Asia Tajikistan An amnesty law signed by President Rahmon to celebrate 35 years of independence will cover 18.038 convicted people, with full release for 11.305 people, reduced terms for 6.733; of 507 women, 248 will be released, of 134 minors, 99 will be freed
Europe Italy Italian Anna Grasselino is leading the race for the world's most powerful quantum computer after an agreement signed between Sqms, the top quantum superconducting research centre in the USA, and Ibm, a leading company in the sector
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
Africa Tunisia The secretary general of the Islamist party Ennahda and two party members were arrested, adding to the long list of party activists imprisoned and tried in various cases ranging from money laundering to criminal conspiracy
America Cuba At the end of 2023, Cuba had an effective population of 10.550.968, 10,1% lower than in 2020, according to the National Bureau of Statistics and Information
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 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
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
Oceania Tuvalu The Tuvalu Waste Management Department is determined to keep its communities safe from the potential danger of asbestos through careful data collection and evaluation
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
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
Asia Turkey June recorded the lowest rainfall in 23 years, 80% less than last June and 65% less than the long-term average
Asia Lebanon Ali Jaafar Maatouk, also known as Habib Maatouk, a senior commander of Hezbollah's elite Radwan force, has been targeted and killed by Israeli Defence Forces