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
Europe Greece A €9,5 million contract was signed for the rehabilitation of the port of Volos, Thessaly, which was heavily damaged by storms Daniel and Elias in September last year
Africa Guinea-Bissau Guinean economist Carlos Lopes was named economist of the year by 'Financial Afrik' for his book on the trap of self-delusion and Africa's dependence on Europe
Europe Iceland The new Icelandic government that took office on Saturday has made it part of its programme to organise a referendum on EU membership by 2027, giving substance to a debate that is rather heated in the country
Africa Sao Tome and Principe The PM said he was concerned about the waterfront redevelopment work in the capital after identifying "many defects" that will require adjustments and additional funding that have not yet been secured
Africa Eritrea Over 161.000 chickens will be distributed to poultry farmers across the country in an effort by the Ministry of Agriculture to improve food security and increase access to nutritious products
Oceania Tonga With a total budget of 19,6 million panga (7,5 million euros) over five years, the Tonga Australia Resilient Communities programme will fund community-led infrastructure projects, including cyclone shelters and water supply systems
Asia Taiwan A large uncrewed aerial vehicle testing facility in Chiayi County will be set to help establish Taiwan's drone supply chain with a greater share of the global market; about 50 companies are already based in the drone R&D center
Europe Hungary 800 disadvantaged primary school children from Hungary and Hungarian communities from across the Carpathian Basin were hosted at the Parliament's Christmas party with the involvement of the International Child Safety Service
America Grenada The country officially signed the UN Treaty on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction
Europe Slovakia The Regional Public Health Office reported an increase in the number of hepatitis A cases in the Bratislava region, with 24 cases reported in December
Africa Tanzania 17 training centres in Kiswahili abroad were opened to promote the global use of the language; in addition, the government built 30 training centres in the country
Oceania Papua New Guinea The country took an important step in the energy sector with the signing of an agreement to develop the country's first offshore gas project, Pasca A, in the Gulf Province with Twinza Oil Limited
Asia United Arab Emirates A new 1 km bridge has been inaugurated, significantly easing the traffic flow from Hessa Street to Al Khail Road, reducing travel time from 15 to 3 minutes and providing a link to downtown Dubai and Dubai International Airport