Oceania Fiji Kava sector exports are estimated at over $190 million, from $4 in 2008 at the start of the Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access PHAMA Program that radically transformed the crop from subsistence to Fiji's most valuable agricultural export
Europe Czech Republic Thousands in Prague turned out to support President Pavel against radicals in the government who allegedly attempted at blackmail; the civic association Million Moments for Democracy organized the rally
America Antigua and Barbuda A fire alarms probably triggered by dust, not fumes, has exposed St John’s emergency response shortcomings: pumper truck navigating impossibly congested streets, sitting trapped in gridlock despite blaring sirens
Africa eSwatini Ubombo Sugar Ltd has completing its first-ever drone planting trial: sunhemp, a green manuring crop, has been spread across 113 hectares of autumn replant fields; the innovation improves efficiency and soil health, a step towards sustainable agriculture
Europe Malta An episode of gang-assault on the son of an MP has exposed a pattern of recurrent reports of similar gang activity and attacks on children, particularly during weekends, in family-friendly neighborhoods
Africa Libya The Libyan Council of Elders for Reconciliation is ready to launch an inclusive national dialogue initiative being open to communication with all local and international parties and saying national reconciliation is a sovereign choice with no alternative
Asia Kuwait The Kuwaiti flag is flying high on Sahafa Street to celebrate 65 years since the founding of Kuwait Times, the country's first print newspaper, and 20 since the launch of the digital Kuwait News; they stem from a deep sense of national responsibility
Asia Japan A Pokemon card game event planned at a shrine to Japan's war dead was canceled and Pokemon Company apologized following a backlash from China, with escalating tensions: Yasukuni Shrine honors Japan's 2,5 million war dead, including convicted war criminals
Oceania Marshall Islands Majuro Atoll Waste Company launched a recycling facility at Batkan landfill, handling over 10 million cans and plastic or glass bottles every year with multi-million dollar revenues; for a new recycling and export pilot project it seeks community support
Africa Guinea Modernization of road traffic management and control systems is progressing rapidly; to enhance road safety the Guinean Road Safety Agency (AGUISER) launched a special alcohol control operation on the night of Friday on strategic roads in the capital
Asia Thailand Risks in ballot transport, counting and certification are a post-vote test for elections: past annulments and court interventions fuel concern among analysts and civil groups; Polls show pro-Thaksin Pheu Thai Party leading, opposition still competitive
Asia Iran EU armies have been designated as ‘terrorist groups’ by Iran's authorities, in retaliatory move following a EU decision to label the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a ‘terrorist organisation’
Europe Moldova The first National Artificial Intelligence Olympiad ONIA has been announced; organized by the National Association of ICT Companies, it aims to develop students skills in creating ICT projects and in building complex Artificial Intelligence models
America Jamaica Pouring rain, usually an invitation for carefree play, now sends pupils in western Jamaica into panic mode, one of the consequences of what they lived through during the passage of hurricane Melissa; therapists and counsellors are addressing the problem