TEHRAN – The health ministry is scheduled to implement the second phase of the polio eradication campaign in the country’s northern half from May 17 to 19.

TEHRAN – According to a report released by the Ministry of Education, the dropout rate has lowered from 1.97 percent in Iranian year 1401 (2022-2023) to 1.65 percent in 1403 (2024-2025).

TEHRAN – Referring to the two million undocumented foreign nationals residing in the country, Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni highlighted that Iran has no capacity to host these refugees.

The 2025 staging of the Everyone’s A Winner (EAW) 3K...

Abu Dhabi in Dubai hosted its 2025 international book fair, April 26 to May 5. The region was represented by Jamaica’s Kwame McPherson, the 2023 Commonwealth Short Story Competition winner, making him the first Jamaican to win the biggest global...

The Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport has commended the Women in Maritime Association, Caribbean (WiMAC), on its 10th anniversary, for its contributions to development and reform, support for regional integration, commitment to...

Medical Officer of Health for Portland, Dr Sharon Lewis, has issued an appeal for persons to adhere to the immunisation schedule to ensure that they receive the most effective protection against a range of serious diseases. Her call is in...

Dr Velma Ricketts Walker, CEO and commissioner of the Jamaica Customs Agency, was officially inducted as an Honorary Member of the Women in Maritime Association, Caribbean (WiMAC) during the organisation’s 10th anniversary gala held on Monday at...

In areas in which the European Union does not have exclusive competence, the principle of subsidiarity, laid down in the Treaty on European Union, defines the circumstances in which it is preferable for action to be taken by the Union, rather than the Member States. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The EU budget is financed in large part from own resources, and supplemented by other revenue. Annual revenue must completely cover annual expenditure, as a budget deficit is not allowed. The system of own resources is decided by the Council on the basis of unanimity, having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament, and needs to be ratified by each Member State. A reform of the own resources system composed of two packages of new own resources was proposed by the Commission in 2022 and 2023. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The economic and monetary union (EMU) is the result of economic integration in the EU. A common currency, the euro, has been introduced in the euro area, which currently comprises 20 EU Member States. All EU Member States – with the exception of Denmark – must adopt the euro once they fulfil the convergence criteria. A single monetary policy is set by the Eurosystem, comprising the European Central Bank’s Executive Board and the governors of the central banks of the euro area. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Thirty-one out of 54 African countries criminalise consensual same-sex relations between adults. In addition, several African countries penalise the public expression of lesbian, gay, trans, intersex, queer and other non-heteronormative (LGBTIQ+ ) identities, or those who fight for LGBTIQ+ rights. This criminalisation leads to violations of privacy and inhumane treatment, with some countries even providing for the death penalty. Despite decriminalisation in a few states like South Africa, Angola, and Mozambique, the trend of recriminalisation persists. Recently, Uganda and Ghana have enacted severe anti-LGBTIQ+ laws. Across the continent (with the notable exception of South Africa), LGBTIQ+ persons are still far from fully enjoying the same rights as other citizens. Intolerance of LGBTIQ+ behaviours is widespread in Africa; influences from religious leaders and the narrative that homosexuality is 'un-African' play a role in perpetuating this sentiment. Discrimination and violence against LGBTIQ+ persons have dire consequences on their livelihoods and their physical and mental health. Those advocating efforts for LGBTIQ+ rights face significant restrictions and threats, which hinder their ability to operate. The European Union, through guidelines and strategies, aims to promote LGBTIQ+ rights globally. However, its initiatives are often weakened by a cautious approach to avoid imposing values perceived by some in Africa as non-African. As a result, regional agreements with African partners do not explicitly mention LGBTIQ+ rights, a notion that a majority of African countries contest in multilateral arenas. Nevertheless, the European Parliament has consistently advocated for LGBTIQ+ rights, calling for increased funding, legal protection, and the universal decriminalisation of homosexuality. This briefing updates a previous version from 2019. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Este documento se integra en una serie de estudios que, desde una perpectiva de Derecho Comparado, tienen como objeto analizar el principio de protección del Medio Ambiente en diferentes ordenamientos jurídicos. Tras la explicación de la normativa y la jurisprudencia de aplicación, se examinan el contenido, los límites y la posible evolución de dicho concepto. El presente estudio tiene por objeto el Derecho Internacional del Medio Ambiente. No trata la protección del Medio Ambiente en el marco de la Unión Europea, objeto de un estudio específico en esta misma Colección. El Derecho Internacional del Medio Ambiente es un sector de creación relativamente reciente. En su dimensión actual tiene su origen en las primeras conferencias de la ONU de Estocolmo (1972) y de Río de Janeiro (1992). Fruto de ese impulso normativo que continúa imparable es la regulación de numerosos sectores que integran el concepto global de Medio Ambiente (aire, atmósfera, Antártida, cambio climático, biodiversidad, bosques, capa de ozono, fauna y flora, cursos de agua transfronterizos y lagos internacionales, lucha contra la desertificación, medio marino, residuos). Desde el punto de vista normativo, las particularidades del Derecho Internacional también se manifiestan en él. Así, la pluralidad de normas de distinta naturaleza jurídica y efectos (convencionales, consuetudinarias e institucionales -actos de OOII-) que interaccionan y se complementan entre sí; sin que resulte de utilidad la distinción habitual entre normas vinculantes y no vinculantes. El Derecho Internacional del Medio Ambiente es un sector con incidencia en el de los derechos humanos. Es el caso, entre otros, de los derechos y obligaciones procedimentales en materia de acceso a la información, participación pública en la toma de decisiones, acceso a la justicia en cuestiones medioambientales o la evaluación de impacto ambiental. De ahí la abundante y relevante jurisprudencia internacional existente, vinculada con derechos como los relativos a la vida, la propiedad, la libertad de expresión, el derecho de recurso, la salud y, donde está recogido y/o el derecho a un Medio Ambiente sano. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The weather forecast for the weekend is looking very promising, with mild and pleasant conditions expected across the country through Tuesday.

The Supreme Court has instructed the West Bengal government to disburse 25% Dearness Allowance (DA) to its employees within three months, marking an interim decision in the ongoing dispute over DA parity with central government employees. This directive follows a 2022 Calcutta High Court ruling that aimed to align state DA payments with the central rate.

A hypothetical US withdrawal from NATO would cost European members $1 trillion over 25 years, according to a British think tank Read Full Article at RT.com

Stay in the know with a recap of our top stories today. 1. Over 17,900 people caught for use and possession of vapes since January 2024 More than 17,900 people were caught for possession and use of e-vaporisers between January 2024 and March 2025, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said in a joint statement on Friday (May 16)... » READ MORE 2. 'His criticism has no effect on me': Quan Yi Fong responds to Addy Lee's accusations

At 17, he was a gang leader and lived a life of violence and drugs. For a decade, he went in and out of prison for a series of crimes including drug abuse and extortion. Now 46, Kim Whye Kee is an artist and volunteers in the community. He discovered an unexpected passion for pottery during the final months of his incarceration and pursued a degree in Fine Arts at LASALLE College of the Arts after his release in 2008. In 2016, Kim founded Qi Pottery, specialising in tea wares, and has amassed over 11,000 followers on his Instagram page. Today, he volunteers with the Industrial and Services Co-operative Society Limited, offering mentorship to individuals facing drug-related struggles. «I decided to change when I started to give back.»

The British High Commission in Vanuatu, in partnership with the BBC, yesterday donated advanced media equipment to Vanuatu Trading Post Limited.

The Minister of Justice, Job Andy, has formally instructed President Nikenike Vurobaravu to revoke Order No. 88, which commuted the sentences of mass detainees.

The Government of Vanuatu has introduced the Foreign Services (Amendment) Act No. of 2025, aimed at improving the leadership structure within the nation’s overseas diplomatic missions.

Ten out of twenty officers initially shortlisted for a United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Mission training have had their nominations withdrawn and replaced, prompting allegations of nepotism and procedural irregularities within the Vanuatu Police Force (VPF) and Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF).

The Minister of Internal Affairs has confirmed that proposed amendments to Vanuatu’s laws will ensure that the issuing of diplomatic passports aligns with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

Kiev often relied on unreliable foreign contractors, and widespread graft also played a role, the report claims Read Full Article at RT.com

Sergey Lavrov has emphasized the group’s growing role, its appeal to the Global South, and the central role of women in driving innovation Read Full Article at RT.com

Representatives of Kiev and Moscow are holding their first direct negotiations since 2022 Read Full Article at RT.com

The push is reportedly inspired by US Senator Lindsey Graham, who proposed slapping 500% tariffs on Russian exports Read Full Article at RT.com

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Wednesday accused opposition politicians, lawmakers, regional leaders, and former heads of state of obstructing the country’s transition to a one-person, one-vote electoral system, warning that reverting to indirect elections could lead to renewed instability.

Mogadishu (HOL) – The Chairman of Somalia's National Electoral Commission, Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan, announced on Thursday a one-month extension of the voter registration period for local council elections in the Banadir region.

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, May 16th

Russia has never been the first to escalate things, Russian Ambassador to France Alexey Meshkov stressed