Asia Thailand Rubella has been eliminated in Thailand as a public health threat, achieving the WHO criteria for interruption of endemic transmission; imported cases is now the key concern, especially for infections during pregnancy
America El Salvador Devastating rains in El Salvador caused crop losses for 12.000 to 15.000 farmers, with 3.500 hectares of maize, beans, squash, peppers, and tomatoes affected, and while 70% of farmers may replant with external support, 30% lack the resources to do so
Asia Syria The Central Bank of Syria has asked private banks to extend their working hours and operate on Saturdays, limiting operations during additional hours to opening bank accounts only
Europe Ukraine Accession negotiations between the EU and Ukraine, beginning this week, are also an opportunity to raise the country's animal welfare standards, says leading animal protection group Eurogroup for Animals amid current conflict
Asia Tajikistan The new law on parental responsibility, now entitled 'Responsibility for the upbringing and education of children Act', reflects the fact that responsibility for children now extends to all participants in the educational process
America Belize A State of Emergency has been declared in parts of the Belize and Cayo Districts following recent shootings and murders; law enforcement has settled in affected neighborhoods, including Kelly Street and Victoria Street in Belize City
Oceania Solomon Islands Solomon Islands Premier Jeremiah Manele visited Australia on his first overseas trip and discussed security and policing with his Australian counterpart
Oceania Tuvalu The Asian Development Bank, the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific and the governments of Australia and Tuvalu attended the handover ceremony of the Nui Island boat harbour to the local community
America Costa Rica A visa-free entry policy for travelers from over 150 countries has been introduced to boost the tourism industry, aiming at more tourist arrivals, economic growth, hotel occupancy and improved air travel connectivity
Africa Somalia Terrorism, separatism, state fragility, open borders, foreign interference, climate change, cybersecurity risks and social crises are the key threats to the country's security and stability identified by cabinet
Europe Vatican City The Holy See's Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva has launched an appeal for the protection of women and girls who continue to be trafficked, especially for surrogacy and prostitution
Asia United Arab Emirates With temperatures approaching 50°C recently and the possibility of hotter days in the future, the Ministry of Health and Prevention has announced the launch of an initiative to prevent heat exhaustion, heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses
Asia Turkmenistan Employees of the Turkmenistan State Customs Service held a meeting at the international port of Turkmenbashi with specialists from the transport industry to learn about innovations in customs legislation
America Chile Thousands of skateboarders took to the streets of Chile’s capital to celebrate World Skateboarding Day, an event established in 2004 by the International Association of Skate to promote skate culture, where participants showcased their acrobatics