Africa Cameroon In an unprecedented disruption to academic calendar, the Ministry ordered the immediate rescheduling of all remaining papers for the ongoing 2026 examination session after a severe security breach compromised confidential materials across digital networks
Europe Sweden Turkey's parliament ratified Sweden's application for NATO membership; ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) said it supported the application for its positive steps in the fight against terrorism
Asia United Arab Emirates UAE residents stuck in daily traffic are estimated to lose the equivalent of one day a month, according to motorists who spoke to Khaleej Times
Europe Italy There are 10.000 more prisoners than the official capacity, which leads the democratic country to face a very serious overcrowding, a high number of suicides, a lack of basic services and repeated situations of poor protection of rights
Asia Sri Lanka The Government Medical Association yesterday started an indefinite strike, as the government temporarily suspended the disturbance, availability and transport allowance, which had been increased by Rs 35.000 ($110) from January, as previously promised
Asia Yemen Turbulence in Red Sea caused tanker prices to soar 182%, changing the dynamics of global shipping, according to Bloomberg; tanker industry revenues are soaring to unprecedented levels with rates on some routes rising by the most in a single day since 2022
Asia Oman The number of passengers using Muscat International Airport increased by 19% to 1.192.832 in December 2023 compared to 999.935 in the same period last year, according to data published by the Civil Aviation Authority
Africa Nigeria The young Nigerian team, the 'Broomzillas', managed to qualify for the Winter Youth Olympics being held these days in Gangwon, South Korea, becoming the first African curling team to reach the Winter Youth Olympics
Asia Myanmar Lake Paleik in Singaing municipality and Lake Pyu in TadaU municipality have been designated as the seventh and eighth Flyway Network Sites in the country
Europe Czech Republic Almost one fifth of the country's employed population is now made up of foreigners, with over 800.000 people contributing to the Czech labour force; of these, almost 409.800 are from EU countries and 285.545 from Ukraine
Africa Burundi The IMF expects Burundi's economy to expand by 4,3% this year from 2,7% in 2023; growth would be supported by strong agricultural production, productive investment and ongoing reforms
Africa Niger The immediate release of the deposed President of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, was called for by the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, who emphasised that it was important for 'Niger to get back on the road to democracy'
Africa South Africa In Kruger National Park, one of Africa's largest game reserves and part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, a new tourist attraction opened not long ago, a stationary train on a bridge that has become a luxury hotel
Europe Norway The Norwegian government detailed plans to ban fur farms by 2025, offering financial compensation to farmers who called it a 'historic betrayal'