Asia Tajikistan An amnesty law signed by President Rahmon to celebrate 35 years of independence will cover 18.038 convicted people, with full release for 11.305 people, reduced terms for 6.733; of 507 women, 248 will be released, of 134 minors, 99 will be freed
Asia Kazakhstan Amendments to legislation on the protection of medical workers introduce separate criminal liability for violence against medical staff and ambulance drivers during performing their duties and enhance professional liability insurance for medical personnel
Africa Togo With 2026 finance law several fiscal innovations have been introduced, signaling a shift toward more targeted economic and social tax objectives; to strengthen compliance and revenue collection certified electronic invoicing has been implemented
Europe Russia A hypersonic, nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile was among 36 other missiles and over 200 drones launched in one of Russia's largest attacks on Ukraine; Kyiv and Lviv were hit, homes damaged, water supplies and heating disrupted in freezing temperatures
Asia Kyrgyzstan 23 tons of dried apricots were shipped to China for the first time in 2025; consolidation of export is a key focus of Kyrgyzstan both in terms of range of agro-industrial products sold and in terms of geographical expansion of the market
Europe Malta A series of consultation meetings have begun on proposed reforms to social media regulation aimed at increasing protection for children and vulnerable people, following the launch of a public consultation earlier this year
Africa Sao Tome and Principe The energy crisis in São Tomé and Príncipe, over five months marked by successive power cuts, affected daily life and family gatherings during Christmas and New Year's festivities; new generators expected for the beginning of December haven't arrived yet
Asia Malaysia Fewer than 150 Malayan tigers left are left in the country, prompting the Consumers’ Association of Penang to urge decisive action to avoid extinction: stronger anti-poaching enforcement, wildlife crime courts, habitat protection and a national task force
Oceania Tonga Tonga's Prime Minister, Lord Fakafanua, has announced an 11 member Cabinet on 5 January 2026 after the appointments were made by King Tupou VI as stipulated by the Constitution
Africa Senegal A two-year prison sentence was inflicted by Pikine-Guédiawaye Magistrates' Court to two men found guilty of producing and distributing pornographic videos filmed in Senegal and broadcast on online platforms
Asia Kuwait Paris Saint-Germain won the French Super Cup yesterday at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait City, defeating Marseille on penalties in front of 60.000 spectators
Asia Laos Funding to restore degraded forests in Xe Bang Nouan National Protected Area was approved by ADB; The project will reforest damaged land, improve watershed management and support local communities with sustainable forestry, climate-resilient activities
Europe Lithuania A municipal campaign led to about 9.700 residents to declare Vilnius as their residence, adding over EUR 12,5 million to the 2026 city budget, Mayor confirmed, as the city's house prices increased by 10,8% in Q3 2025 compared to Q3 2024
America Bahamas Eight Bahamians received the 2026 New Year’s Day Honours by King Charles III in St James Palace in London; The Most Excellent Order of The British Empire OBE is a highly distinguished honour awarding excellence in various activities