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 Bhutan Bhutan’s National Assembly unanimously adopted the framework agreement to join the International Big Cat Alliance, committing the country to global cooperation on big-cat conservation, anti-poaching efforts, and habitat protection
America Argentina 2.397 golden retrievers have gathered in a Buenos Aires park; the event, celebrating the breed’s friendly nature and deep bond with their owners, broke an unofficial world record
America Chile Undocumented migrants have dispersed across Chile’s Arica border after Peru has blocked their entry, following fears of expulsion that prompted attempts to flee through the desert frontier
Asia Laos Planned its exit from Least Developed Country status, Laos set a timeline, starting work on a readiness assessment; The government aims to strengthen economic resilience and meet UN criteria, focusing on stability, human capital and sustainable growth
Europe Vatican City The Institution for Works of Religion IOR released its first Sustainability and ESG Report, aligning with the highest international reporting principles for financial institutions and moving to an economic model consistent with Catholic ethical principles
Oceania Solomon Islands The next generation of Solomon Islands leaders will benefit from 36 Australia Awards Scholarships for top universities across Australia in 2026; the cohort includes 2 PhDs, 28 Masters, and 6 undergraduate scholars
America Saint Vincent and the Grenadines A High Surf Advisory has been issued, with breaking waves forecast to pose a threat to life and property within the surf zone; dangerous rip-currents will create unsafe conditions for small-craft operators, particularly on northern and eastern coastlines
Europe Slovenia Cyclist Tadej Pogačar won the men's Velo d'Or for the third time in his career after claiming a fourth Tour de France title this summer; he also received the Eddy Merckx award for the top classics rider winning three of the sport's five Monuments in 2025
Africa Zimbabwe Tourists will have a smoother drive this festive season on the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway, as multiple contractors working at the same time on different sections of the road are guaranteeing significant improvements
Oceania Samoa Veteran journalist and JAWS member Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia has raised concerns over the contents of a leaked 19-page draft of the government’s proposed media protocol, saying several measures could undermine press freedom in Samoa
Europe Portugal Local businessman reportedly diverted tens of millions of euros from ‘golden visa' investors, selling apartments that didn't exist and promising sky-high return; among those defrauded is a company owned by Howard Lutnik, US secretary of state for commerce
Africa Tunisia Three prominent opposition figures and activists have been arrest in just over a week: Chaima Issa during a protest, Ayachi Hammami and Nejib Chebbi in a widening crackdown on opposition
Asia Turkmenistan The existence of the Turkestan long-eared bat has been confirmed in Turkmenistan for the first time since 1970; the dedicated expedition led by the Museum of Natural History of Berlin, Germany, visited possible bat habitats in the Karakum Desert