Oceania New Zealand 'Our Freshwater 2026' report highlights worsening quality of groundwater, rivers and lakes, with increasing levels of nitrates, E.coli above legal limit, and nearly half of New Zealand's river network unsafe for swimming due to faecal contamination
America Costa Rica First deportation flight from the US has landed carrying 135 deportees, mainly from Uzbekistan, China, Afghanistan and Russia; they will be held in detention centers while their repatriation is arranged, amidst regional pressure to facilitate deportations
Europe Portugal The Nova University of Lisbon is organizing an Intergenerational Speed Dating event today to address the housing crisis and loneliness; the initiative aims to connect senior citizens with vacant rooms and students looking for accommodation in Lisbon
Europe Germany The federal election of 23 February saw a record turnout: 82,5% of the 59,2 million eligible voters participated to elect 630 members of the federal parliament Bundestag; it's the highest turnout since 1987, which is prior to reunification in 1990
Asia Bangladesh The interim government's information advisor and one of the main leaders of the student movement, Nahid Islam, resigned from the cabinet to launch a new political party organized by activists of the July uprising
Africa Algeria A new viral hashtag marking popular discontent #Manich_Radhi - "I am not happy, satisfied" -has been shared by thousands of Algerians despite a new crackdown on social media that brought to dozens of arrests in recent weeks
Asia Qatar The Qatar Sports for All Federation has announced the calendar of tournaments and special events it organises during the month of Ramadan, which includes 66 events
Africa Ghana A 10% pay rise has been approved for public sector employees following negotiations with Organised Labour Associations and the President, who personally engaged to secure support for the adjustment
Asia Kuwait A fully electronic price monitoring system will be launched to curb price increases and improve price transparency of commodities in markets upon initiative of the Ministry of Trade and Industry
Africa Burkina Faso Burkina, with Mali and Niger, launched the common flag of the Confederation of Sahel States; the green background symbolises hope and prosperity, rebirth and renewal
Oceania Papua New Guinea Arnold Amet has been appointed as the new ambassador to the United States; his endorsement, that came both from King Charles III and US President Donald Trump, marks a step in strengthening relations between the countries
Europe Moldova The tree planting action, initially scheduled for 1 March, has been postponed to 15 March 2025 due to the current weather conditions and excessive cold
Africa Gabon Council of Ministers on 20 February examined progress made in the implementation of infrastructure projects, with focus on the Ntoum-Cocobeach road axis, an 83-kilometer stretch key for the development of the area
America Cuba The NGO Amnesty International accused the Cuban government of 'irregularities' and 'lack of transparency' in the process of releasing 553 prisoners, announced following the agreement between Washington and Havana