Africa Uganda Over 21 million ballot papers have been received by the Electoral Commission, that cleared public concerns explaining that the number exceeds the 21,6 million citizens currently on the national voters’ register and surplus is a legal requirement
Europe Slovenia Urban, a six-year-old boy with a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder, is the first patient in the world to have received a pioneering gene replacement therapy for the CTNNB1 syndrome as a clinical trial started at the UKC Ljubljana Medical Centre
Europe Estonia Principal of Tallinn Central Russian Gymnasium was dismissed and a public competition will be announced for his position; the reason cited is systematic violations in the transition to Estonian-language instruction, not throughly conducted at the school
Asia Laos Laos has been included in the list of countries facing full entry restrictions following new US travel ban; Washington cites security concerns, while critics argue the move is politically driven and risks harming diplomatic and economic ties
Oceania Solomon Islands Essential school furniture for newly built classrooms and dormitories has been delivered to 14 schools across the country; the initiative aims to build safe, comfortable and practical learning spaces supported by Australia and New Zealand with MEHRD
Africa Tanzania Boundary beacon markers have been installed in Ngezi Vumawimbi Forest Reserve in Pemba, one of the few coastal forest in Africa and a key ecological asset for Zanzibar, to curb encroachment and reduce land use disputes
Asia South Korea Former oceans minister was summoned by police over a bribery scandal involving the Unification Church: prosecutors allege he received cash and a luxury watch in exchange for backing church-linked projects; Chun denies the claims as raids widen the probe
Asia Philippines Temporary maritime restrictions have been announced in parts of the West Philippine Sea ahead of a Chinese rocket launch; Authorities cited safety risks from falling debris, analysts note the move comes amid tensions with Beijing over contested waters
Asia Israel Christians in Jerusalem celebrate Christmas facing discrimination and economic burdens, including exorbitant taxes like the “Arnona”, on churches, freezing of bank accounts, seizure of properties and holy sites, and activities by settlement associations
Africa Equatorial Guinea Latest Foreign Trade in Goods Report by National Institute of Statistics INEGE shows that exports reached 71 countries in 2024, with China being the main market followed by Italy and UAE; alcoholic beverages for €41million were mainly imported from Spain
Asia Bhutan Liquor shops in Phuentsholing face severe shortages ahead of Bhutan’s upcoming alcohol tax hike; Suppliers are unable to meet demand, pushing retailers to the brink as prices rise and stock dwindles, with businesses warning of mounting financial strain
Asia Cyprus The women of Kalavasos are coming together this holiday season to create a marketplace where each woman participating showcases handmade creations: designers, artists, painters, healers and community weavers join forces for solidarity
Africa Togo Lomé will expand its addressing system, updating street names and the numbering of land parcels and buildings, including residential properties, businesses, and public services, and incorporating newly developed areas across the metropolitan region
Asia Myanmar Junta is pushing to revive the long-stalled, China-backed Myitsone Dam, despite public opposition over environmental and cultural risks; The move signals growing reliance on Beijing for political and economic support amid escalating domestic conflict