Asia Bangladesh Recent studies demonstrated that microplastics are present in water, sediments, fish, salt, soft drinks, milk, edible oil and more products in Bangladesh, underscoring the growing concern that these pollutants are transferred to humans through food
Asia Brunei Astrophiles in the country will be able to witness the passage of comet Pons Brooks at its maximum distance of 116,8 million km from the Sun on April 21, reaching its maximum brightness of magnitude 4,2, visible to the naked eye
Africa Nigeria Nigeria is the first country in the world to introduce Men5CV, a new meningitis vaccine recommended by WHO that protects people against five strains of the meningococcus bacteria; the first rollout of the vaccine took place in March
Africa Sierra Leone 85.000 people are currently struggling with epilepsy throughout the country, revealed Max Bangura, executive director of the Sierra Leone Epilepsy Association
Oceania Solomon Islands Solomon Islands' Gross Domestic Product is expected to grow by 4,1% in 2024 according to preliminary data; projected growth will be driven by mining, fishing, construction, wholesale and retail trade, and agriculture
Oceania Samoa An addendum to the existing 2012 bilateral agreement was signed with the US to continue and expand operational cooperation in the suppression of transnational illicit maritime activities
Europe Italy Rice cultivation, of historic importance to the country, is facing a severe crisis; according to National Rice Authority, 46 thousand hectares of paddy fields were lost to drought in 2022
Asia Tajikistan Locust infestations, exacerbated by environmental factors, are a serious problem for Tajikistan's agricultural production, threatening food security and economic stability
Africa South Sudan As the country races against time to hold its first national elections in December 2024, an event brought together political actors and civil society representatives to agree on a Code of Conduct that will govern the actions of political parties
Asia Philippines The Election Commission is set to hold the plebiscite for the creation of 8 municipalities in the Special Geographic Area of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region; April 13 activity will give the people of the 63 villages a chance to form their respective towns
Asia Myanmar From the end of April, compulsory conscription will be introduced for all Myanmar men between the ages of 18 and 35, a total of 6 million people
Oceania Tonga The Asian Development Bank and the government signed a grant agreement to help accelerate economic recovery from disasters caused by natural hazards and health emergencies
Africa Republic of the Congo About five years after its introduction in Congo, the martial art hapkido is attracting many teenage girls who train at a center in the city of Pointe-Noire to learn how to defend themselves
Europe Russia Patriot, an autobiographical book Russian dissident Alexei Navalny was working on before his death last 16 February in a prison in Siberia, will be published on October 22