Asia Laos About $12 million in digital taxes from global technology companies have been collected under new law: foreign providers of online services must register with Lao tax authorities regardless of whether they have a physical presence in the country
America Antigua and Barbuda The country has announced the creation of the world's first leap year beach, 'Beach 366', which will be officially inaugurated at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, in conjunction with June's Cricket World Cup celebrations
Asia Bahrain Minister of Information unveiled the logo of the 'Bahrain Capital of Arab Media 2024' during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Information Complex in Isa Town
Africa South Africa If Vladimir Putin were to go to the country, the South African political authorities would not be able to guarantee his safety and he could be arrested as a result of the arrest warrant issued against him by the ICC
Europe Denmark The Danish police have concluded their investigation into the sabotage operation that damaged the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea in 2022: there are no elements necessary to initiate legal proceedings
Asia Oman At the Suhar Investment Forum, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning announced the creation of a smart city in Suhar, with an area of 6.240.000 sqm and 15 districts, two central parks, a museum, a university, an exhibition centre and a sports centre
Africa Burkina Faso Former Inter soccer team and Brazilian national team footballer Roberto Carlos has been recently appointed 'Burkina Faso football ambassador' by the Minister of Sport
America Suriname The Suriname Fire Department halted fire-fighting in Wageningen due to unpaid weekend work and ongoing delays in receiving new clothing, thus initiating national consultations, with an ultimatum for resolution by the end of this week
Europe Belgium Chocolate giant Barry Callebaut has announced plans to cut hundreds of jobs at several sites, including the world's largest chocolate factory in Wieze, producing 270.000 tons a year
Europe Czech Republic The Czech Lower House approved a bill on same-sex marriages that would give same-sex couples the same rights as heterosexual married couples, with the exception of the adoption of children
America Barbados The Caribbean Festival of Arts, promoting culture, diversity and creativity, will return to Barbados next year
Europe Croatia A documentary on the world famous water polo coach Ratko Rudić was presented: he won dozens of medals in international competitions and is considered one of the most successful water polo coaches
Asia Bangladesh Fossil fuel used in the city of Dhaka and generally in Bangladesh has sulphur levels almost 10 times higher than international standards and is the main cause of the country's air pollution
America Mexico In Mexico, two mayoral candidates were fatally shot days before the federal electoral campaign; these killings, part of 32 attacks on politicians in the last six months, suggest potential heightened violence during the June general elections