Afghanistan’s Taliban government announces the closure...

Afghanistan’s Taliban government announces the closure of all NGOs employing women, warning noncompliance will result in suspension of activities and revocation of licenses. The Ministry of Economy, responsible for overseeing NGOs, issued the directive two years after banning Afghan women from working in such organizations for not adhering to its interpretation of Islamic dress codes. The order applies to all national and foreign NGOs not controlled by the Taliban, further restricting women’s roles in Afghanistan's workforce.

New Year celebrations are marred...

New Year celebrations are marred by violent incidents worldwide:

• In Nelson, New Zealand, a police officer is killed and four others injured in a vehicle-ramming attack; the suspect is arrested.
• A Tesla Cybertruck explodes outside Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, killing the driver and injuring seven others, possibly linked to terror.
• Five are wounded in a mass stabbing in Verucchio, Italy, before the perpetrator is shot dead.
• In Grünsfeld, Germany, a man injures four officers with an excavator before being fatally shot.
• A mass shooting in Queens, New York, leaves 11 injured.
• FBI agents in Virginia seize over 150 pipe bombs, marking a record-breaking operation.

Moldova faces an energy crisis...

Moldova faces an energy crisis as gas supplies to Transnistria's Kurchugan power plant, which provides 80% of Moldova's electricity, dwindle. The plant now relies on coal, with reserves lasting just 50 days. Moldova plans to buy European electricity, raising costs significantly. A state of emergency has been declared, urging reduced consumption and bracing for power cuts. Russia's Gazprom halted gas supplies, citing a $700m debt claim, which Moldova disputes, estimating it at $9m, mostly repaid. This crisis risks severe economic and political fallout for Moldova.

Germany's economy faces a "permanent...

Hanoi is declared the world’s most...

Hanoi is declared the world’s most polluted city, with PM2.5 levels reaching 266 micrograms per cubic meter, according to AirVisual. Thick smog has engulfed Vietnam's capital, prompting the government to push for electric vehicle (EV) adoption. By 2030, Hanoi targets 50% of buses and all taxis to be EVs. Authorities emphasize the urgency of state-led actions to tackle pollution. However, ministries of natural resources, environment, and health have yet to provide immediate responses on their plans.

Myanmar’s military regime announces...

Myanmar’s military regime announces the release of 5,864 prisoners, including 180 foreigners, to mark the country’s 77th Independence Day. The amnesty, described as based on "humanitarian and compassionate grounds," includes commuting 144 life sentences to 15 years. While the identities of the foreign detainees remain unclear, reports suggest the release may include four Thai fishermen detained in November. Myanmar regularly grants amnesties for holidays and festivals, with over 9,000 prisoners freed on Independence Day last year and a similar release in October 2021.

The Congolese government has executed...

The Congolese government has executed 102 men accused of armed robbery and urban banditry, with 70 more awaiting execution, according to Justice Minister Mutamba. The executions took place at Angenga prison in northwest Congo, with 45 carried out in late December and 57 in the past 48 hours. The decision to enforce the death penalty has sparked division, with some supporting it as a measure to restore order, while others raise concerns over potential human rights abuses and risks of injustice.