Europe Poland Surveillance tech produced by Polish companies is being exported to states with poor human rights records according to latest report by watchdog HRW on dual-purpose technologies; the ONG calls for EU to strengthen due diligence and transparency rules
Oceania Fiji The government will provide new harvesting machines to hillside sugarcane farms; Sugar Minister Charan Jeath Singh will leave for China next week to organize the delivery of the machinery
Europe Montenegro The number of cruise passengers docking in Montenegro in 2023 increased by 31,7% on 2022 to reach 571.124 visitors, according to the country's statistical office
Africa Ivory Coast Major cocoa processing plants in Ivory Coast and Ghana have halted or curtailed operations due to financial difficulties in purchasing cocoa beans; the challenge is hitting the global cocoa industry and could lead to a worldwide spike in chocolate prices
America Mexico In Mexico City, hundreds gathered at the Monument to the Revolution for a "mass nap" to mark World Sleep Day, advocating for sleep as essential for health; a protest promoting wellness and work-life balance
Europe Greece Greeks across the country celebrated the Clean Monday festivity according to the tradition, with outdoor activities such as kite flying and picnics, traditional Lenten delicacies, music and dancing
Europe Germany Citizens can now register online to indicate their willingness to donate organs after death; until now, people could only register such decisions on paper or on an organ donor card
Asia Laos The country faced a difficult year in 2023, battling 76 extreme weather events and wildfire;; these disasters, with storms, floods, landslides, and fires, have provoked estimated da magra for around $53,5 million
Africa Guinea Construction and rehabilitation work on the regional geological laboratory in Kankan Prefecture is progressing rapidly, assessed the mission of the Directorate General of the National Geological Laboratory
Asia Israel Notwithstanding international calls from politicians, humanitarian organizations, international bodies, artists and prominent figures to halt the offensive, Netanyahu approved plans for an attack on Rafah where 1,4 million Palestinians have taken refuge
America Colombia Facing criticism for breaking his pledge not to alter the constitution, President Gustavo Petro has proposed a constitutional reform process to achieve promised social transformations
Asia India At least four foreign students were injured after a far-right Hindu mob allegedly stormed a university hostel in India's western Gujarat state and attacked the group for offering prayers during Ramadan
America Ecuador President Daniel Noboa has extended the state of emergency for another 30 days, totalling 90 days, citing the need to maintain patrols in prisons and violent areas to reduce homicides amid escalating violence attributed to drug trafficking
Europe Slovakia Corruption is a serious problem for the majority of Slovaks, and many think it will increase or remain the same under the current government, according to a survey conducted by Focus for the Stop Corruption Foundation