Asia Oman Premarital medical screening will now be mandatory for couples to promote early detection of hereditary blood disorders and infectious diseases and providing couples with appropriate medical counselling before marriage
America Ecuador Several illegal mining camps in the Andean province of Imbabura have been destroyed; military operations in the area have intensified following deadly attacks by armed groups linked to ex-FARC dissidents and local gangs
Africa Mozambique As the N1 in Inhambane province was blocked by heavy rainfall and more such incidents can be expected during the current rainy season, the country once again realizes it is too dependent on its north-south highway, also key for imports from South Africa
Africa Algeria One million sheep will be imported for Eid al-Adha celebrations upon President's decision to support the national livestock market; the minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries will immediately take the necessary actions
Europe Bosnia and Herzegovina Despite the January 9 celebrations being ruled unconstitutional, the Bosnian Serb entity, Republika Srpska, again marked the day with a mass parade in Banja Luka
Europe Moldova Moldova has been selected to host its first European Digital Innovation Hub, a major step in the digital transformation of local businesses; under the initiative a total of 2 million euros will be invested to support the digitalization of enterprises
Europe Kosovo An investigation into large-scale fraud at the Kosovo Insurance Bureau has resulted in the arrest of 39 people, including two former officials, over allegedly manipulated traffic accident compensation claims
Asia Taiwan Thunder Tiger, a major Taiwan’s manufacturer of radio-controlled aircraft and drones, has expanded into unmanned surface vessels and is seeking both domestic and overseas defense contracts
Asia Thailand Photographers at Wat Arun in Bangkok will attend manners and ethics training, following reports of aggressive tactics, overcharging and pressuring on tourists; The measure aims to curb informal vendors, improve safety and protect the temple’s reputation
Africa Mali Redefining environmental decentralization, Malian government adopted two decrees transferring new powers to local authorities in the areas of sanitation, pollution control, and forest and wildlife resource management
Europe Spain Spain consistently ranks as the world's second-most visited country after France and surpassed Italy in terms of tourism value; strategic investments and broader economic strength have elevated the sector to a higher financial and quantitative level
Europe Poland Greater support to national female athletes after childbirth or miscarriage is now provided by newly approved bill that also includes measures to guarantee to sports referees the same level of protection as public officials
Asia Philippines The Traslación, Manila’s annual mass procession of the Black Nazarene drawing millions of bare footed devotees, was held amid public outrage over alleged corruption in its management and misuse of funding, while authorities tightened security
America Barbados The rise in farm theft during Christmas period, especially of yams and sweet potatoes; one of leading Barbadian producers is considering scaling back crop production after thieves stole up to 15.000 pounds of yams from his St John fields in recent weeks