Oceania Solomon Islands With newly improved roads in Auki, provincial police appealed to drivers in Malaita to use responsibility and greater care in driving; reckless driving had reportedly increased since works began, forcing to monitor underage drivers and speeding vehicles
Africa Algeria Over 4.000 detainees have been pardoned this year by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to mark the 70th anniversary of the independence war with France; Algerian journalist Ihsane El Kadi was also freed thanks to the initiative
Europe Portugal Hotel occupancy on New Year's Eve in Madeira is expected to be around 100%, according to the Secretariat of Economy, Tourism and Culture; “a reflection of the continuous effort to promote the region” according to stakeholders
America Suriname The Fire Department Suriname did not come across any illegal fireworks during routine inspections that were carried out in Paramaribo; only one of the retailers whose stores were inspected was caught violating rules for selling mini crackers to minors
Asia Sri Lanka The prices of vegetables have risen sharply in several economic centers last week compared to the previous week, causing concerns among consumers and traders alike
America Peru An oil spill off northern Peru is threatening marine biodiversity near the Tropical Sea Reserve of Grau; cleanup efforts are facing criticism as the spill spreads, raising concerns for one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems
Europe San Marino This holiday season saw a boom in tourist arrivals and on Sunday 30 December a record was set for passengers reaching the historic center by cable car: with over 6.600 lifts, it surpass the Boxing Day number of 4.100
Europe North Macedonia The country in 2024 saw political change fuel fears of return to ethnic strife as the country’s biggest ethnic Albanian party, long used to power, was relegated to opposition benches and may stir up ethnic tension in a bid to regain its lost status
Asia Nepal In Karnali Province, pervasive poverty compels thousands to migrate to India for work, leaving behind villages populated mainly by women, children and the elderly; despite government efforts, significant progress remains elusive
America Venezuela Five Venezuelan opposition members taking refuge in the Argentine embassy in Caracas to avoid arrest say it has become a “prison”; as the residence has been without power for over a month, an adviser to opposition leader María Corina Machado said on X
America Paraguay The Senate approved a controversial bill imposing strict controls on NGOs who risk their autonomy, resources, and ability to defend human rights; Amnesty International urged the lower house to reject the proposal for violating international norms
Europe Monaco An exhibition at the Ministère d'Etat celebrating the 80th anniversary of the liberation from occupations by Germany and Italy during World War II closes today
America Saint Kitts and Nevis Six cruise ships docked simultaneously on 26 December bringing a total of 11.334 passengers to the island that was bustling with activity as it welcomed one of the largest influxes of visitors in its history
Asia Qatar News updates on referendum, budget announcements, cabinet reshuffle, holiday announcements for Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, and weather reports were some of the most viewed articles by The Peninsula readers in 2024, the news outlet reports