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
America Barbados A consolidated framework for Barbados’s labour laws would simplify compliance, reduce workplace disputes and better support small and medium-sized businesses, tourism minister told Parliament saying that a single centralized reference is needed
Africa Gambia A major legal victory for The Gambia came with an international investment dispute committee in London annulled an arbitration award of about $33,2 million that had been issued following the takeover of a shrimp farm during the former regime
Africa Uganda Three days of free entry into all Uganda national parks have been announced for September this year for Ugandans and foreign visitors alike; entry fees can vary from below $20 to $800 for foreign non-residents gorilla trekking permits
Europe North Macedonia Legal experts and transparency advocates criticised the Agency for the Protection of the Right to Free Access to Public Information for requiring electronic signatures on email appeals, arguing that it is in contrast with NM's freedom of information law
Asia Cambodia Villages along the border with Thailand are expanding despite the territorial dispute, as the Cambodian government encourages settlement in contested areas; New infrastructure and housing are being developed to strengthen long-term claims
Europe Belarus “As of 22 July grain and leguminous crops (excluding corn, buckwheat and millet) have been harvested from 16% of the areas, or 323.000 hectares” official press release said, for a total of 1.330.000 tonnes of grain with average yield 41,2 centners/hectare
Asia Thailand The first recognised conscientious objector was sentenced to prison as he refused compulsory military service on ethical grounds, drawing attention to Thailand’s military conscription system and the absence of legal provisions for conscientious objection
Asia South Korea The military has been urged to provide more inclusive meal options as soldiers’ dietary needs become increasingly diverse; Calls for menus tailored to religious beliefs, vegetarian diets and medical requirements came from National Human Rights Commission
Africa Tunisia The Bizerte bridge project is in progress and reached a 75% of its technical completion rate for section I and II, carried out by Tunisian companies; The first metal components of the Bizerte bridge are expected to arrive in December
Asia Azerbaijan Azerbaijan and Georgia have officially launched an electronic permit (E-Permit) system for international road freight transport, marking a significant step toward the digitalization of cross-border logistics and trade
Europe Romania Cluj-Napoca will hold the first edition of 'The Night of the Churches' on 25 July: the event will bring together religious communities from different denominations in an unprecedented partnership to open the city's ecclesiastical heritage to the public
Europe Bulgaria Parliament is likely to approve US military aircraft using Bezmer airfield in central Bulgaria for refuelling purposes and as a long-term hub, despite previous criticism on the presence of US planes at Sofia’s main airport
Europe France France became the first European country to restrict access to social media for anyone under 15. The new law also bans the use of cellphones in high schools