Asia Georgia The EU annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World noted “severely curtailed” human rights in Georgia, reduced bilateral political contacts and dialogue between Brussels and Tbilisi amid “significant democratic backsliding”
Asia United Arab Emirates After large numbers of sea turtles have been stranded on Dubai's beaches in recent days due to high winds and low temperatures, Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project in Jumeirah launched an appeal for help on social media
Asia Yemen Yemen discussed with neighboring Sultanate of Oman ways to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the areas of agriculture, fisheries and water resources
Europe Vatican City Cardinal Parolin, reaffirming that the presence of Christians in the Middle East is essential, held a meeting in Amman with papal representatives of ME nations, in which he called for a ceasefire “on every front”, and spoke to Lebanon's new president
Asia Qatar The 4th edition of Katara Oud Festival kicked off, featuring a series of professional composers from around the world, an initiative to pay homage to musical heritage and promote the Oud as integral part of Arab identity
Europe Russia Russian students celebrate a national Students’ Day on January 25; it is often referred to as Tatiana Day because it's the day of Saint Tatiana, the patron saint of students, in the Eastern Orthodox Church; the history of the feast goes back to 1755
Oceania Vanuatu The demolition and reconstruction of Malapoa College buildings, damaged in last month's earthquake, will cost over VT 2,4 billion (€ 18.813.000); severe damage was caused to 24 classrooms, 8 laboratories, two-storey dormitories and the dining hall
Africa Zambia The SMART Zambia Institute, the government body leading the digital transformation programme, has unveiled details of the Digital Zambia Acceleration Project and will soon announce specific calls for tenders for the different elements of the initiative
Asia Saudi Arabia Libraries will undergo a major overhaul that will include the construction of public theatres and other cultural facilities following the launch of the Library Commission's national growth strategy in 2021
Europe Slovenia The government initiated a programme of measures to reduce environmental degradation in several municipalities in the northern region of Koroška, where the situation worsened due to the 2023 floods
Asia Bhutan Yak farming in Bhutan faces threats from declining populations, wildlife conflicts and rural depopulation; new Ministry’s Five-Year Plan provides for improved rangelands, breeding programs and support for highlanders to sustain this traditional livelihood
Africa Sao Tome and Principe Under a new agreement the government wishes to conclude, the European Union would pay São Tomé and Príncipe €1,4 million per year for fishing operations carried out by 34 European vessels in the archipelago's seas
Africa Tunisia The heart failure unit, electrophysiology unit, anaesthetists and cardiovascular surgeons at Rabta Hospital successfully performed an electroporation ablation procedure for atrial fibrillation, a world first in this field
Asia Nepal The 50-year-old Tilawe River bridge in Parsa district collapsed four months ago due to a broken pillar, and repairs have yet to begin; a temporary diversion is in poor condition, raising concerns about possible disruptions during the upcoming rainy season