Asia China 10 United States-based companies have been added to China's export control list, government procurement barred from 50 US companies two weeks after the Pentagon blacklisted some of China’s best-known companies for alleged ties to the Chinese military
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
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
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 Armenia The Armenian government has proposed legislative amendments to improve the asylum and refugee protection system, including several laws to bring them in line with international standards
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
Europe Italy About 12.000 tourists invaded small ski resort Roccaraso, a 2 hours drive from Naples and one of the few in Southern Italy, following a post by a TikTok influencer; buses and cars heading to the town blocked the road for kilometers, paralyzing the town
Oceania Tonga Tonga's women's national darts team won the silver medal at the 4th South Pacific Darts Championship in Suva, Fiji
Oceania New Zealand The first known major outbreak of avian botulism in Otago region led to the deaths of about 1000 waterfowl at the Waikouaiti wastewater treatment plant and has been followed by another suspected outbreak in Timaru
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
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 Belize The image of Queen Elizabeth’s on Belize banknotes will be replaced with that of national heroes George Cadle Price and Philip Goldson starting in June, marking a step toward decolonization and celebrating the country’s independence and heritage
Europe Andorra The real estate market in Andorra has seen a 2,8% increase in the average price of new flats over the past year, to €6.022 per square metre; there are currently 1.315 new homes available for purchase
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