Asia Malaysia The Gig Workers Bill 2025 was passed, extending labor protections to about 1,2 million gig economy workers; the law mandates written contracts and basic benefits, like insurance and leave, for drivers, freelancers and platform workers
Europe Ireland A historic gate in Dublin's Phoenix Park, removed last September after being hit by a council lorry, will be reinstated this month, the Office of Public Works said
America Guyana Guyana is removing wrecks from its waterways to enhance safety for oil supply vessels, clearing over 14 since 2023, with plans for more, while also widening channels to support its booming oil sector and ensure navigation safety
Europe Denmark The new mapping by Arbejderbevægelsens Erhvervsråd, the labour business council, is based on 2023 figures and shows that incomes of top 1% of high earners increased by almost 15% despite inflation, while the average citizen suffered a drop in income
America Grenada The Public Sector Employees Pension Fund Bill 2024 is now an Act of Parliament which came into effect on 1 January; it is described as 'unfavorable' by unions and as a violation of the public officers’ constitutional rights by several legal minds
Europe Andorra The end of the season festivities has been marked by long road queues: ice made leaving the mountain resorts difficult and main roads leading to Spain also registered a peak in traffic
America Haiti 75 soldiers sent from Guatemala and an advance team of 8 from El Salvador have arrived to join the international mission that is trying to counter criminal gangs supported by the UN and the US and led by Kenya
Oceania Australia The 50th anniversary of Hobart’s Tasman Bridge disaster, that cost the life of 12 people, was commemorated in the weekend; the bridge was lit in bright white and at 9:27 pm, for 30 minutes, the area of impact of MV Lake Illawarra changed to a dark blue
Asia Oman The second phase of the plastic bag ban in the Sultanate of Oman has begun on 1 January 2025; Environment Authority said this phase will focus on tightening restrictions on the use of single-use plastic bags
Africa Nigeria National Credit Guarantee Company will be established in May 2025 to improve access to credit for businesses and individuals; the initiative, part of President Tinubu’s reform agenda, aims to bolster financial inclusion by adding risk-sharing instruments
Europe United Kingdom London Zoo is about to carry out the census of its over 20.000 individuals from 698 species of animals; the annual survey is expected to take about a week and results will be shared with zoos around the world to help manage global conservation programmes
Africa Togo Sokodé, 350 km north of the capital, will host the 2nd edition of the International Horse Festival from 8 to 10 January 2025 to celebrate the rich equestrian tradition of the Tchaoudjo prefecture with almost 500 riders from Togo and neighbouring countries
Europe Ukraine Fighting in southern Russia inflicted heavy losses on troops sent by North Korea, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, as battles intensified along the front line
Africa Namibia NamPost and Telecom Namibia will become independent government-owned companies by February, as the complete transfer of all properties of the Namibia Post and Telecom Holdings Limited to other stakeholders will be finalised by this month of January 2025