Europe Spain A massive counterfeit perfume factory has been dismantled; the plant produced tens of thousands of liters of counterfeit fragrances, imitations of around fifty luxury brands, to be marketed to the rest of Europe via France
Oceania Tuvalu Eight Tuvalu caregivers employed on four-year contracts at an aged care facility in Pottsville, Australia, were informed their job was cut with immediate effect, forced to leave in 48 hours; Townsville took the fleeing group in and integrated their visas
America United States Hundreds of shops in Minnesota went on strike putting up "closed" signs, students and workers stayed home, thousands flooded the streets in the most widespread protest since ICE arrived in Minneapolis, demanding federal immigration agents leave the city
Europe Finland New national digital guidelines set stricter limits on children’s use of smartphones, social media and screens during free time: authorizes smartphones and all social media use for children above 13, calling for no screen time at all for those under two
Asia Malaysia Education reform proposed by majority party Pakatan Harapan aims to modernise curricula and assessments; Children’s Committee, a parliamentary shadow body monitoring child welfare, urges safeguards for children’s rights, equity, inclusion and well-being
Europe Ukraine 80% of Ukraine faces emergency power cuts following Russia's overnight aerial attack, focused on Kyiv; many chose to stay in the city and are keeping up with previous activities resisting cold and lack of power and heating
Africa Angola Automotive factory Opaia Motors, with the capacity to deliver 1.500 buses and 22.000 cars a year, was inaugurated in the Special Economic Zone in Icolo and Bengo province; long-term manufacturing capacity will strengthen national mobility and create jobs
Africa Egypt 2026 promises to be another year of record tourism revenues, with Russian travelers forecast to grow by 50%, being Egypt is the most sought-after outbound destination, and new Air Egypt schedules linking UK with 31 flights per week
America Bolivia A controversial decree has been repealed after 28 days of mass protests over its environmental and indigenous rights impacts; the government has maintained key economic measures and now seeks to pass its agenda through legislation
Asia Mongolia Mongolia has become a founding member of the Peace Council initiated by US President Trump; Prime Minister Zandanshatar signed the charter at Davos, stressing voluntary cooperation, respect for sovereignty and no financial or military obligations
Africa Eritrea A seven-kilometer dirt road connecting Halhale, Emni-Tselim and Abune Butsu’amlak in the Dubarwa Sub-Zone was inaugurated on 20 January, constructed by Project Adi-Halo with the residents of the area and will help ensure social welfare in remote areas
Asia South Korea Travel bans have been imposed on three civilians accused of flying drones toward North Korea from Ganghwa, allegedly photographing a Marine base; case widened as links emerged to former presidential staff and military intelligence–related online outlets
Oceania Samoa Samoan-Australian tennis star Destanee Aiava has called out “disgusting” and “disrespectful” online abuse after being targeted by trolls following a heartbreaking loss in Australian Open qualifying
America Barbados With voters' registration closing on 26 january, PM Mia Mottley called on Barbadians to ensure they are enlisted to vote ahead of the general election on 11 February, while also seeking the public’s mandate for another term in office