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 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
Asia South Korea Ex-president Yoon Suk-yeol remains barricaded in his official residence with the Presidential Security Service blocking attempts to arrest him on charges of insurrection and abuse of power; authorities are considering measures to enforce the warrant
America Venezuela Venezuela offered a US$100.000 reward for information on Edmundo González, ex-ambassador and opposition leader, who claims victory in the disputed 2024 elections and plans to return to Venezuela before Maduro's new term starts
Asia Mongolia At the 36th Harbin Ice Sculpture Competition, in China, Mongolian Z. Ganjargal and Kh. Altankhuu won gold, D. Tserenbat and B. Bayarsaikhan secured silver; Mongolian sculptors, regular participants since 2010, are among the most appreciated contenders
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
Asia Japan One year since a powerful earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula leaving at least 500 dead, efforts toward full recovery continue in the hardest-hit areas; some 21.000 residents in Ishikawa Prefecture remain evacuated or in temporary housing
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
Asia Laos Vientiane’s top tourist sites - including Patuxai Monument, That Luang Stupa, and Buddha Park - attracted over 300.000 visitors in 2024, reflecting a strong recovery in Laos’s tourism sector; targeted campaigns will aim at further boosting tourism in 2025
Africa Cameroon Locally produced maize, yam, cassava and plantain flours are now exempt from Value Added Tax under the new policy outlined in the Finance Act 2025 and confirmed by the Directorate General of Taxes to reduce the average impact of current VAT at 19,25%
Africa Angola The country will host the African Men's and Women's Wheelchair Basketball Championships in January 2026, as confirmed by the Angolan Paralympic Committee
Europe Belarus In 2024, over 5.800 people were convicted in administrative political trials in Belarus, the Viasna Human Rights Defence Centre reported; independent analysts link this to the election campaign that began
Asia Malaysia Gerakan, the People’s Movement Party supporting inclusion, called for a review of the proposal to require halal certification for food outlets; Kelantan state, with a Muslim majority, seeks to enforce the policy, raising concerns for non-Muslim businesses
Africa Benin Pan-African activist and leader Kémi Séba has announced his candidature for presidential elections scheduled for April 2026; electoral code requires candidates to be sponsored by at least 28 elected officials, such as mayors or members of parliament