Oceania Marshall Islands The fish aggregation devices FADs that fishing boats use to make catches easier, lately equipped with satellite communications gear to pinpoint location, are now being built by drug cartels that wrap packs of cocaine and radio transponders to trace troves
Oceania Palau A new law was enacted to improve support and services for persons with disabilities in Palau, establishing an Office for Persons with Disabilities and requiring the development of a comprehensive national policy
America Panama Seeking support from France in removing Panama from tax haven blacklists, including one by the European Union, the country continues to rebuild its image after the 2016 "Panama Papers" scandal
Asia India Criminalising marital rape would be 'excessively harsh', the government has told the Supreme Court, thus opposing petitions to the court of India to change a British colonial-era law
America Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Despite the challenges faced following the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl, the International Monetary Fund forecasts positive economic growth for both territories in the current fiscal year
Africa Botswana The University of Agriculture and Natural Resources Botswana and a Chinese farm will start commercial trials of water-saving and drought-tolerant rice during the 2024/2025 summer season in Botswana
America Mexico Claudia Sheinbaum was inaugurated as Mexico's first female president, pledging to continue her predecessor's social programs and focus on intelligence over violence in combating cartels, while also supporting abortion rights and LGBTQ initiatives
Oceania Tonga A new government centre is being built, at a cost of about $1,7 million pa'anga (U$ 726.000), in 'Ohonua, 'Eua, as part of the government's plans to recover from tsunami damage during the Hunga-Tonga Hunga'apai eruption of January 2022
America Nicaragua A new commercial agreement has been signed with China for the construction of a solar plant in Masaya with the primary goal of enhancing water systems for numerous communities on top of reducing energy costs and contributing to sustainable development
Asia Myanmar Dr Zaw Myint Maung, leader of Myanmar's pro-democracy movement and close ally of imprisoned leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, died of leukaemia; he was in the junta's custody
Asia Malaysia The country is set to assume the presidency of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in 2025, with the aim of promoting a more inclusive and sustainable regional economy
Oceania Marshall Islands Ten of the island's best bands and dancers performed during the Luttok Kobban Alele week celebrations and competed in the three-day Battle of the Bands; Kitwon Jota from Majuro took first place
Africa Benin The UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women will examine Benin during this current session from 7 to 25 October
America Antigua and Barbuda To replace the aging Clarevue Psychiatric Hospital, and relocate the mental health facility, the Kingdom Hall building, located in Sea View Farm, will be acquired for US $3 million