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
Africa Chad Dangerous practices during festive periods in Chad persist notwithstanding a clear regulation; government has warned against extreme practices, use of firearms or fireworks and announced strict enforcement of safety regulations, particularly at weddings
America Colombia President Gustavo Petro has warned of a “real threat” of possible US military action against Colombia after US President Donald Trump said an operation there “sounds good”, stressing the need for dialogue despite tensions over narcotics
Africa Madagascar Within economic recovery plans, the Ministry of Industrialization and Private Sector Development held a strategic working meeting with the Fikambanan’ny Orinasa Malagasy, a representing Malagasy businesses to build a more resilient and competitive economy
Europe Liechtenstein New passport has been presented with the slogan "A piece of home to take with you"; it features over 40 security elements and each page is unique to significantly hinder forgery
Asia Bhutan Livestock Bill 2025, which aims to modernize regulation and improve food safety, was debated by National Assembly; expanded meat production clashes with Buddhist values and animal welfare highlighted contrasts among tradition, public health, economy needs
Asia Laos Laos and Vietnam will establish a joint university in Laos and expand student exchange programs; The initiative seeks to strengthen bilateral ties, improve higher education and develop human capital through closer academic and institutional cooperation
Asia Lebanon In Hadath, Beirut’s outskirts, a shelter for abandoned cats has been running for 12 years: it began with a single rescue and became a long-term commitment; since 2024, the war has intensified the pressure and cats are relocated amid scarce housing options
Asia Myanmar On 4 January Independence Day, Myanmar’s junta granted amnesty to thousands of prisoners but excluded most political detainees; Activists said the move was symbolic and failed to address the continued detention of opposition figures and protest leaders
Africa Egypt Egypt’s National Council for Childhood and Motherhood (NCCM) will launch a “Safe Child Unit” in six governorates as an initial phase to provide integrated support for children facing physical and psychological violence
Africa Namibia School and academic year 2026 has started, with a focus on making education affordable for all families and promoting synergy between families and institution for better results and well being
Africa Libya Raising refining capacity and domestic fuel production to 660,000 bpd is a pillars for improving Libya's economy, reducing reliance on imported fuel; upgrading existing refineries and build new plants would enhance domestic fuel production
Africa Gabon Nine sailors were kidnapped during an attack on a trawler off the coast of Gabon the Ministry of Defense stated in a video released on Monday 12 January by several Gabonese media outlets; the attack was perpetrated by three armed individuals
Africa Gabon The Women’s Rise Observatory, with Business & Professional Women Gabon BPW Gabon and the Bank for Commerce and Entrepreneurship of Gabon BCEG, launched 'Rising Star Gabon 2026' aiming to identify, support and promote projects led by women entrepreneurs