Africa eSwatini 11 000 jobs have been added in 2023-25; though it may appear as a positive development for Eswatini’s economy, economists fear that Eswatini’s labour market is expanding in low-productivity jobs rather than sectors building long-term economic security
Oceania Australia The 50th anniversary of Hobart’s Tasman Bridge disaster, that cost the life of 12 people, was commemorated in the weekend; the bridge was lit in bright white and at 9:27 pm, for 30 minutes, the area of impact of MV Lake Illawarra changed to a dark blue
America Haiti 75 soldiers sent from Guatemala and an advance team of 8 from El Salvador have arrived to join the international mission that is trying to counter criminal gangs supported by the UN and the US and led by Kenya
Europe Iceland The Kennel Club will officially recognise the Icelandic sheepdog as a purebred breed in April 2025; the Icelandic sheepdog can trace its roots back some 1.000 years and was even mentioned in a play by William Shakespeare
Europe Ireland A historic gate in Dublin's Phoenix Park, removed last September after being hit by a council lorry, will be reinstated this month, the Office of Public Works said
America Guyana Guyana is removing wrecks from its waterways to enhance safety for oil supply vessels, clearing over 14 since 2023, with plans for more, while also widening channels to support its booming oil sector and ensure navigation safety
Europe Andorra The end of the season festivities has been marked by long road queues: ice made leaving the mountain resorts difficult and main roads leading to Spain also registered a peak in traffic
Africa Togo Sokodé, 350 km north of the capital, will host the 2nd edition of the International Horse Festival from 8 to 10 January 2025 to celebrate the rich equestrian tradition of the Tchaoudjo prefecture with almost 500 riders from Togo and neighbouring countries
Africa Namibia NamPost and Telecom Namibia will become independent government-owned companies by February, as the complete transfer of all properties of the Namibia Post and Telecom Holdings Limited to other stakeholders will be finalised by this month of January 2025
Europe Denmark The new mapping by Arbejderbevægelsens Erhvervsråd, the labour business council, is based on 2023 figures and shows that incomes of top 1% of high earners increased by almost 15% despite inflation, while the average citizen suffered a drop in income
Europe United Kingdom London Zoo is about to carry out the census of its over 20.000 individuals from 698 species of animals; the annual survey is expected to take about a week and results will be shared with zoos around the world to help manage global conservation programmes
Asia Bhutan A transplant-policy change has been proposed to allow ABO-incompatible kidney transplants, offering hope to over 411 dialysis patients; the plan also suggests raising daily allowances for patients referred to India to approximately $4,65
America Grenada The Public Sector Employees Pension Fund Bill 2024 is now an Act of Parliament which came into effect on 1 January; it is described as 'unfavorable' by unions and as a violation of the public officers’ constitutional rights by several legal minds
Oceania Samoa Samoa Airways has been ordered to shift from the international terminal at Faleolo Airport to the new USD9,12 million regional terminal; the airline reportedly said it was not given any choice and the change will impact its services to and from Pago Pago