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 Spain Madrid has been named Europe’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination 2025 at this year’s World Travel Awards, securing the title ahead of rivals including Barcelona, Berlin, London, Paris, Athens and Milan
Africa Burundi Foreign Affairs Minister said Rwanda has continued to deploy troops notwithstanding the ceasefire agreement with DRC, thus fueling insecurity affecting also the area along the Burundi border
Africa Egypt The tomb of Thutmose II was ranked among 2025’s top discoveries: archaeologists uncovered it during ongoing excavations in Luxor’s West Bank, where previously unknown chambers and burial remains shed new light on early 18th Dynasty royal practices
Asia Palestine Winter storm Byron has swept through Gaza's displacement camps soaking in cold water blankets, mattresses and basic items; Hamas is reportedly accusing Israel of refusing to let in mobile homes
Africa Gambia A boat carrying around 300 migrants from The Gambia disappeared in the Atlantic while attempting to reach the Canary Islands, with no confirmed sightings after departure, raising fears of a major maritime tragedy along the West African migration route
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.
Europe Netherlands Canadian company Cronos has acquired for €57,5 million Canadelaar, the largest legal cannabis producer in the Netherlands, supplying government’s regulated cannabis experiment; it is the first time a foreign investor has taken over a Dutch cannabis grower
Asia Nepal Many Tharu youths in Nepal's Far West are reversing migration trends by choosing local construction jobs over migrating; Growing demand for skilled labour and better earnings at home are helping them build stable livelihoods within their own communities
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
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
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
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
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