America Colombia Abelardo De La Espriella has become the new president-elect of Colombia in a tight run-off; the far-right lawyer was openly backed by US President Trump
Asia Syria Turkey is ready to help set up a financial system in Syria; Goksel Asan, Head of Finance Office of Turkish Presidency, said it would enable Syria to achieve in three to five years what it would achieve in 20 years through traditional means
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
Asia United Arab Emirates Dubai said it plans to build a solar plant with storage batteries for uninterrupted energy supply, just a month after Abu Dhabi unveiled a similar $6 billion project
Oceania Solomon Islands A Solomon Islands delegation is attending the first General Assembly of the International Organisation for Aid to Navigation; the team is led by Manasseh Maelanga, Minister of Infrastructure Development
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
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
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
Asia Myanmar The abrupt US aid suspension to Myanmar threatens millions amid ongoing conflict; amnesty International warns that cutting humanitarian support worsens civilian suffering, limiting access to food, healthcare, and basic needs in war-affected regions
Asia Laos Champasack Province plans to elevate the Million-Year-Old Volcano in Paksong District to a national tourist attraction; development includes upgrading the 17 km road and adding restaurants and accommodations to boost eco-tourism and local economic growth
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
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
America Paraguay A severe drought in Paraguay's Chaco has forced the relocation of over 40.000 cattle due to low water levels in the Pilcomayo River, causing high costs, livestock losses, and market impacts
America Peru Indigenous communities near Manu National Park are being trained as eco-guards using technology like EarthRanger to monitor deforestation, coca cultivation, and invasions, aiming to protect their forests and the park’s biodiversity facing rising threats