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
Asia Pakistan A major fire broke out at the Gul Plaza shopping centre in Karachi on 17 January, spreading rapidly through the multistory commercial building, which firefighters could to douse in 24 hours; at least 26 people died, 50 are missing, damage is extensive
Asia India Air India confirmed that it is in the process of returning personal belongings of the AI171 crash victims; over 22.000 items are listed, to be given back to the relatives of the 260 victims of the worst air disaster in three decades
Europe Norway Nobel Institute issued a statement on the controversial fact that Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado had given her gold Nobel medal to US President Donald Trump; amid international uproar, the institution said prize and winner are 'inseparable'
America Cuba Plans and measures 'for transitioning to a state of war' have been approved; a brief note indicates that the decision was made as part of Cuba's preparation of the mobilization of workers and civilian officials to confront a presumed US invasion
Asia Jordan Over 7.000 Christian pilgrims from across the Kingdom took part in the annual pilgrimage to the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ, Al Maghtas, on the eastern bank of the Jordan River, coinciding with the Feast of the Epiphany marked by the Orthodox Church
Africa Guinea Soumbara, a traditional condiment made from fermented néré seeds essential in many West African cuisines is becoming increasingly scarce with prices rising sharply in the markets of Lélouma where is called brown gold
Europe Albania For many families in Tirana buying an apartment, a realistic goal up to a short time ago, is now unaffordable: wages haven't risen at pace with apartment prices surging up to 5.500 euros sq/m in a market that experts say is distorted by speculation
Oceania Australia Off Shark Beach, a shark attacked a boy of about 13 who was swimming in Sydney Harbour, leaving him in critical condition with serious leg injuries
Asia Brunei As Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah underwent knee replacement surgery, with a two to three months expected recovery period, a special Doa ceremony at Religious Teachers University College and nationwide prayers were organized for his well being
America Bahamas Committed to the support of Eleuthera and the Family Islands by modernizing aviation infrastructure, government announced a $14,525M contract for the full reconstruction of the Rock Sound International Airport runway, to be completed in 12 months
Africa eSwatini The songs for the 2026 Ingwenyama Cup Culture, combining football with Swazi heritage, will be released next week to give time to prepare for the competition as they will provide insights into the theme of the contest this year
Europe Czech Republic 935.000 legal foreign workers, 360.000 from Ukraine, were employed in the Czech Republic in 2025, +11% on 2024; despite this, firms still face a shortfall, with the Chamber of Commerce estimating a need for around 250.000 more workers
Asia Iraq A middle school inside Nasiriyah Central Prison will open as part of Ministry of Justice efforts to strengthen rehabilitation and reform programs by supporting inmates’ educational pathways within a comprehensive correctional environment