Asia Israel Tel Aviv Stock Exchange’s benchmark TA-125 index gained 1,7% as shares rose to new record highs at the end of trading day yesterday following an Israeli airstrike that targeted top Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar; index has marked over +32% so far this year
Africa Somalia The UN authorised a new peacekeeping mission to continue supporting Somalia in its fight against al-Shabaab, the insurgent group affiliated with al-Qaida; it is not clear whether troops from neighboring Ethiopia will in the 12.626 personnel deployment
Asia North Korea The first high-quality photos of a new warship currently under construction have been revealed by Korean Central Television, indicating that it is likely to be the largest in the navy and will be equipped with a missile launch system
Asia Bangladesh Inland water transport strike disrupted Bangladesh supply chain: crisscrossed by hundreds of rivers, over 80% of its cargo imported in bulk is delivered at sea and transported through waterways to its destination
Asia Jordan Latest report by Ipsos found that Jordanians are looking towards 2025 with renewed optimism, as 69% believe the coming year will be better personally and 55% expect people in Jordan to start feeling more optimistic about the long-term future
America Suriname The Fire Department Suriname did not come across any illegal fireworks during routine inspections that were carried out in Paramaribo; only one of the retailers whose stores were inspected was caught violating rules for selling mini crackers to minors
Asia Nepal In Karnali Province, pervasive poverty compels thousands to migrate to India for work, leaving behind villages populated mainly by women, children and the elderly; despite government efforts, significant progress remains elusive
Asia Japan A government-commissioned panel of experts largely supported the proposed new energy policy that calls for bolstering renewables up to half of electricity needs by 2040 while maximizing use of nuclear sources to accommodate Japan's growing power demand
Africa Cape Verde The government said it had revoked the concession to Hong Kong-listed casino services company Macau Legend Development Ltd to develop and operate a casino
Asia Singapore Cleanup following the Shell pipeline spill near Bukom Island, which released 30 tonnes of oil-water slop on 20 October, has been completed; authorities confirmed no new oil detection but urged caution, advising against water sports near East Coast Park
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 Pakistan Lahore High Court has ruled that non-Muslims cannot inherit property from Muslim relatives, citing the Muslim Personal Laws Application Act of 1937; the decision came after a Muslim contested his Ahmadi uncle’s inheritance of land from a Muslim ancestor
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
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