Oceania Palau A historic $15 million financing agreement has been signed with Saudi Arabia, marking a shift in how Palua's National Development Bank will now operate, as the loan will be directly invested into building affordable housing
Africa Zambia The Zambia Flying Doctor Service has celebrated the acquisition of a new helicopter, christened 9J-KDK in honour of Zambia's first president, Kenneth David Kaunda,it will boost life-saving health services in the country
Asia North Korea North Korean rights groups fear collapse after US Treasury Department freezes National Endowment for Democracy funds
Asia Taiwan The 9th edition of the Asian Winter Games, held in Harbin, PRC, have closed with Taiwan claimed its very first medal at the international event, with the speed skating bronze in the Women's 100 metres competition
Europe San Marino In 2024 the San Marino Outlet Experience further consolidated its growth trend; since its inauguration in January 2021, it has been progressively advancing in its expansion plan, as also confirmed by three recent new openings
Europe Netherlands An agreement among the government, energy companies and network operators has been reached: an emergency fund will be extended to help low-income households struggling with high energy bills
Africa Niger The UN denounced the 'arbitrary' detention of Mohamed Bazoum, the Niger president overthrown by a coup in July 2023, and his wife
Europe Norway Norwegian soldiers undertook the longest winter exercise in recent history, cutting off all contact with the outside world for 100 days to prepare for combat behind enemy lines
Africa Republic of the Congo Houses on stilts have been gaining popularity, in Makotimpoko, in the flood-prone highlands, as they offer a sustainable option for housing
Oceania Samoa The Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet condemned the views expressed in a forged e-mail supposedly from the Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, addressed to members of the Fa'atuatua ile Atua Samoa ua Tasi party
Africa South Africa A green hydrogen directive is set to be launched on 17 February, which is expected to simplify approval procedures for green hydrogen projects that would stimulate economic growth, reduce environmental risks and encourage the creation of new jobs
Oceania Marshall Islands The end of January and the beginning of February saw the presence of several tuna transport ships in the Majuro lagoon, a sure sign of a resumption of transhipment activity
Europe Slovenia Prison staff across the country protested for an hour on Thursday to draw attention to what they say is an alarming situation due to severe overcrowding in prisons, staff shortages and low wages
Africa Malawi Exports of gems and precious minerals have been frozen and no new export licences for minerals have been issued while Malawi is reforming how the sector is administered