Asia Iran The Straight of Hormuz will remain "completely open" for all commercial vessels as long as the ceasefire in the Middle East lasts, Foreign Minister Araghchi declared on X
Europe Finland New national digital guidelines set stricter limits on children’s use of smartphones, social media and screens during free time: authorizes smartphones and all social media use for children above 13, calling for no screen time at all for those under two
Africa Zambia Response to illegal gold mining has come back under public attention following remarks of an Army Commander whose language suggested a hard-line posture, intensifying scrutiny over the role of the military in domestic security operations
Africa Sudan Sudan army leadership has reportedly begun consultations to form a transitional legislative council, thus ending a long-standing constitutional vacuum; the initiative is taken in a complex political and military landscape amid a four-year civil war
Asia Malaysia Education reform proposed by majority party Pakatan Harapan aims to modernise curricula and assessments; Children’s Committee, a parliamentary shadow body monitoring child welfare, urges safeguards for children’s rights, equity, inclusion and well-being
Africa Togo A comedy training school opened in Aného; named “L’École du rire à Aného”, it is the first one in Togo and will offer courses in creative development, comedy techniques, stage practice and career training for comedians
Asia Singapore A fake bomb threat circulated online claiming an attack on Paya Lebar Air Base is being investigated; Ministry of Defence said no threat was found, the post specified time, locations and commanders, raising concerns over public alarm and security breaches
Europe Kosovo 109 suspects of vote-tampering were held by police as part of a major operation in Prizren municipality related to allegations of fraud in the December 28 parliamentary elections
America United States Hundreds of shops in Minnesota went on strike putting up "closed" signs, students and workers stayed home, thousands flooded the streets in the most widespread protest since ICE arrived in Minneapolis, demanding federal immigration agents leave the city
Asia Philippines The first natural gas discovery in over a decade in the Philippines has been announced, an offshore field with an estimated 98 billion cubic feet of gas; Officials say it could boost energy security and support a transition away from coal
Asia Vietnam Long-term strategic goals for national development have been set at 14th National Party Congress, approving key political and economic orientations, and electing a new Central Committee; Tô Lâm was reconfirmed as General Secretary, a signal of stability
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
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
America Barbados With voters' registration closing on 26 january, PM Mia Mottley called on Barbadians to ensure they are enlisted to vote ahead of the general election on 11 February, while also seeking the public’s mandate for another term in office