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
Europe Austria Over 70.000 visitors have been counted at the Eurovision village according to Vienna City Marketing, while around 5.000 staged a street protest ahead of the grand finale amid a geopolitical storm with five countries boycotting over Israel’s participation
Asia United Arab Emirates A second oil pipeline bypassing strait of Hormuz will be completed by 2027; the State oil company has disclosed and accelerated the project, which is expected to double export capacity transporting fuel to Fujairah area bordering northern Oman
Europe Slovenia Bullshit - the Museum of Balkan Humour, opened in in Ljubljana along the Breg embankment; jokes, one shot of rakija and no serious topics is what visitors are promised to get at what it is believed to be the first of its kind in the world
Asia Turkey Torrential rains have caused rivers in the Havza district, Samsun, Black Sea coast, to overflow, with waters rushing down streets carrying vehicles and debris, inundating buildings, with at least 12 people hospitalized
Africa Uganda Sovereign bond Sukuk, worth €405 million, is part of a plan to finance SGR, Uganda's standard gauge railway; to deepen capital market integration at regional level, the country is focusing on attracting Tanzania investors
Europe Spain VAT reductions on energy sources will end on 1 June: households will pay the standard 21% on electricity, gas, pellets, briquettes, firewood; tax relief had been introduced by royal decree in March fearing a surge in inflation due to conflict in Iran
Europe Russia Russia exchanged prisoners with Ukraine, freeing 205 each; the announcement came from the Defense Ministry who also thanked the United Arab Emirates for their mediation and the news was reported by media
Europe Czech Republic Kanye West Concert in Prague to be eventually held this summer puts attention on tensions over freedom of expression, as pro-Israel Czechia may provide US rapper and ‘reformed antisemite’ an opportunity to return to the European stage
America Venezuela The formal launch of a restructuring process of Venezuela’s foreign debt was announced, promising “comprehensive and orderly” proceedings to renegotiate liabilities owed by the country and state oil company to put assets at the service of the people
Asia Maldives Five scuba divers have died in an accident occurred off Vaavu Atoll in what s considered the country's worst scuba-related accident ever and bringing to 42 the victims of diving or snorkeling in the last 6 years
Africa Kenya Gambling in Kenya has become a gendered crisis with devastating social consequences; with economic strain and social pressure men are increasingly turning to betting despite well-documented personal risks and slum children are more and more addicted
Oceania Tuvalu Due to critical fuel shortages caused by global supply chain disruptions, a state of emergency has been declared on Funafuti Island, highlighting the intense vulnerability of Pacific nations reliant on imported diesel for power
Africa Guinea Guinean music artist Saïfoulaye Baldé is the new ambassador of TLC giant Orange Guinea, reflecting the company's commitment to supporting Guinean youth and culture; dance performances and enthusiastic audience participation accompanied the signing event