Asia Sri Lanka Digital marketplace LilyLanka has been launched to connect small and medium enterprises with customers; the platform includes products, online sales and delivery services and aims to digitalize local trade, expand market access and support SMEs recovery
Europe Bulgaria 2026 state budget doubles the dividend tax on private businesses to fund a rise in public-sector wages despite criticisms by the opposition, professional associations and business analysts, widely seen as a way to satisfy loyal voters in the public sector
Europe Croatia Controversial Croatian singer Marko Perkovic Thompson will hold one concert in Zagreb on December 27; the city's leftist Mayor hasn't permitted a second show as the right-wing singer whose songs glorify Croatian nationalism
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
America Costa Rica An alliance in Costa Rica has promoted women's training in high-demand STEM fields through the Red MenTe program, which has already benefited 30 women with intensive education in cybersecurity, infrastructure, and AI-driven data analysis
America Guatemala A volunteer-led initiative in Guatemala has protected hundreds of children from hazardous firework labor by offering schooling, food, and community support through the “Sulla Strada” project, launched to combat extreme poverty and child exploitation
Europe Italy After a week-long relay in Greece, the Olympic flame will be handed over to Italian Games organizers in Athens on 4 December; it will start a domestic journey of 63-days and 12.000 km across 110 provinces, with 10.001 torchbearers, from Rome on 6 December
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 Myanmar Thailand’s foreign minister sayd Myanmar’s planned election cannot be credible under junta rule, citing repression, no inclusive participation, and ongoing conflict. He urges ASEAN and global partners to push for political dialogue and humanitarian access
Europe Monaco Netflix will release Murder in Monaco on 17 December, a documentary on one of the most high-profile criminal cases in the Principality’s history: the death of billionaire banker Edmond Safra on 3 December 1999 in his apartment's fire
America Canada The province of Alberta has signed a new energy deal that will position Canada as a global energy superpower while working toward net-zero emissions; the agreement involves a new bitumen pipeline to the West Coast with Indigenous co-ownership
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 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
America Belize Dangers and legal consequences of improper wastewater disposal have been reminded to the public; the nationwide notice highlights that untreated wastewater, sewage, greywaters, industrial effluent poses serious risks to public health and the environment