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
Africa Lesotho Government ordered the Independent Electoral Commission to sell its newly-acquired M77million building and relocate to a vacant, undeveloped site in Masowe as the current structure is “too tall” for the comfort of National Security Service and PM’s office
Asia Singapore Over 2.700 people have been fined for vape-related offences since tougher penalties took effect on Sept 1; Authorities report higher enforcement action as part of efforts to curb vaping, especially among youths, amid growing public health concerns
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
America Trinidad and Tobago A parallel black market for foreign exchange has developed as a result of Trinidad and Tobago official system's inability to supply US dollars, according to the President of Downtown Owners and Merchants Association
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
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 Turkey Dyslexia affects around 10% of children in Türkiye, as in global averages, according to president of the Dyslexia Learning Disability Association; field studies show that at least one student with dyslexia can be found in every primary school classroom
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
Europe Croatia Members of the opposition party met with the My Voice My Choice movement, which has collected 1,2 million signatures in EU, prompting to vote on a resolution that would guarantee the right of every woman in member states to accessible and safe abortion
America Argentina First National Intelligence Policy in 20 years has been approved, aiming to modernize its intelligence system, counter terrorism and cyber threats, and protect sovereignty amid global geopolitical tensions
Africa Morocco Recent rainfall has boosted the national water supply: between 15 and 17 December, dam reserves increased by 119 million cubic meters, bringing the overall filling rate to 32.2%
Oceania New Zealand A judge voided a South Auckland election result over voter fraud claims and the private company running the polls has admitted to a separate privacy breach; the Electoral Services MD released to councillor election results with confidential information
Africa Ivory Coast Measures to upgrade farming while maintaining sustainability and expanding domestic agro-processing are a priority of 2026-2030 budget; Agricultural Commodities Exchange, a market platform bringing more structure to how produce is priced, was set in 2025