Oceania Marshall Islands The Marshallese Christmas is celebrated with Jepta, or 'group', dancing and signing competitions, Wojke - a handmade container filled with small gifts and Biit Dancing - an energetic, modern church dancing, often loud and with amplified music
America Peru Former president Pedro Castillo has been sentenced to 11 years and 5 months in prison for conspiracy to rebels after his failed 2022 attempt to dissolve Congress and rule by decree, though the court said the plan was not fully carried out
Asia Thailand Bangkok's HyLife Awards celebrate Thai innovation by recognizing companies and young creators developing sustainable, tech-driven solutions; The program aims to strengthen national competitiveness and support emerging talents shaping future industries
America Belize Dangers and legal consequences of improper wastewater disposal have been reminded to the public; the nationwide notice highlights that untreated wastewater, sewage, greywaters, industrial effluent poses serious risks to public health and the environment
Asia Pakistan Pakistan would be ready to join an international peace force for Gaza but will not support any plan requiring Hamas to disarm
Africa Malawi A secretive coronation in Salima has brought a cultural and political crisis, as Makewana, the revered spiritual custodian of Chewa tradition, crowned Raphael Nowa Phiri as Kalonga Sosola IX, an attempt to resurrect the Maravi Kingdom after 160 years
America Suriname Over 70.000km² of ocean territory have been opened for oil and gas exploration over the next two years, inviting companies to submit proposals in deep and shallow waters under its new government
Asia Lebanon Two concrete walls built by Israel inside Lebanese territory have been the object of an official complaint submitted to the UN Security Council; In a statement they are described as an additional serious violation of Lebanese sovereignty
Europe Germany 75% of respondents to a survey are in favor of a ban on individuals' use of fireworks, a habit that spikes onNew Year's Eve; Germans had already voiced discontent with the practice and fireworks-free zones have been established in densely populated areas
Asia Israel A software error in a widely used genetic screening test led to incorrect results for a rare mutation linked to a serious neurological disease in fetuses; the flaw affected analysis of the MECR gene, which is tested in both parents to assess fetal risk.
Africa Equatorial Guinea Expenses by government delegations' travel negatively impact the public budget; H.E. Obiang Nguema Mbasogo proposes reducing the number of people on state visits to foreign countries to avoid excessive spending in the general state budget
Africa Mauritania Civil and military figures have been decorated on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of national independence (28 November 1960); the President of the Republic, Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, also presided over a celebrative military parade
Africa Mozambique Mozambique has granted its top state-owned companies, including national oil firm ENH, a 30-year concession to build and operate natural gas facilities at the Port of Beira and the smaller Inhassoro site
Europe Liechtenstein Liechtenstein is experiencing a flu wave that has been described by experts as “Very early and very contagious”: the Office for Health, hospitals and pharmacies are noticing an increase in cases, more intense than in previous years