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
America Belize For the 7th consecutive year, the Fortis Belize Holiday Hamper Drive delivered food, household items, and toys to hundreds of families in need in San Ignacio and Santa Elena, showing community support during the Christmas season
America Argentina Plans to make the country a leader in nuclear energy, starting with a small modular reactor at Atucha, and using domestic technology with US investments, have been announced bu President Javier Milei
America Brazil Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro's iconic statue, is at the center of a debate as a bill proposes transferring its management from federal oversight to the Catholic Church, raising concerns over governance while aiming to improve its revenues
Africa Benin The country intends to sell up to 40% of its stake in Banque Internationale pour l'Industrie et le Commerce through an initial public offering to finance various development projects, aiming to raise $192,3 million offering up to 23,1 million shares
America Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Richland Park, won the 2024 National Christmas Lighting competition as Best Lit Community, while the perennial winner, Point Village on North Windward, finished second this year
America Suriname Desi Bouterse, Suriname's former dictator and twice-elected leader, known for his 1980 coup, polarizing legacy, convictions for murder and drug trafficking, died at 79, leaving a lasting but contentious impact on the nation’s history
Europe Austria The Austrian Cultural Forum in Beijing and the Austrian Embassy in China recently opened an art exhibition in Beijing entitled Vienna Calling
America Bahamas FxPro Group's digital bank Bankpro has launched a private digital bank for individuals and businesses, regulated by the Central Bank of The Bahamas, which will include investment and trading tools
Oceania Australia Two sailors have died in separate incidents on the first night of the 79th Sydney to Hobart sailing regatta, after they were both hit by sail booms; they mark the first deaths in the famed race since six men lost their lives in the 1998 event
America Grenada Rosana John-Mitchell, a lawyer and passionate food blogger, has joined Michelle Hood-Julien, a US-based occupational therapist, to create a children's book that shines a spotlight on Grenada's rich culinary traditions
Europe Estonia To contrast the city's off-season slump, Pärnu entrepreneurs have proposed building an indoor bathing facility downtown
Africa Comoros A workshop to talk about harassment, abuse and sexual assault has been organised in Fomboni by WHO Representative Office of the Comoros with NGOs, media, associations and institutions responsible for the protection of human rights
Africa Eswatini Eswatini is taking concrete steps to prepare its first public radiotherapy centre to allow cancer patients to be treated in the country, according to a team of international experts appointed by the IAEA, WHO and IARC