Asia Oman Premarital medical screening will now be mandatory for couples to promote early detection of hereditary blood disorders and infectious diseases and providing couples with appropriate medical counselling before marriage
America Peru Peru has advanced plans to become South America's naval construction leader in 2026, partnering with South Korea for tech transfer and investing over US$831,9 million in submarines, warships, and port infrastructure to boost maritime defense and industry
Asia Vietnam Hà Nội's metro operator carried nearly 21 million passengers in 2025, surpassing targets by 7,3%; Cát Linh–Hà Đông line alone secured revenues exceeding plans by 26,6%
America Uruguay Three islands on the Uruguay River have been donated to the country by philanthropist Gilbert Butler to expand protected areas and launch the binational “Peace Park” with Argentina, boosting conservation and low-impact ecotourism in over 21.000 hectares
America Colombia President Gustavo Petro has warned of a “real threat” of possible US military action against Colombia after US President Donald Trump said an operation there “sounds good”, stressing the need for dialogue despite tensions over narcotics
Asia Laos Laos and Vietnam will establish a joint university in Laos and expand student exchange programs; The initiative seeks to strengthen bilateral ties, improve higher education and develop human capital through closer academic and institutional cooperation
Asia Lebanon In Hadath, Beirut’s outskirts, a shelter for abandoned cats has been running for 12 years: it began with a single rescue and became a long-term commitment; since 2024, the war has intensified the pressure and cats are relocated amid scarce housing options
Africa Libya Raising refining capacity and domestic fuel production to 660,000 bpd is a pillars for improving Libya's economy, reducing reliance on imported fuel; upgrading existing refineries and build new plants would enhance domestic fuel production
Africa Madagascar Within economic recovery plans, the Ministry of Industrialization and Private Sector Development held a strategic working meeting with the Fikambanan’ny Orinasa Malagasy, a representing Malagasy businesses to build a more resilient and competitive economy
Africa Egypt Egypt’s National Council for Childhood and Motherhood (NCCM) will launch a “Safe Child Unit” in six governorates as an initial phase to provide integrated support for children facing physical and psychological violence
Africa Namibia School and academic year 2026 has started, with a focus on making education affordable for all families and promoting synergy between families and institution for better results and well being
Asia Myanmar On 4 January Independence Day, Myanmar’s junta granted amnesty to thousands of prisoners but excluded most political detainees; Activists said the move was symbolic and failed to address the continued detention of opposition figures and protest leaders
Asia Bhutan Livestock Bill 2025, which aims to modernize regulation and improve food safety, was debated by National Assembly; expanded meat production clashes with Buddhist values and animal welfare highlighted contrasts among tradition, public health, economy needs
Africa Gabon Nine sailors were kidnapped during an attack on a trawler off the coast of Gabon the Ministry of Defense stated in a video released on Monday 12 January by several Gabonese media outlets; the attack was perpetrated by three armed individuals