Asia Jordan Increase in container traffic at the Aqaba Container Terminal during the past month, despite regional tensions, reflects Jordan’s growing logistical role in the region with flexible supply chains at Aqaba Port becoming a secure, stable alternative route
America Peru Peru has advanced plans to become South America's naval construction leader in 2026, partnering with South Korea for tech transfer and investing over US$831,9 million in submarines, warships, and port infrastructure to boost maritime defense and industry
America Paraguay Visa‑free entry policy has ended for Venezuelan citizens; Paraguay reinstated visa requirements and requiring prior document and background checks for Venezuelan travellers, citing national security concerns amid the ongoing crisis in Venezuela
Asia United Arab Emirates FoodTech Challenge winners have been proclaimed and awarded $500.000 each; winning ideas demonstrated real-world impact on food loss, yields and resource efficiency: natural produce protectors, tree-health sensors and insect-based waste recycling systems
Asia Bahrain A proposed law that would forbid children under 15 years of age to create social media accounts was reviewed by the Shura Council’s woman and child affairs committee, a move to address growing concern over the risks faced by youngsters online
Oceania Tuvalu Government expresses deep concern over the recent escalation of tensions in the Asia-Pacific region; an official post on Facebook reminded that Tuvalu strongly opposes any unilateral or coercive actions that threaten regional security, stability and peace
Asia Bangladesh Air force chiefs held talks with those of Pakistan on a potential pact covering the sale of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets to Dhaka, as Islamabad widens its arms supply ambitions and expands ties with Bangladesh
Europe Portugal Starting this year, anyone wishing to walk Madeira’s official hiking routes will need to book a specific trail and time slot online, local government has confirmed
America Colombia President Gustavo Petro has warned of a “real threat” of possible US military action against Colombia after US President Donald Trump said an operation there “sounds good”, stressing the need for dialogue despite tensions over narcotics
Europe Liechtenstein New passport has been presented with the slogan "A piece of home to take with you"; it features over 40 security elements and each page is unique to significantly hinder forgery
Africa Libya Raising refining capacity and domestic fuel production to 660,000 bpd is a pillars for improving Libya's economy, reducing reliance on imported fuel; upgrading existing refineries and build new plants would enhance domestic fuel production
Asia Bhutan Livestock Bill 2025, which aims to modernize regulation and improve food safety, was debated by National Assembly; expanded meat production clashes with Buddhist values and animal welfare highlighted contrasts among tradition, public health, economy needs
Asia Myanmar On 4 January Independence Day, Myanmar’s junta granted amnesty to thousands of prisoners but excluded most political detainees; Activists said the move was symbolic and failed to address the continued detention of opposition figures and protest leaders
Asia Laos Laos and Vietnam will establish a joint university in Laos and expand student exchange programs; The initiative seeks to strengthen bilateral ties, improve higher education and develop human capital through closer academic and institutional cooperation