Africa Ethiopia Drivers in Ethiopia face a fuel crisis due to disruptions from the Iran war driving a booming black market; Diesel prices reach 300–500 birr (5-9 $) per liter with illegal resale networks and long queues straining transport and businesses
Europe Estonia Principal of Tallinn Central Russian Gymnasium was dismissed and a public competition will be announced for his position; the reason cited is systematic violations in the transition to Estonian-language instruction, not throughly conducted at the school
Africa Cameroon A fuel tanker exploded last week on the road connecting Limbe and Douala; the accident occurred near the Likomba bridge in Tiko, leaving at least 8 people dead and a trail of destruction and raising environmental concerns for the local community
Africa Sudan A measles spread is threatening thousands of children in Central, South, and West Darfur - currently mostly outside State control - as vaccination programs and supply chains collapsed under war and bureaucratic delays, MSF warned
Europe Czech Republic After 58 years, the D1 motorway is finally complete with the opening of the last section at Přerov; the new 10km stretch was finished 3 months ahead of schedule and is expected to significantly relieve traffic in the region
Asia Laos Laos has been included in the list of countries facing full entry restrictions following new US travel ban; Washington cites security concerns, while critics argue the move is politically driven and risks harming diplomatic and economic ties
Asia South Korea Former oceans minister was summoned by police over a bribery scandal involving the Unification Church: prosecutors allege he received cash and a luxury watch in exchange for backing church-linked projects; Chun denies the claims as raids widen the probe
Africa Tanzania Boundary beacon markers have been installed in Ngezi Vumawimbi Forest Reserve in Pemba, one of the few coastal forest in Africa and a key ecological asset for Zanzibar, to curb encroachment and reduce land use disputes
Asia Thailand As the Southeast Asian Games concluded, Thailand finished top of the medal table, leading on home soil; Host athletes won in multiple disciplines, underscoring the country’s regional sporting strength despite rising competition from Vietnam and Indonesia
Asia Israel Christians in Jerusalem celebrate Christmas facing discrimination and economic burdens, including exorbitant taxes like the “Arnona”, on churches, freezing of bank accounts, seizure of properties and holy sites, and activities by settlement associations
Asia Philippines Temporary maritime restrictions have been announced in parts of the West Philippine Sea ahead of a Chinese rocket launch; Authorities cited safety risks from falling debris, analysts note the move comes amid tensions with Beijing over contested waters
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 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
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