Africa South Africa The sale of unregulated medicines is increasing in South Africa, where fake and substandard medicines are distributed through informal channels, informal outlets, online platforms, and cross-border smuggling, with people often buying unaware of fakes
America Guyana With a Memorandum of Understanding signed with World Bank’s International Development Association IDA, Guyana has formally welcomed the Institution as a partner in the Global Biodiversity Alliance, strengthening its global reach
Africa Cameroon Welcomed by MPs to the rhythm of traditional drums and the cheers of thousands of faithful, Pope Leo XIV made a lasting impression on his journey to the Palace of Unity as, breaking with protocol, he reached out to the crowd to touch people's hands
Oceania Palau As demand for better internet coverage grows in Palau, Starlink remains blocked: authorities seek to protect millions of dollars in national investment for internet connectivity, and avoid a financial burden that would fall on taxpayers
Asia Oman Beekepers in Oman are preparing for Al Baram season, the crucial time of year when Acacia tortilis and Acacia ehrenbergiana begin to bloom and their blossoms, the 'Baram', give distinctive, refined taste to honey
Europe North Macedonia A wave of new drug seizures cast further doubt over North Macedonia’s ability to keep its medicinal cannabis industry in check
Asia North Korea Runways at Wonsan beach resort as well as Sinuiju and Samjiyonon on the border with China are being updated, according to satellite images; new angled taxiways will allow large planes to exit faster and suggest a planned commercial expansion
Asia Laos First aquarium in laos is being planned in Vientiane, featuring freshwater species from the Mekong and regional rivers; The facility will include educational exhibits, conservation programs and research spaces
Africa Liberia Additional Liberian dollar banknotes could be printed to buy gold from local miners and build up national reserves; some experts say the proposal of the Central Bank of Liberia to store gold at home is reasonable, but doubt about printing more currency
Europe Spain Spanish cinema will make history at this year’s Cannes Film Festival with three films competing for the Palme d’Or for the first time since the prize was created in 1955, confirming Spain's growing influence on the global stage
Europe Netherlands Regular inspection of technical installations to help prevent barn fires will be introduced as 'mandatory' probably starting this autumn, or as soon as feasibility research is completed and ongoing pilot project proven functional
Europe Montenegro Overcrowding at Montenegro’s main psychiatric hospital is under public scrutiny, as some patients are forced to sleep on mattresses on the floor, children are treated alongside adults, and forensic patients are confined far longer than necessary
Africa Djibouti President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh was reelected for a sixth term after official results showed him winning 97.01% of the vote in the election held on 10 April
Asia Malaysia A Syariah-based diyat compensation system for drink-driving cases is being proposed to complement existing laws with a restorative justice approach; it would allow victims’ families to receive financial restitution alongside criminal penalties