Asia Israel Tel Aviv Stock Exchange’s benchmark TA-125 index gained 1,7% as shares rose to new record highs at the end of trading day yesterday following an Israeli airstrike that targeted top Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar; index has marked over +32% so far this year
Asia Sri Lanka Elephant deaths have drawn widespread attention; they are being killed with the intention of removing their tusks; department of Wildlife Conservation has confirmed that as of mid-July 219 elephant non-natural deaths have been recorded
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
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
Europe Slovenia Churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary are welcoming pilgrims to awe at flower-bedecked altars and processions bearing statues for the Assumption, one of the nation's most beloved religious holidays and inspiration for folk traditions in Slovenia
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
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
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
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
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
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
Africa Seychelles Eleven potential candidates for the upcoming presidential elections set for September 2025 have made the security deposit required prior to nomination day 19 August
Asia Brunei Authorities are running a monthly enforcement drive to protect consumers by ensuring fair pricing and accuracy of weighing equipment used for trade; in recent days four offences under the Price Control Act and the Weights and Measures Act were reported
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