Europe Italy The value of "unobserved" economy has grown by €15,1 billion, marking a 7,5% increase on 2022 data, reaching €217 billion; the net value of illegal activities stands at just under €198 billion, up €14,9 billion on previous year, 9,2% of GPD in 2023
Africa Djibouti A large-scale livestock feed distribution has been carried out in isolated communities in the Obock region in response to the persistent drought that caused the depletion of fodder resources and is affecting livelihoods of shepherds' communities
Asia East Timor Legal regime for access and admission to higher education in Timor-Leste has been established in a newly approved draft law that establishes common rules for students' application, selection and placement procedures
Europe Belarus The International Environmental Forum was held in Altai on 25 July, with Russia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan taking part; among key issues were the development of national parks and biodiversity conservation
Africa Senegal The IMF asked Senegal to provide more data to firm up its assessment on its debt situation and also needs to reach an agreement on key remedial measures; Senegal has seen its programme with IMF put on hold over the previous administration debt concealing
Africa Sierra Leone Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora are now able to fly more easily to the home country, as Air Sierra Leone, incepted earlier this year, offers direct flights from London to Freetown
Asia Kyrgyzstan Health Ministry suspended activities of 78 clinics following large-scale inspections of private medical organizations in Bishkek and Osh; 31% were operating without a valid license and in 68,4% violations of licensing requirements were uncovered
Europe Italy TIME magazine cover is portraying Giorgia Meloni, the first female leader of Italy, citing she 'has emerged as one of Europe’s most interesting figures' as she opposes what she calls “homogenizing" globalism, yet champions European integration
Europe France Despite weather closures, over 50.000 people have been swimming in the River Seine's three pools in Paris since their opening on 5 July for the first time after 1923; following a years-long cleanup, the opening is a legacy of the 2024 Olympics
Europe Lithuania The 85th anniversary of the United States' declaration condemning the Soviet occupation of the Baltic states has been marked with a commemorative event in Washington Square in Vilnius featuring flag tribute, national anthems, American-style snacks
Asia Malaysia Around mid-July, tens of protesters rallied outside the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur opposing Nick Adams' appointment as U.S. ambassador: his controversial statements on Islam prompted calls for rejection
Africa Ivory Coast Smoked tilapia, a national staple food typically served with local sides like attiéké or plantains, is suffering a shortage: the fact reflects a crisis affecting the country’s entire fishing industry
Oceania Fiji George “Fiji” Veikoso, a musician, a cultural icon, a voice for the people whose voice touched hearts across the Pacific and beyond has passed away; Polynesian Music has announced it on its social media page
Asia Armenia Gazprom Armenia, subsidiary of Russian Gazprom, announced a two-days suspension of natural gas supply for maintenance work on its pipeline in Georgia, right as Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is in Altai, Russia for a two-day working visit