Asia China 10 United States-based companies have been added to China's export control list, government procurement barred from 50 US companies two weeks after the Pentagon blacklisted some of China’s best-known companies for alleged ties to the Chinese military
Europe Germany Churches are being decommissioned and repurposed as the number of church members in Germany is falling rapidly; in Berlin growing Orthodox Christian congregations have taken over buildings, but they are more often sold
America Ecuador Only two official border crossings have been kept open due to national security concerns, as Ecuador has faced rising cartel violence and now holds Latin America's highest homicide rate
Asia Brunei A community gotong-royong - an obligation of individual towards society - completed a clean-up initiative along the road to Kampong Kuala Balai, restoring road width and drainage systems by clearing overgrown vegetation
Africa Cape Verde The 2025 Scientific Conference of the Cuban Medical Brigade in Cape Verde reaffirmed its role of exchange and clinical reflection, contributing to scientific cooperation with the presentation of six studies developed in partnership with local doctors
Asia Georgia Georgian Dream officials marked the completion of a 14-year railway modernization project, one of the largest investments in the transport sector, securing higher cargo capacity, shorter transit times, Tbilisi–Batumi travel time reduced by 30 minutes
Africa Djibouti Committee on Social Development and Environment held a meeting focusing on the draft law on national cultural heritage of Djibouti; Minister of Youth and Culture and her staff presented the objectives, scope, and implications of the text
Asia Jordan Flat6Labs, Middle East and Africa’s leading entrepreneurial ecosystem builder, has concluded its StartMashreq Programme at the “StartMashreq Forum” in Amman; the three-year initiative supports innovation and startup growth in Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq
Asia Bangladesh A concert by legendary Bangladeshi rock musician James was called off following alleged attack by "outsiders", despite full preparations; the event was scheduled at the Faridpur District School premises to mark the school's 185th anniversary
Europe Belarus The Palace of Independence opened its doors to participants of the traditional New Year's Eve Ball for young people, part of the run up to 2026; the event saw the participation of over 350 young dancers and was attended by President Lukashenko
Asia East Timor 1.500 bamboo seedlings have been planted in areas at risk of land erosion in the capital Dili; the initiative of the Secretary of State for Forestry with the municipality selected plants that are particularly effective against erosion
Africa Central African Republic Ahead of tomorrow's polls, the UN called on citizens to participate in the vote and urged authorities to ensure peaceful, orderly, inclusive and credible elections and refrain from actions that could incite violence or undermine confidence in the process
Africa Democratic Republic of the Congo Cobalt exports have resumed after a 10-month halt; introduced in February, the ban was designed to stabilise the market and stem falling prices due to global oversupply, and was initially imposed for four months
Asia Kuwait Two new stations have been inaugurated by the Kuwait Fire Force in Al-Qairawan and Al-Mutlaa; equipped with the latest technology and advanced firefighting equipment, they strengthen emergency response