Oceania Solomon Islands With newly improved roads in Auki, provincial police appealed to drivers in Malaita to use responsibility and greater care in driving; reckless driving had reportedly increased since works began, forcing to monitor underage drivers and speeding vehicles
Europe Bulgaria The draft budget for 2025 foresees an increase in funds for education from 4,1% to 4,8% of the country's gross domestic product, +0,7% compared to last year
Asia Brunei Children between the ages of 2 and 6 should limit themselves to one hour of screen time per day, while between the ages of 6 and 18 should not exceed two hours per day, according to new recommendations from Ministry of Health
Europe Switzerland Compulsory tipping does not meet with unanimous approval among the Swiss: over two-thirds of citizens do not want to include it in the price of their food, according to survey published earlier this month
America Brazil President Lula will undergo a second surgery - a “complementary” procedure - to address a brain bleed caused by an October fall; as Brazil's oldest sitting president, Lula has inspired his followers, leading to several gatherings in Brasília for support
Oceania Papua New Guinea PNG stands at a crucial crossroads in its development journey, grappling with a range of challenges that impede sustainable progress, according to Reliefweb Common Country Analysis 2024 Update
Europe Andorra The goal of Forces Elèctriques d'Andorra, in charge of Andorra's electricity supply, is to ensure that 100% of the electricity produced by the company in 2030 is of renewable origin, whereas currently it is 74%
Oceania Australia Labor Party has announced plans to cap donations to prevent billionaires from buying elections; no draft legislation has been made public, but plans would limit donor spending to AUS$20.000, or USD12.500 per candidate/year and cap campaign budget
Asia Afghanistan Russian parliament voted in favour of a law that would allow the Taliban to be removed from Moscow's list of banned terrorist organisations, thus taking a step towards recognising the Taliban government of Afghanistan
Asia Malaysia Severe monsoon floods hit Malaysia and southern Thailand, with over 30 casualties and 150.000 displaced; hardest-hit areas include Kelantan and Terengganu, with entire towns submerged and thousands missing as six months’ worth of rain fell in five days
Asia Saudi Arabia Over 75% of the world's landmass is drying up permanently, according to a report released at the UN summit in Riyadh on combating desertification
Africa Sudan Sudanese authorities said they thwarted a s’uicide drones’ attack launched on the Atbara airport, in the River Nile State, by Rapid Support Forces and probably originating from outside the State; it is the last in a number of recent drone attacks
Africa Cameroon Five NGOs operating in the country have been suspended or banned for financial irregularities and violations of the law by the Ministry of Territorial Administration, sparking criticism and reactions from various well-known personalities in society
Europe France World leaders gathered for the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris making the event an unofficial, key international meeting; President Emmanuel Macron thanked all who ‘saved, helped, rebuilt’ the beloved cathedral after the devastating 2019 fire