Oceania Marshall Islands The Marshallese Christmas is celebrated with Jepta, or 'group', dancing and signing competitions, Wojke - a handmade container filled with small gifts and Biit Dancing - an energetic, modern church dancing, often loud and with amplified music
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
Africa Benin Press reports that on 7 December soldiers led by special forces commander Pascal Tigri declared it had ousted President Talon after storming the national broadcaster; the coup attempt was foiled by loyalists, Nigeria and French intelligence
Africa Burundi Foreign Affairs Minister said Rwanda has continued to deploy troops notwithstanding the ceasefire agreement with DRC, thus fueling insecurity affecting also the area along the Burundi border
Europe North Macedonia Activists have been participating in the annual, UN-backed 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign; this year there has been more urgency following four femicides in the small North Macedonia, largerly debated
America Dominica Over ninety local farmers have benefited from the distribution of irrigation equipment and beekeeping tools; Minister underlines that watering has become essential as rain patterns change, and beekeeping supports productivity and generates income
Europe Spain Madrid has been named Europe’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination 2025 at this year’s World Travel Awards, securing the title ahead of rivals including Barcelona, Berlin, London, Paris, Athens and Milan
Africa Libya The Acting Minister of Health in the Government of National Unity met investors and companies to discuss participation in a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Libya to localize the pharmaceutical industry and encourage investment in the sector
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
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
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.
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
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
Europe Netherlands Canadian company Cronos has acquired for €57,5 million Canadelaar, the largest legal cannabis producer in the Netherlands, supplying government’s regulated cannabis experiment; it is the first time a foreign investor has taken over a Dutch cannabis grower