Asia Israel The Knesset has passed a media overhaul law giving government greater regulatory control; PM Netanyahu attended the debate, skipping the vote; the news has been released by a number of online media in the late hours of 16 July
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'
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
Oceania Papua New Guinea The Papua New Guinea Chamber of Commerce and Industry has sounded the alarm over the proposed National Gold Corporation bill, warning that it could cripple the mining sector and the nation's overall economy
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
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
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
Africa Seychelles The University of Seychelles launched its first doctorate - PhD in Business Administration - during a ceremony held at the campus in Anse Royale
Europe Ireland Simon Harris, 37, appointed Prime Minister of Ireland to replace Leo Varadkar, is the youngest Irish prime minister ever
America Haiti Leaders of Haiti's main political parties announced that they have reached an agreement to form a transitional government, with the goal of having new elections held in early 2026
Africa Togo The new date for legislative and regional elections in Togo has been announced, 29 April, and campaigning will open on 13 April; Togolese authorities have decided to ban demonstrations planned in Lomé on 11, 12 and 13 April
Europe Portugal The Roman galleries on Rua da Prata in Lisbon will reopen for visits 18-21 April, in celebration of the International Day of Monuments and Sites; discovered after 1755 earthquake, they continue to attract visitors and 2024 tickets went sold out in 2 hours
Asia Turkey The Turkish government announced that it will restrict exports of 54 categories of products - including jet fuel, construction equipment, cement, chemicals, pesticides, and bricks - to Israel until the Netanyahu government proclaims a cease-fire
Europe United Kingdom Russell Cook, a 27-year-old born in West Sussex, became the first person in the world to cross Africa from the southernmost to the northernmost point by running for 352 days; the charity effort raised over £600.000