Oceania Fiji Kava sector exports are estimated at over $190 million, from $4 in 2008 at the start of the Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access PHAMA Program that radically transformed the crop from subsistence to Fiji's most valuable agricultural export
Africa Gambia Hope for Health Foundation has been launched; focusing on preventive care and supporting local health workers to serve communities more effectively and sustainably, it will guarantee better, sooner access to care especially in underprivileged environments
Asia Kazakhstan A controversial set of amendments into law banning “LGBT propaganda” has been signed; Kazakh and international rights activists say it will institutionalize discrimination against LGBT people and give authorities an additional tool to curb free speech
America Dominican Republic Lasting greenish coloration at Hatillo Dam worries surrounding communities that depend on it for fishing and daily use; they urged authorities to act immediately to protect public health and ecosystem of largest freshwater reservoir in Greater Antilles
Oceania Solomon Islands Addressing road safety, traffic authorities are enforcing long-standing road transport laws largely unimplemented for years, ordering drivers to comply and remove illegal under-glow and non-standard LED lights from motor vehicles and trailers
Asia Qatar Qatar condemned the initiation of demolitions in the complex of the UNRWA in occupied Jerusalem, operated by the Israeli occupation authorities; the official note reads it is a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law
Europe Poland Łódź has been ranked the fourth most congested city in the world, with commuters using an average of 135 hours in rush-hour gridlock in 2025; fatalities fell by nearly 13% even as traffic volumes remained high and traffic conditions in many major Polish
Europe France La Clef, a legendary arthouse cinema in Paris's Latin Quarter, reopened after years of closure a sit-in of its employees and a fundraising involving top directors; a collective of its supporters now runs it on a voluntary basis, with admission by donation
Asia China China’s drug and medical device industry is projected to grow by 50% by 2023, with revenue forecast to exceed US$2,1 trillion; a new engine of economic growth, it would be driven by an aging population and global expansion
Europe United Kingdom New BBC strategic partnership with video platform YouTube will showcase “the best homegrown storytelling and news from across” the British broadcaster; BBC will “expand” its activities on YouTube, including tailor-made content for younger audiences
Asia Turkmenistan Elderly citizens and benefit recipients at the beginning of the year endure hours in line at social security offices to prove they are still alive; this biennial formality is felt as an ordeal, adding discontent to government’s refusal to adjust payments
Africa Uganda President Museveni, 81, once a critic of rulers clinging to power, has won a 7th term in office in contested polls; opposition candidate Bobi Wine decried results but said he will not take them to court, calling for a 'peaceful change' in Uganda
Africa Rwanda Access Bank Rwanda employees are leading a series of community initiatives, delivering healthcare, education, social support through the bank’s Employee Volunteering Program which empowers staff to identify and implement projects aligned with local needs
Europe Switzerland Following the Crans-Montana tragedy, the media coverage, its political relevance, the Swiss have decided to keep a low profile, cancelling some of the events and parties scheduled alongside the Winter Olympics at House of Switzerland in Milan and Cortina