Asia China 10 United States-based companies have been added to China's export control list, government procurement barred from 50 US companies two weeks after the Pentagon blacklisted some of China’s best-known companies for alleged ties to the Chinese military
Europe Italy According to report by Autostrade published by economic newspaper Sole24Ore, 2023 marked an all-time record for heavy goods vehicles: lorry traffic increased by 6% compared to 2007, when there had been another record for heavy goods vehicle traffic
America El Salvador Several foreign individuals have received Salvadoran passports after investing in bitcoin through the "Adopting El Salvador" program, where investors commit to a USD1 million investment in bitcoin or USD and can then obtain a passport
Africa Ivory Coast Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara pardoned and ordered the release of 51 people convicted of treason and other state security charges
America Guatemala Guatemala has declared an "orange alert" as the Agua volcano erupted, affecting 20 hectares; specialized teams, supported by private helicopters and the Guatemalan Army, are currently battling the flames on the ground and in the air
Asia Iran On the 45th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, the country launched an ambitious environmental initiative with the inauguration of 67 projects, covering 17 provinces, to combat pollution and promote sustainable practices
Europe France The 'steak' label on vegetarian products has been banned in a new government decree in response to a long-standing complaint from the meat industry that consider terms such as 'vegetarian ham' or 'vegan sausage' confusing for consumers
Oceania Samoa Theft and burglary offences are on the rise and most defendants plead guilty to stealing basic necessities such as canned food or cigarettes and alcohol
Africa Republic of the Congo Closing the proceedings of the 7th government seminar, Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso urged ministers to take action so that 2024 would truly be the year of youth, especially noting that 2026, the end of the term of office, is approaching
America Trinidad and Tobago 2 years after what has come to be known as the Paria underwater tragedy, the families of the four men - Yusuff Henry, Kazim Ali Junior, Rishi Nagassar and Fyzal Kurban - were joined by several parliamentarians and opposition activists for a memorial march
Oceania Tonga The Tonga National Under-20 Rugby Team visited the Prime Minister, Hon Hu'akavameiliku, at the St George Building, ahead of their departure for New Zealand to participate in a new age-grade competition
Europe United Kingdom People in their 20s are more likely to be out of work for health reasons than those in their 40s, a situation that is 'radically different' from the past; by 2023, one in 20 (5%) young people will be economically inactive due to ill health
Africa Sierra Leone In a recent ruling by the disciplinary committee of the Sierra Leone Women's Premier League, the Sierra Leone Police football team was fined for using obscene language and making threatening comments
America Panama Despite handling less cargo due to drought and transit restrictions, Panama Canal's revenues surged by 14,9% to US$4,97 billion in 2023; the Panama Canal Authority attributes the rise to the tolls system implemented in January 2023