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Latest Publications — Page 396

  1. PoliticsRegulatorsPeaceNorth America

    GoldBod's Financial Performance: Surplus or Loss?

    The financial performance of Ghana's Gold Board (GoldBod) has sparked a political debate. The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, alleges a GH¢22 billion loss, while the Institute of Fiscal Policy Governance (IFPG) insists GoldBod recorded a GH¢5.44 billion surplus in 2025. Afenyo-Markin argues that costs absorbed by the Bank of Ghana (BoG) were not fully captured in GoldBod's assessment, leading to an incomplete picture of the institution's financial outcome. The IMF reported losses exceeding US$1.7 billion (GH¢22 billion) in 2025, representing approximately 1.5% of Ghana's GDP. GoldBod's CEO and the IFPG maintain that GoldBod has not recorded any losses since its establishment.
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  5. SocietyOrganized CrimeWhite-collarFraud

    Drug Trafficking Arrests and Operations in Brazil

    In Angra dos Reis, three men identified as 'manager', 'vapor', and 'vision' of drug trafficking were arrested. In João Pessoa, five people were detained for running a drug delivery service. Two teenagers were arrested in São Pedro da Aldeia for suspected involvement in drug trafficking. A 15-year-old was arrested for drug trafficking in Barra Mansa. In Angra dos Reis, a 19-year-old was detained for drug trafficking. A 29-year-old man was arrested for drug trafficking and robbery. In Caracaraí, a man was arrested for a series of thefts. In Barra Mansa, a 30-year-old man identified as a drug trafficking manager and a 16-year-old teenager were apprehended. In Cuiabá, a 22-year-old man, son of a military police officer, was targeted for investigation of armed robberies.
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  6. WorldSoutheast Asia

    Moscow Schoolchildren Return from Great Arctic Expedition

    Moscow schoolchildren and college students returned from the Great Arctic Expedition, having visited the northernmost point of Eurasia - Cape Chelyuskin. Led by traveler Matvey Shparo, they observed flora and fauna, took water and soil samples, preserved plant specimens, launched a scientific weather balloon, and recreated memorial steles. The expedition, which began in 2018, involved over 10,000 children this year.
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  7. WorldAsia

    Ringgit Strengthens Against US Dollar

    The ringgit has been strengthening against the US dollar over the past few days, supported by Malaysia's robust GDP growth and a decrease in expectations of a US interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve in September. The local currency hit a record high against major currencies and regionally on Monday, closing at 4.0585/0630 against the US dollar. Economists expect the ringgit to trade within the range of RM4.05 to RM4.07 today, as market attention shifts to the Federal Open Market Committee meeting and the Jackson Hole Symposium on Economic Policy.
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  8. SocietyPublic HealthHealthcare

    Germans' Sleep Duration: Over a Third Too Short

    According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), nearly 40% of Germans sleep less than seven hours per night, with men aged 45-64 being most affected. This insufficient sleep duration can pose health risks, including high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. The study, published in the 'Journal of Health Monitoring', is based on a representative survey of over 8,000 adults from May 2023 to February 2024.
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  9. WorldMiddle East

    Helicopter Carrying Tourists Crashes in Kenya's Samburu County

    A helicopter transporting tourists crashed in Kenya's Samburu County, according to multiple reports. The helicopter, believed to be an Eurocopter EC130 operated by Tropic Air, went down near Mount Oloolokwe in the Samburu National Reserve. Initial reports suggest six tourists and a pilot were on board, with all seven fatalities confirmed. The nationalities of the tourists are yet to be determined.
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  11. WorldMiddle EastNorth America

    Montenegrin Carriers Struggle as Croatian Bilateral Permits Remain Unrenewed

    Montenegrin carriers are facing difficulties due to the non-renewal of Croatian bilateral permits, which are necessary for transit transport through Croatia. The Traffic Authority has sent notifications to the Ministry of Transport urging Croatian colleagues for new permits, but no information has been received yet. Carriers are forced to park their vehicles as they cannot transport goods from or through Croatia without the required permits. The issue is being addressed, and an increase in the quota of bilateral permits has been requested.
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  14. WorldMiddle East

    Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim Sparks Controversy with Taiwan Stance

    Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim sparked intense debate and controversy after stating in an interview with Al Jazeera that he sees Taiwan as part of China. His remarks have been criticized by Taiwanese officials and have strained relations between the two countries. Anwar's comments come amidst growing tensions between China and Taiwan, with Beijing refusing to rule out the use of force to achieve reunification. The Malaysian PM's stance has been seen as legitimizing Beijing's claims over Taiwan, despite the island's status as a sovereign, independent state.
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  15. PoliticsMiddle EastIsrael

    Moscow Denies Israeli Arms Supplies to Ukraine

    Moscow has received assurances from Israel that reports of Israeli weapons being supplied to Ukraine are false, according to statements from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Interfax news agency. The Russian director of the Middle East and North Africa department, Alexander Kinshchak, stated that while they occasionally see such 'leaks', Israel has confirmed that these reports are not accurate.
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  18. TechMiddle EastBudgetPlatforms

    Apple Overhauls EU App Store Fees

    Apple has revised its App Store fees in the European Union, simplifying the structure and resolving disputes with the European Commission. Key changes include replacing the per-install Core Technology Fee with a 5% commission on digital transactions outside the App Store. EU app developers will now pay a 26% commission for Apple in-app purchases, 20% for alternative payments, and 15% for external purchase links. Apple is also expanding alternative app distribution and introducing additional child-safety measures. The new terms go into effect on October 1, 2026.
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  22. WorldMiddle East

    Tourists Find Human Remains on Almaty Glacier

    A group of Belarusian tourists discovered human remains on the Svyatovsky glacier in the Almaty region while descending after a two-week trek. They immediately reported the find to emergency services, providing coordinates, photos, and videos. The remains were found alongside a backpack containing documents. Authorities are working to identify the deceased and remove the remains from the glacier.
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  23. WorldMiddle East

    Parliamentary Travel Expenses in Montenegro Exceed One Million Euros

    A new analysis by the Center for Civic Education (CGO) reveals that official travel expenses for Montenegrin parliamentarians have exceeded one million euros since the establishment of the 28th legislature in late 2023. In the first six months of 2026 alone, €212,769.87 was spent on 181 trips, with 164 of them being abroad. However, the public lacks systematic information about the concrete results of these trips, making it difficult to assess their real contribution to the work of the parliament and the representation of Montenegro's interests. The CGO calls for increased transparency regarding the purpose and results of these trips.
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  24. PoliticsMiddle EastDefenseBorder Security

    Strike on Russian Rocket and Space Complex 'Progress' in Samara

    On August 15, 2026, the rocket and space complex 'Progress' in Samara, Russia, was struck by missiles. The attack hit the production shop for assembling engines for 'Soyuz' type launch vehicles and the shop for servicing aviation equipment of the 'Aviakor - Aviation Plant'. A fire covering an area of about 5,000 m² was recorded. The complex is a key enterprise in the Russian rocket and space industry, producing 'Soyuz' launch vehicles used for launching satellites into orbit and deploying Russian satellite communication groups in the interests of the Russian army. The strike significantly reduces Russia's military-technological capabilities.
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