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”
America Grenada The Public Sector Employees Pension Fund Bill 2024 is now an Act of Parliament which came into effect on 1 January; it is described as 'unfavorable' by unions and as a violation of the public officers’ constitutional rights by several legal minds
Europe Croatia In response to last month's knife attack at Zagreb's Prečko primary schools, which tragically resulted in the death of one child and the injury of several others, the country has introduced new security measures to increase safety in schools
Asia Bahrain Bahrain’s Alba, aluminium smelter, will continue pursuing mergers and acquisitions, particularly in Europe, after its multi-billion-dollar agreement with Saudi Arabian Mining Company Maaden will be officially signed, presumably in the first half of 2025
Asia Turkmenistan Authorities have begun confiscating passports of those who have outstanding bank loans: documents are seized upon leaving the country and given back once the loan is repaid; many of them are migrant workers heading abroad to earn money to send home
Europe Portugal The Convent of Christ in Tomar, a World Heritage monument, will undergo two requalification projects in 2025 for 5,2 million euros, fully funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan to "give new functional values and qualified visiting conditions"
America Canada Much of Canada is under a weather alert this weekend, with forecasts going from the -40°C in central areas to 110km/h winds on the Atlantic coasts, that would be also at risk of flooding due to heavy rain, and high waves
America Dominican Republic A reduction of 65,54% of dengue cases was recorded in 2024 compared to the previous year, highlighting the success of prevention and control measures including the active participation of the population and various organisations
Africa Gambia 'Musoolutaa', the first resource app for women to find information on health, safety, job opportunities, access to the women's enterprise fund, was launched by the Ministry for Gender, Children and Social Welfare
America Dominica Dominica Water and Sewerage Company Limited announced that the physical implementation phase of the strategic water sector development project is approaching, after having been under consideration for a long time
Asia Brunei Muslims in Brunei can now pay zakat harta - a form of almsgiving and a religious obligation, next after prayer in importance - on their account through eZakat Harta Wang Simpanan platform, promoted in alignment with the Digital Economy Master Plan 2025
Africa Equatorial Guinea After recording an increase in defaults by the owners of social housing, a commission will be set up to visit homes and ascertain that the occupants of the homes are the true owners; the government is also considering to start with evictions
Europe Switzerland Drivers will be allowed to use self-driving technology on Swiss motorways and let go of their steering wheel starting 1 March 2025; following the decree recently adopted by Federal Council, they must be ready to take control at any time
Oceania Samoa Samoa Airways has been ordered to shift from the international terminal at Faleolo Airport to the new USD9,12 million regional terminal; the airline reportedly said it was not given any choice and the change will impact its services to and from Pago Pago