Europe Moldova Leveraging the IMF assistance and support from other development partners to accelerate reforms and align public policies with international best practices was a key topic at the closing meeting of the International Monetary Fund mission in Moldova
Asia South Korea A nationwide ban on smartphones in elementary, middle, and high schools will start on 1 March 2026 to curb youth addiction and improve focus; it prohibits the use of phones in class, with exceptions for emergencies or approved educational purposes
Europe France Former president Nicolas Sarkozy, 70, could be the first ex president to be jailed in France: found guilty of conspiracy for funding his 2007 campaign with money from the government of Muammar el-Qaddafi, court said no appeals could make him avoid prison
Africa Burkina Faso Two journalists have been released after 14 months in detention; their arrest highlighted growing pressure on media since 2022. Burkina Faso fell 19 places in Reporters Without Borders’ press freedom index between 2024 and 2025.
Africa Djibouti A key speaker of Djibouti's President has resigned, citing regression in democracy and "nepotistic practices" according to local media
America Panama The Panama Canal will launch its NetZero Slot initiative next week to reward Panama ships using low-carbon fuels and energy-efficient technologies, supporting global decarbonization efforts and aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050
Europe San Marino Students from all levels in San Marino will be able to take part in the course "Fake News. Talking About It at School to Recognize and Protect Yourself" to understand the anatomy of fake stories or doctored photos
America Paraguay Indigenous groups and sugarcane farmers blocked roads across Paraguay to demand land rights, an end to forced evictions, and the completion of key infrastructure projects like a cane milling plant in Guairá
Asia Kazakhstan Citizens from 14 countries have received Kazakhstan’s Neo Nomad Visa since its introduction last year; citizens of the United States, Canada and France are the largest number
Asia Japan The Tokyo Game Show, one of the world's biggest gaming events, opened with 1.136 exhibitors and expects 250.000 visitors; evident trends are independent developers that create small-budget innovative titles and the increasing application of AI
America Guyana The Guyanese diaspora has been addressed by President Ali, who called on them to return home and invest in the country’s transformation, promising support, protection for investments, and a welcoming environment amid rapid national development
Europe North Macedonia As a new school year began, Minister says deep-seated problems in North Macedonia’s education system - shortage of free-of-charge textbooks, inflated grades, outdated university courses and old curricula - will take years to sort out
America Guatemala Guatemala secured a legal victory after a US judge blocked the Trump administration from deporting unaccompanied Guatemalan children with active immigration cases
Africa Mali Pari Mutuel Urbain Mali PMU-Mali, the country’s state-backed betting operator, launched its 31st anniversary celebrations, announcing a special CFA100m (€152,000) prize pool for loyal customers