Asia Bangladesh Recent studies demonstrated that microplastics are present in water, sediments, fish, salt, soft drinks, milk, edible oil and more products in Bangladesh, underscoring the growing concern that these pollutants are transferred to humans through food
Europe Poland Łódź has been ranked the fourth most congested city in the world, with commuters using an average of 135 hours in rush-hour gridlock in 2025; fatalities fell by nearly 13% even as traffic volumes remained high and traffic conditions in many major Polish
Europe Vatican City The Holy Door of St. Peter's, that Pope Leo closed last of four at the major papal basilicas, was sealed in a solemn rite presided over by Archpriest of St. Peter and the Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations marking the last of the Jubilee rites
Asia Kazakhstan A controversial set of amendments into law banning “LGBT propaganda” has been signed; Kazakh and international rights activists say it will institutionalize discrimination against LGBT people and give authorities an additional tool to curb free speech
America Dominican Republic Lasting greenish coloration at Hatillo Dam worries surrounding communities that depend on it for fishing and daily use; they urged authorities to act immediately to protect public health and ecosystem of largest freshwater reservoir in Greater Antilles
Oceania Solomon Islands Addressing road safety, traffic authorities are enforcing long-standing road transport laws largely unimplemented for years, ordering drivers to comply and remove illegal under-glow and non-standard LED lights from motor vehicles and trailers
Asia Tajikistan Security conditions along the border with Afghanistan remain volatile; Tajik border troops reportedly killed four suspected Islamic militants as they refused to surrender and opened fire first when confronted by Tajik personnel in Khatlon Province
Asia Qatar Qatar condemned the initiation of demolitions in the complex of the UNRWA in occupied Jerusalem, operated by the Israeli occupation authorities; the official note reads it is a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law
Africa South Africa The chief of staff of the Department of Social Development, appointed - underqualified - at the age of 22, resigned without facing disciplinary hearing
Europe United Kingdom New BBC strategic partnership with video platform YouTube will showcase “the best homegrown storytelling and news from across” the British broadcaster; BBC will “expand” its activities on YouTube, including tailor-made content for younger audiences
Asia Turkmenistan Elderly citizens and benefit recipients at the beginning of the year endure hours in line at social security offices to prove they are still alive; this biennial formality is felt as an ordeal, adding discontent to government’s refusal to adjust payments
Oceania Papua New Guinea 40 luxury Maserati cars, controversially brought to PNG for the APEC Leaders' Summit in 2018, are lying in a shed, uninsured, losing value and exposing the State to risk of loss for fire or theft; a new physical assessment of their condition is due soon
Europe Sweden One of the largest solar storms in 20 years took place yesterday, making the northern lights visible on Earth further south than usual; reports and spectacular photos have been posted from the Gothenburg archipelago and southern Skåne
America Canada For the first time in a century the Canadian Armed Forces have created a model to simulate a hypothetical US military invasion of Canada, a NATO founding member and a partner in continental air defense