Asia Iran The Straight of Hormuz will remain "completely open" for all commercial vessels as long as the ceasefire in the Middle East lasts, Foreign Minister Araghchi declared on X
Asia Qatar The National Library of Qatar will launch a digital family archive platform in 2025 to document a range of archival materials, including passports, photographs, stamps and correspondence
Africa Zambia Brian Mundubile, opposition leader in parliament, condemned the imprisonment of, among others, Pambashe MPs Ronald Chitotela and Kawambwa MP Nickson Chilangwa, joining the many voices calling for their release and demanding justice
Oceania Palau The increase in drug-related crimes and thefts has led Palau's law enforcement leadership to sound an alarm during Eco Paradise FM's 'MOJ Family Hour' programme
America Bolivia Amid a fuel supply crisis in Bolivia, President Luis Arce replaced his Hydrocarbons and Energy Minister, Franklin Molina, with Alejandro Gallardo; the change comes after transporters and merchants protested fuel shortages, demanding Molina's removal
Oceania Australia An enquiry will be set to modernise organ donation laws: current Australia's definition of death prevents organ transplants from using the latest technologies, key to the best results
Oceania Papua New Guinea Six citizens will travel to Australia for specialised training to enhance Papua New Guinea's entry into the global organic market through a collaboration between the Australian government and Paradais Review Services, a PNG-based accreditation provider
Europe Poland Foreign students without a high school diploma will not be granted student visas, in a tightening of visa regulations following a 'visa scandal' allegedly involving some Polish universities
Oceania Tonga Tonga's fire and emergency services will be equipped with two new fire trucks, two tankers and three pick-up trucks thank to a $1,9 million grant from the Japanese government
Asia Philippines The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources stated that a premature lifting of the ban on fishing in Cavite province, affected by the oil spill, could pose a danger to public health
Europe Belgium The Belgian Roularta group recorded a profit of €11,4 million in the first six months of the year, a 36% increase over same period of 2023, due to a 19% reduction in paper costs as well as lower print runs and higher sales prices
Africa Benin Benin, which recorded its first episode of extremist violence only in 2019, is among the countries on the continent increasingly affected by terrorism; since 2019, the number of attacks has grown year by year
Europe Italy The UN Refugee Agency, which expressed serious concerns about Italy's agreement to process the asylum claims of some migrants in reception centres in Albania, will monitor the first three months of the agreement
Africa Senegal Media organisations staged a day-long blackout on Tuesday 13 August to protest a government crackdown that they say directly targets them and aims to restrict press freedom in the country