America Venezuela Flight connections with the Dutch island of Aruba, less than 30km off Venezuela's coat, will be resumed for the first time since 2019; Maduro had suspended them after humanitarian aid was flown in, judging the move as international interference
Europe Vatican City Cardinal Tagle, Pro-Prefect of Dicastery for Evangelization, visited the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia, in a short but highly meaningful journey, a tangible sign of Pope’s closeness to a community of migrants in a complex interreligious context
Asia Japan Protesters rallied near the Niigata prefectural government building before voting took place in the prefectural assembly on a partial restart of the Kashiwazaki Kariwa nuclear power plant, the world's largest, closed after the 2011 Fukushima disaster
Asia Malaysia 31 Malaysians trapped in job-scam networks in Myanmar have been rescued and safely repatriated; victims were lured with false offers and forced into cybercrime work, highlighting ongoing regional trafficking networks and the need for tighter cooperation
Africa Mali The official opening of the Confederal Investment and Development Bank of the AES in Bamako represents a major step for Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso towards their economic independence and regional integration
Oceania Papua New Guinea A fire destroyed a commercial building housing a number of businesses in Mendi, southern highlands; started at the generator house after a power failure, it was fought by local boys with buckets, lacking fire brigade service and water tankers
Asia Oman Oman air launched a direct flight to Copenhagen via Bagdad; the importance of the connecting route was underlined with an official ceremony at the Iraqi airport
Oceania Tuvalu The first climate migrants to leave Tuvalu have touched down in Australia, ready to begin a new life as part of the landmark treaty, an unprecedented climate visa scheme signed two years ago and implemented along 2025
Asia Jordan The apparel sector is witnessing a lively commercial activity as festive shopping gains momentum, driven by Christmas offers rolled out to stimulate demand, targeted promotions and shifting consumer priorities amid ongoing economic pressures
Oceania Solomon Islands Essential school furniture for newly built classrooms and dormitories has been delivered to 14 schools across the country; the initiative aims to build safe, comfortable and practical learning spaces supported by Australia and New Zealand with MEHRD
Asia Thailand As the Southeast Asian Games concluded, Thailand finished top of the medal table, leading on home soil; Host athletes won in multiple disciplines, underscoring the country’s regional sporting strength despite rising competition from Vietnam and Indonesia
Europe Czech Republic After 58 years, the D1 motorway is finally complete with the opening of the last section at Přerov; the new 10km stretch was finished 3 months ahead of schedule and is expected to significantly relieve traffic in the region
Asia Philippines Temporary maritime restrictions have been announced in parts of the West Philippine Sea ahead of a Chinese rocket launch; Authorities cited safety risks from falling debris, analysts note the move comes amid tensions with Beijing over contested waters
Asia Israel Christians in Jerusalem celebrate Christmas facing discrimination and economic burdens, including exorbitant taxes like the “Arnona”, on churches, freezing of bank accounts, seizure of properties and holy sites, and activities by settlement associations