America Brazil The federal import tax on international purchases of up to US$ 50 made through e-commerce platforms like Temu, Shein, and AliExpress has been erased; experts say it is a strategic move in view of October's upcoming general elections
Asia Tajikistan Starlink satellite communication system is now available in Tajikistan, according to an announcement made by the company on its official X account
Africa Sao Tome and Principe Geographic and Cadastral Services - responsible for the planning and urbanization of the national territory - can't access the office and staff are at home: the owner of the building closed the property after years of unpaid rent
America Trinidad and Tobago Activist Nafeesa Mohammed is calling on PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar to meet with leaders of the Muslim community ahead of her upcoming meeting with US President Trump, following the Government’s withdrawal of support for Israel in its conflict with Iran
Oceania Samoa Samoa’s tourism operators are warning that newly implemented airport charges could discourage visitors and disrupt overseas trade relationships, while the Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) says it was not consulted prior to the increases
Asia Vietnam The Monsoon Music Festival in Hanoi, Vietnam’s largest international music event, transforms the city into a multi venue cultural hub; over 70 local and international acts performing across Old Quarter, it activates public spaces while boosting tourism
Asia Brunei 700 officers and staff of the Ministry of Development and of the Ministry of Religious Affairs participated in the Tedarus Al-Quran for Ramadhan 1447 Hijrah at Istana Nurul Iman male and female surau on 11th consecutive night of ceremony at the palace
Europe Greece Trains, ferries, urban transport service was disrupted as workers joined tens of thousands of Greeks rallying to mark the anniversary of the train crash that on 28 February 2023 claimed 57 lives demanding justice ahead of the trial set to begin next month
Europe Spain Spain has become the first European country to reject "unilateral" attack on Iran and Iran's retaliation and to demand “immediate de-escalation” to avoid civilian victims and the enlargement of the conflict
Oceania Palau A swine reproduction training program led by Dr. Kevin Lee of the Taiwan Technical Mission is enhancing pig farmers' breeding skills to increase piglet production and reduce reliance on imports through artificial insemination and farrowing management
Europe Poland Polish cities have been among the fastest-growing urban economies in Europe over the past 25 years with GDP growing 4% per year and will likely remain among the strongest performers in the decade ahead, according to the new report by Oxford Economics
Europe Slovenia Human rights lawyer Katarina Bervar Sternad has been appointed president of the Commission for the Prevention of Corruption; the first woman at the helm of the watchdog, she aims to strengthen the delivery of its mission
Asia Singapore With an ageing population and rising hospital demand, Singapore is strengthening its blood reserves through targeted donor drives, mobile collection units and digital appointment systems, expanding outreach to younger donors to ensure stable stocks
Asia Thailand Sacred elephant tusks belonging to the Karen community have been returned to Thailand after decades; The repatriation is seen as a significant cultural restoration, with community leaders welcoming it as recognition of indigenous heritage and traditions