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
Asia Philippines Schools adopt alternative learning methods during calamities to ensure education continuity: online classes, modular learning, broadcast media; the Department of Education highlights preparedness and flexibility to maintain access for affected students
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 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
America Nicaragua General Julio César Avilés' term as Army Chief has been extended for six more years, ensuring his leadership until 2031; despite US sanctions for alleged corruption and silencing pro-democracy voices, President Daniel Ortega confirmed the choice
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
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 South Sudan A workshop organized by Advance South Sudan trained 25 journalists in transitional justice reporting to promote sensitive storytelling that supports community healing with a victim-centered approach, to foster public understanding of t.j. processes
America Honduras The number of migrants passing through Honduras dropped by 30,1% in 2024, mainly due to stricter measures in Panama as well as the country itself
Africa Ghana From Sonnie Badu to Alice KD, 2024 saw the success of numerous Ghana gospel artists in America; a list of key players has been compiled sampling the views of Djs, presenters, event organizers and Ghana bloggers based both locally and in America
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 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 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
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