Asia Laos About $12 million in digital taxes from global technology companies have been collected under new law: foreign providers of online services must register with Lao tax authorities regardless of whether they have a physical presence in the country
Africa South Africa Russia is open to cooperation with the country in hockey development: matches in South Africa could take place 'even tomorrow'
Africa Namibia The importance of safeguarding the country's ocean resources, given that they contribute at least 10 billion Namibian dollars (about US$528 million) annually to the country's economy, was emphasised by President Mbumba calling for urgent action
Asia Japan Millions of cash and vending machines will have to be replaced as they are incompatible with the new 10000, 5.000 and 1.000 yen banknotes that will be put into circulation in July; there are almost 4 million such machines currently in operation
Africa Seychelles A census is underway to determine the population of endemic Aldabra giant tortoises on the most populated islands, Mahe, Praslin and La Digue, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment is looking for more local volunteers to help
Europe Liechtenstein The second wheat beer festival in Triesenberg was well attended, reconfirming the success of the first edition
Europe Montenegro Montenegrin solar manufacturer EPCG Solar Gradnja has so far installed around 40 MW of photovoltaic systems on 4300 roofs of homes and businesses in the country
Oceania Palau Travellers at Palau International Airport can now access the recently opened new 680 VIP Lounge in the departure area
America Peru Peru’s fisheries sector experienced a significant drop in seafood landings, falling year-on-year to 87.000 metric tons, largely due to climate change affecting water temperatures
Africa Lesotho Farmers in the Berea district have expressed their happiness at the first snowfalls, saying they provide the necessary moisture for crops, an opportunity to maximise their production
Oceania Tonga A touring exhibition of prints by contemporary Japanese painters opened at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nuku'alofa and will be open to visitors free of charge until 25 June
Africa South Sudan The Kenyan-led negotiating team presented a 75-page document to the parties involved in the ongoing peace talks in Nairobi, said South Sudan's Minister of Information, Michael Makuei
Asia Syria The collapsed Syrian health system has been forgotten by the world, said a senior WHO official, urging new and creative thinking to stop the exodus of medical personnel abroad
Africa Algeria Already an important supplier of natural gas to southern Europe, Algeria is now important for countries such as Croatia and Slovenia, which are seeking to diversify their energy sources and reduce dependence on Russia