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
Europe Denmark Municipalities are hesitant with the unpopular ban on wood stoves, which, despite decades of evidence on the carcinogenic effects of wood stove use, remain the only non-taxable form of energy in the country
Africa Gambia ChildFund Gambia donated 1.000 solar lamps and two 40-foot containers loaded with additional textbooks to the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education for later distribution to schools throughout the region
Europe Estonia The bill to introduce a motor vehicle tax in Estonia, currently undergoing second reading in Riigikogu, has become one of the most hotly debated issues; among the most vocal critics are car collectors, some of whom own hundreds of vehicles
Africa Senegal Senegal's newly elected president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, appointed Ousmane Sonko as his prime minister; Sonko could not run for president because of a criminal conviction
America Dominica Dominica Public Service Union is proposing the introduction of the option for public servants to retire at age 65, said General Secretary Thomas Letang
Asia Afghanistan Turkey-based construction company 77 INSAAT has reportedly expressed interest in establishing a cement plant in Jawzjan province in northern Afghanistan, near the border with Turkmenistan
Africa Gabon A national dialogue aimed at revitalizing democratic institutions after 54 years of the Bongo dynasty has been initiated, led by President Felix Tshisekedi, a key step and a significant change in Gabonese politics
Europe Bulgaria Bulgarians over 65 currently make up 23,5% of the country's population; they are expected to rise to 27,6% by 2034 and 31% by the end of 2060, according to data on the share of people of retirement age published by the National Institute of Statistics
Africa Democratic Republic of the Congo Judith Suminwa has been appointed as prime minister, the first time a woman has assumed government leadership
Africa Namibia The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has expressed "deep concern" over increased poaching activities within Etosha National Park, where as many as 19 rhinos have been illegally killed by poachers since the beginning of 2024
Asia Iraq The new medical city in Nasiriyah, in the southern governorate of Dhi Qar, which will be Iraq's second hospital, will be planned and designed by a Greek company on an area of 330.000 square meters
Africa Niger Niger judicial authorities have ordered the release of Abdourahamane Ben Hamaye, a journalist and aide to former President Mohamed Bazoum, and Mohamed Mbarek, a cousin of the former president's wife accused of conspiracy against state authority
Africa Zimbabwe The country has declared a state of calamity over the devastating drought, with El Nino causing 80% of the country to receive below-normal rainfall; President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the nation needs $2 billion for humanitarian assistance