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 Democratic Republic of the Congo The country has filed a complaint against Apple's subsidiaries in Belgium and France accusing them of sourcing the minerals essential for the production of devices from the many illegal mines in the country, and thus being complicit in those crimes
Europe Portugal Wolf presence decreased over the last two decades notwithstanding efforts of conservation that failed to reach their goals: latest census shows the area of presence in Portugal was reduced by 20% and the number of packs decreased by 8% to 58
Europe Ireland PM Harris says Israel's decision to close its embassy in Dublin is 'deeply regrettable' and a sign of the 'diplomacy of distraction', adding Ireland will continue to engage diplomatically, but keep affirming its position on the war in Gaza
America Barbados Two cases of Oropouche virus, both involving adults, were officially reported; the Pan American Health Organization had recently raised concerns about the spread of Oropouche virus in the Americas, along with dengue and avian flu
Europe France The court of Avignon sentenced Dominique Pelicot to 20 years in prison for aggravated rape of his ex-wife Gisèle Pelicot over ten years; "I fought for my children and grandchildren; I fought for all victims of violence," said the woman
Africa Angola Angolan Hariana Verás is first African journalist to officially join the select group of correspondents recognised and accredited by the Pentagon
Africa Ivory Coast Chef Melanie Zenaib Bancé has not left the cooker since 17 December to conquer the Guinness Book of Cooking Marathon; the goal is to make 16.000 dishes from 293 menus from all regions of the country, that will be donated to needy people and hospitals
Africa Burkina Faso The first 44 gold bars from the processing of the fine coal from the Essakane gold mine have been handed over in Ouagadougou, destined to the national reserve; the Transition authorities envision to create wealth through the expertise in mining processing
Europe Spain The working week will be shortened for equal pay from the current 40 hours to 37 ½ hours by the end of 2025 following an agreement reached by the government with the country's two main trade unions
Europe Russia President Putin, when asked if he would change his decision to invade Ukraine in any way, replied that he would have to decide 'before' doing so
Europe Serbia From 2025, public transport in Belgrade will be completely free of charge, said the mayor, Aleksandar Šapić, who called it 'the biggest public transport reform' with the aim of solving the traffic problem
America Venezuela The UN's human rights office in Venezuela has partially resumed operations after being expelled earlier this year, amid ongoing concerns over political violence, with the UN calling for investigations into deaths during post-election protests
Africa Angola After an inspection of sports and social facilities, a hosting agreement with the Angola Olympic Committee was signed, assigning to Angola the hosting for the 4th African Youth Games scheduled for December 2025