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
Africa South Sudan The governor of the Central Bank of South Sudan, James Alic Garang, denied reports that the government is facing a financial crisis due to economic shocks, saying that only oil revenues are affected by the war in Sudan
Europe Ukraine In recent weeks Russia has reportedly hit "up to 80%" of conventional power plants and half of Ukraine's hydropower plants "in the heaviest attacks since the war began"
Europe North Macedonia The presidential election campaign has officially opened; among the candidates, some promise EU membership, some want to make North Macedonia proud and restore its dignity and others promise an uncompromising fight against corruption and crime
Oceania Nauru No Taiwanese remained in the Nauru after the return home of the last conscript, a Taiwanese soldier previously investigated for allegedly burning a national flag of Nauru after the two countries cut diplomatic ties in January
Asia Oman With the issuance of three royal decrees establishing three more nature reserves, Oman will count a total of 30 protected areas
America Guatemala Guatemala's President Bernardo Arévalo de León requested OAS support for the selection of justice authorities through an observation mission during the Permanent Council session in Washington, DC
Europe Belarus Due to Western sanctions, the country has redirected over 60% of its woodworking products to the Russian market
Europe Monaco The first Padel Best Expo is closing today at the Grimaldi Forum, with the world's leading brands and suppliers, celebrity appearances and official competitions; the Monte Carlo Masters, first ATP 1000 tennis tournament on clay in 2024, just began
Asia Malaysia The tradition of "bertuntung," decorating homes with oil lamps in preparation for the celebration of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, is still practiced by the Malaysian community in Sarawak; many homes choose to display a combination of oil lamps and electricity
Asia Palestine Palestinians are returning to devastated homes in Khan Younis, finding rubble and dead bodies after the Israeli army withdrew its forces; living conditions in the Gaza Strip are bordering on famine after 6 months of war
Oceania Marshall Islands The Marshall Islands ambassador to Fiji signed the US Pacific Fisheries Treaty Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of the government; the agreement allows the U.S. fishing fleet to operate in the Pacific for the remainder of 2024
Europe Malta Many pet owners can no longer afford to care for their dogs and cats, and sanctuaries have seen a "massive increase" in requests for re-homing; animal rights activist Romina Frendo described the situation as "a nightmare"
America Paraguay Paraguay has temporarily banned cryptocurrency mining for 180 days or until new laws are enacted, due to illegal mining activities draining energy and disrupting the electrical system