Asia China 10 United States-based companies have been added to China's export control list, government procurement barred from 50 US companies two weeks after the Pentagon blacklisted some of China’s best-known companies for alleged ties to the Chinese military
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
Africa Egypt The US said it approved a possible arms sale to Cairo despite differences between the two sides over Washington's proposal to forcibly transfer Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt
Europe Montenegro Over 1.500 weapons have been handed in so far during the weapons amnesty introduced by the government following the mass shooting on New Year's Eve; experts warn that without greater law enforcement, illegal weapons will continue to flourish
America Belize Researchers have discovered that the pre-Columbian Casarabe society in Bolivia developed an advanced water system that enabled year-round maize cultivation, challenging previous theories and offering insights into sustainable agriculture in the Amazon
Europe Austria With the start of the tendering process for online casino licences, online gambling operators expect an end to the decades-long gambling monopoly and the opening of the online market
America Belize Belize has joined South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, adding to growing international legal pressure over Israel’s actions in Gaza, as global concerns mount over the humanitarian crisis
America Brazil Any US tariffs on Brazilian products would be met with reciprocal measures, President Lula da Silva warned, emphasizing a relationship based on mutual respect; US President Donald Trump had previously threatened new trade restrictions
Africa Nigeria Nigerian authorities have launched a committee to develop a transition and sustainability plan to mitigate the impact of US President Trump's suspension of USAID-funded health programmes
Africa Algeria The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Mary Lawlor, criticised Algeria, which she said continues to "restrict and harass human rights defenders for their peaceful activities"
Asia Indonesia Authorities in Batam are urging the shutdown of a crocodile farm after 105 reptiles escaped into a nearby river for poor enclosures and heavy rains, raising public safety concerns; officials now demand stronger regulations and proper containment measures
Africa Libya The Libya Africa Investment Portfolio presented a detailed timetable for the implementation of two important international transit corridors: the Misurata-Tamanhant-Agadez route connecting Libya to Niger and the Benghazi-Kufra-Sudan highway
Oceania Marshall Islands The first national marine sanctuary was officially established with a signing ceremony at the International Conference Centre
Asia Singapore Lim Tze Peng, Singapore’s oldest artist and a revered cultural icon, has passed away at 103; renowned for his ink paintings and calligraphy, Lim dedicated his life to capturing the country’s heritage and landscapes, leaving an enriching legacy