Oceania Marshall Islands The Marshallese Christmas is celebrated with Jepta, or 'group', dancing and signing competitions, Wojke - a handmade container filled with small gifts and Biit Dancing - an energetic, modern church dancing, often loud and with amplified music
Europe Malta Law requires non-residents to obtain a permit before buying property preventing wealthy foreigners from speculating in Malta real estate, PM Robert Abela reminded to curb controversial affirmations made by officials at Shanghai Luxury Property Exhibition
Oceania Tuvalu The first climate migrants to leave Tuvalu have touched down in Australia, ready to begin a new life as part of the landmark treaty, an unprecedented climate visa scheme signed two years ago and implemented along 2025
Asia Oman Oman air launched a direct flight to Copenhagen via Bagdad; the importance of the connecting route was underlined with an official ceremony at the Iraqi airport
Oceania Papua New Guinea A fire destroyed a commercial building housing a number of businesses in Mendi, southern highlands; started at the generator house after a power failure, it was fought by local boys with buckets, lacking fire brigade service and water tankers
Europe Vatican City Cardinal Tagle, Pro-Prefect of Dicastery for Evangelization, visited the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia, in a short but highly meaningful journey, a tangible sign of Pope’s closeness to a community of migrants in a complex interreligious context
Asia Malaysia 31 Malaysians trapped in job-scam networks in Myanmar have been rescued and safely repatriated; victims were lured with false offers and forced into cybercrime work, highlighting ongoing regional trafficking networks and the need for tighter cooperation
Asia Maldives Tourist arrivals continued to rise in December, with figures pointing to sustained year on year growth of 10% and over during what is traditionally the busiest month; notwithstanding the Christmas holidays China is expected to lead the incoming this month
Asia North Korea The Biological Specimen Factory in Kaesong Municipality has been renewed and equipped with temperature control; stuffed specimens of birds and mammals are preserved in their original aspect, intended for educational units use, a press release reports
Africa Mali The official opening of the Confederal Investment and Development Bank of the AES in Bamako represents a major step for Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso towards their economic independence and regional integration
Asia Palestine A four-storey residential building in East Jerusalem has been demolished by Israeli officials citing it was an unauthorised structure; the building, set near the Old City, housed around 100 people, including women, children and elderly residents
Africa Zimbabwe Patients and doctors across Zimbabwe are raising alarm over inconsistent test results from medical laboratories, a problem linked to the rapid growth of diagnostic testing facilities that, doctors say, do not always meet professional standards
Asia Jordan The apparel sector is witnessing a lively commercial activity as festive shopping gains momentum, driven by Christmas offers rolled out to stimulate demand, targeted promotions and shifting consumer priorities amid ongoing economic pressures
Europe North Macedonia Evzoni/Bogorodica) and Niki/Medzitlija border crossings with Greece have once again been blocked by Greek farmers protesting against 2026 budget