Asia China Unilateral zero-tariff treatment is now applied to all African countries except Eswatini, which maintains ties with Taiwan; duty-free policy for 33African countries was introduced in 2024, now covers 53 countries and will be in place until 30 April 2028
Asia Yemen A collection of poems by Shalom Shabazi, part of the collection recently acquired by the National Library of Israel, sheds light on the history of Jews in Yemen
Asia South Korea South Korea's consumer rights watchdog found 473 faulty products which had been recalled from overseas markets being sold in South Korea in 2023: 113 were food and beverages, 106 electronic devices, 70 products for children, 61 sports-related items
America Panama The National Migration Service of Panama predicted a 20% increase in irregular migration through the dangerous Darien jungle in 2024, with over 40.000 individuals already crossing this year
America Dominica Heavy waves have been pounding the coasts of Dominica, with yachts grounded because of high surf and the Express Des Îles forced to dock because of the severity of the waves; Meteorological Service warns of above-normal seas and breaking wave action
Oceania Samoa To promote a cashless economy, ANZ Bank of Samoa announced its decision to waive Visa debit card payment fees from all local banks under WST15
Asia Armenia The ICC held a special ceremony to welcome Armenia as the 124th State Party to the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the ICC
America Mexico In a historic move, journalist Guillermo Barraza becomes the first-ever drag queen to host a news program for Mexican TV, presenting "La Verdrag," a groundbreaking show aimed at transforming societal perceptions of the LGBTQ+ community in Mexico
Africa Burkina Faso The 28th annual pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Yagma in the Archdiocese of Ouagadougou ended with an appeal to the Blessed Virgin Mary to intercede for peace in the West African nation
Oceania Micronesia The crew of the USCGC Oliver Henry arrived at the port of Dekhitik in Pohnpei on 1 February as part of an international effort to deliver essential supplies and equipment to the drought-stricken outer islands of Nukuoro and Kapingamarangi
America Paraguay Paraguay has secured a US$100 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank to enhance its logistical chain, streamline trade processes, and promote sustainable as well as inclusive economic development
Africa Algeria Algeria is discussing closer bilateral cooperation with Germany in the deployment of renewable energy and green hydrogen on the occasion of the visit of Economy Minister Robert Habeck to the country
Africa Tanzania UNICEF has pledged to support Tanzania to improve nutrition and thus end child stunting, which refers to a child being too short for his or her age and is the result of chronic or recurring malnutrition
Africa Tunisia The first photovoltaic solar power plant in Djerba and south-east Tunisia has been inaugurated by the Secretary of State for Energy Transition; the plant will provide electricity to 500 households