Asia Sri Lanka An “Ehi Passiko” peace walk began in Dambulla, bringing together Buddhist monks and participants to promote peace and mindfulness; “Ehi Passiko,” meaning “come and see,” reflects a core Buddhist principle encouraging understanding through experience
Asia Cambodia The first rubber collection contest was held in Tbong Khmum province; showcasing the skills of the nation’s rubber tappers, participants competed to extract the most latex while maintaining quality
Africa Togo New measures to improve the safe transport and use of radioactive materials have been announced
Europe Moldova A 60-day state of emergency began last week over the prospect of a halt to gas supplies to the Cuciurgan power plant, which is located in Transnistria and supplies the rest of Moldova with some 80% of its electricity
Europe Sweden Swedish environmental technology company Chromafora has received a European Investment Bank loan of €22,5 million to advance technology to remove 'chemicals forever' from water
Europe Germany The Bundestag has approved an amendment to the Basic Law to protect the Federal Constitutional Court; key provisions regarding the structure and functioning of Germany’s supreme court have now been incorporated in the constitution
Africa Zimbabwe The devastating drought caused by the El Niño phenomenon has left 7,6 million people food insecure; in the district of Chivi, Masvingo province, the inhabitants are now dependent on food aid distributed by the government and WFP
Africa Rwanda The outbreak of Marburg virus disease has been declared over by the Rwandan government, with no new cases reported in the last 42 days, after the last patient tested negative for the virus twice
Europe Italy The Vasari corridor, a narrow 760m-long passageway on the Arno River in Florence is now open to the public; commissioned in 1565 and completed in just five months, it connects the Uffizi Galleries with the Pitti Palace and the Boboli garden
Europe Kosovo Latest report “Challenges of Terrorism Prevention Mechanisms in Kosovo” says limited progress was made in implementing counter-terrorism strategy, which relies on prevention, coordination between stakeholders, early identification of vulnerable people
Asia Cyprus The Cyprus Agricultural Payments Organisation has disbursed over €2 billion in subsidies since Cyprus joined the EU, reached through the efficient distribution of hectare subsidies and efforts to modernise agricultural practices
Europe Vatican City New webpage "Work with Us", job applications for laypeople who wish to apply for vacancies at the Holy See, has been launched by the Secretariat for the Economy; appropriate competence, motivation, and an ethical sense are required for all positions
Asia Lebanon A second aid ship carrying 3.000 tonnes of relief materials was sent to Lebanon by the United Arab Emirates; supplies include food, winter clothing and specific items for children and women
Asia Laos A national seed policy to ensure quality seed production, improve yields, and enhance food security is being implemented; by integrating digital tools, the initiative also supports sustainable farming and competitiveness in global markets