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
America Argentina Argentina has recorded its largest annual energy trade surplus in at least 33 years, driven by record oil and gas exports from the Vaca Muerta shale formation amid President Milei’s push to deregulate and attract foreign investment
Asia Nepal Nepali Congress has declared Gagan Thapa as its Prime Minister candidate, signalling a generational shift within the party; The decision aims to project reformist leadership ahead of upcoming political contests and strengthen the party’s national appeal
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
America Bolivia A controversial decree has been repealed after 28 days of mass protests over its environmental and indigenous rights impacts; the government has maintained key economic measures and now seeks to pass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
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 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
Oceania Vanuatu Jailed former MP for the Epi Constituency and Speaker of Parliament has formally sought reconciliation at the National Nakamal, apologising to the President of the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs and the people of Vanuatu for his past actions
Asia Azerbaijan Azerbaijan’s Media Development Agency urged Meta to remove "a fabricated statement that does not reflect reality, created using deepfake technology and falsely attributed to the President"
Europe Austria A supplementary protocol on bilateral border-co-operation was signed with Hungary; the text aligns with the post-pandemic Schengen Borders Code: joint patrols can be deployed on either side carrying out identity checks up to 10 km beyond the actual border
Europe Andorra Andorran Laia Ateca was awarded for best production design at the 38th edition of the European Film Awards for the film Sirat, directed by Oliver Laxe, nominated for the 2026 Oscar
Asia Kuwait Temperatures plunged below zero degrees Celsius in Salmi near the Saudi border and Boubyan Island, with the real feel at Salmi was -8°C Celsius as Kuwait experiences an especially cold spell in desert areas caused by northwesterly winds
Africa Cape Verde Ahead of Municipal Day, marked on 22 January, the city councillor of São Vicente announced plans to start a set of “structural works” including asphalt paving, stormwater drainage and the desilting of channels and dikes