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 Kazakhstan The worst floods in decades hit Kazakhstan and Russia, with entire neighborhoods evacuated and thousands of homes flooded in the Ural River area between the two countries
Europe Germany The Bundestag, the lower house of the German parliament, has approved the so-called "self-determination law," a provision that makes it easier to change gender identity and name at the registry office
Africa Cameroon After Chad, World Food Program plans to suspend humanitarian aid to Cameroon due to lack of funds; after the end of April, "we have no visibility on possible funding," said Aboubacar Guindo, WFP vice president in Cameroon
Africa Central African Republic Gender-based violence is rising for ongoing conflict and weak legal system; notwithstanding the stigma of reporting, since 2020 reported cases rose from 9.200 to 25.500, according to data by the UN and partners, but international funding has decreased
Oceania Papua New Guinea The Papua New Guinea Chamber of Commerce and Industry has sounded the alarm over the proposed National Gold Corporation bill, warning that it could cripple the mining sector and the nation's overall economy
Africa Zambia Nearly 10 million people are estimated to be affected by an El Nino-induced drought, about half of the country's population
Europe Ukraine Parliament passed a law to reform rules for recruiting civilians into the armed forces, at a time when the Ukrainian army lacks soldiers and means to fight: 500.000 men would be needed to relieve soldiers who have been committed for more than two years
Asia North Korea Ethnic Chinese residents in North Korea have returned to the country for the first time in four years after a long exile during the pandemic, the Chinese Embassy in Pyongyang recently made known
Africa Seychelles The University of Seychelles launched its first doctorate - PhD in Business Administration - during a ceremony held at the campus in Anse Royale
Oceania New Zealand New Zealand's Ministry of Trade and Consumer Affairs has warned the country's leaders against maintaining a slow approach on cryptocurrencies, calling on the Australian government to finalize its stance on cryptocurrencies as well 'before it is too late'
Europe Netherlands There is a decrease in the number of cyclists killed on Dutch roads, although cyclists represent the largest group of road accident victims for the fourth consecutive year; in 40% of cases they were using an e-bike
Asia Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev attended a ceremony to launch new industrial and energy projects; according to the presidential press service, 4.600 industrial enterprises were launched in the country in 2023 alone, with industrial output growth of 6%
Asia Japan Commenting international concern about current spread of streptococcal infections, Hitoshi Honda, professor and infectious disease expert at Fujita Health University said pandemic-level infections are not expected and travel restrictions not required