America Panama Recent incidents of African bees stinging occurred during Good Friday at a Stations of the Cross procession in Penonomé, were at least 50 required medical attention and one person died; scientists are investigating their habits and why they attack
Asia North Korea Inter-Korean reunions hotel is being desmantled, despite South Korea's engagement push; the current work on ROK-owned tower at Mt. Kumgang resort appears to signal DPRK will maintain anti-South policies
Europe Moldova "First Home” program beneficiaries will pay a higher interest rate on their mortgage loans, up by 2,12%, starting today; Bank of Moldova last week kept the base rate at 6,5% per year to in a move to anticipate the expected rise in inflation
Asia Japan A record 21,5 million foreign visitors entered Japan in the first half of 2025 and travel demand appears to remain strong, if not constant, outside peak seasons
America Venezuela Former spy chief Hugo Carvajal has pleaded guilty in the US to narco-terrorism charges after helping Venezuelan military officials and Colombian rebels traffic cocaine, signaling a major shift that could implicate Venezuela’s current leadership
Oceania Palau The Pacific Mini Games Palau 2025 are bringing together athletes from 23 Pacific Island nations and territories, united in a celebration of sport and culture with activities happening across all venues until 9 July
Europe Sweden A begging ban at national level will not be implemented as it 'not needed', one of the reasons being the number of beggars is 'discrete'; the ban was proposed by Moderate Party and Sweden Democrats and decided upon after nine months of investigation
Africa Zimbabwe 25 years after the land reform program that seized land from white Zimbabwean farmers provoking international uprising and internal chaos, some of them have accepted a compensation deal that many think unfair while other social groups find it too generous
Europe Vatican City Commenting on the NATO members' approval of military expenditure to 5% of GDP, Pope Leo XIV lamented the rise of blunt power over the rules of international law and said the decision is 'unworthy and shameful for humanity and for the leaders of nations'
America Uruguay Mandatory sheltering has been enforced for homeless people after a polar front caused extreme cold and at least seven deaths, prompting authorities to urgently expand shelter availability across Uruguay
Asia Brunei With approximately 72% of its land currently under forest cover, Brunei committed to gazetting at least 55% of its land area as forest reserves in front of international authorities at the EU-Brunei Darussalam Partnership Facility, Berakas Forest Reserve
America Paraguay Electronic cigarettes are now regulated with rules mirroring those for traditional tobacco, after a new bill was approved that limits nicotine to 2%, restricts sales to adults, and imposes advertising controls
Asia Yemen Sites have been handed out by local authority in Sana'a province for a solar power system installation that will operate water wells; the land is now ready for the implementing party
Asia Tajikistan The "Youth Against Drug Addiction, Vagrancy and Hooliganism" public awareness campaign has been held across Tajikistan; about 500 youths took part in the seminars and schools for at-risk youth have been involved