Asia China “Bone ash apartments" will be illegal after new law prohibits use of residential properties to store ashes or bury remains outside dedicated areas; scarce space in cemeteries, low house prices made more affordable to entomb remains in an empty apartment
America Bolivia A controversial decree has been repealed after 28 days of mass protests over its environmental and indigenous rights impacts; the government has maintained key economic measures and now seeks to pass its agenda through legislation
Asia South Korea Travel bans have been imposed on three civilians accused of flying drones toward North Korea from Ganghwa, allegedly photographing a Marine base; case widened as links emerged to former presidential staff and military intelligence–related online outlets
Asia Mongolia Mongolia has become a founding member of the Peace Council initiated by US President Trump; Prime Minister Zandanshatar signed the charter at Davos, stressing voluntary cooperation, respect for sovereignty and no financial or military obligations
Asia Nepal Nepali Congress has declared Gagan Thapa as its Prime Minister candidate, signalling a generational shift within the party; The decision aims to project reformist leadership ahead of upcoming political contests and strengthen the party’s national appeal
Africa Eritrea A seven-kilometer dirt road connecting Halhale, Emni-Tselim and Abune Butsu’amlak in the Dubarwa Sub-Zone was inaugurated on 20 January, constructed by Project Adi-Halo with the residents of the area and will help ensure social welfare in remote areas
Oceania Samoa Samoan-Australian tennis star Destanee Aiava has called out “disgusting” and “disrespectful” online abuse after being targeted by trolls following a heartbreaking loss in Australian Open qualifying
Oceania Vanuatu Jailed former MP for the Epi Constituency and Speaker of Parliament has formally sought reconciliation at the National Nakamal, apologising to the President of the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs and the people of Vanuatu for his past actions
Africa Egypt 2026 promises to be another year of record tourism revenues, with Russian travelers forecast to grow by 50%, being Egypt is the most sought-after outbound destination, and new Air Egypt schedules linking UK with 31 flights per week
Europe Andorra Andorran Laia Ateca was awarded for best production design at the 38th edition of the European Film Awards for the film Sirat, directed by Oliver Laxe, nominated for the 2026 Oscar
Asia Azerbaijan Azerbaijan’s Media Development Agency urged Meta to remove "a fabricated statement that does not reflect reality, created using deepfake technology and falsely attributed to the President"
Asia Kuwait Temperatures plunged below zero degrees Celsius in Salmi near the Saudi border and Boubyan Island, with the real feel at Salmi was -8°C Celsius as Kuwait experiences an especially cold spell in desert areas caused by northwesterly winds
Africa Algeria One month after Algeria's parliament unanimously passed a law declaring France's colonisation, and the glorification of colonialism, a crime, and demanding an apology and reparations, details about implementation haven't been announced yet
Africa Cape Verde Ahead of Municipal Day, marked on 22 January, the city councillor of São Vicente announced plans to start a set of “structural works” including asphalt paving, stormwater drainage and the desilting of channels and dikes