America Guatemala Indigenous communities in Guatemala are facing a high 18% illiteracy rate and have launched initiatives like floating schools—classrooms on boats reaching remote areas—but struggle as many children are pulled from school to work in agriculture
Europe Sweden Stricter rules on age limits for using social media are being considered in order to protect children from gangs, which increasingly use social platforms to reach teenagers
Asia Indonesia Plans to build the country’s first nuclear power plant in Bangka Belitung, set to begin operations by 2031, have been officially announced by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources
Africa Republic of the Congo The growing threat of siltation has been affecting the Ngambio district of Mfilou, 7th arrondissement of Brazzaville, for several months, with disruption of road traffic, damages to shops and warehouses, loss of property, pollution and inconvenience
Africa Madagascar Increasing the industry's contribution to the GDP from the current 17% to 30% within 15 years is the goal set by the government; several ministries are collaborating to develop local resources and support farmers and growers
Africa Central African Republic Judges at the ICC unsealed a 2018 sealed arrest warrant for Edmond Beina, a rebel accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity; he allegedly commanded 100-400 fighters responsible for extermination, rape and persecution of Muslims in early 2014
Europe Liechtenstein An insect hotel in the shape of the Vaduz logo is now adorning the municipality of Vaduz; this project is a symbol of the municipality's commitment to preserving biodiversity and was realized in collaboration with the "Vadoz summt" initiative
America United States President-elect Donald Trump and Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son announced a $100 billion investment in the US aimed at generating 100.000 new jobs; Trump called the investment "a monumental demonstration of confidence in America's future"
Africa South Sudan The country increased fees for nationality, passports, visas and other immigration services; the revised costs were approved by Parliament in the national tax budget, despite criticism
America El Salvador El Salvador's new cybersecurity and data protection laws, establishing a state cybersecurity agency, risk limiting press freedom and privacy by enabling government censorship through a broad "right to be forgotten" clause, warns Human Rights Watch
America Guatemala Guatemala, alongside Taiwan, celebrated 90 years of diplomatic relations with a ceremony highlighting their historical cooperation, free trade agreements, and joint initiatives in education, health, and rural development
Asia Qatar During Charity Week 2024 the University of Doha for Science and Technology raised QAR 114.753,25 (around €30.000), the highest total among participating universities and schools in Qatar for the second consecutive year
Asia Japan The price to climb Mount Fuji could soar and trail gates will close earlier in 2025 if a newly proposed plan is approved; the trails, that now ask hikers a 1.000 yen voluntary donation, will be accessible with a compulsory fee of 3.000 to 5.000 yen
Africa Seychelles Six primary school students were honoured for their participation in the school painting competition organised by the Danny Faure Foundation at the Seychelles National Library