Europe Switzerland Competitiveness Report 2025 by think tank Eight Competitiveness Lab has ranked Switzerland as the most competitive country in the world thanks to its economy and education system; the study assessed 58 countries
Asia Indonesia 80th Independence Day was celebrated with nationwide festivities on 17 August; the grand ceremony in Jakarta, led by President Prabowo, with a historic flag parade, cultural performances and fireworks, marked the milestone with massive public celebration
Africa Tanzania First rules for Direct-to-Mobile D2M satellite services have been issued by Communications Regulatory Authority; the new framework allows satellite operators and mobile companies to work together for direct satellite-smartphones connectivity in Tanzania
Asia Bhutan The King of Bhutan paid a historic first state visit to Vietnam, a milestone in the countries' relationship since diplomatic relations were established in 2012; The visit aims to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including trade and tourism
America Costa Rica A court in Costa Rica has blocked an increase in visitor quotas at Corcovado National Park, ruling the measure lacked scientific backing and violated environmental protections for one of the world's most biodiverse areas
Asia Malaysia Following the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina amid bullying allegations, the Malaysian Media Council is demanding better journalist safety after unaccredited individuals disrupted a press conference, creating safety risks for reporters covering the case
Europe Slovakia A ban on all open fires, including the use of official firepits, the burning of bushes and trees, and smoking, is in effect in the forests of Bratislava this week and until further notice, due to high risk fires
Asia Turkey National Action Plan on Combating Violence Against Women 2026-2030 is at final stage of preparation; to confront this critical issue, Turkey has capitalized on achievements and international experience with a scientific basis and a participatory approach
Europe Spain Latest speed control campaign by the General Directorate of Traffic DGT took place from on 4-10 August: at 2.793 checkpoints, with 1.021.303 vehicles transiting, 68.662 drivers (6.7%) were reported for traveling at a speed exceeding the limit
Asia Cambodia The restoration of a 27-meter-long enclosure at Ta Prohm Temple is complete: the six-month project, a collaboration between the Apsara National Authority and the Archaeological Survey of India, repaired damage caused by aging and plant roots
Asia United Arab Emirates Fly JetPets, a licensed private aviation travel service provider based in Dubai, is now offering a private and shared flight model for pets and their owners on global private jet routes, in response to a booming market projected to enlarge further
Asia Laos Mimee Phommaly, a 27-year-old woman with a degree in agriculture, is transforming in Luang Prabang farming: her Khamphet Farm cultivates over 25 types of fruit, actively challenging gender stereotypes in farming and empowering community by providing jobs
Europe Ukraine Authorities have accused current and former Justice Ministry officials of embezzling Hr.10 million ($241,000) during a project to upgrade the ministry’s IT systems; the scheme was reportedly related to a procurement contract in 2021
Asia Qatar 800 new university students were welcomed for the start of the new academic year; now part of Qatar Foundation’s unique ecosystem of education, they have been encouraged to embrace the spirit of giving back, serving their communities