Asia Taiwan Guides to help small businesses and non-profits curb cyber threats were released by National Institute of Cyber Security; according to the agency, cyberattacks are more frequent and sophisticated, leaving smaller organizations more exposed
Oceania Samoa Responding to the growing spread of methamphetamine affecting schools across Samoa, international educational organization Don Bosco has introduced strict daily bag checks and new transportation controls changes
Europe Netherlands About a quarter of Dutch freelancers report losing assignments as clients become more cautious under harder enforcement of self-employment rules, in effect since 2016 but now applied more strictly; findings come from a survey of over 3.000 entrepreneurs
Asia Laos An agreement for a 100-megawatt solar power plant in Oudomxay province was signed with a South Korean energy company including panels, transmission links and grid integration; Laos aims to diversify beyond hydropower and attract foreign investments
Africa South Africa Alcohol producer Diageo SA has called on Finance Minister to consider a stay of the annual 6%-plus increase in excise duty on spirits when he tables the 2026 Budget Speech in Parliament next week
Europe Slovenia Luka Koper, the operator of Slovenia's only seaport, Koper, posted net sales revenue increase by 15% in 2025 to €380 million, with net profit reaching €81,5 million, +35%; The company also reported another record in the number of containers handled
Asia Mongolia An atmospheric distillation column for Altanshiree oil refinery, built in India, is ready for shipment; The 58,4-meter unit will separate crude oil into fuels such as gasoline and diesel at the core processing facility, aims to boost local fuel production
Africa Comoros The 25th anniversary of Fomboni Framework Agreement was celebrated, the historic peace deal facilitated by the African Union that ended separatist crises in the Comoros by establishing "New Comorian Ensemble", rotational presidency among the three island
Africa Equatorial Guinea In preparation of the visit of Pope Leo XIV to Equatorial Guinea, expected to be scheduled in the first half of this year, the Press Commission inspected the spaces planned for the national and international coverage of the event
Africa Central African Republic Doctors are absent from local hospitals at night in Linga; though affecting a scarcely populated area, the vacancy is causing concern among the village elders
Asia Bahrain Bahraini villages Hoorat A’ali, Buri, Karranah and Budaiya were acknowledged under the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation Villages Recognition Initiative during latest FAO World Conference
Asia Afghanistan Latif Nangarhari, an Afghan singer who once critics and fled Talibans, known for advocating peace and condemning violence, now publicly praises their rule, drawing attention across Afghan social media
Oceania New Zealand Farmers and businesses are taking stock of the cost of flooding that swamped paddocks and swept through Little River, Banks Peninsula, which remains under a state of emergency though State Highway 75 to Akaroa reopened and telecommunications were restored
Africa Kenya The aviation workers' strike at JKIA, which caused two days of flight disruptions, has been called off after aviation workers reached a deal with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority; the protest was originated as pilots raised concerns about crew fatigue