Asia Nepal Climbing fees have been waived for nearly 100 Himalayan peaks in the remote northwest for the next two years, aiming to attract mountaineers to these less-developed regions
Europe San Marino This holiday season saw a boom in tourist arrivals and on Sunday 30 December a record was set for passengers reaching the historic center by cable car: with over 6.600 lifts, it surpass the Boxing Day number of 4.100
Asia South Korea The National Assembly has impeached Acting President Han Duck-soo, who had assumed the role following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s suspension over a martial law declaration; Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is serving as Acting President amid ongoing turmoil
Asia Turkey The country's first domestically produced communication satellite has successfully entered its permanent geosynchronous orbit at 42 degrees east; the announcement came on 28 December
Africa Burundi Rebel attack killed at least 20 close to the Lake Tanganyika border with DRC; it is the second attack in two weeks by the RED-Tabara rebels, who have been battling government since 2015 mainly from DRC bases and largely inactive inside Burundi since 2021
Asia Bahrain Illegal fishing and the dumping of harmful wastes could lead to fines up to 100.000 dinars (250 Euros) and longer prison sentences if MPs approve proposal on 31 December; current penalties have been insufficient for deterring those violations
America Antigua and Barbuda Barbuda faces growing security concerns amid population boom and influx of foreigners, fueled by bettering infrastructure and solidity; the Commissioner of Police said this is not currently a major challenge but officers have been alerted
America United States Jimmy Carter, serving as US President from 1977 to 1981, has died at 100 at his home in Plains, Georgia; in 2002 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work as he brokered peace between Israel and Egypt amid Iraq hostages crisis
Oceania New Zealand The first-ever dissection of a spade-toothed whale, one of the most elusive creatures in the world found beached, revealed vestigial teeth and 9 stomachs chambers; to date only six specimens have been found and nobody has ever seen this whale alive
Africa Egypt $7B revenues loss are expected for 2024 as a consequence of Red Sea instability that disrupted shipping traffic: the Suez Canal traffic has experienced a dramatic revenue drop of over 60% compared to 2023
America Dominica Carnival 2025 has been launched by Tourism Minister speaking to State-Owned Radio DBS and the grand parade is set for 18 January; the 2024 Dominica Carnival season saw +20% visitors, bringing revenues and opportunities for local small entrepreneurs
Asia Mongolia Mongolia and France’s Orano Mining Group have reached a preliminary agreement to develop a $1.6 billion uranium mining project; the preparatory phase is set to be conclude in 2027, with production expected to begin in 2028
Asia Indonesia A tanker spilled 20 tonnes of sodium hydroxide on an 8-km road in West Java between Cikalongwetan and Padalarang, injuring over 100 motorists and damaging 150 vehicles; the supplier, CV Yasindo Multi Pratama, apologized and pledged responsibility
Africa Zambia There has been an increase in the rate of access to electricity in urban areas, from 64% to 80%, according to the National Energy Access Baseline Survey's report on the country's households