Asia Pakistan A $500 million Memorandum of Understanding was signed with U.S. Strategic Metals USSM, targeting development and processing of critical minerals like copper, rare earths, gold, tungsten, and antimony
America Panama Imitation cheese products are available, particularly shredded mozzarella and Parmesan alternatives, cheaper than actual cheeses and with less nutritive value; President Mulino underlines the need of clear, explicit labels to protect consumers
America Jamaica Three rail carts transporting bauxite to the port derailed in the Bog Walk Gorge; the National Environment & Planning Agency confirmed that the accident resulted in minimal environmental impact although one cart partially entered the river
Africa Central African Republic Officials report that Russia has called on the CAR to replace the private Wagner mercenary group with Moscow’s state-run Africa Corps, requesting payment for security services; government sees Wagner as more effective and prefers to pay with minerals
Africa Kenya Interior Cabinet Secretary accused the BBC of basing parts of its Mai Mahiu child sex trafficking documentary on inaccurate accounts; women featured falsified their ages to fit the narrative and access sponsorship program allegedly dangled by the BBC crew
Asia Tajikistan 1.647 people crossed from Tajikistan to Afghanistan through the Panji Poen–Sherkhon Bandar border from July 17 to August 10: 671 returned voluntarily to visit their relatives, while 976 people were forcibly deported according to According to the IOM
Africa Burkina Faso Four journalists were released from forced enlistment into the army and reunited with their families; the International Federation of Journalists, working on their release since abduction, welcomed the initiative reminding the public value of a free press
Africa Burundi COMEBU, acronym that stands for Burundi Mining Exchange, will now hold exclusive rights to market extracted minerals in areas where landowners have been compensated: operators in Kabarore must now sell to Comptoires only
Africa Mali Dozens of soldiers have been arrested over suspects of plotting to overthrow the junta, which in its turn came to power in Mali in a coup; a Malian security force reports of 'arrests linked to an attempt to destabilise the institutions' in recent days
Europe Ukraine Concerns mount in Ukraine, with fears that the country could be 'sold out', as US President Trump and Russian Putin prepare to meet face-to-face in Alaska for talks that could shape its future
America Trinidad and Tobago Licensing Authority Driver’s Rehabilitation Programme has been launched to assist disqualified drivers in regaining their driving status and encourage safer road use; legislation requires a cost-free rehabilitation program as a condition for reinstatement
Oceania Kiribati Dengue cases have increased significantly across the Pacific this year, with Kiribati seeing an outbreak peak
Africa Madagascar The cable car line connecting Anosy to Ambatobe will be open to the public from 16 August; the initial adaptation phase aims to familiarize users with this new mode of urban transport, offering lifts 7-9 am e 4-6 pm
Asia Thailand Mother’s Day and Queen Mother’s Birthday was celebrated on 12 August, a national holiday dedicated to the Queen Mother, Sirikit, and all mothers across Thailand; a deeply symbolic day, it blends royal tribute, Buddhist traditions and festivities