Asia South Korea Former President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to life in prison, charged with leading an insurrection as he imposed martial law for a few tumultuous hours on 3 December 2024; some argue it is a sign of a healthy democracy
Africa Zambia Response to illegal gold mining has come back under public attention following remarks of an Army Commander whose language suggested a hard-line posture, intensifying scrutiny over the role of the military in domestic security operations
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
Europe Kosovo 109 suspects of vote-tampering were held by police as part of a major operation in Prizren municipality related to allegations of fraud in the December 28 parliamentary elections
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
Africa Togo A comedy training school opened in Aného; named “L’École du rire à Aného”, it is the first one in Togo and will offer courses in creative development, comedy techniques, stage practice and career training for comedians
Asia Singapore A fake bomb threat circulated online claiming an attack on Paya Lebar Air Base is being investigated; Ministry of Defence said no threat was found, the post specified time, locations and commanders, raising concerns over public alarm and security breaches
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
Asia Vietnam Long-term strategic goals for national development have been set at 14th National Party Congress, approving key political and economic orientations, and electing a new Central Committee; Tô Lâm was reconfirmed as General Secretary, a signal of stability
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
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
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