Asia Japan Clothes waste will be reduced by 25% by 2030 through recycle and reuse to address the environmental impact of emissions-heavy garment production; textile industry waste has become a major issue worldwide, with 92 million tons of carbon dioxide annually
Africa Zimbabwe Patients and doctors across Zimbabwe are raising alarm over inconsistent test results from medical laboratories, a problem linked to the rapid growth of diagnostic testing facilities that, doctors say, do not always meet professional standards
Oceania Papua New Guinea A fire destroyed a commercial building housing a number of businesses in Mendi, southern highlands; started at the generator house after a power failure, it was fought by local boys with buckets, lacking fire brigade service and water tankers
Asia Maldives Tourist arrivals continued to rise in December, with figures pointing to sustained year on year growth of 10% and over during what is traditionally the busiest month; notwithstanding the Christmas holidays China is expected to lead the incoming this month
Europe North Macedonia Evzoni/Bogorodica) and Niki/Medzitlija border crossings with Greece have once again been blocked by Greek farmers protesting against 2026 budget
Oceania Tuvalu The first climate migrants to leave Tuvalu have touched down in Australia, ready to begin a new life as part of the landmark treaty, an unprecedented climate visa scheme signed two years ago and implemented along 2025
Asia North Korea The Biological Specimen Factory in Kaesong Municipality has been renewed and equipped with temperature control; stuffed specimens of birds and mammals are preserved in their original aspect, intended for educational units use, a press release reports
Asia Palestine A four-storey residential building in East Jerusalem has been demolished by Israeli officials citing it was an unauthorised structure; the building, set near the Old City, housed around 100 people, including women, children and elderly residents
Africa Equatorial Guinea Latest Foreign Trade in Goods Report by National Institute of Statistics INEGE shows that exports reached 71 countries in 2024, with China being the main market followed by Italy and UAE; alcoholic beverages for €41million were mainly imported from Spain
Oceania Solomon Islands Essential school furniture for newly built classrooms and dormitories has been delivered to 14 schools across the country; the initiative aims to build safe, comfortable and practical learning spaces supported by Australia and New Zealand with MEHRD
Europe Czech Republic After 58 years, the D1 motorway is finally complete with the opening of the last section at Přerov; the new 10km stretch was finished 3 months ahead of schedule and is expected to significantly relieve traffic in the region
Asia Laos Laos has been included in the list of countries facing full entry restrictions following new US travel ban; Washington cites security concerns, while critics argue the move is politically driven and risks harming diplomatic and economic ties
Europe Estonia Principal of Tallinn Central Russian Gymnasium was dismissed and a public competition will be announced for his position; the reason cited is systematic violations in the transition to Estonian-language instruction, not throughly conducted at the school
Africa Sudan A measles spread is threatening thousands of children in Central, South, and West Darfur - currently mostly outside State control - as vaccination programs and supply chains collapsed under war and bureaucratic delays, MSF warned