Asia Afghanistan Thousands of Afghans brought to UK were victims of a major data breaches with names and details published on FB: fearing reprisals from the Taliban, they were relocated under a scheme kept secret; the measure preventing media reporting has now been lifted
Asia Vietnam Universities are launching AI programs to tackle talent shortage; HCMC University of Economics offers AI-driven digital business, the University of Economics and Law pioneers AI in e-commerce and more schools integrate AI into finance, banking, analytics
Africa Central African Republic The UN Secretary-General strongly condemned the killing of a Tunisian peacekeeper of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic while conducting a long-range patrol to protect civilians
Asia South Korea Supporters and opponents of President Yoon Suk Yeol held rallies on Geumnam-ro, Gwangju, a symbol of the 1980 democratic uprising; around 3.000 pro-Yoon protesters and 1.000 opposition members gathered, reflecting ongoing political tensions in South Korea
Asia Kuwait Kuwait has officially raised the minimum age for marriage to 18, following legislative changes aimed at protecting children's rights and strengthening family stability; 1.145 underage marriages were registered in 2024
Africa Liberia The country formally integrated gender equality into its foreign policy framework during a high-level side event, 'Gender Equality in Foreign Policies: Relevance of Feminist Foreign Policies in Africa' at the 38th session of the African Union Summit
Africa Ghana Efforts to combat poaching of pangolins are being stepped up by authorities and conservation groups; in Ghana, the three native species - giant pangolin, ground pangolin and white-bellied pangolin - are all at risk of extinction
Africa Benin On 10 and 12 February 2025, the International Board of Auditors for NATO welcomed to Brussels a delegation from the Benin Chamber of Accounts: talks focused on the external audit practices in use at NATO, with a view to promoting a broader understanding
Asia Indonesia The Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Agency reported that around 5.300 Riau Islanders were trafficked to Cambodia, forced to work in online scams and gambling operations; many were lured by fake job offers and now face abuse and exploitation
America Bolivia Plan to exploit Bolivia's lithium with Chinese and Russian firms is sparking protests, as citizens are demanding contract annulments over environmental concerns, water use, and low royalties, forcing government officials to suspend the project
Asia Cambodia The Kuoy ethnic group is celebrating Bonn Prey Lang, a two-day festival honoring the forest; around 2-300 people take part in religious ceremonies, including ordaining 100+ big trees to promote conservation and preserve their indigenous cultural identity
Asia Malaysia Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli has criticized the negative perceptions of vernacular schools —public schools that teach in Mandarin or Tamil — emphasizing their role in education; He urges Malaysians to move beyond racial issues and focus on unity
America Brazil Oil exploration near the Amazon has received support by President Lula, who argued it can fund green energy projects; widespread environmental concerns and criticism fears it could undermines Brazil’s role as a climate leader ahead of hosting COP30
Asia Jordan An Indian man, victim of a job scam promising work in Jordan, was shot dead by Jordanian security forces while trying to illegally cross into Israel; reports of Indians falling for employment scams have become increasingly common