Asia Indonesia Officials in East Jakarta faced backlash after using an AI-generated image to respond to a public complaint, raising concerns over transparency; The fact highlight risks of using AI in public communication without clear disclosure or verification
Asia Thailand Thailand may soon restart negotiations with Cambodia on overlapping claims in the Gulf of Thailand; the talks would aim to resolve disputes over resource-rich maritime areas, with both nations seeking mutual economic and diplomatic benefits
Oceania Tonga Tonga's women's national darts team won the silver medal at the 4th South Pacific Darts Championship in Suva, Fiji
Asia Singapore Over 600 public buses approaching their 10th year of service are being refurbished with new seats, floor coverings, window and windshield sealants and door system components; the initiative aims to enhance commuter comfort and extend bus lifespans
America Antigua and Barbuda Two entrepreneurs from Antigua and Barbuda have been selected to participate in the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative, a prestigious programme that connects emerging business leaders from the Caribbean and Latin America with counterparts in the US
America Argentina Recent government reports revealed that Argentina ended 2024 with a record trade surplus of US$18,9 billion, driven by a 19,4% export increase and a 17,5% drop in imports, reversing a US$6,9 billion deficit in 2023
Asia Cambodia The Dead River Restoration in Kampong Thom, 35% complete, restores a 30km river and builds 117 structures; it will divert 300m³/s of water, improving irrigation and water supply for 5 districts including Stung Sen, supporting agriculture and flood control
Asia Bhutan Ed Sheeran delivered a historic concert in Thimphu, marking a milestone as the first international star singer to perform in Bhutan
Asia South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol, indicted on insurrection charges following his 2024 martial law declaration, would face life imprisonment or death penalty if convicted; Yoon, currently detained, argues the martial law was a warning to resolve political deadlock
Europe Lithuania Lithuania's partners expressed doubts about withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel mines, as Ministry of Defence has called for Lithuania's withdrawal and the start of consultations with its allies and the Baltic Sea countries
Africa Sudan A drone attack on a hospital in the North Darfur region left more than 70 people dead and dozens injured, according to the Sudanese government, which attributed the attack to the Rapid Support Forces
Asia Indonesia To mitigate the massive Idul Fitri exodus, which last year saw 242 million Indonesians on the move, the Transportation Minister proposed a work-from-anywhere policy to alleviate traffic congestion and the strain on public transportation during peak days
America Bahamas The pending industry agreements with the Bahamas Physician's Union and the Consultant Physician Staff Association could be finalised and signed by early February according to Labour Minister Pia Glover-Rolle
Oceania Marshall Islands Construction of a new Majuro Water and Sewer Company warehouse at the airport basin to repair the long-damaged sewage outflow system was initiated in the presence of authorities, representatives of the US government and landowners