Europe Spain A massive counterfeit perfume factory has been dismantled; the plant produced tens of thousands of liters of counterfeit fragrances, imitations of around fifty luxury brands, to be marketed to the rest of Europe via France
Asia Jordan Flat6Labs, Middle East and Africa’s leading entrepreneurial ecosystem builder, has concluded its StartMashreq Programme at the “StartMashreq Forum” in Amman; the three-year initiative supports innovation and startup growth in Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq
Africa Democratic Republic of the Congo Cobalt exports have resumed after a 10-month halt; introduced in February, the ban was designed to stabilise the market and stem falling prices due to global oversupply, and was initially imposed for four months
Africa Djibouti Committee on Social Development and Environment held a meeting focusing on the draft law on national cultural heritage of Djibouti; Minister of Youth and Culture and her staff presented the objectives, scope, and implications of the text
Europe Belarus The Palace of Independence opened its doors to participants of the traditional New Year's Eve Ball for young people, part of the run up to 2026; the event saw the participation of over 350 young dancers and was attended by President Lukashenko
Asia Bangladesh A concert by legendary Bangladeshi rock musician James was called off following alleged attack by "outsiders", despite full preparations; the event was scheduled at the Faridpur District School premises to mark the school's 185th anniversary
America Suriname Ambulance care in Suriname has deteriorated to such an extent that it is comparable to a taxi service and is far from meeting international standards, according to a physician affiliated with the Emergency Department of the Academic Hospital Paramaribo
Europe Austria Inheritances in cryptocurrencies are becoming more frequent and questions for heirs and notaries raise; it is estimated that about 300.000 people own cryptos in Austria, but data is difficult to find also due to very low tax compliance
Asia Syria Ceasefire is appearing to hold in Aleppo after a night of clashes in various neighborhoods resulted in civilian deaths, with more people wounded; in a tense stage of the relations between Syria and Kurdish-led SDF, medical facilities were also struck
Africa South Sudan Government spokesperson and Minister of Information said South Sudan seized control of Heglig oilfield after fighting between the Sudan Armed Forces SAF and the Rapid Support Forces RSF, which forced SAF units to withdraw toward the border
Africa Mozambique The foundation stone of the future assembly plant for cell phones and electronic equipment in Mozambique has been laid; an investment by the company Moz-Source, it is a milestone in the country's technological industrialization process
Europe North Macedonia A 100 million euros investment in energy sector has been signed; agreements plan the realization of photovoltaic power plant "Bitola 3" and revitalization of hydropower plants
Africa Sao Tome and Principe Women from various districts of São Tomé and Príncipe will be prepared to mediate tensions before the 2026 elections: they took part in a workshop dedicated to the prevention and management of conflicts during election periods
Africa Tunisia Tunisia has been included in the EU's provisionally approved list of safe countries that will allow fast-tracking asylum application rejections; critics from rights groups say it includes states accused of human rights abuses and political instability