Europe Malta The heating debate on overtourism must not become an argument against tourists or the tourism industry, Prime Minister Abela warned, or the sector would risk "a mortal blow"
Asia India After the country liberalised drone regulations last year, operators have been testing the delivery of medical supplies by air: the solution could change healthcare in remote regions of the country
Asia Malaysia Trade unions welcomed the increase in the minimum wage to RM1.500 (US$345) from yesterday May 1, while some businesses expressed concerns that this will impact the country's post-pandemic economic recovery
Asia Indonesia The country's decision to suspend palm oil exports in the face of domestic shortages has pushed vegetable oil prices to new highs, further tightening a market already strained by war in Ukraine and global warming
Asia Philippines The country has decided to block all domestic screenings of the Hollywood movie "Uncharted" over a scene showing a disputed map of the South China Sea
Asia Singapore After the country announced last month the legalisation for single women to freeze their eggs for non-medical reasons, some say the caveats still required for the procedure show that the policy cannot be considered truly inclusive
Asia Myanmar Aided by an armed underground network of Facebook and Telegram accounts, such as the 'People's Embrace' Facebook page, a number of soldiers is deserting the military
Europe Sweden The Left Party leader has called for a referendum on the country's likely NATO candidacy; the Left Party is against it and believes that military non-alignment is the best basis for an independent foreign policy for peace and disarmament
Europe United Kingdom The UK government has decided not to impose customs controls on EU imports until the end of 2023, stating that the effect of the Ukraine war on supply chains and rising energy costs was a factor in the decision to delay
Europe Spain CitizenLab reported that 63 politicians and civil society members linked to Catalan independence movement were spied via the Pegasus software; Catalan president announced a suspension of all cooperation with Spanish government until Madrid clarifies
Oceania Australia Researchers from the University of Newcastle in New South Wales have proposed to preserve koala sperm to save the species from extinction by ensuring genetic diversity
Europe Serbia After a meeting with Stellantis CEO, President Vucić said the FIAT Chrysler car factory in the capital will be modified to start producing electric cars in early 2024 with an investment of €190 million with the government securing €48 million of the total
Asia Lebanon The government has instructed the military to investigate the deadly sinking of a boat of Libanese migrants last weekend; survivors' claims that the navy was responsible have unleashed rage across the country
Africa Democratic Republic of the Congo Apple, Tesla and Intel are the main global industrial groups accused by the latest report of Global Witness to use for their products minerals and rare earths from the country, extracted irresponsibly, often by child labor, in very risky conditions