Asia China Unilateral zero-tariff treatment is now applied to all African countries except Eswatini, which maintains ties with Taiwan; duty-free policy for 33African countries was introduced in 2024, now covers 53 countries and will be in place until 30 April 2028
America Brazil Brazil has secured a US$70 million phosphate mining expansion license in Bahia, with the investment aimed at producing fertilizers for the Maranhão, Tocantins, Piauí, and Bahia states
Europe Malta Malta's 11 asphalt plants should be regulated by environmental authorities, according to the ombudsman, who looked into the matter after residents of Iklin complained about 'toxic fumes' emitted by an asphalt factory for years
Europe Monaco The helmet worn by Thierry Neuville during his second Rallye Monte-Carlo success has been auctioned by Bonhams Automobilia and the proceedings will be donated to the Antoine Alléno Association
Asia Kyrgyzstan The National Bank of Kyrgyzstan entered the foreign exchange market for the first time since October 2023 and conducted its first intervention this year
Asia Philippines More than 200.000 domestic workers in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) will benefit from the wage increase recently approved by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board
America United States Meta reported profits more than tripled, issuing its first dividend; the company’s quarterly revenue rose 25% as its costs fell after layoffs last year
Europe Luxembourg Luxembourg's long-awaited return to the Eurovision Song Contest after three decades, with the participation of Tali Golergant, has cost the country's taxpayers over €1 million, government said
Europe United Kingdom Michelle O'Neill has been appointed PM of Northern Ireland; she is Vice-President of Sinn Féin, the left-wing nationalist party historically in favour of reunification with Ireland, and it is the first time that one of its members becomes Prime Minister
Asia Syria Syria and Iraq warned of dangerous consequences following US attacks targeting facilities of Iranian-backed militants in Iraq and Syria
Africa Sierra Leone Police are investigating the deaths of three girls aged 12, 13 and 17 who were subjected to female genital mutilation in the country's north-western province; despite calls from activists and human rights advocates, it is still legal in Sierra Leone
Asia North Korea Since the start of the pandemic, fences and security infrastructure along both coasts have been significantly expanded, in a likely attempt to make it more difficult for residents to escape by sea
Europe Slovakia The country will receive more than €69 million from EU for the construction of the 2nd phase of Presov northern bypass; in a competition involving hundreds of projects, the second highest sum was pre-approved for Slovakia, after a German railway project
Asia Nepal The third Chief Minister's Cup men's volleyball national tournament is taking place in Kanchanpur, famous for producing national-level players in various sports; this is the first national event held here in 12 years