Africa Cameroon In an unprecedented disruption to academic calendar, the Ministry ordered the immediate rescheduling of all remaining papers for the ongoing 2026 examination session after a severe security breach compromised confidential materials across digital networks
Africa Zimbabwe The devastating drought caused by the El Niño phenomenon has left 7,6 million people food insecure; in the district of Chivi, Masvingo province, the inhabitants are now dependent on food aid distributed by the government and WFP
America Trinidad and Tobago Heavy rainfall, not usual in December, triggered flooding, flash flooding, landslides, road interruptions and power outages in several villages across Tobago
Asia Lebanon A second aid ship carrying 3.000 tonnes of relief materials was sent to Lebanon by the United Arab Emirates; supplies include food, winter clothing and specific items for children and women
Africa Nigeria 35 children died in a crowd crush during a Christmas fair at the Bashorun district's Islamic High School in Ibadan, where around 5.000 people, mainly children and family members, had gathered for advertised cash handouts and food distributions
Africa Rwanda The outbreak of Marburg virus disease has been declared over by the Rwandan government, with no new cases reported in the last 42 days, after the last patient tested negative for the virus twice
Asia Laos A national seed policy to ensure quality seed production, improve yields, and enhance food security is being implemented; by integrating digital tools, the initiative also supports sustainable farming and competitiveness in global markets
Asia Cyprus The Cyprus Agricultural Payments Organisation has disbursed over €2 billion in subsidies since Cyprus joined the EU, reached through the efficient distribution of hectare subsidies and efforts to modernise agricultural practices
Europe Kosovo Latest report “Challenges of Terrorism Prevention Mechanisms in Kosovo” says limited progress was made in implementing counter-terrorism strategy, which relies on prevention, coordination between stakeholders, early identification of vulnerable people
Europe Italy The Vasari corridor, a narrow 760m-long passageway on the Arno River in Florence is now open to the public; commissioned in 1565 and completed in just five months, it connects the Uffizi Galleries with the Pitti Palace and the Boboli garden
Europe Spain The working week will be shortened for equal pay from the current 40 hours to 37 ½ hours by the end of 2025 following an agreement reached by the government with the country's two main trade unions
Europe Portugal Wolf presence decreased over the last two decades notwithstanding efforts of conservation that failed to reach their goals: latest census shows the area of presence in Portugal was reduced by 20% and the number of packs decreased by 8% to 58
Europe Russia President Putin, when asked if he would change his decision to invade Ukraine in any way, replied that he would have to decide 'before' doing so
Africa Burkina Faso The first 44 gold bars from the processing of the fine coal from the Essakane gold mine have been handed over in Ouagadougou, destined to the national reserve; the Transition authorities envision to create wealth through the expertise in mining processing