Europe United Kingdom The Labour Government is set to close down migrant hotels, moving residents to former military barracks; the new policy follows recent criticism on PM Starmer's immigration policies after new official figures showed asylum claims hitting a record high
Africa Seychelles 42.620 licensed vehicles, a record high reported in latest available data, is bringing road traffic to its limits, with daily congestions in the islands' road network
America Argentina The Perito Moreno glacier, once considered uniquely stable, begin a rapid and likely irreversible retreat due to reduced snowfall and warmer summers, according to a new scientific study
Africa Namibia From tomorrow 18 August Windhoek will phase out cash and outdated cards used for its bus service; passengers have been able to verify and transfer balances from their old smartcards to the new cashless system until yesterday
Europe Vatican City The Holy See’s Permanent Observer to the Organization of American States reaffirmed its closeness to all indigenous peoples, especially indigenous women, speaking at a commemoration of International Day and 8th Inter-American Week of Indigenous Peoples
America Brazil A US$5,6 billion aid package for exporters affected by trade disruptions has been announced: it includes credit lines, direct aid, tax reliefs, and government purchases to stabilize the sector
Africa Togo Africa’s second-leading exporter of organic products to the EU, is urging stakeholders, especially those working with soya, pineapple, other key crops, to enhance practices and meet new certification standards set by EU and US Department of Agriculture
America Dominican Republic Two artworks at the Via Sacra, a historic and religious heritage site located in the Basilica La Altagracia in Higüey, have been vandalized; built by Mitur with private sector contributions, it was inaugurated in 2024 as cultural and spiritual attraction
Africa Mauritania A four-day awareness caravan was organized in Aleg on the role of women’s mediation in resolving social disputes; specialized presentations will be offered on communication and advocacy, as well as how to promote and protect the rights of women and girls
Asia North Korea A Chinese website dedicated to DPRK investment opportunities published a list of NK export products with items like textiles, machinery and cars that violate UN sanctions but it’s unclear if shipments have actually occurred
Europe Liechtenstein On August 15 Liechtenstein celebrated its national holiday with fireworks and a large folk festival in Vaduz's town center; the UNICEF booth in the children's and youth zone attracted numerous visitors
Africa Ghana The Bolgatanga Technical Institute has been closed down following a violent students protest that left some injured and several school properties burnt, including the library; the unrest was triggered by the suspension of six students for misconduct
Africa Cameroon Google will update its Gambling and Games Policy on 19 August to allow online gambling ads in Cameroon, albeit under strict conditions: advertisers must be licensed and registered with the Agence de Régulation des Jeux, the official gambling authority
Europe Montenegro Wildfires have been plaguing Montenegro, with authorities updating the situation hour by hour as flames menace houses and underground fires make the situation even more dangerous; the arrival of a firefighting plane from the UAE is awaited