Asia Afghanistan Approximately 18.000 carats of emeralds, worth 1,1 million USD, have been sold since the beginning of year 1404, or 20 March 2025, in five rounds of bidding for Panjshir area emeralds and new emerald mine sites were discovered in Pariyan district
Europe Switzerland The city of Geneva, considered the world capital of human rights, international law and humanitarian aid, is planning to pay CHF10 million of NGO worker wages following the United States decision to freeze humanitarian aid for 90 days
Asia Taiwan The 9th edition of the Asian Winter Games, held in Harbin, PRC, have closed with Taiwan claimed its very first medal at the international event, with the speed skating bronze in the Women's 100 metres competition
Africa Zambia The Zambia Flying Doctor Service has celebrated the acquisition of a new helicopter, christened 9J-KDK in honour of Zambia's first president, Kenneth David Kaunda,it will boost life-saving health services in the country
Asia Singapore In a recent study evaluating liveability, lovability, and prosperity Singapore has been ranked as the top city in the Asia-Pacific; the study highlighted its dynamic retail and dining scenes and its robust economy as key factors to its leading position
Oceania Marshall Islands The end of January and the beginning of February saw the presence of several tuna transport ships in the Majuro lagoon, a sure sign of a resumption of transhipment activity
Europe Norway Norwegian soldiers undertook the longest winter exercise in recent history, cutting off all contact with the outside world for 100 days to prepare for combat behind enemy lines
Europe Netherlands An agreement among the government, energy companies and network operators has been reached: an emergency fund will be extended to help low-income households struggling with high energy bills
Oceania Palau An innovative genetic study of ancient remains has revealed new insights into the ancestry and migration patterns of Palau's early inhabitants, distinguishing them from other Pacific island populations
Europe San Marino In 2024 the San Marino Outlet Experience further consolidated its growth trend; since its inauguration in January 2021, it has been progressively advancing in its expansion plan, as also confirmed by three recent new openings
Africa Republic of the Congo Houses on stilts have been gaining popularity, in Makotimpoko, in the flood-prone highlands, as they offer a sustainable option for housing
Africa South Africa A green hydrogen directive is set to be launched on 17 February, which is expected to simplify approval procedures for green hydrogen projects that would stimulate economic growth, reduce environmental risks and encourage the creation of new jobs
Asia Iraq Iraq has been elected vice-president of the Middle East Committee of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation during the 51st committee meeting
Africa Sudan Sudan called on the African Union to end the suspension of its membership, stressing the need for the country to return to its 'rightful place' within the organisation and resume its role in African affairs