Europe Sweden Researchers at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences have discovered a new species in Swedish forests: it is a fungus that parasitizes lichens
Europe Poland Controls at the border with Slovakia were extended until 2 March to try to stop illegal migrants entering through Slovakian territory, a transit point for migrants trying to reach Western Europe mostly from the Middle East and Afghanistan
Europe Liechtenstein Jägermeister bottles and corks was recently exhibited at Gasthaus Adler in Bendern
Africa Madagascar The Africa Mercy, Mercy Ships' newly refurbished hospital ship, has arrived in Madagascar and will stay in the country from February to December 2024; it last visited the country in 2015
Asia Malaysia The sentence of former PM Najib Razak to 12 years in prison for corruption and abuse of power was halved; by the end of 2023, corruption charges had been filed against both Najib and other members of his party, the United Malaysian National Organisation
Africa Guinea-Bissau The National Union of Teachers and Employees of Schools of Higher Education has asked the government to carry out inspections in all the units that make up the School of Higher Education in Guinea-Bissau
Europe Russia Two Russian courts have handed down the first two convictions following the passing of the new law restricting activism for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, rather vaguely classifying activities related to their defence as extremist
Oceania Kiribati The Australian defence ship Reliant has delivered two fire engines and various unloaded supplies to the port of Betio in the capital; the cargo will enhance emergency response capabilities on the Tarawa Atoll
Asia Laos Bodybuilding and e-sports will feature in the Laos National Games in 2025, after they were officially included in a decision that comes on the heels of Laos hosting the 18th ASEAN Bodybuilding Championships later this year
Europe Switzerland Online streaming services offered in Switzerland, such as Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video, have bumped up their subscription fees in recent years, in some cases massively, data published by Moneyland.ch - an online price comparison - reveals
Oceania Palau Palau's livestock sector experienced significant growth in 2023, in terms of both the number of animals and revenue generated, according to the annual report of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment
Asia Mongolia Vatican Radio - Vatican News now also speaks the language of Mongolia, visited by Pope Francis last September: the idiom is the 52nd in addition to the others already present, both written and spoken, thanks to a collaboration with the local Church
Africa Ivory Coast A government-sponsored agricultural initiative aims on the one hand to supply school canteens, and on the other hand contributes to improving the lives of villagers by empowering women