Europe Serbia Chinese and Russian companies have contributed in drafting Serbia’s mining regulations, now adopted by Parliament, raising concerns among non-governmental organizations, citizens and experts that say the practice could hide concessions
Africa Kenya A 16-storey building collapsed in Nairobi, trapping an unknown number of people as the Red Cross manages on site operations; building collapses is a recurring, not fully addressed, problem in the city and authorities haven't commented on the cause yet
Africa Somalia Somaliland authorities rejected accusations that it agreed to host Israeli military facilities and resettle displaced Palestinians from Gaza in exchange for recognition by Israel, saying the claims are baseless and the step “purely diplomatic”
Asia North Korea North Korea says it tested hypersonic missiles to deter enemies; Kim Jong Un personally oversaw test, as 'continuous' nuke development necessary after recent 'international events', he reportedly said condemning US action in Venezuela
Asia Sri Lanka At the People’s Pinnacle 2025 Awards Night in Colombo, Lankadeepa newspaper was honoured as the Most Popular Newspaper of the Year, News 1st and Sirasa TV won multiple awards
America Canada More leaks and further disruption are expected until Calgary's main water pipe is completely replaced, mayor says, after a rupture caused water shortages that led to calls for conservation with showers shorter than 3', essential flushing and water boiling
Asia Iran Protests have spread to 78 cities across 26 provinces in the second week of uninterrupted demonstration in Iran; experts highlight that war with Israel, a battered economy and the loss of allies have left the government at its weakest point in years
Europe Croatia National ferry operator Jadrolinija announced expanded routes and stronger island connectivity for 2026, particularly for Split, Zadar and Brač; Jadrolinija transported around 3,5 million vehicles and 12,2 million passengers in 2025
Europe Ukraine Another 26 motor vehicles seized from drunk drivers and other criminal offenders in Latvia will be received free of charge, destined to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, medical institutions, local municipalities and organizations supporting Ukrainian society
Oceania New Zealand NZ doctors are increasingly finding themselves caring for patients who require medical help following gastric bypass and gastric sleeve procedures undergone abroad; medical tourism is posing new threats as post-op complications cases rise
America Suriname Suriname, with Guyana, focused on training and strengthening defense forces in 2025, supported by donations of military equipment and supplies from allied nations
America Dominican Republic Air arrivals in the Dominican Republic grew by 10%, reaching 960k tourists December, the highest monthly record ever achieved by the country; closing 2025 with 11,6 million visitors, figures consolidate the best result in the history of Dominican tourism
Oceania Micronesia VP took part in the official kick off of the 74th Operation Christmas Drop, a tradition begun in 1952 when aircrew dropped a bundle of supplies attached to a parachute to waving islanders; OCD involves over 60 islands in FSM, Palau, Marshall Islands
Africa Equatorial Guinea Ciudad de La Paz, capital of the province of Djiploho, was proclaimed as the new national capital on 2 January 2026 by presidential decree signed by H.E. Obiang Nguema Mbasogo; Malabo had been Ecuatorial Guinea's capital city since independence in 1968