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
America Panama A joint training program has been launched with the US to strengthen protection of the Panama Canal, reinforcing long-standing bilateral cooperation on security and strategic infrastructure
Asia Bahrain A proposed law that would forbid children under 15 years of age to create social media accounts was reviewed by the Shura Council’s woman and child affairs committee, a move to address growing concern over the risks faced by youngsters online
Oceania Tuvalu Government expresses deep concern over the recent escalation of tensions in the Asia-Pacific region; an official post on Facebook reminded that Tuvalu strongly opposes any unilateral or coercive actions that threaten regional security, stability and peace
Europe Portugal Starting this year, anyone wishing to walk Madeira’s official hiking routes will need to book a specific trail and time slot online, local government has confirmed
Asia United Arab Emirates FoodTech Challenge winners have been proclaimed and awarded $500.000 each; winning ideas demonstrated real-world impact on food loss, yields and resource efficiency: natural produce protectors, tree-health sensors and insect-based waste recycling systems
Africa Republic of the Congo With two months to go to presidential election, Congo-Brazzaville is urged to remain calm and promote serenity though, as voting approaches, the political climate is warming, positions are hardening, and passions are being expressed with vigor
Asia Bangladesh Air force chiefs held talks with those of Pakistan on a potential pact covering the sale of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets to Dhaka, as Islamabad widens its arms supply ambitions and expands ties with Bangladesh
America Paraguay Visa‑free entry policy has ended for Venezuelan citizens; Paraguay reinstated visa requirements and requiring prior document and background checks for Venezuelan travellers, citing national security concerns amid the ongoing crisis in Venezuela
America Peru Peru has advanced plans to become South America's naval construction leader in 2026, partnering with South Korea for tech transfer and investing over US$831,9 million in submarines, warships, and port infrastructure to boost maritime defense and industry
Asia Vietnam Hà Nội's metro operator carried nearly 21 million passengers in 2025, surpassing targets by 7,3%; Cát Linh–Hà Đông line alone secured revenues exceeding plans by 26,6%
America Suriname A Memorandum of Understanding to establish a Political Consultation Mechanism has been signed with Chile, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance cooperation through regular diplomatic dialogue
Africa Gabon Nine sailors were kidnapped during an attack on a trawler off the coast of Gabon the Ministry of Defense stated in a video released on Monday 12 January by several Gabonese media outlets; the attack was perpetrated by three armed individuals
Europe Liechtenstein New passport has been presented with the slogan "A piece of home to take with you"; it features over 40 security elements and each page is unique to significantly hinder forgery