Africa eSwatini 11 000 jobs have been added in 2023-25; though it may appear as a positive development for Eswatini’s economy, economists fear that Eswatini’s labour market is expanding in low-productivity jobs rather than sectors building long-term economic security
Asia Saudi Arabia The Prophet's Mosque in Madinah is furnished with more than 25.000 carpets for the comfort of worshippers and pilgrims, Saudi Press Agency reported, mentioning that carpets in the mosque, its courtyards and roof section are sterilised and perfumed daily
Asia Brunei The new president of the Football Association of Brunei Darussalam has expressed his desire to change the football landscape in the Sultanate for the better, working to support students or football players who have fewer financial opportunities
Africa Cape Verde During the first leg of his African tour, in Praia, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken named the country a 'beacon of stability in the region'
Europe San Marino A new law passed by Parliament aims to ban smartphones and tablets for children under 11, first and foremost in schools but also and possibly in public places, after a group of teachers had denounced an 'educational emergency'
Europe Croatia The Croatian Ministry of Defence has confirmed that it will soon propose compulsory basic military training to take place after high school; the training is expected to last one month, but the date of practical implementation remains uncertain
Asia Bahrain The Parliament is preparing to debate a bill that aims to prohibit the conversion of visit visas into work visas
America Argentina The legislature of the Argentine province of La Rioja is trying to approve the issuance of an alternative currency called "El Chacho", allocating 30% for the payment of state salaries; the proposal has been endorsed by 32 out of 36 legislators
America Dominica Energy Minister Dr. Vince Henderson said the government is ready to start construction of a 10-kilowatt geothermal power plant to supplement the Dominica Electricity Company's power supply
America Saint Vincent and the Grenadines A group of American scientists visiting the country to study different animal groups found three new species of Daddy Longlegs, thus doubling the number of known long-legged species on the island
Europe Bulgaria The construction of two crucial motorways is about to begin; they will connect the city of Varna to Durankulak, in north-east Bulgaria, and to Silistra, on the Danube
Asia China The number of foreclosed homes increased by 43% y-o-y in 2023, according to a private survey, highlighting a worrying upward trend in mortgage delinquencies against a backdrop of a prolonged slump in the property market and uneven economic recovery
Africa Ethiopia The Arab League also condemned the Ethiopia-Somaliland agreement granting the former access to the latter's ports in exchange for recognition of Hargeisa's independence
Europe Greece The government's goal is to turn the country into an exporter and transit hub for green energy to Europe, strengthening energy interconnections and regional cooperation 'for the benefit of the countries involved'