Asia South Korea Former President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to life in prison, charged with leading an insurrection as he imposed martial law for a few tumultuous hours on 3 December 2024; some argue it is a sign of a healthy democracy
Europe Hungary The Liget Budapest, Europe’s largest cultural urban development project, has won the award for the world’s best urban development at the FIABCI international real estate development competition in Lagos, Nigeria
America Saint Kitts and Nevis The government’s strategy to address crime from a public health perspective and the commitment of law enforcement have resulted in a sharp decrease in homicides and a reduction in crime, generating a more peaceful environment across most communities
Oceania New Zealand A judge voided a South Auckland election result over voter fraud claims and the private company running the polls has admitted to a separate privacy breach; the Electoral Services MD released to councillor election results with confidential information
Europe Serbia In a year marked by anti-government protests in Serbia, there have been multiple reports of police taking phones from people detained or even questioned, with or without consent, though police need a court order to confiscate someone’s phone without
Oceania Palau For over three months, families and small businesses across Palau have been unable to ship packages through the mail, sidelined by a U.S. executive order that ended duty-free treatment for low-value imports
America Argentina First National Intelligence Policy in 20 years has been approved, aiming to modernize its intelligence system, counter terrorism and cyber threats, and protect sovereignty amid global geopolitical tensions
Europe Greece Greek outbound tourism has sharply risen in 2025; latest data from Visa reveal a robust desire for travel and an evolving landscape of consumer preferences
Africa Burundi 76.000 new refugees have been welcomed in Burundi from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, even after rebel group M23 announced their withdrawal from the city of Uvira; according to UNHCR, $33 million are needed to fully absorb the newcomers
Europe Ireland Vada and Borgo restaurants have been added to the Michelin Guide, bringing to 112 the number of restaurants in the Republic featured in the listings; both are located in Dublin 7 and both are relatively new openings
Asia Afghanistan A historic landmark, Kabul’s Ariana Cinema has been demolished to make way for a commercial market, sparking concerns over the city’s cultural heritage
America Bahamas The Hunan Demonstration Farm at Gladstone Road Agricultural Centre was officially handed over to the Bahamian government from the People's Republic of China; for over two years it has nurtured knowledge, innovation, friendship said Agriculture Minister
Africa eSwatini MPs have called for an immediate halt to the issuing of operating licences to gambling companies until the long-awaited Gaming Control Regulations are finalised and tabled before Parliament
America Barbados Teachers could regain their long-lost term’s vacation leave after years of stalled negotiations; Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced in Parliament that the government intends to restore the benefit from 2026