Oceania Palau A historic $15 million financing agreement has been signed with Saudi Arabia, marking a shift in how Palua's National Development Bank will now operate, as the loan will be directly invested into building affordable housing
Europe Sweden Stricter rules on age limits for using social media are being considered in order to protect children from gangs, which increasingly use social platforms to reach teenagers
Europe Russia Vladimir Putin said that 'this year, on average, over a thousand people a day are enlisting' under contract in the Russian armed forces; the government has increased payments for those who enlist, with highest payment being set by the Moscow City Council
Europe Slovakia The Slovak parliament has passed a law introducing charges for access to public information, a proposal initially criticised by the Let's Stop Corruption Foundation as a threat to transparency
Africa Madagascar Increasing the industry's contribution to the GDP from the current 17% to 30% within 15 years is the goal set by the government; several ministries are collaborating to develop local resources and support farmers and growers
Asia Cambodia Cambodian fighter Thoeung Theara made history with a stunning first-round knockout at the Mongolian Kun Khmer Showdown, defeating local champion Mungunbat Ariunbold in the Kun Khmer martial art style
Africa Seychelles Six primary school students were honoured for their participation in the school painting competition organised by the Danny Faure Foundation at the Seychelles National Library
Asia Japan The price to climb Mount Fuji could soar and trail gates will close earlier in 2025 if a newly proposed plan is approved; the trails, that now ask hikers a 1.000 yen voluntary donation, will be accessible with a compulsory fee of 3.000 to 5.000 yen
Asia Sri Lanka The Sri Lanka Public Utilities Commission has decided to seek public opinion on the Ceylon Electricity Board's proposal to maintain the current electricity tariffs for the first six months of 2025
America United States President-elect Donald Trump and Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son announced a $100 billion investment in the US aimed at generating 100.000 new jobs; Trump called the investment "a monumental demonstration of confidence in America's future"
Africa South Sudan The country increased fees for nationality, passports, visas and other immigration services; the revised costs were approved by Parliament in the national tax budget, despite criticism
Africa Malawi 3 million National Identity Cards have been printed and distributed by Malawi's National Registration Office; it is a significant step in strengthening the country's National Identification System
America Ecuador Electricity rationing, caused by severe drought and lasting since September, will end on December 20 due to improved hydroelectric output, energy imports from Colombia, and recent rains, announced President Daniel Noboa
Europe Monaco A new website for the Monegasque Institute for Training in the Judicial Professions was lacunhed, designed as a comprehensive resource for students, legal professionals and the Monegasque legal community