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
Oceania Vanuatu The new interest rate has been increased from 2,5% to 2,75%; the initiative of the Reserve Bank of Vanuatu aims to control inflation, with the economy expected to grow by 3,6% this year
Africa Togo For a virtual museum project, on which authorities are working, a workshop was organized in Lomé and museum staff were trained in inventory techniques and the use of the ID Art app
Africa Egypt A building collapsed in Kerdasa neighbourhood, Cairo, killing at least 10 people: several others missing could still be under the rubble; the police opened an investigation, as building regulations are unevenly enforced in the 26 million people metropolis
Asia Philippines Lejun dela Cruz, a human rights activist and midterm election candidate, was arrested in Pasig for a 1998 murder; once part of the armed struggle, he later shifted to peaceful activism and his arrest raises concerns over political repression
Africa Tanzania The construction of Tanzania's first fishing harbour by China Harbor Engineering Company Ltd, one of China's leading construction companies, has reached 79%
America Uruguay Uruguay declared a national health alert after bird flu cases were detected in Argentina’s Chaco province, urging poultry farmers and veterinarians to enhance surveillance, biosecurity, and preventive measures to mitigate risks to biodiversity
Africa Zimbabwe The European Union has removed Zimbabwe Defence Industries from its sanctions list, marking the end of targeted restrictions on Zimbabwean entities and individuals
Asia Turkey Istanbul's security forces recorded a 6,5% reduction in crimes against persons and a 27,6% reduction in crimes against property in January 2025 compared to last year, said Istanbul Governor Davut Gül
Africa Tunisia The UN human rights chief denounced the "persecution of political opponents" in Tunisia, urging the authorities to stop the wave of arbitrary arrests and detentions
Africa South Sudan After an initial pilot phase, South Sudan will fully introduce an instant payment system by December to enable faster monetary transactions
Asia Uzbekistan More than 400 greenhouses, factories and social facilities were found in violation of emission regulations in the capital and Tashkent province, reported the press service of the Ministry of the Environment
Asia Tajikistan A ceremony was held in Dushanbe to honour successful athletes and their coaches who achieved high results in international competitions in 2024, with 46 athletes being awarded the presidential prize money
Asia Japan Hokkaido and the Japan Sea coast have been covered in thick snow during the strongest cold front hitting parts of the country in years; local flights have been cancelled and train and road connections disrupted