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
Europe Vatican City The Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major has been opened after the one in St. John Lateran, marking the start of the Jubilee Year 2025; Pope Francis had opened the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica and the Holy Door of the Rebibbia Prison
Asia Uzbekistan All pharmacies and hospitals in Uzbekistan will have to pay VAT as of 1 April 2025, regardless of income
Oceania Vanuatu The Vanuatu Cricket Association has recognised cricket clubs and communities across Australia that contributed to fundraising and support following the devastating earthquake that struck the country a fortnight ago
Asia Tajikistan Further funding will be attracted for the completion of the Rogun hydroelectric power plant, featuring a 335-metre-high clay core and rockfill dam on the Vakhsh River that will be the tallest in the world; around US$ 3 billion are needed to be completed
Africa Seychelles The Seychelles Meteorological Authority launched its Strategic Plan 2025-2029, considering the increased demand for accurate and timely weather and climate services
Africa Rwanda Forest4Life aims to educate young people in environmental protection by preparing areas for planting, distributing saplings to children and asking them to name their trees to encourage them to create an emotional bond with nature
Asia North Korea Leader Kim Yo Jong's sister appeared for the first time with children in state media
Asia Turkey 1.149 cultural artefacts have been repatriated to the country in 2024 and added to the over 13.000 objects returned to the country since 2002
Europe Norway A combination of stable and probably lower interest rates next year, together with an imminent reduction in capital requirements for first-time homebuyers, is likely to facilitate entry into the Norwegian market for high-priced homes
Africa Ivory Coast French troops will leave the country after a decades-long military presence,The country has announced, thus becoming the last African nation to cut military ties with its former colonial power
Africa Mozambique Protests against the outcome of the 8 October presidential elections are suspended for 5 days to allow humanitarian workers and international bodies to assess the situation in the country, upon call of opposition leader Venancio Mondlane
Asia Afghanistan A decree prohibiting the construction of windows in new buildings that overlook other people's homes and spaces where women might be has been issued
Europe Sweden Most of Sweden's green energy transition infrastructure is planned in a region where the Sami live; one of the last indigenous peoples of Europe, they are now menaced by the impact on the habitat of reindeers, their most important source of income