Europe Czech Republic The proposed law on public service media would change the funding model of Czech Television and Radio from licence fees to state budget financing and has become a highly debated issue from all sides over concerns over a potential loss of independence
Asia Palestine Winter storm Byron has swept through Gaza's displacement camps soaking in cold water blankets, mattresses and basic items; Hamas is reportedly accusing Israel of refusing to let in mobile homes
Asia Turkmenistan Turkmenistan marks today the 30th anniversary of a UN decision granting Turkmenistan the status of permanent neutral country, pursuing the policy through respect, equality and mutually beneficial cooperation with all countries of the world
Europe Ukraine Deputy PM Taras Kachka visited Israel, the highest official since 2022; press reports he was satisfied with bilateral ties: with a change in Jerusalem’s stance on the war with Russia, Ukraine is looking to Israel as a model for navigating US pressure
Africa Sao Tome and Principe Tchiloli, an iconic artistic expression that combines theatre, music and dance originated in the 16th century and narrating a dramatic trial, is now inscribed on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
Asia Iran Iran analyst Omid Memarian, in Eye for Iran, presents the dramatic cultural opening sweeping across Iran as a bottom-up movement driven by a young generation that is less willing to be intimidated, not as a government reform
Europe Norway Only one film won more Golden Globe nominations this week than the popular and critically acclaimed Norwegian film Sentimental Value; its eight nominations set a record in Norway, and the film’s Norwegian star was thrilled.
Asia Qatar Art installation “241” has been inaugurated within the Msheireb Museums, commemorating 241 children who died in Gaza; an illuminated light box features a photograph of each one, while designs, videos, and curated materials show their aspirations
Europe Poland Sting will headline TVP’s flagship New Year’s Eve show in Katowice this year; the Polish public broadcaster said the 74-year-old former frontman of The Police will perform a live set at 7:50 p.m. at the Spodek Arena alongside notable Polish artists
America Belize Major gaps in services for children with disabilities have been revealed in a national analysis launched with UNICEF in Belize, highlighting the urgent need for inclusive policies despite progress under the 2024 Disability Act
Oceania Vanuatu Doctors and medical officers will be trained on Medical Certification of Cause of Death MCCD to improve the accuracy of national health data; the initiative of the Ministry of Health is supported by the World Health Organization
Oceania Papua New Guinea Partial privatization of state energy company PNG Pover Ltd. is moving on after years of lack of initiative, notwithstanding progress in talks; the government is considering options that would benefit customers and investors and a transparent process
Africa Nigeria Motorists on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway experienced severe traffic disruption after a truck driver allegedly blocked both lanes at the Ogere end, protesting what he described as extortion by officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps
Asia Singapore Nanyang Technological University building covering will be safe for birds, that have been crashing agains the glass walls for nearly two decades; student-led Project Avigate launched a fund-raiser online to fix the building, raising €40.000 in two months