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 Mongolia A government working group will coordinate celebrations of 820th anniversary of the founding of Great Mongol Empire by Chinggis Khaan; events across Mongolia will be integrated into Naadam festival and promoted internationally through diplomatic missions
Asia Syria A Syrian tycoon linked to former regime has reportedly signed an agreement with the new government; al-Hal news outlet writes that the accord is a key test for the narrative of a "new phase"
Asia Indonesia At least 22 villages in Indonesia’s Aceh province were wiped out after Cyclone Senyar triggered floods and landslides; Dozens of communities remain isolated as authorities race to restore access, assess damage and deliver aid amid disrupted communications
America Bolivia Campesino groups in Bolivia have blocked major roads to protest the removal of long-standing fuel subsidies, which has sharply raised prices and sparked nationwide unrest led by the Central Obrera Boliviana
Africa Mauritius Primary education has been marked by three changes this year: Modular Assessments in science and history-geography has ended, impacting grade 6 students; the possibility to take PSAC resit exam in three subjects; the possibility to repeat grade 6
Africa Togo With 2026 finance law several fiscal innovations have been introduced, signaling a shift toward more targeted economic and social tax objectives; to strengthen compliance and revenue collection certified electronic invoicing has been implemented
Africa Sao Tome and Principe The energy crisis in São Tomé and Príncipe, over five months marked by successive power cuts, affected daily life and family gatherings during Christmas and New Year's festivities; new generators expected for the beginning of December haven't arrived yet
Europe Romania Bucharest Stock Exchange has begun the trading year confirming the mood of 2025, that closed with its best performance since 2009; the main BET index reached a historic 24.439 points, marking +46% since January with a +55% return dividends included
Oceania Marshall Islands In its first business session, the Nitijela - the country's unicameral parliament - focused on ENRA (universal basic income) and END (Extraordinary Needs Distribution) programs
Asia Kyrgyzstan 23 tons of dried apricots were shipped to China for the first time in 2025; consolidation of export is a key focus of Kyrgyzstan both in terms of range of agro-industrial products sold and in terms of geographical expansion of the market
Africa Comoros A number of M-pox cases confirmed in Madagascar prompted Comoros authorities to step up vigilance and alert professionals and residents in order to prevent any possibile spread in the archipelago
Europe Malta A series of consultation meetings have begun on proposed reforms to social media regulation aimed at increasing protection for children and vulnerable people, following the launch of a public consultation earlier this year
Asia Kazakhstan Amendments to legislation on the protection of medical workers introduce separate criminal liability for violence against medical staff and ambulance drivers during performing their duties and enhance professional liability insurance for medical personnel