Europe Russia Two maritime patrol aircraft have made a 30-hour Arctic flight, including a mid-air tanking that would account a the first-ever North Pole aerial refueling; for the unique mission, the crews reportedly entered the Book of Records of the Armed Forces
Europe Netherlands Canadian company Cronos has acquired for €57,5 million Canadelaar, the largest legal cannabis producer in the Netherlands, supplying government’s regulated cannabis experiment; it is the first time a foreign investor has taken over a Dutch cannabis grower
America Belize Major gaps in services for children with disabilities have been revealed in a national analysis launched with UNICEF in Belize, highlighting the urgent need for inclusive policies despite progress under the 2024 Disability Act
Europe Poland Sting will headline TVP’s flagship New Year’s Eve show in Katowice this year; the Polish public broadcaster said the 74-year-old former frontman of The Police will perform a live set at 7:50 p.m. at the Spodek Arena alongside notable Polish artists
Oceania Papua New Guinea Partial privatization of state energy company PNG Pover Ltd. is moving on after years of lack of initiative, notwithstanding progress in talks; the government is considering options that would benefit customers and investors and a transparent process
Asia Qatar Art installation “241” has been inaugurated within the Msheireb Museums, commemorating 241 children who died in Gaza; an illuminated light box features a photograph of each one, while designs, videos, and curated materials show their aspirations
America Bolivia A record 16.600 theropod dinosaur footprints have been documented in Bolivia’s Toro Toro National Park; scientists say it the world’s largest collection of its kind and offering rare insight into dinosaur behavior late in the Cretaceous period
Africa Zambia Zesco has commissioned a 35-megawatt solar power plant in Chibombo, one of the state utility’s steps to broaden Zambia’s energy mix and security through renewable sources, including solar; the project is valued at about 30 million dollars
Asia Malaysia Phase 2 of Malaysia's legal reforms has been launched, moving to separate the roles of Attorney General and Public Prosecutor; The change aims to strengthen judicial independence, prevent conflicts of interest, enhance public trust in the justice system
Asia Bhutan Bhutan’s National Assembly unanimously adopted the framework agreement to join the International Big Cat Alliance, committing the country to global cooperation on big-cat conservation, anti-poaching efforts, and habitat protection
America Argentina 2.397 golden retrievers have gathered in a Buenos Aires park; the event, celebrating the breed’s friendly nature and deep bond with their owners, broke an unofficial world record
Oceania Solomon Islands The next generation of Solomon Islands leaders will benefit from 36 Australia Awards Scholarships for top universities across Australia in 2026; the cohort includes 2 PhDs, 28 Masters, and 6 undergraduate scholars
Africa Democratic Republic of the Congo Current cholera epidemic is the worst recorded in DRC in 25 years, with over 64.000 cases and nearly 1.900 deaths this year; children account for a quarter of infections, with 14.818 cases and 340 deaths to date according to local UNICEF representative
America Chile Undocumented migrants have dispersed across Chile’s Arica border after Peru has blocked their entry, following fears of expulsion that prompted attempts to flee through the desert frontier