America Dominican Republic Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights warned that positive examples of press freedom are rare; remarks were made during the 81st General Assembly of the Inter-American Press Association in Punta Cana
Oceania Tuvalu Andrew John Fakaua Ponton, a Tuvaluan film director, has made his debut at the Whanau Marama New Zealand International Film Festival with 'Bati', a boxing drama set in Fiji, bringing to the screen the voices of Pacific culture
Africa Central African Republic Officials report that Russia has called on the CAR to replace the private Wagner mercenary group with Moscow’s state-run Africa Corps, requesting payment for security services; government sees Wagner as more effective and prefers to pay with minerals
Asia Lebanon Chief of Staff of Israel's army Eyal Zamir, visiting a post in south Lebanon, allegedly said Israel is in a "multifront war" with Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen adding "we approved plans for the conquest of Gaza, and now we are in Lebanon"
America Dominican Republic Up to week 31 of this year, the Dominican Republic has recorded 697 confirmed malaria cases and 165 dengue cases, with no deaths from either disease; new leptospirosis cases have been reported
America Panama Imitation cheese products are available, particularly shredded mozzarella and Parmesan alternatives, cheaper than actual cheeses and with less nutritive value; President Mulino underlines the need of clear, explicit labels to protect consumers
Asia Sri Lanka Elephant deaths have drawn widespread attention; they are being killed with the intention of removing their tusks; department of Wildlife Conservation has confirmed that as of mid-July 219 elephant non-natural deaths have been recorded
Asia Tajikistan 1.647 people crossed from Tajikistan to Afghanistan through the Panji Poen–Sherkhon Bandar border from July 17 to August 10: 671 returned voluntarily to visit their relatives, while 976 people were forcibly deported according to According to the IOM
Africa Uganda Road maintenance works have begin countrywide following government program aimed at improving road safety and reducing vehicle breakdowns to ultimately enhance rural connectivity
Asia Myanmar Government enacted a new electoral law imposing jail terms for disrupting planned elections while organizing dissent and destroying materials could bring life sentences; fatalities resulting from disruption may lead to execution
Europe Ukraine Concerns mount in Ukraine, with fears that the country could be 'sold out', as US President Trump and Russian Putin prepare to meet face-to-face in Alaska for talks that could shape its future
Asia Thailand Mother’s Day and Queen Mother’s Birthday was celebrated on 12 August, a national holiday dedicated to the Queen Mother, Sirikit, and all mothers across Thailand; a deeply symbolic day, it blends royal tribute, Buddhist traditions and festivities
Asia Brunei Authorities are running a monthly enforcement drive to protect consumers by ensuring fair pricing and accuracy of weighing equipment used for trade; in recent days four offences under the Price Control Act and the Weights and Measures Act were reported
Africa Madagascar The cable car line connecting Anosy to Ambatobe will be open to the public from 16 August; the initial adaptation phase aims to familiarize users with this new mode of urban transport, offering lifts 7-9 am e 4-6 pm