Africa Ethiopia Drivers in Ethiopia face a fuel crisis due to disruptions from the Iran war driving a booming black market; Diesel prices reach 300–500 birr (5-9 $) per liter with illegal resale networks and long queues straining transport and businesses
Asia United Arab Emirates The validity period of Emirati passports has been extended from 5 to 10 years for citizens aged 21 years and older, the UAE Passport Authority officially announced
Europe Sweden The country officially joined the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), which will start operations and investigations in Sweden 20 days after the appointment of the Swedish European Public Prosecutor, scheduled for autumn
Oceania Australia The most popular dog names of 2024 have been announced: according to data from Scratch's 2024 Great Australian Dog Survey 'human' names are increasingly common
Asia Azerbaijan The country, host of the UN climate summit COP29, announced that it will launch a new climate fund that will aim to mobilise US$ 1 billion to support new national climate goals of developing countries
Asia Syria The regime of Bashar al-Assad would confiscated the property of over 800 civilians in the Zakya district of Damascus since the beginning of 2024 reports the Syrian Network for Human Rights
Asia Sri Lanka To apply for a Sri Lankan passport, prior online registration is required and is not possible without first setting a date and an appointment - the new rule has been announced by the Department of Immigration and Emigration
Europe Norway Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz rejected the request of his Norwegian counterpart Espen Barth Eide to visit Tel Aviv in protest against Oslo’s recognition of the State of Palestine last May
America Nicaragua The country has become a key gateway for migrants traveling to the US, leveraging visa exemptions for various nationalities and facilitating private charter flights, including from distant countries like India and Kazakhstan
America Venezuela Many Venezuelans are considering emigrating if President Nicolás Maduro wins the July 28 election, adding to the nearly eight million already abroad, amid escalating economic conflicts and political repression
Africa South Africa A skills development programme will be implemented to address youth unemployment and skills shortages in informal settlements; the City of Cape Town aims to empower 955 young people from those areas
America Paraguay Paraguay conducted its largest cocaine bust in history, seizing over four tons of cocaine hidden in a sugar shipment bound for Belgium, with a market value of approximately US$240 million
America Mexico A 10ft-tall statue of the Greek god Poseidon in Progreso, Yucatan, Mexico, was symbolically "closed" due to a legal complaint by indigenous activists who said it offended local Maya beliefs
Asia Turkmenistan The Law on Combating Doping in Sport has been amended, changing the requirements and rights of athletes who are found to be doping-positive on testing