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 Botswana To revive the Botswana Railways passenger train services an Expression of Interest process has been launched, for which three private sector partners have been shortlisted; a concept paper is being developed to select operational model this financial year
America Canada Teen Victoria Mboko concluded her fairytale run in the National Bank Open in an unforgettable night for Canadian tennis by beating four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 in the singles final to earn the first WTA title of her young career
Asia United Arab Emirates UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in Moscow on an official visit yesterday; A military aircraft saluted and escorted His plane upon entering Russian airspace, an official ceremony with guard of honour welcomed him at Vnukovo Airport
Oceania Samoa The Samoa Law Society is calling for electoral rights to be upheld to ensure a free and fair election; in view of upcoming Samoa’s general election on 29 August it reminded that “Universal voting rights are the cornerstone of a democratic country"
America Barbados A new, fully cashless fare system with real-time bus tracking will be launched in September, in time for the new school year; Barbados will thus become the first Caribbean nation with smart card payment across its public transport network
Europe Austria Stephanie Venier, 31, announced the end of her skiing career; world champion with gold in the Super-G and bronze in the team combination, Venier caused a sensation last winter in Saalbach-Hinterglemm but has recently suffered a lack of motivation
Europe Latvia 13.481 people graduated from Latvia's higher education institutions, 4% less than 2023, according to latest Education and Science Ministry report; over 6.000 students was at bachelor-level, 3.000 completed college, almost 4.000 obtained master degrees
Europe Netherlands Rail company NS will set up a campsite at Utrecht Central Station proving 'all the necessities' for 20 first-year university students who couldn't find accommodation for Utrecht’s Introduction Time, the orientation period set for 11 to 14 August
Oceania Vanuatu 80% of Ni-Vanuatu are farmers, and PM Jotham Napat acknowledged the work of these men and women, the backbone of the nation, during Vanuatu’s 45th Independence Anniversary celebrations
Europe San Marino Immigration authorities have once again confirmed that there are no border formalities to enter San Marino, open to all those bearing a valid visa for Italy, its only border; tourist visas can be obtained at the tourism office at a cost of 5 Euros
Europe Bosnia and Herzegovina The mandate of Milorad Dodik, President of Republika Srpska, was revoked in a final verdict by the Central Election Commission; Dodik stated that a referendum will be called in the RS in which the people will decide on further actions
Asia Iran 'Illegitimate' geopolitical changes in South Caucasus will face Iran’s firm response, reportedly said senior advisor to the Supreme Leader on international affairs speaking of renewed Azeri narrative of extraterritorial project called Zangezur Corridor
Europe Montenegro Athlete Evald Krnić has once again claimed victory at the traditional “Bentbaša Cliff Diving” competition in Sarajevo, BiH, winning the title for the third consecutive year; the 11th edition of the event took place at Bentbaša beach on the River Miljacka