Asia Sri Lanka Unprecedented visitors' arrivals have been registered in 2026, marking a strong recovery in numbers; However, the tourism boom has not translated into higher earnings, as shorter stays and lower spending per visitor have led to declining dollar revenues
Asia Japan Commenting international concern about current spread of streptococcal infections, Hitoshi Honda, professor and infectious disease expert at Fujita Health University said pandemic-level infections are not expected and travel restrictions not required
Africa Seychelles The University of Seychelles launched its first doctorate - PhD in Business Administration - during a ceremony held at the campus in Anse Royale
Africa Zambia Nearly 10 million people are estimated to be affected by an El Nino-induced drought, about half of the country's population
Europe Netherlands There is a decrease in the number of cyclists killed on Dutch roads, although cyclists represent the largest group of road accident victims for the fourth consecutive year; in 40% of cases they were using an e-bike
Europe Norway The government intends to invest about 500 million Norwegian kroner (€42.939.000) a year in church restoration over the next three decades
Africa Mali Over 100 people are considered to have died precisely as a result of the extreme heat wave that has hit the country in recent days
Oceania New Zealand New Zealand's Ministry of Trade and Consumer Affairs has warned the country's leaders against maintaining a slow approach on cryptocurrencies, calling on the Australian government to finalize its stance on cryptocurrencies as well 'before it is too late'
Asia Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev attended a ceremony to launch new industrial and energy projects; according to the presidential press service, 4.600 industrial enterprises were launched in the country in 2023 alone, with industrial output growth of 6%
Oceania Palau The Palau National Scholarship Board is facing a crucial funding gap as available resources cover less than half of the financial needs of Palau students applying for scholarships
Europe Slovakia A new film by Erik Baláž, Slovak ecologist, activist and filmmaker, telling the story of the western grouse, which is critically endangered in Slovakia due to widespread deforestation and habitat destruction, struggles to be distributed
Europe Ukraine Parliament passed a law to reform rules for recruiting civilians into the armed forces, at a time when the Ukrainian army lacks soldiers and means to fight: 500.000 men would be needed to relieve soldiers who have been committed for more than two years
America Barbados Electric buses are coming in a donation from the China International Development Cooperation Agency, part of the effort to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and reduce Windward island's carbon footprint
Oceania Vanuatu The organization Women Against Crime and Corruption organized a consultation meeting of human rights defenders at the Golden Port in Port Vila