Asia Tajikistan An amnesty law signed by President Rahmon to celebrate 35 years of independence will cover 18.038 convicted people, with full release for 11.305 people, reduced terms for 6.733; of 507 women, 248 will be released, of 134 minors, 99 will be freed
Asia Laos 5.168 people have been arrested, including 199 foreigners, in the 2024 drug crackdown; authorities seized large amounts of narcotics, destroyed opium fields, sent 5.132 addicts to rehab centers while stricter laws rules and global cooperation are planned
Africa Zambia Ngabwe Municipality has advised to avoid consumption of fish or water-related products from the Kafue River after reports that acid contamination from the Copperbelt has reached the area, causing the death of aquatic life, including fish and crocodiles
Europe Slovakia The Council of the Education Trade Union considers a possible increase in tariff salaries for all education employees as an acceptable compromise, but has criticised the proposal for non-tariff salaries
Europe Netherlands Foreign workers and freelancers involved in a conflict with their employer over pay can now take their case to court in a three-year trial of four courts in the country, The Hague, Rotterdam, Overijssel and Zeeland-West-Brabant
Asia Uzbekistan The month of 'Safe and Healthy Capital' took place in the city of Tashkent from 15 January to 15 February; police officers managed to reduce the crime rate by 43%
Asia Philippines The Philippines and China are open to joint oil&gas exploration despite territorial tensions; talks focus on energy cooperation while ensuring Philippine sovereignty in a bid to overcome past failures over legal issue and seek a mutually beneficial deal
Oceania Tuvalu The Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Solomon Islands, Choylin Yim Douglas, of Tuvarian origin, proposed a partnership platform between Tuvaluan descendants living in the Solomon Islands and Tuvaluan citizens at home
Asia Oman As part of efforts to preserve and document Omani heritage, the National Museum hosted the 'National Symposium to Document the Omani Astronomical Heritage' organised by the Oman Astronomical Society
Europe Norway Labour Party, deeply troubled lately, now has the highest support of all 10 parties in Parliament; Labour’s leader Støre has a chance to return as PM in the September election after the most stunning turn of events in Norwegian political history
Oceania Vanuatu Nutrient levels in Port Vila harbour are too high, leading to a phase change in coral death; the Environmental Science Society of Vanuatu is asking the government to re-evaluate waste management in the city
Africa Rwanda The Tour du Rwanda ends today; the 2025 edition serves as a precursor to the Uci Road Cycling World Championships, which will be also held in Rwanda from 21 to 28 September
Europe United Kingdom Londoners were asked for their opinion on the potential pedestrianisation of Oxford Street, the Mayor's latest attempt to transform the street in a driver to increase visitor numbers, create jobs and stimulate London's growth
Asia Mongolia Coal exports to China will grow by nearly 20% in 2025 up to 100 million tons; the initiative seeks to enhance energy cooperation and capitalize on China’s demand and the strategy includes infrastructure improvements and streamlined border processes