America El Salvador The country's volcanoes could be rented out for Bitcoin mining, leveraging geothermal energy, proposed El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele as the nation continues its push to lead global cryptocurrency adoption
Africa Gambia The 81st regular session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights officially opened in Banjul with representatives of member states, civil society organisations and human rights advocates
Africa Lesotho The government has launched the Lesotho Public Sector Foundations for Service Delivery Project, an initiative to overhaul the country's public service sector by enhancing digital infrastructure and better financial management
Africa Sao Tome and Principe Doctors said that they will start an indefinite general strike from 24 October to demand working conditions and safety, denouncing the failure to fulfil government commitments
America Nicaragua Nicaragua has severed diplomatic ties with Israel, condemning what it calls "genocide" against Palestinians; the move was taken in response to a request from the country’s National Assembly during a session of solidarity with Palestine
Europe Switzerland Ten-year fixed mortgage rates for loans emitted in Switzerland halved since 2022 peak according to online comparison platform Comparis; this relatively low level has led to strong demand, with 72% of those surveyed choosing a ten-year fixed-rate mortgage
Asia Oman A workshop was organised by Unicef and the Ministry of Information to offer journalists and media the specific means to report about children in a sensitive, rights-based manner; Oman's Police, religious and education sectors were involved
Asia Iran Statements by the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, who said that Tehran is ready to negotiate with France on the implementation of a UN resolution concerning southern Lebanon, have been challenged by Lebanon's interim Prime Minister
Europe Poland Biedronka, the largest supermarket chain, has been fined €116 million for forcing suppliers to discount their products after delivery; Competition and Consumer Protection said it is an "important signal for the market, especially for larger companies"
Africa Republic of the Congo The co-ordinator of the National Afforestation and Reforestation Programme François Mankessi said in Brazzaville that the 8th edition of the Plant Fair will pave the way for the creation of an industrial unit dedicated to the processing of essential oils
Europe Italy The non-observed economy in Italy grew by 9,6% in 2022 compared to the previous year, ISTAT just reported; the net of illegal enterprises was at 182 billion euros and illegal activities were worth nearly 20 billion euros, fanned by drugs and prostitution
Europe North Macedonia Discussions about potential constitutional changes are ongoing; former foreign minister Bujar Osmani has stated the need for a vote on the issue, warning that a lack of action could lead to a renewed focus on issues of 'identity, language and history'
Europe Netherlands Contraceptives will not be supplied free of charge for adult women; the Hague Court of Appeal had rejected the request and the Attorney General at the Supreme Court ruled that the decision can stand
Asia Laos Luang Namtha will celebrate recognition as a national heritage site of Pha That Xieng Teung stupa’s, a buddhist place for meditation; the festival of cultural events, performances, markets will take place 9-15 November as part of the 2024 Visit Laos Year