Asia Jordan Increase in container traffic at the Aqaba Container Terminal during the past month, despite regional tensions, reflects Jordan’s growing logistical role in the region with flexible supply chains at Aqaba Port becoming a secure, stable alternative route
Africa Central African Republic Judges at the ICC unsealed a 2018 sealed arrest warrant for Edmond Beina, a rebel accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity; he allegedly commanded 100-400 fighters responsible for extermination, rape and persecution of Muslims in early 2014
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"
Asia Thailand A recent meeting of Thailand’s tripartite wage committee failed to reach a quorum, delaying discussions on raising the daily minimum wage to 400 baht, or $12.15; the meeting has been rescheduled amid concerns about the impact on small and medium companies
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
Europe Liechtenstein An insect hotel in the shape of the Vaduz logo is now adorning the municipality of Vaduz; this project is a symbol of the municipality's commitment to preserving biodiversity and was realized in collaboration with the "Vadoz summt" initiative
Africa Rwanda $181,7 million in new funds have been approved for Rwanda, after the IMF executive board concluded its review of the country's support programmes
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
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
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
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
America El Salvador El Salvador's new cybersecurity and data protection laws, establishing a state cybersecurity agency, risk limiting press freedom and privacy by enabling government censorship through a broad "right to be forgotten" clause, warns Human Rights Watch
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
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