Africa Uganda Over 21 million ballot papers have been received by the Electoral Commission, that cleared public concerns explaining that the number exceeds the 21,6 million citizens currently on the national voters’ register and surplus is a legal requirement
Asia Singapore Nanyang Technological University building covering will be safe for birds, that have been crashing agains the glass walls for nearly two decades; student-led Project Avigate launched a fund-raiser online to fix the building, raising €40.000 in two months
Europe Poland Sting will headline TVP’s flagship New Year’s Eve show in Katowice this year; the Polish public broadcaster said the 74-year-old former frontman of The Police will perform a live set at 7:50 p.m. at the Spodek Arena alongside notable Polish artists
Oceania Papua New Guinea Partial privatization of state energy company PNG Pover Ltd. is moving on after years of lack of initiative, notwithstanding progress in talks; the government is considering options that would benefit customers and investors and a transparent process
Oceania Vanuatu Doctors and medical officers will be trained on Medical Certification of Cause of Death MCCD to improve the accuracy of national health data; the initiative of the Ministry of Health is supported by the World Health Organization
Africa Somalia Nearly 1.000 Somali refugees stranded in Yemen returned to their home country in 2025; voluntary repatriation program was carried out by UNHCR, Somali and Yemeni authorities, and international partners, to ensure safe passage and reintegration support
Asia Qatar Art installation “241” has been inaugurated within the Msheireb Museums, commemorating 241 children who died in Gaza; an illuminated light box features a photograph of each one, while designs, videos, and curated materials show their aspirations
Africa Sao Tome and Principe Tchiloli, an iconic artistic expression that combines theatre, music and dance originated in the 16th century and narrating a dramatic trial, is now inscribed on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
Asia Iran Iran analyst Omid Memarian, in Eye for Iran, presents the dramatic cultural opening sweeping across Iran as a bottom-up movement driven by a young generation that is less willing to be intimidated, not as a government reform
Europe Norway Only one film won more Golden Globe nominations this week than the popular and critically acclaimed Norwegian film Sentimental Value; its eight nominations set a record in Norway, and the film’s Norwegian star was thrilled.
Africa Nigeria Motorists on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway experienced severe traffic disruption after a truck driver allegedly blocked both lanes at the Ogere end, protesting what he described as extortion by officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps
Oceania Solomon Islands The next generation of Solomon Islands leaders will benefit from 36 Australia Awards Scholarships for top universities across Australia in 2026; the cohort includes 2 PhDs, 28 Masters, and 6 undergraduate scholars
Europe Romania Water supply has been restored in Prahova County's all 13 towns and communes that had been left without drinking water for over a week due to problems at the Paltinu Dam; however, water may only be used for hygiene purposes until tests are completed
Asia Cambodia Cambodia denounces Thai army attacks near Preah Vihear Temple, reigniting long-standing border tensions; the UN’s International Court of Justice granted the temple to Cambodia, but the surrounding border remains disputed, causing recurring clashes