Asia Laos About $12 million in digital taxes from global technology companies have been collected under new law: foreign providers of online services must register with Lao tax authorities regardless of whether they have a physical presence in the country
Africa Egypt Egyptian mezzo-soprano Farrah el-Dibany received the 'Arab Woman of the Year' award for 2024 from the London Arabia Organisation for her work in cultural exchange
Europe Croatia The Vukovar Water Tower, a symbol of Vukovar's defence during the siege by the Yugoslav People's Army and Serb rebels in 1991, was visited by 117.090 people in 2023; reconstruction, which began in 2017, has preserved 640 holes, the result of bombing
America Chile A foundation in Chile, dedicated to locating children adopted irregularly and taken abroad during the dictatorship of Pinochet, has initiated a new search campaign using AI to reunite families affected by forced adoptions during the regime
Europe Bulgaria At Bulgaria Open 2024 international taekwondo tournament, the Bulgarian team scored a total of 750 points, winning the first place and the cup; more than 450 participants took part in the competition, making the tournament the largest in Europe this year
America Colombia President Gustavo Petro has announced the suspension of arms purchases from Israel, condemning the deaths in Gaza as "genocide" after Palestinians allegedly claimed Israeli soldiers shot people seeking food
America Saint Kitts and Nevis The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources presented the results of its recent annual review and strategic planning session, heralding a new era of agricultural empowerment and sustainability
Africa Namibia Rapid deforestation and industrial emissions in the country are causing habitat loss for rare and endangered wildlife, stated Namibia's Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism
Oceania Nauru The governments of Nauru and the Marshall Islands have signed a memorandum of understanding on air services that facilitates negotiations for the operation of Nauru Airlines on the Majuro-Honolulu route
America Brazil A new study from local scientists shows a drastic decline in the diversity of fireflies in Brazil and other bioluminescent beetles, specifically in areas affected by habitat loss and pesticide use over 30 years
Europe Netherlands Twice the median income is no longer enough to afford an average home in the Netherlands, according to calculations by the data company Calcassa
Africa Libya Libyan boxer Saad Al-Falah was crowned the World Boxing Association's Middleweight Champion of the World in Africa after defeating his Ivorian opponent, Adama Koné, in the Suleiman al-Darrat stadium fight in Benghazi
Europe Switzerland The Swiss have voted to add the 13th monthly payments for pensioners; a separate proposal to gradually raise the retirement age to 66 and beyond was clearly rejected in a separate nationwide vote