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
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
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
Asia Armenia The proposal on the start of visa liberalization for Armenian citizens has been approved by the ambassadors of EU Member States to Armenia
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 Burundi The Burundian government and the UN system launched a four-year HIV/AIDS programme with an investment of about USD 14 million for a Burundi with zero new infections, deaths and discrimination by 2027
Europe Ukraine The European Union will reintroduce the duties on bran imports from Ukraine startingMonday 22 July; they had been set at zero for another year last 6 June to support the economy in Kiev
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 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
Asia Bahrain As of 1 September 2024, all licensed financial and banking institutions will have to comply with the Central Bank of Bahrain's new Open Banking Regulations
America Panama Mayor Mayer Mizrachi offered a week-long free stay in Panama to tourists affected by anti-tourism protests in Barcelona, aiming to attract visitors and showcase Panama’s attractions
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
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
Africa Sudan In a warning, the WFP expressed deep concern about the 'escalation of fighting' in the Sudanese state of Sennar; more than 136.000 people have already fled their homes, many for the second or third time since the conflict began