Africa Mauritius Genre Statistics 2025 still show men dominate the economy and retain most of the political power, but show increasing weaknesses in education, health and certain social behaviors
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
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 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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
Africa Morocco The country won the vote to head the UN Human Rights Council after a heated showdown with South Africa, which argued that Rabat's human rights record made it unfit to chair the body
Asia Azerbaijan A conference on 'Politicisation of Religion: Harmful Effects' was held, organised by the State Committee for Religious Associations of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Asia Syria A former Syrian army general, Mohammed Hamo, 65, resident in Sweden, will appear before a Stockholm court for his alleged role in war crimes committed in Syria in 2012