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
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
Africa Namibia Procurement process for a contractor to redevelop Independence Stadium in Windhoek is expected to be launched within the second quarter of financial year 2026, 13 months after announced plans to fit five stadiums across the country to CAF CatIII 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
Europe Slovakia Water restrictions were introduced in Ruskov, Ďurkov, Svinica: residents should use drinking water for essentials like cooking, hygiene, laundry while water use for pools, gardens, washing cars is banned; despite rainfall forecast, restrictions remain
Africa Guinea-Bissau The Bijagós archipelago is the third largest location in the world for green turtles Chelonia mydas hatching, and the most important in Africa; data are reported in new book coordinated by Portuguese biologist Paulo Catry freely accessible on the internet
Oceania Samoa Lakapi Samoa chairman Namulauulu Sami Leota has rejected the creation of a second rugby union in Samoa and called on opposing rugby factions to work together, warning that division could damage Samoa’s standing with World Rugby
Europe Serbia Extensive injuries sustained in a police crackdown on anti-government protesters in Valjevo in August 2025 show the use of force was often ‘punitive’, not an immediate response to danger, according to a report compiled by forensic medicine experts
Europe Portugal Electronic ‘ankle bracelets’ for perpetrators of crimes related to domestic violence have risen by 222% in 10 years: today almost 2.000 people wear the device
America Saint Vincent and the Grenadines On 17 May, International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia IDAHOBIT, Equal Rights, Access and Opportunities SVG Inc. ERAO SVG, launched National Call for Reparations for LGBT Vincentians
Africa Angola Parliament approved the Law Against False Information on the Internet, with with 105 votes in favor (MPLA, PRS, and PHA, both in opposition), 72 votes against (UNITA), and no abstentions
America Ecuador Water level in the Mazar reservoir reached 2.151,28 meters a.s.l., 1,72 m below full capacity, at over 61% of its energy potential; Mazar is crucial in regulating Ecuador's electricity system and for the operation of Paute Integral Hydroelectric Complex
Asia Iraq Foreign Minister and Turkish Ambassador to Iraq discussed the activation of an oil pipeline from Kirkuk to the Turkish port of Ceyhan stressing that enhancing cooperation on oil exports serves the interests of both countries
Africa Djibouti The educational reform workshop organized by the Ministry focused on integrating the General History of Africa into the secondary school curriculum; the UNESCO-supported initiative fits in the frame 'rethink educational content based on African reality'