Europe Netherlands Some 500 artworks from Anglo-Dutch consumer products giant Unilever offices are being auctioned-off as renovations will cut wall space; prices vary from a couple of hundred euros to tens of thousands for Karel Appel, Dick Bruna or Anton Pieck
America Costa Rica A court in Costa Rica has blocked an increase in visitor quotas at Corcovado National Park, ruling the measure lacked scientific backing and violated environmental protections for one of the world's most biodiverse areas
Africa Tanzania First rules for Direct-to-Mobile D2M satellite services have been issued by Communications Regulatory Authority; the new framework allows satellite operators and mobile companies to work together for direct satellite-smartphones connectivity in Tanzania
Asia Indonesia 80th Independence Day was celebrated with nationwide festivities on 17 August; the grand ceremony in Jakarta, led by President Prabowo, with a historic flag parade, cultural performances and fireworks, marked the milestone with massive public celebration
Europe Slovakia A ban on all open fires, including the use of official firepits, the burning of bushes and trees, and smoking, is in effect in the forests of Bratislava this week and until further notice, due to high risk fires
America United States Over 6.000 international student visas have been revoked right before start of academic year because of overstay or violations of US law, the "vast majority" reportedly being assault, driving under the influence of drugs, burglary, "support for terrorism"
Asia Laos Mimee Phommaly, a 27-year-old woman with a degree in agriculture, is transforming in Luang Prabang farming: her Khamphet Farm cultivates over 25 types of fruit, actively challenging gender stereotypes in farming and empowering community by providing jobs
Europe Spain Latest speed control campaign by the General Directorate of Traffic DGT took place from on 4-10 August: at 2.793 checkpoints, with 1.021.303 vehicles transiting, 68.662 drivers (6.7%) were reported for traveling at a speed exceeding the limit
Asia United Arab Emirates Fly JetPets, a licensed private aviation travel service provider based in Dubai, is now offering a private and shared flight model for pets and their owners on global private jet routes, in response to a booming market projected to enlarge further
Asia Bhutan The King of Bhutan paid a historic first state visit to Vietnam, a milestone in the countries' relationship since diplomatic relations were established in 2012; The visit aims to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including trade and tourism
Asia Cambodia The restoration of a 27-meter-long enclosure at Ta Prohm Temple is complete: the six-month project, a collaboration between the Apsara National Authority and the Archaeological Survey of India, repaired damage caused by aging and plant roots
Europe Austria Airbnb has been providing data to the city of Graz, including the identity of the landlords, in response to growing opposition by many cities to short-term apartment rentals; Graz is demanding accommodation fees from landlords and will impose fines soon
Asia Saudi Arabia Saudi Regional Cloud Seeding Program aims to implement operations in six main regions: Riyadh, Qassim, Hail, Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir and gradually cover all regions following climate studies and rainfall distribution, according to an Al-Arabiya.net report
Asia Palestine People from Gaza, including young children with serious conditions, will be denied entry to the US, a key pathway for medical care: the US administration stopped approving visitor visas after a lobbying campaign called incoming flights a national threat