Asia Georgia The EU annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World noted “severely curtailed” human rights in Georgia, reduced bilateral political contacts and dialogue between Brussels and Tbilisi amid “significant democratic backsliding”
Asia Jordan The volume of goods that entered Syria and Lebanon through Jordan has amounted to 214.000 tonnes in 2024, compared to 150.000 tonnes in 2023; the figure represents a 40% increase of trade activity in the Jordanian-Syrian Joint Free Zone
Asia Nepal In Janakpur, southeast Nepal, many transgender individuals live in hijra gharanas, traditional communities led by a guru; they earn through ceremonial performance but face harassment, inadequate social inclusion, discrimination and limited healthcare
Asia Cambodia The Crane Rice initiative supports endangered sarus cranes by promoting eco-friendly farming; it reached 120 families and 132 hectares, offering farmers premium rice prices while creating safe crane habitats, balancing conservation and community welfare
Asia Singapore The sanctuary for old and sick pets aims at reducing caregiver fatigue and hold off pet euthanasia, providing end-of-life care, medical treatment, rehabilitation, emotional support; it also runs awareness campaigns and promotes compassionate pet care
America Peru Peru completed its inaugural blueberry shipment to China via the new Port of Chancay, reaching Shanghai and Hong Kong in 23 days, showcasing the port's efficiency and enhancing Peru's agricultural exports
Asia Vietnam 41 organ donations from brain-dead individuals have ben performed in 2024, surpassing the combined total of the previous three years and reaching over 9.500 organ transplants nationwide since 1992, with demand for organ transplants still exceeding supply
America Suriname Suriname's Ministry of Health is set for major transformations in 2025, including a new building, ten more ambulances to enhance emergency response, and a focus on digitizing healthcare services for improved efficiency and accessibility
America Canada Under growing pressure from his own party, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced he will step down and end his nine-year stretch as party leader when his Liberal Party will choose a new leader and that parliament would be prorogued until 24 March
Africa Cape Verde 13 confirmed dengue fever cases, no casualties, were reported in the first days of 2025; 2024 was dubbed by media 'the year of the return of the Dengue': to curb infections, health Authorities visited over 6.000 patients in 1.000 households
Europe Romania Romania's accession to the US Visa Waiver Program will be made official today, Friday 10 January, during a ceremony at the Department of Homeland Security in Washington
Asia Indonesia The relocation of civil servants to new capital Nusantara has been delayed due to incomplete housing and missing digital infrastructure; plans to move 12.000 workers by 2024 are postponed with no new timeline, but a full transition is set for 2029
Asia Pakistan Under Pakistan’s Hajj Policy 2025, women can perform Hajj without a male guardian, but with previous written consent from a parent or spouse and in the company of trustworthy female companions
America Paraguay Paraguay set a record last year, exporting the highest amount of beef ever amounting to 353 million kilograms to 59 countries, generating over US$1,77 billion, with Chile as the top destination