Asia Iraq Over 600 pilgrims were briefly hospitalised with respiratory problems after inhaling chlorine resulting of a leak at a water treatment station on the route between the two Shia holy cities of Najaf and Karbala
Asia North Korea North Korean state media first covered US President Donald Trump's election victory and inauguration on Wednesday morning, after Trump broke precedent by calling the DPRK a nuclear power a few hours after his inauguration
Asia Yemen Yemen discussed with neighboring Sultanate of Oman ways to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the areas of agriculture, fisheries and water resources
Oceania Vanuatu The demolition and reconstruction of Malapoa College buildings, damaged in last month's earthquake, will cost over VT 2,4 billion (€ 18.813.000); severe damage was caused to 24 classrooms, 8 laboratories, two-storey dormitories and the dining hall
Africa Zimbabwe Starting next week, the emergency air ambulance service will be extended to Victoria Falls, thanks to a government initiative resulting from an agreement with Russia to ensure fast and efficient access to medical care in a major tourist destination
Asia Pakistan The Reko Diq mine, located in Chagai, Balochistan, will begin gold and copper production by 2028 under Barrick Gold’s leadership; with major investments planned, the project aims to boost exports, though local refining capacity remains a challenge
Europe Switzerland Switzerland adopted new EU regulation to standardise the collection and transfer of passenger information that aims at enhancing the accuracy and precision of the data gathered and preventing illegal entry of air passengers into the Schengen area
Asia Nepal The 50-year-old Tilawe River bridge in Parsa district collapsed four months ago due to a broken pillar, and repairs have yet to begin; a temporary diversion is in poor condition, raising concerns about possible disruptions during the upcoming rainy season
Asia Bhutan Yak farming in Bhutan faces threats from declining populations, wildlife conflicts and rural depopulation; new Ministry’s Five-Year Plan provides for improved rangelands, breeding programs and support for highlanders to sustain this traditional livelihood
Asia Saudi Arabia Libraries will undergo a major overhaul that will include the construction of public theatres and other cultural facilities following the launch of the Library Commission's national growth strategy in 2021
America Dominica Dominica is now mentioned in the BBC list of 25 places to visit in 2025 with a special focus on sustainable travel
Europe Finland The Finnish Medicines Agency received 2.676 drug shortage notifications from pharmaceutical companies in 2024; most cases were resolved by replacing unavailable drugs with equivalent alternatives in pharmacies
America United States Attorneys general from 22 states sued President Trump to block an executive order declaring that children born to mothers legally but temporarily in the US, i.e. foreign students, or born to undocumented immigrants would no longer be treated as citizens
Africa Gabon The transitional parliament approved a new electoral code, after days of deliberations, allowing members of the security forces and magistrates to participate in elections as candidates; opponents see it as favourable to junta leader Brice Oligui Nguema