Asia Nepal New members of Nepal’s National Assembly were sworn in following upper-house elections, where the Balendra Shah’s reformist Rastriya Swatantra Party won by a landslide, reshaping Nepal’s political landscape
Asia Kazakhstan A controversial set of amendments into law banning “LGBT propaganda” has been signed; Kazakh and international rights activists say it will institutionalize discrimination against LGBT people and give authorities an additional tool to curb free speech
Europe France La Clef, a legendary arthouse cinema in Paris's Latin Quarter, reopened after years of closure a sit-in of its employees and a fundraising involving top directors; a collective of its supporters now runs it on a voluntary basis, with admission by donation
Europe Vatican City The Holy Door of St. Peter's, that Pope Leo closed last of four at the major papal basilicas, was sealed in a solemn rite presided over by Archpriest of St. Peter and the Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations marking the last of the Jubilee rites
Asia Qatar Qatar condemned the initiation of demolitions in the complex of the UNRWA in occupied Jerusalem, operated by the Israeli occupation authorities; the official note reads it is a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law
Africa South Africa The chief of staff of the Department of Social Development, appointed - underqualified - at the age of 22, resigned without facing disciplinary hearing
Africa Cameroon Soccer team Indomitable Lions are excited for the upcoming intercontinental challenge at the expanded FIFA Series 2026; while the world's eyes turn to the 2026 World Cup, the March event is a unique stage for cross-continental friendlies
Europe Switzerland Following the Crans-Montana tragedy, the media coverage, its political relevance, the Swiss have decided to keep a low profile, cancelling some of the events and parties scheduled alongside the Winter Olympics at House of Switzerland in Milan and Cortina
Asia Turkmenistan Elderly citizens and benefit recipients at the beginning of the year endure hours in line at social security offices to prove they are still alive; this biennial formality is felt as an ordeal, adding discontent to government’s refusal to adjust payments
Africa Rwanda Access Bank Rwanda employees are leading a series of community initiatives, delivering healthcare, education, social support through the bank’s Employee Volunteering Program which empowers staff to identify and implement projects aligned with local needs
Africa Uganda President Museveni, 81, once a critic of rulers clinging to power, has won a 7th term in office in contested polls; opposition candidate Bobi Wine decried results but said he will not take them to court, calling for a 'peaceful change' in Uganda
Europe Sweden One of the largest solar storms in 20 years took place yesterday, making the northern lights visible on Earth further south than usual; reports and spectacular photos have been posted from the Gothenburg archipelago and southern Skåne
Oceania Papua New Guinea 40 luxury Maserati cars, controversially brought to PNG for the APEC Leaders' Summit in 2018, are lying in a shed, uninsured, losing value and exposing the State to risk of loss for fire or theft; a new physical assessment of their condition is due soon
Africa Zimbabwe A hotline has been launched for road defects, ranging from invading vegetation to potholes, with calls directly reaching provincial road engineers; the move aims to prompt a practical and effective response as the condition of roads is deteriorating