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
America Canada A Federal Court judge has concluded that a Chinese engineering student is a potential spy and cannot enter Canada in a ruling that broadens the definition of espionage and has potentially wide consequences for foreign researchers
Asia Cyprus Junior Achievement Cyprus is launching its 5th JA StartUp, fostering business ideas and innovation among university students and providing the practical experience to develop and run their own business; JA StartUp engaged over 20.000 students in Europe
Europe Ukraine Hundreds of people attended a ceremony in the courtyard of the gold-domed St Michael's Monastery in Kiev to honour the memory of the famous Ukrainian poet Maksym Kryvtsov, killed in action while serving as a soldier
Europe Belgium Belgian prison staff went on a 24-hour strike starting at 10 p.m. on Thursday evening to protest against overcrowding and poor working conditions; Belgian prisons currently house around 12.000 people, exceeding the capacity by around 1.300 inmates
America Bahamas The World Bank, in its Global Economic Prospects 2024, forecasts that the Bahamian economy will grow by 1,8% in 2024, a revision from the 2% growth forecast in June 2023
Europe Germany The German drivers' union announced the start of nationwide strikes which will increase traffic chaos while the confrontation between farmers and the government over agricultural subsidies continues
Europe Bosnia and Herzegovina The decision on entry and stay under special conditions for Palestinian citizens who are relatives of national citizens has been approved by the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Europe Ireland Homeless organisations told the government of their 'deep concerns' over a potential move to restrict access to emergency accommodation, warning that it would lead to an increase in sleeping rough and the risk of illness and death
Asia Bhutan Bhutanese voters overwhelmingly chose Tshering Tobgay as Prime Minister for a second term, in a significant political development, with the People's Democratic Party winning almost two-thirds of the seats
Asia Iran New drone Shahed-107 has been developed in Iran and could be used by Russia to target western air defence systems in Ukraine, reported Sky News, whose security source said that the device can operate as an explosive and a reconnaissance aircraft
Europe Portugal The country broke the record for energy production in 2023, with more production from renewable sources, more days in a row with only renewable energy and the lowest emissions ever, Redes Energéticas Nacionais announced
America Cuba A 500% increase in the price of fuel, from 25 pesos (US$ 0,20) to 132 pesos, has been announced by the Cuban government as it struggles with shortages and the deepening economic crisis
Africa Somalia A helicopter belonging to the UN mission in Somalia was captured by al-Shabaab militiamen after accidentally landing in territory controlled by the armed group; at least six aid workers who were on the aircraft are now in their hands