Asia Sri Lanka Unprecedented visitors' arrivals have been registered in 2026, marking a strong recovery in numbers; However, the tourism boom has not translated into higher earnings, as shorter stays and lower spending per visitor have led to declining dollar revenues
Asia Cambodia Sides are trading blame over border violations under the current ceasefire; The Royal Thai Navy warned of action if Cambodia fails to remove structures along disputed areas; Cambodia counters that Thailand continues to intrude and escalate tensions
Europe Slovenia The wine regions of Brda in Slovenia and Collio in Italy have merged into a dispersed open-air museum showcasing natural-material sculptures by artists from both countries in the spirit of the first ever cross-border European Capital of Culture
Asia Oman Muscat Alzheimer's Forum recommended drafting a national Alzheimer's guide, devising science-based diagnostic protocols and establishing a specialised national centre for the treatment of Alzheimer's patients
Asia Malaysia Halal exports reached US$7 billion in the first half of 2025, making up 16,1% of Malaysia’s total exports; Main products include food and beverages, halal ingredients, and palm oil derivatives, with key markets in China, the US, and Indonesia
Europe Iceland The possibility of oil extraction in the Dreki area would bring significant benefits for Iceland whether oil is extracted or not, says Iceland Chamber of Commerce, encouraging treasury to tender concessions to explore
Asia Laos Female civil servants are now eligible for maternity leave ranging from 4 up to 6,5 months for mothers expecting twins; miscarriages earn one month of leave, with medical extensions as needed
Europe Romania In mountain towns bear encounters and attacks are increasing; officials argue on how to manage the rising bear population, and conservationists question whether easier shooting would solve the problem; around 4.000 bears are estimated to live in Romania
Africa Sierra Leone Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr has announced that a public consultation on the proposed plans to divide Freetown into two cities with two local councils will be held today at the Freetown City Council Auditorium, encouraging Freetonians to attend
America Saint Lucia The Saint Lucia Electricity Services Limited has begun the final, 10-days phase of its Meter Replacement Programme; it will upgrade the metering infrastructure and ensure continued compliance with the highest industry standards for quality and safety
Asia Kuwait French retailer Carrefour said it had ceased operations and all of its stores in Kuwait, the latest Gulf market in a growing list in which the company is ceasing operations; the announced was made on 16 September on Instagram, with no further details
Europe Norway The Sami Parliament Sametinget in Northern Norway won’t go through any major leadership changes: Norske Samers Riksforbund remained its biggest party after last week’s election and leader Silje Karine Muotka will remain Sami president
Africa Zimbabwe Believe Guta, an entrepreneur and litigation expert in Kadoma, has sent a potion to Parliament calling for mandatory DNA testing in maintenance case, saying paternity must be proven as defaulting fathers face jail if fail to support children
Europe Ireland Aer Lingus will fly from Dublin Airport to North Carolina from next April, bringing its total number of North American routes to 26, in its largest-ever transatlantic schedule in a bid to make Dublin a hub for connecting passengers