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 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
Asia Malaysia Fewer than 150 Malayan tigers left are left in the country, prompting the Consumers’ Association of Penang to urge decisive action to avoid extinction: stronger anti-poaching enforcement, wildlife crime courts, habitat protection and a national task force
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
Europe Slovenia Rok Gašparič has become the first Slovenian to receive the Mary Anning Medal for outstanding contribution to paleontology by researches not professionally dedicated to the subject; he has been awarded for his contributions on decapod crustaceans fossils
Asia China Rules regulating competition among e-commerce operators have been tightened starting 7 January 7; a series of measures enhance rigor for sales platforms following the use of practices deemed excessive to attract sellers in a context of intense competition
Oceania Tonga Tonga's Prime Minister, Lord Fakafanua, has announced an 11 member Cabinet on 5 January 2026 after the appointments were made by King Tupou VI as stipulated by the Constitution
Oceania Nauru Enduring ancestral, humanitarian, and family ties with the Banaban people have been reaffirmed during 80th anniversary of the Banaban people, relocated from their homeland of in 1945 following the devastation caused by phosphate mining
Europe Serbia Criminal proceedings against former Serbian Construction Minister over the Novi Sad railway station disaster have been dropped due to a lack of evidence; the collapse of the newly inaugurated structure triggered mass protest staged throughout 2025
Europe Estonia As ice edge in Pärnu Bay lies about two nautical miles from the breakwaters, 10 centimeters thick, icebreaking activities have started to guarantee the smooth transit of ships while cold weather is forecasted to continue
America Saint Kitts and Nevis 5 volunteers from the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps arrived in Saint Kitts and Nevis to strengthen instruction of mathematics, pure science, and other related areas; the professionals are part of a larger cohort, with other 12 teaching in the health sector
Asia Laos Funding to restore degraded forests in Xe Bang Nouan National Protected Area was approved by ADB; The project will reforest damaged land, improve watershed management and support local communities with sustainable forestry, climate-resilient activities
Asia Bhutan Royal Civil Service Commission has updated its leadership model under the Diamond Strategy, moving away from seniority-based authority toward accountability, adaptability and performance, as part of broader efforts to modernize public administration
America Bahamas Eight Bahamians received the 2026 New Year’s Day Honours by King Charles III in St James Palace in London; The Most Excellent Order of The British Empire OBE is a highly distinguished honour awarding excellence in various activities