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
Oceania Australia While up to a dozen major bushfire ravaged towns, leaving one dead, 300 structures destroyed and 350.000 hectares burned in Victoria, Pro-Palestine protesters have defied police calls to cancel their Melbourne rally
Europe Bosnia and Herzegovina Despite the January 9 celebrations being ruled unconstitutional, the Bosnian Serb entity, Republika Srpska, again marked the day with a mass parade in Banja Luka
Asia Taiwan Thunder Tiger, a major Taiwan’s manufacturer of radio-controlled aircraft and drones, has expanded into unmanned surface vessels and is seeking both domestic and overseas defense contracts
Asia Philippines The Traslación, Manila’s annual mass procession of the Black Nazarene drawing millions of bare footed devotees, was held amid public outrage over alleged corruption in its management and misuse of funding, while authorities tightened security
America Barbados The rise in farm theft during Christmas period, especially of yams and sweet potatoes; one of leading Barbadian producers is considering scaling back crop production after thieves stole up to 15.000 pounds of yams from his St John fields in recent weeks
Asia Thailand Photographers at Wat Arun in Bangkok will attend manners and ethics training, following reports of aggressive tactics, overcharging and pressuring on tourists; The measure aims to curb informal vendors, improve safety and protect the temple’s reputation
Europe Kosovo An investigation into large-scale fraud at the Kosovo Insurance Bureau has resulted in the arrest of 39 people, including two former officials, over allegedly manipulated traffic accident compensation claims
Africa Mali Redefining environmental decentralization, Malian government adopted two decrees transferring new powers to local authorities in the areas of sanitation, pollution control, and forest and wildlife resource management
Europe Poland Greater support to national female athletes after childbirth or miscarriage is now provided by newly approved bill that also includes measures to guarantee to sports referees the same level of protection as public officials
Europe Belarus President Lukashenko has extended his congratulations to tennis player Aryna Sabalenka on her victory at the 2026 Brisbane International and her brilliant start to the new tennis season, BelTA reported from the head of state’s press service
Europe Moldova Moldova has been selected to host its first European Digital Innovation Hub, a major step in the digital transformation of local businesses; under the initiative a total of 2 million euros will be invested to support the digitalization of enterprises
Europe Austria Major changes have come into force in Austria in 2026 concerning vehicles and transport: reform of motorway tolls, a strengthening of environmental measures and a more restrictive management of heavy goods traffic along the Brenner corridor
Africa Algeria One million sheep will be imported for Eid al-Adha celebrations upon President's decision to support the national livestock market; the minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries will immediately take the necessary actions