Asia Sri Lanka Unprecedented visitors' arrivals have been registered in 2026, marking a strong recovery in numbers; However, the tourism boom has not translated into higher earnings, as shorter stays and lower spending per visitor have led to declining dollar revenues
Oceania Palau As demand for better internet coverage grows in Palau, Starlink remains blocked: authorities seek to protect millions of dollars in national investment for internet connectivity, and avoid a financial burden that would fall on taxpayers
Africa Somalia A tree-planting campaign has been launched in urban centers and drought-affected rural areas, distributing seedlings and mobilizing communities and institutions to restore degraded land and counter deforestation
Asia Oman Beekepers in Oman are preparing for Al Baram season, the crucial time of year when Acacia tortilis and Acacia ehrenbergiana begin to bloom and their blossoms, the 'Baram', give distinctive, refined taste to honey
Africa Cameroon Welcomed by MPs to the rhythm of traditional drums and the cheers of thousands of faithful, Pope Leo XIV made a lasting impression on his journey to the Palace of Unity as, breaking with protocol, he reached out to the crowd to touch people's hands
Europe Montenegro Overcrowding at Montenegro’s main psychiatric hospital is under public scrutiny, as some patients are forced to sleep on mattresses on the floor, children are treated alongside adults, and forensic patients are confined far longer than necessary
Asia Malaysia A Syariah-based diyat compensation system for drink-driving cases is being proposed to complement existing laws with a restorative justice approach; it would allow victims’ families to receive financial restitution alongside criminal penalties
Europe Netherlands Regular inspection of technical installations to help prevent barn fires will be introduced as 'mandatory' probably starting this autumn, or as soon as feasibility research is completed and ongoing pilot project proven functional
Africa South Sudan South Sudanese pound is ranked among weakest currencies in Africa in 2025, according to 2026 Africa Economic Update, depreciating by about 15% against the U.S. dollar by the end of last December
Africa Liberia Additional Liberian dollar banknotes could be printed to buy gold from local miners and build up national reserves; some experts say the proposal of the Central Bank of Liberia to store gold at home is reasonable, but doubt about printing more currency
Asia North Korea Runways at Wonsan beach resort as well as Sinuiju and Samjiyonon on the border with China are being updated, according to satellite images; new angled taxiways will allow large planes to exit faster and suggest a planned commercial expansion
Africa Djibouti President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh was reelected for a sixth term after official results showed him winning 97.01% of the vote in the election held on 10 April
Europe Spain Spanish cinema will make history at this year’s Cannes Film Festival with three films competing for the Palme d’Or for the first time since the prize was created in 1955, confirming Spain's growing influence on the global stage
Asia Laos First aquarium in laos is being planned in Vientiane, featuring freshwater species from the Mekong and regional rivers; The facility will include educational exhibits, conservation programs and research spaces