Europe Switzerland Supermarket chains Coop and Migros are recalling cheese products due to a possible risk of salmonella; contaminated Kräuterbrie soft cheese found at Landbrügg dairy triggered the measure and the dairy's decision to recall its entire product range
Africa Tunisia The number of beneficiaries of the social amnesty at 5 February 2025 has reached approximately 31.000 between companies and the self-employed; figures are stated by the collection director of the National Social Security Fund
Asia Pakistan Anita Karim, Pakistan’s first female MMA fighter, is breaking barriers in a male-dominated sport, inspiring young women; known as “The Arm Collector,” she excels internationally despite societal challenges reshaping local perceptions of female fighters
Asia Myanmar Thai authorities rescued 61 people, including 39 Chinese nationals, from Myanmar-based scam gangs; Myanmar’s Border Guard Force handed them over at the Mae Sot border; The rescue follows Thailand’s suspension of electricity to scam-linked areas in Myanmar
Oceania Tonga A campaign to protect women from cervical cancer is being conducted by the Ministry of Health; at least four cases of stage 3-4 cervical cancer occur each year in Tonga
Europe United Kingdom Grenfell Tower in North Kensington, London, will be demolished almost eight years after the fire that killed 72 people; it will take around two years to dismantle the tower and it will be done in a 'sensitive' manner, the government said
Europe Sweden Plans to tighten gun laws have been announced in the wake of the worst mass shooting in the country's history, which claimed the lives of seven women and four men aged between 28 and 68, including the gunman, who killed himself
Asia Vietnam A mountain market in Ha Giang has become a YouTube hotspot, drawing vloggers and tourists; once a quiet trading hub, it now thrives online, with locals gaining fame and income from viral videos showcasing ethnic culture
Asia Thailand On 23 January, the first day of legal same-sex marriages following the introduction of the Marriage Equality Bill, mass weddings were held across the country, in a celebration of a historic date for Southeast Asia
Asia Malaysia Influencers from Malaysia have fabricated the story of their friend's disappearance in a forest in Bandung, Indonesia, to produce social media content with false search efforts and emotional appeals; authorities are investigating legal repercussions
Africa Zambia Comprehensive guidelines for sustainable use of wetlands across the country are being developed by the government with the intention of launching them by the end of the year, to address the growing environmental challenges and threats they face nationwide
Oceania Vanuatu The demand for technical and vocational education in Vanuatu is gaining popularity; in the programmes approved by the Vanuatu Qualifications Authority there are about 1.000 students enrolled, many of whom attend the Vanuatu Institute of Technology
Asia United Arab Emirates A 20% increase in the salaries of Fujairah local government employees was ordered by Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Fujairah
Africa Kenya A consortium of UN agencies announced the selection of 15 innovation poles to stimulate the growth of the digital economy in Kenya, while promoting equity and inclusion