America Brazil The federal import tax on international purchases of up to US$ 50 made through e-commerce platforms like Temu, Shein, and AliExpress has been erased; experts say it is a strategic move in view of October's upcoming general elections
Africa Algeria Algeria has welcomed Vatican's formal announcement an official visit by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to Algeria, at the invitation of the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, according to a press release from the Presidency of the Republic
Europe Hungary Prosecutors indicted the progressive mayor of Budapest, Gergely Karácsony, for his role in organizing a gay pride march last June in defiance of a ban imposed by far-right Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government
Africa Burundi A recent analysis shows that 2025 territorial reform, set to make Burundi more efficient with strengthened municipalities, fewer provinces and an administration closer to the citizens, is gaining momentum after a complicated start
Africa Senegal 20 girls from the fishing village of Xataxely have joined a new Surf Academy led by local teachers, with a simple rule: if they want to surf, they must also go to school, thus helping girls return to education
Asia Saudi Arabia A strategic stockpile of over 2,2 million bottles of Zamzam water has been prepared to meet the needs of pilgrims during the holy month of Ramadan; Production operations at the Zamzam Water Project have paced up to 200.000 5-liter bottles per day
America Grenada 2026 Immersive Edutainment Tours has begun: Minister is continuing its tourism awareness campaign aimed at fostering a deeper appreciation of the sector and highlighting career opportunities among students at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels
Africa Mali Road insecurity is an increasing problem, with frequent attacks by groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State targeting fuel and gold convoys; In Kayes Region, an assault burned dozens of tankers and killed at least 15 people
Oceania Nauru Nauru Medical Centre is expanding services, with specialist surgeries now performed on island; Dr Angelique Makutu was appointed director of medical services and upgrades include dental clinics, a 10-bed paediatric unit and improved operating facilities
Europe France Following the fatal beating of a far-right activist, the Interior Ministry would be considering banning a number of extremist groups, while reporting to the courts the possible 'reconstitution' of banned far-left group Jeune Garde
Africa Niger Jihadist groups are increasingly carrying out drone strikes in West Africa, raising alarm that they are building the capacity to wage a "war from the skies", reports leading violence monitoring organisation Acled
Europe San Marino Reducing waiting lists remains a key objective for 2026 for the ISS Executive Committee; other goals have been set, including the rationalization of unnecessary expenses, the future new hospital, and the reorganization of a number of departments and staff
Asia Philippines On February 19 the eruption of Mount Kanlaon on Negros Island disrupted classes in 107 public schools, affecting about 52,975 learners; Ashfall and volcanic activity led to emergency measures, as authorities are assisting impacted communities
Africa Tunisia Deepening Tunisia-Algeria ties spark mounting scrutiny and criticism in Tunisia, where citizens fear a loss of sovereignty amid a rising wave of authoritarian interdependence