the sun rises earlier, with the aim of saving energy, has been passed in the Chamber of Deputies with 151 votes in favour, 66 against, 8 abstentions; it now goes to the Senate
Africa Algeria National Mujaheed Day has been celebrated in the country, commemorating the marking the 70th anniversary of the North Constantine Offensive, a key revolution fight, and the 69th Soummam Congress, the first effort of giving Algeria a new, structured asset
Africa Senegal Four bales of Indian hemp, a total 243kg have been seized on a canoe, concealed under fishing nets, in an overnight operation off the Thiaroye-sur-Mer quay; intelligence information had alerted of a possible waterway delivery from a neighboring country
Europe Serbia Unrest escalated across Serbia, with ruling party supporters clashing violently with student-led protesters and trying to attack journalists, while in Valjevo demonstrators set fire to a ruling Progressive Party office and attacked City Hall
Africa Sudan The Sudan Liberation Movement, a Darfur rebel group that has remained neutral in Sudan’s civil war, proposed a roadmap to end the conflict; leader Abdul Wahid al-Nur called for an immediate ceasefire and the formation of an interim civilian government
Africa Mauritius Local potato harvest is underway and from 25 August through December, sales will be limited to the National Wholesale Market, while imports will have to go exclusively through the Agricultural Marketing Board AMB in Moka
Europe Ireland Over 65.000 students received their high school final results; Leaving Cert 2025 highest grade, H1 with a maximum of 625 points, has been achieved by 2,6% less students in what looks to be the first year of normality after post-pandemic adjusted figures