Asia Myanmar Construction of China–Myanmar railway, high-speed passenger and freight corridor linking Yunnan to Kyaukphyu deep-sea port on the Bay of Bengal, is being accelerated; the line will give China direct access to the Indian Ocean, bypassing the Malacca Strait
Asia Nepal Karki's government is mired in controversy for disputed political appointments, alleged misuse of authority, and infighting within the ruling coalition; These issues have stalled key reforms and eroded public trust
Asia Mongolia Despite long-standing bans on smoking and sales near schools, smoking rates remain high: excise taxes will be raised through 2030 to curb youth use and fund school health programs, rules on e-cigarettes expanded as Mongolia tightens Tobacco Control Law
Asia Malaysia Sabah, a resource-rich Malaysian state on northern Borneo, is heading to elections; Its strategic location, diverse population and vital natural assets make it crucial for national stability, drawing the country's attention
Asia Pakistan Pakistan would be ready to join an international peace force for Gaza but will not support any plan requiring Hamas to disarm
Asia Thailand Bangkok's HyLife Awards celebrate Thai innovation by recognizing companies and young creators developing sustainable, tech-driven solutions; The program aims to strengthen national competitiveness and support emerging talents shaping future industries
America Peru Former president Pedro Castillo has been sentenced to 11 years and 5 months in prison for conspiracy to rebels after his failed 2022 attempt to dissolve Congress and rule by decree, though the court said the plan was not fully carried out
Asia Vietnam Teachers in Ninh Binh are adopting AI tools, smart boards and digital platforms to redesign lessons, track student progress and tailor learning to individual needs; active participation is encouraged and students more prepared for a tech-driven future
Asia Philippines Domestic flights in the Philippines were disrupted after Airbus began a mandatory software upgrade for A320 aircrafts; delays and cancellations have been announced as planes undergo the update, affecting schedules nationwide
Europe Germany 75% of respondents to a survey are in favor of a ban on individuals' use of fireworks, a habit that spikes onNew Year's Eve; Germans had already voiced discontent with the practice and fireworks-free zones have been established in densely populated areas
Asia South Korea Art Odyssey, promoted by art institutions and cultural authorities, aims to coordinate global promotion of Korean art by linking museums, curators and research programs; It supports joint exhibitions, exchanges and strategies for artistic presence abroad
Asia Israel A software error in a widely used genetic screening test led to incorrect results for a rare mutation linked to a serious neurological disease in fetuses; the flaw affected analysis of the MECR gene, which is tested in both parents to assess fetal risk.
Africa Malawi A secretive coronation in Salima has brought a cultural and political crisis, as Makewana, the revered spiritual custodian of Chewa tradition, crowned Raphael Nowa Phiri as Kalonga Sosola IX, an attempt to resurrect the Maravi Kingdom after 160 years
Africa Equatorial Guinea Expenses by government delegations' travel negatively impact the public budget; H.E. Obiang Nguema Mbasogo proposes reducing the number of people on state visits to foreign countries to avoid excessive spending in the general state budget