Asia Philippines A persistent infestation of soft scale insects continues to threaten Philippines’s sugar industry, damaging crops and reducing yields in key producing provinces; Authorities are expanding monitoring and pest-control measures to contain the outbreak
Oceania New Zealand An award-winning Auckland bakery has temporarily closed after receiving E-grade, the lowest possible food safety rating for a risk associated with its pest control
Asia India 49 organisations and collectives, 553 environmentalists and academics, citizens wrote a letter to Chief Justice demanding that the Supreme Court withdraw oral remarks that cast doubt on the right of communities to seek enforcement of environmental law
Africa Gabon Gabon returned to continental diplomacy after taking part in the African Union Coordination Meeting; The government said the renewed engagement marks the normalization of ties with African partners following its suspension after the 2023 coup
Europe Liechtenstein The weekend brings a wide offer of events across Liechtenstein: the official inauguration of the "Lindagarta" (nice garden) space in Schaan, the Tresner Village and Street Food Festival, the traditional Lederhosen festival in Schellenberg, with live music
Africa Libya The Tripoli Court of Appeal has acquitted several former officials from the Gaddafi-era government of charges linked to the suppression of protests during the 2011 uprising
Asia Jordan On the Kingdom’s 80th Independence Day, the Dead Sea "Corniche" was inaugurated; with several promenade and entertainment areas, it will enhance the offer for domestic tourism, serving citizens along Dead Sea coast with highest standards
Asia China Worst coal mine accident in over 15 years leaves at leas 90 dead; President Xi Jinping called for authorities to “spare no effort” in treating the injured and conducting search and rescue operations in Liushenyu, Qinyuan County, Shanxi Province
America Guyana 1600 persons have been invited to explain how they obtained their driver’s licences in latest traffic police action against illegal driving, as government work for the introduction of an automated exams
Oceania Solomon Islands Seaweed farming is emerging as a new source of income for coastal villagers in Ward 16, in Malaita Province; after initial skepticism, the recently introduced edible marine crop is proving increasingly promising
Europe France France has banned Israel’s National Security Minister Ben-Gvir from its territory after footage of him taunting abducted flotilla activists earlier this week triggered international criticism
America Jamaica A Kingston-bound flight was forced to return to Miami and several other international services were delayed or rescheduled in Jamaica for temporary airspace restrictions linked to SpaceX's Flight 12 launch from Starbase, Texas, US
Africa Mauritania Over 12.000 sheep were transported from Mauritania to Rao, in the bordering Saint-Louis region in Senegal, one of the key markets of the region
Asia Iran A senior Iranian cleric said women without proper hijab should not be excluded from wartime gatherings, while Nour News, affiliated with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, called for reason and moderation over ideological confrontation