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
America Dominican Republic Larimar exports tripled in one year, from around 39 tons in 2024 to 132 tons so far this year; Minister of Energy and Mines reminded that the unique mineral is an exclusive asset of the Dominican Republic and has to be part of the tourist narrative
Europe Luxembourg The owner of a restaurant in the capital’s Gare neighbourhood has said his business is at risk of closing because customers have deserted the venue due to crime in the area; though warned, he chose to open there to set an example and support the district
Europe Denmark Social Democrats in Denmark suffered a heavy loss in this week's municipal and regional elections; PM Mette Frederiksen’s centre-left party lost control of Copenhagen for first time in over 100 years
Africa Lesotho Competitiveness and Financial Inclusion CAFI rolled out a series of high-level engagements aimed at strengthening Lesotho’s trade network, empowering local enterprises and advancing efforts to build resilience in regional and continental markets.
Europe Ukraine Artist studios in Kyiv have been damaged by Russian drone strike for second time; Nahirna22, a 30-studio space led by Gen Z artists, had recently reopened following a similar attack in August
Oceania New Zealand A kauri cross from St. Patrick's Church in Napier was returned 44 years after it fell during the 1981 fire that destroyed the steeple, one of Hawke's Bay's largest; the artifact was recovered and has now been returned to the church
Asia Kyrgyzstan Winter approaching brings warnings of potential electricity shortfalls due to low water levels in Kyrgyzstan hydro-reservoirs; emergency measures include electricity conservation and shutting down all cryptocurrency mining farms to relieve grid pressure
Europe Slovenia Top 100 wealthiest in Slovenia are now worth a combined €11,2 billion - the highest figure yet and 12% more than last year, according to rankings by Finance Manager; investors Vesna and Dari Južna took the lead surpassing Iza Sia and Samo Login
Europe Slovakia A long-awaited 9,1 km section of the R2 between Kriváň and Mýtna opened to traffic, a symbolic victory for the government; it cuts about 8 minutes of travel on the stretch and comprises Slovakia’s longest and highest viaduct 4,3 km up to 41 metres high
America United States The House of Representatives voted to pass a bill directing the Justice Department to release all files related to its investigation into the Epstein case with the exception of one vote; Senate agreed via unanimous consent, without a formal vote
Africa Somalia All ships entering any port within Somalia's borders must now comply with new system Electronic Cargo Tracking Number ECTN; the rule also applies to Berbera port in Somaliland, escalating a standoff over airspace and borders control
Africa Namibia Magistrates across Namibia will stop working from next Monday if the housing and vehicle allowance adjustments are not immediately implemented and gazetted in response to prolonged inaction on a statutory process affecting officers’ conditions of service
Asia Oman National Day was celebrated with parades, fleet parades, a calendar of events and fireworks to underline the festive atmosphere of the occasion; His Majesty's presence highlighted the importance of the celebration