Asia Japan Proof of proficiency in Japanese will be required to apply for a working visa for engineering, humanities or international services; policy will be revised tightening screening after workers entered Japan under a specialized job visa but do unskilled jobs
Asia Laos A sustainable tourism initiative has been launched in partnership with Thailand’s Packon Company; it aims to integrate smart technologies, enhance infrastructure, and develop eco-friendly attractions like electric tour buses and riverside walking streets
Africa Rwanda University of Rwanda’s School of Science and Technology will soon launching a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Science and Technology; university officials say it will support the country’s strategy to harness nuclear energy for socioeconomic transformation
Asia Afghanistan Hazara Culture Day was celebrated in Kabul; featuring women and girls it honored the rich heritage of the Hazara people, with handmade clothing and traditional Hazara foods, aiming to introduce Hazara culture to other ethnic groups in Afghanistan
Africa Lesotho The Lesotho Medical, Dental and Pharmacy Council (LMDPC) has launched a sweeping crackdown on illegal health facilities and unlicensed practitioners amid growing concerns over the proliferation of unregulated medical services in the country
Asia Cambodia The Khmer Rouge genocide was commemorated on 20 May with ceremonies at Choeung Ek, honoring 1,7 million victims; PM Hun Manet urged unity to prevent such regimes from returning, stressing remembrance as key to preserving peace and democracy
Europe Netherlands A 24 million euros cut to national parks budget is raising concerns about the future of nature education, volunteer programs and local economies; the plan end government funding for IVN Nature Education across 20 of the country’s 21 national parks
Oceania Samoa 50 families from Levi Saleimoa have been given three months to vacate land they have occupied in the past years after the Lands and Titles Court rejected a leave to appeal a previous decision; the case shows a growing trend in small pacific island nations
Asia Vietnam Vietnam signed with Russia a roadmap for nuclear cooperation until 2030: plans include a nuclear tech center in Dong Nai, fuel supply for Da Lat reactor and training programs; Talks also began on Vietnam’s first nuclear power plant using VVER-1200 tech
America Antigua and Barbuda The Antigua and Barbuda Horticultural Society has earned a Silver Medal at the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025, an outstanding achievement in their first-ever participation at the event
Asia Israel Israel’s plans to fully escalate the war in Gaza and block humanitarian aid to the population, already on the brink of famine, have drawn the sharpest opposition yet since the conflict began; UK, France and Canada issued a joint statement of condemnation
Asia Maldives Mariyam Zeeniya, the secretary-general of Maldives Broadcasting Commission (Broadcom), has been penalized with a three-day suspension for failure to cooperate in implementing the commission’s decisions
Africa Angola Angola has pledged US$8 million to the WHO Global Investment Round, backing a new model for financing global health; President Lourenço committed in his address to the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, where he also spoke as Chair of the African Union
Europe Russia After a two-hour phone call with US President Trump, President Putin revealed no breakthroughs and told reporters he would be ready to negotiate a peace deal with Ukraine, repeating his demand for broad concessions