Africa Seychelles Parents whose autistic children didn't meet medical assessment criteria for support in November 2024 - June 2026 will now be eligible for assistance under the Children Neurodivergent Disorder Needs Scheme CNDNS, introduced by government in July 2026
Europe Spain Spanish national police arrested Michael J. Pratt, one of FBI's 10 most wanted criminals, listed as a fugitive in September after being accused of sex crimes in connection with his websites GirlsDoPorn and GirslDoToys
Europe Ukraine President Zelensky signed a decree to apply economic sanctions against 119 Russian celebrities who are reported to supported the war; presidential adviser Podolyak called the sanctioned personalities 'death propagandists'
Europe Ireland The passport service is producing 'record passport numbers', beating the previous biggest year, 2019, by almost 20%; according to the Department of Foreign Affairs, in 2022 over 985.000 passports were issued
America Ecuador A free-trade agreement has been successfully signed with China for Ecuador's exports up to USD$1 billion yearly, agreeing also to the protection of Chinese goods in the industrial, manufacturing, and livestock sectors
Oceania Micronesia The country took a further step in securing their claims on maritime borders and the continental shelf by attending the 21st session on maritime borders in Sydney, Australia
Europe Liechtenstein After the announced heavy rain failed to materialise, the situation in the Liechtenstein ski resort has become less worrying, though lack of snow in most European resorts is affecting the ski season
America Colombia The country has now 100% reopened its shared border with Venezuela, to guarantee the movement of cargo and passengers, as well as promote trade and tourism in the countries, not only by land but also by air and river
Europe Italy Italian skier Federica Brignone has made sports history by winning gold in the combined event at the 2023 Alpine Ski World Championships; it is the first medal ever for an Italian in the discipline
Asia Syria President Erdogan asked Putin to 'cleanse' Syria of 'Kurdish terrorists', especially in Manbij and Tel Rifaat in northern Syria
Asia Indonesia The Indonesian cryptocurrency market is unlikely to improve in 2023, with investors set to face another difficult year in a new regulatory environment
Europe Finland A four-billion-euro investment is planned for a green steel plant in Inkoo; decarbonized steel is a critical material for green energy production
America Dominica A $2,4 million contract for the rehabilitation of the lighting at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium has been signed between the Government of Dominica and Mr Watson Canoville of C&J Electrical Services
Africa Burundi Nigerian President Buhari has said he will ask the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited to look into the Republic of Burundi's request for energy assistance, adding that Nigeria will support the country in various necessary ways