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
Europe Russia Ukraine and Russia launched a wave of air attacks along the Black Sea coastline a few hours after direct peace talks between the two nations ended without any breakthrough on a ceasefire
Africa Mozambique $20-billion liquefied natural gas project for TotalEnergies will restart by the end of summer; covered by force majeure in 2021 following insurgent attacks, it includes developing the Golfinho and Atum natural gas fields and a two-train liquefaction plant
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
Europe Denmark New tunnel rail linking Denmark to Germany, currently being constructed across the Fehmarn Belt, will see its completion delayed by several years according to expert on both sides
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
Asia South Korea In Incheon’s Songdo district, a 63-year-old father allegedly shot and killed his son at a birthday party with a crude homemade gun and fled; Police arrested him in Seoul and found 15 improvised explosives at his home, forcing evacuation for 100 residents
America Grenada Opposition in the Lower House will not be supporting the Government’s decision to reduce the Age of Civil Responsibility from 18 to 16 years, to allow for minors to seek sexual and reproductive health treatment without permission from parents or guardians
Africa Burkina Faso A written message from Egypt's President El Sisi to President Traoré has been delivered by Foreign Minister Abdelatty, on a visit with 60 business leaders, reaffirming Egypt’s commitment to broadening cooperation in security, stability, clean development
Africa Kenya Unused lunch money of the Kenya Defence Forces deducted from their salaries will be converted into savings; the directive has stirred resentment and comes amid growing discontent over the Pay-As-You-Eat policy, part of Kenya Kwanza’s austerity reforms
Asia Kazakhstan Foreign nationals from neighboring and distant countries have increasingly chosen Kazakhstan as a destination for medical care; key areas of medical tourism include high-tech treatments in neurosurgery, reproductive services, dental care and cosmetology
Asia Georgia The Georgian Patriarchate released a statement on latest European Council recommendations, concerned that they place Georgia’s aspirations for integration in direct contrast to traditional family values and laws protecting minors from LGBT propaganda
Asia Bahrain A coastal stretch in Dumistan area, considered of historic and social importance due to an old link to local fishing trade, has been included in the national plan for marine landing points; local council member also called for a purpose built facility
Asia Lebanon The decision to monopolize arms exclusively in hands of the Lebanese state is “irreversible” President Joseph Aoun has said, noting that “it will be implemented patiently, in a manner that preserves Lebanon’s unity and prevents harm to civil peace”