Asia Philippines The Philippines remains the most dangerous Asian country for land and environmental defenders, with 68% of the killings and enforced disappearances recorded in the region in 2023, 17 out of a total of 25, according to the Global Witness observatory
America Brazil Tupinambá indigenous people celebrated in Rio de Janeiro the return of a sacred cloak that had been in Europe for nearly 380 years, marking a significant cultural homecoming after centuries of absence
Europe San Marino The San Marino Confederation of Labour has proposed a wealth tax on the incomes of millionaires, a solution that would ensure fairness and support for an increasingly costly welfare state due to an ageing population
Europe Norway The number of Norwegians on sick leave has reached its highest level in 15 years, according to new data from state statistics office; politicians and other state officials complain about the resulting lack of productivity and costs to the welfare state
Asia East Timor Some 600.000 people crowded the same seaside park for Pope Francis' final mass 35 years after St John Paul II prayed during the nation's struggle for independence from Indonesia
Africa Mauritius A group of organisations, which support the right to social security, praised the Mauritius government for its decision to extend the universal child allowance, called Contribution Sociale Généralisée, for another year, from July 2024 to June 2025
Africa Comoros The representative of the World Health Organisation has been elevated to the rank of Knight of the Order of the Green Crescent of the Comoros upon decision of the President Azali Assoumani
Europe Malta Recent regulations limiting the number of pet boarding houses will likely lead to a significant increase in fees, animal rights activists and pet sitters have warned, up to a 40% increase in daily fees
Europe Romania The Ivan Patzaichin Mila 23 Association, created in honour of four-time Romanian Olympic rowing gold medallist Ivan Patzaichin, recently launched a slow tourism initiative in the Danube Delta with the creation of 40 routes to encourage visits to the area
Africa Central African Republic A dengue epidemic is underway in Bangui, the Central African Ministry of Health has confirmed, saying it is the first time dengue has been reported in Central Africa
Europe Andorra The government will contribute 5 million for the construction of affordable rental flats for the over-65s and will be the patron of the Laurus Foundation, which will manage the project
Africa Senegal The President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, officially dissolved, within the terms of the law, the National Assembly of Senegal, and at the same time announced parliamentary elections for 17 November
America Saint Lucia Julien Alfred won the women's 100m title at the Wanda Diamond League final, after winning the gold medal at the Olympics against all odds
Africa Madagascar The state intends to disseminate hybrid rice technology on a large scale in order to increase agricultural yields by as much as threefold