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
Asia Thailand 5th Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge, connecting Bueng Kan to Bolikhamxay, is now the shortest strategic route linking Thailand, Laos and Vietnam; it helps make Bueng Kan a logistics centre, supports cross-border tourism in the area with a permanent route
Africa Libya Raising refining capacity and domestic fuel production to 660,000 bpd is a pillars for improving Libya's economy, reducing reliance on imported fuel; upgrading existing refineries and build new plants would enhance domestic fuel production
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
Asia Bhutan Livestock Bill 2025, which aims to modernize regulation and improve food safety, was debated by National Assembly; expanded meat production clashes with Buddhist values and animal welfare highlighted contrasts among tradition, public health, economy needs
Asia Laos Laos and Vietnam will establish a joint university in Laos and expand student exchange programs; The initiative seeks to strengthen bilateral ties, improve higher education and develop human capital through closer academic and institutional cooperation
Africa Madagascar Within economic recovery plans, the Ministry of Industrialization and Private Sector Development held a strategic working meeting with the Fikambanan’ny Orinasa Malagasy, a representing Malagasy businesses to build a more resilient and competitive economy
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
America Colombia President Gustavo Petro has warned of a “real threat” of possible US military action against Colombia after US President Donald Trump said an operation there “sounds good”, stressing the need for dialogue despite tensions over narcotics
Asia Myanmar On 4 January Independence Day, Myanmar’s junta granted amnesty to thousands of prisoners but excluded most political detainees; Activists said the move was symbolic and failed to address the continued detention of opposition figures and protest leaders
Africa Egypt Egypt’s National Council for Childhood and Motherhood (NCCM) will launch a “Safe Child Unit” in six governorates as an initial phase to provide integrated support for children facing physical and psychological violence
America Guyana Sustained investments in tourism and infrastructure have driven a 450% surge in passenger traffic in Guyana, with over 1,2 million movements in 2025 and major growth in air connectivity and international arrivals
Africa Namibia School and academic year 2026 has started, with a focus on making education affordable for all families and promoting synergy between families and institution for better results and well being
Africa Cape Verde 35th anniversary of 13 January, Democracy Day, a public holiday marking Cape Verde's first democratic elections in 1991, will see the inauguration of the Monument to Freedom and Democracy, academic focuses, events in the diaspora, music festival