Asia Japan Proof of proficiency in Japanese will be required to apply for a working visa for engineering, humanities or international services; policy will be revised tightening screening after workers entered Japan under a specialized job visa but do unskilled jobs
Asia Vietnam State budget revenue soared to over 1.572 trillion VND (60,4 billion USD) in the first seven months of 2025, hitting 79,9% of the annual target, +27,4% year-on-year, the Ministry of Finance reported; of 34 provinces, 24 exceeded their targets
Oceania Vanuatu 80% of Ni-Vanuatu are farmers, and PM Jotham Napat acknowledged the work of these men and women, the backbone of the nation, during Vanuatu’s 45th Independence Anniversary celebrations
Europe Netherlands Rail company NS will set up a campsite at Utrecht Central Station proving 'all the necessities' for 20 first-year university students who couldn't find accommodation for Utrecht’s Introduction Time, the orientation period set for 11 to 14 August
Africa Cameroon A report by CRTV, Cameroon’s national broadcaster, shed light on a growing trend of human bone trafficking in the North West: alarming practice reportedly involves exhuming of corpses, often by young people hit by crisis, drug abuse and lure of fast money
Asia Oman The trial operation for Al Bashayer Vet Hospital in the Wilayat of Adam, Al Dakhiliyah, will start next week: the first Oman hospital specialised for livestock, offers advanced diagnosis, treatment and surgery to enhance the veterinary care system
America Bahamas One week into crawfish season, the legal harvesting period for spiny lobster running from 1 August to 31 March, has yielded poor returns, probably due to widespread poaching on southern banks, frequently reported
Africa Nigeria Three Nigerian students have become champions at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Round competition in London; Nafisa Aminu is overall best in English Language, Rukayya Fema best in debate, and Hadiza Kalli clinched the outstanding talent award and a gold medal
Europe Montenegro Athlete Evald Krnić has once again claimed victory at the traditional “Bentbaša Cliff Diving” competition in Sarajevo, BiH, winning the title for the third consecutive year; the 11th edition of the event took place at Bentbaša beach on the River Miljacka
Asia Bahrain 500 road surveillance cameras will be installed in the Kingdom to support enforcing of traffic laws, foster drivers' discipline and ultimately improve road safety
America United States Columbia University’s unprecedented $200 million agreement with Trump’s administration put and end to months-long tug-of-war; academics warn it may be the start of broad-ranging concessions and of increased government oversight on higher education
Asia Iran 'Illegitimate' geopolitical changes in South Caucasus will face Iran’s firm response, reportedly said senior advisor to the Supreme Leader on international affairs speaking of renewed Azeri narrative of extraterritorial project called Zangezur Corridor
Europe Bosnia and Herzegovina The mandate of Milorad Dodik, President of Republika Srpska, was revoked in a final verdict by the Central Election Commission; Dodik stated that a referendum will be called in the RS in which the people will decide on further actions
Europe San Marino Immigration authorities have once again confirmed that there are no border formalities to enter San Marino, open to all those bearing a valid visa for Italy, its only border; tourist visas can be obtained at the tourism office at a cost of 5 Euros