Asia Nepal Climbing fees have been waived for nearly 100 Himalayan peaks in the remote northwest for the next two years, aiming to attract mountaineers to these less-developed regions
Africa Niger A 'vital' development project for the Agadez region and village of Eladep, severely affected by warming and drought, has been launched by the Turkish cooperation and coordination Agency by creating an agricultural production and experimentation centre
Oceania Vanuatu The Vanuatu Cricket Association has recognised cricket clubs and communities across Australia that contributed to fundraising and support following the devastating earthquake that struck the country a fortnight ago
Africa Tunisia Reported investments in the industrial sector increased by 3,7% last year compared to the same period in 2023, according to data from the Agricultural Investment Promotion Agency
Asia North Korea Leader Kim Yo Jong's sister appeared for the first time with children in state media
Asia Turkey 1.149 cultural artefacts have been repatriated to the country in 2024 and added to the over 13.000 objects returned to the country since 2002
Africa Rwanda Forest4Life aims to educate young people in environmental protection by preparing areas for planting, distributing saplings to children and asking them to name their trees to encourage them to create an emotional bond with nature
Asia Saudi Arabia At the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Dhahran, a professional training programme in generative artificial intelligence was launched for 4.000 Saudi citizens, offered by the Gen AI Academy
Europe Russia Andrei Kotov, director of 'Men Travel' agency and arrested for "organizing extremist activity and participating in it" was found dead in custody in Moscow amid a crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights, says organization OVD-Info, which tracks political arrests
Africa Democratic Republic of the Congo Preliminary laboratory results suggest that the mystery disease spread in the country is a combination of common and seasonal viral respiratory infections and malaria, the World Health Organization said
Africa Madagascar 800 turtles, probably intended for clandestine export, were seized in Majunga, in the north-west of the country; the seized turtles belong to the endemic Madagascar star tortoise species, which is protected and classified as critically endangered
Asia Cyprus In an optimistic New Year’s address, President Christodoulides said there are reasons for hope in 2025; meanwhile, the Cypriot economy showed remarkable resilience in 2024, with a +3,7% growth rate despite persistent geopolitical and internal challenges
Europe Moldova There is a lack of heating and hot water in homes and offices in the region of Transnistria after Ukraine cut off Russian gas supplies to Europe
Africa Ivory Coast French troops will leave the country after a decades-long military presence,The country has announced, thus becoming the last African nation to cut military ties with its former colonial power