Americas

Canada
The ongoing and unnecessary erosion of Canadian's civil liberties
Canadian Trucking Alliance condemns protests by unvaccinated truckers
Ontario Premier Doug Ford holds meeting on rural, remote and northern housing issues
Teck Resources announces new contract with union at British Columbia mine

USA
US Warns It Knows Russia’s Tactics to Undermine Ukraine
Thousands March in Washington Against Mask, Vaccine Mandates
Activist hedge fund Trian builds stake in Unilever
Biden's First Year in Office Saw 5,000 More Gun Killings Than Trump's, Monitor Finds
Crunch Time: NASA Set to Install James Webb Space Telescope on Crucial Lagrange Point
A marriage made in hell: Biden tells Kamala 'I love you, you always have my back' and she replies 'I do' in toe-curling message at DNC event as they are both hit with historically low approval ratings
Even Fauci thinks the end is in sight! COVID tsar predicts almost all of US will have hit Omicron peak within WEEKS as early tri-state epicenters see infections plunge by up to 64%
Halliburton doubles quarterly profit, raises dividend as oil rebounds

Mexico
Lopez Obrador to resume his normal work routine on Monday
Mexico Energy Minister Says Dos Bocas Being Built in Record Time
Mexico's energy reform strains ties with US
Biden plans tax-funded legal services program for 'Remain in Mexico' immigrants: report
Texas DPS Special Agent killed in tragic accident near US-Mexico border, officials announce
Second Mexican journalist shot dead in a week in Tijuana

Guatemala
Guatemala asks other countries to stay out of attorney general election
Promotion of digital education in Guatemala: delivery of IGER scholarships and Huawei tablets to adolescents and young indigenous women of Totonicapán

Honduras
Rival Honduran lawmakers back different congressional heads in dispute with next president

Panama
Panama’s industry chamber warns against using royalty increase to First Quantum for political gain
Panama - Lawmaker refutes links to organized crime

Cuba
Clinical trials of Cuba’s Mambisa vaccine candidate are advancing
President of Cuba analyzes the work of Communist Party

Venezuela
Venezuelan opposition's Guaido calls for February protest

Colombia
Violence in Colombia tarnishes electoral atmosphere this week
Things Are Looking Grim For Colombia's Oil Industry
Ingrid Betancourt to Make a Bid for President of Colombia
Top UN Colombia official calls for greater implementation of historic peace accord

Ecuador
Ecuador extends Galapagos reserve forming a string of protected areas along the Pacific to Central America

Peru
Peru's President: Referendum law is undemocratic and unconstitutional
Peru: Net International Reserves total US$78.383 bn on Jan 19
Peru: Congress Chairwoman tests positive for COVID-19
Peru's Env Min: Oil spill in Ventanilla is an environmental and humanitarian disaster
Peru's PM: Limiting right to a referendum is undemocratic

Bolivia
Bolivian President praises new Latin American model
Bolivia ratifies commitment with the defense of natural resources

Brazil
Latin American VC investments triple record to pass $15bn in 2021
Sibanye Stillwater ends $1 bln Brazil mines purchase deal
Drug cartels force MSC to suspend intermodal operations in Brazil with Santos labelled cocaine's world trade center'

Paraguay
Paraguay-Brazil Integration Bridge 75 percent complete
Paraguay Central Bank Lifts Key Rate to Four-Year High of 5.5%
Fitch Rates Paraguay's 2033 USD Bond 'BB+'

Argentina
Argentina agrees new vaccine deal with Pfizer as third wave surge continues
Horacio Rodríguez Larreta: 'I’m not seeking absolute leadership'
Argentina’s bonds slump below 30 cents on doubts over IMF deal
Nobelist Stiglitz rebuffed after praising Argentina’s 'economic miracle'
City education minister accused of ‘giving up’ on school dropouts

Chile
Solis Minerals kicks off diamond drilling operations at Mostazal Copper Project in Chile

Asia

Japan
Kishida and Biden in lockstep, but COVID-19 means 2022 goals may prove elusive
In Okinawa, Nago mayor defeats anti-U.S. base transfer rival
Severely ill COVID patients in Japan up eightfold from start of '22
With international tourists still absent, Japan’s ski resorts dig deep
New U.S. Ambassador Rahm Emanuel arrives in Japan
80% of Japan cities offering online classes and some see them as useful post-pandemic
ASDF plane carrying water arrives in disaster-hit Tonga
Nighttime foot traffic drops in Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya amid omicron spread

N. Korea
North Korea Expands China Trade, But Wider Pandemic Approach Unclear

S. Korea
S. Korea to make changes to virus response, as cases double in less than a week
What presidential candidates have to say on S. Korea's migrant issues
Virtual idol groups trending in entertainment industry

Mongolia
Mongolia reports 2,766 new COVID-19 cases

China
China's Censors Ban Hollywood Films As Beijing Builds Its Own "Movie Empire"
French Parliament's Uyghur Genocide Declaration Angers China
Hopes for HK-mainland border reopening around Spring Festival dashed amid city's epidemic woes
Beijing releases 1st guideline on dealing with international mail amid COVID-19 epidemic
Chinese lithium hydroxide prices played catch-up amid tight supply – report
5.8-magnitude quake hits northwest China: CENC
Some Hong Kong civil servants, bankers to work from home as COVID spreads

Taiwan
Taiwan reports incursion of 39 Chinese aircraft in its air defense zone
Taiwan reports new large-scale Chinese air force incursion

Philippines
Moreno admits to keeping P50 million in excess campaign funds in 2016
House panel OKs bill hiking pensioners’ benefits
Negros Governor, 21 others contract COVID-19
Stricter penalties vs wildlife poachers, traders pushed
Court date reset for man, 80, charged with intent to have sex with minors in PH

Vietnam
Two years since the first case, Việt Nam's caseload exceeds 2.1 million
Immigration Department issues relaxed entry protocols for foreign nationals, overseas Vietnamese
Quảng Nam, Đà Nẵng set out on tourism recovery journey
Vietnam Airlines resumes regular flights to Europe from Jan 24, to Russia from Jan 29
Multilateral diplomacy must deepen foundations for national development: PM
Vietnam premier urges reopening of cinemas nationwide
Officers remove 25kg python from house ceiling in Ho Chi Minh City

Thailand
Transportation the focus of 2022 for Thailand, with 1.4 trillion baht budgeted
Thailand will soon allow you to stay and work for up to 10 years; here’s how
Thai prime minister set for visit to Saudi Arabia
Briton dies, another severely injured in Thailand after knife attack, police say
Myanmar junta’s air strikes force thousands of people to flee to Thailand

Cambodia
Scholars weigh in as Cambodia prepares to exit LDC status
Cambodia and the RCEP Investment Provisions
Cambodia Community Omicron cases near 200 as numbers rise again

Malaysia
Malaysia’s Top Anti-Corruption Cop Sues Whistleblower for Defamation
As Malaysians look to dine out more at restaurants and cafes in 2022, businesses hamstrung by staff shortage
Dr Mahathir still at IJN but doing fine, interacting with family
Problems at cruise operator Genting Hong Kong could cause major financial trouble for three Malaysian banks
Kelantan PAS respects state Umno’s decision to sever political ties, says Ahmad Yakob
Kelantan Umno previously voiced intention to cut ties with PAS, says Ismail Sabri
As Malaysians look to dine out more at restaurants and cafes in 2022, businesses hamstrung by staff shortage

Indonesia
Bali reminds schools to apply health protocols during offline learning
Police chief lauds Muhammadiyah's contribution to health sector
Epidemiologist pushes for massive tracing to contain Omicron cases
Products differentiation to increase tourist visit: Tourism Minister
Biak district encourages Suneri village into agro-fishery tourism
SMEs Ministry to support village project for Mt. Semeru victims

Myanmar
Myanmar journalists continue to face persecution year after coup
Why India Is Worried About China And Myanmar As Conflict Flares up in its northeast region

Bangladesh
Dhaka renews efforts to brand Bangladesh

Nepal
Nepal records 5598 fresh COVID-19 cases; four fatalities on Sunday
Paving the Way: Improving Transportation in Nepal
World Economics Forum outlines 5 risk factors for Nepal in 2022

India
Delivery race among Indian grocery startups brings road safety risks
India surpasses 39 million cases of Covid-19
In a first, pilgrims to travel to India by air as ‘religious tourism booms’
Hindu, Hinduism and Hindutva, as understood by Supreme Court
Forest cover estimate based on field data: Forest Survey of India
Telecast of opinion polls violates code, stop them: Samajwadi Party
India, Central Asia to hold summit once in two years, establish secretariat for coordination
India's Omicron wave may intensify in coming weeks -experts

Sri Lanka
Gravitas: Sri Lanka to 'run out of power in 24 hours'
UK hints at restart of police training in Sri Lanka despite human rights abuse

Central Asia & Middle East

Pakistan
Saudi diplomat murder: Pakistan seeks Tehran assistance to arrest suspects from Iran
PM says will never cut deal with opposition, complete his term
PM Imran congratulates govt for achieving 5.37% GDP growth

Afghanistan
Taliban discuss land survey for cross-border railway with Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan
Afghan Students in US Face Uncertain Future
Seven dead and nine injured after explosion in Afghanistan
Taliban talks in Oslo a 'positive icebreaking meeting': participant
Chinese aids’ delivery begins to Northern Province: IEA

Kazakhstan
Kazakh company eyes to import leather products from Uzbekistan
An uneasy calm as Kazakhstan returns to normalcy
Kazakhstan's Crisis Calls for a Central Asia Policy Reboot
Kazakhstan drive to close book on Nazarbayev era gathers pace
Kazakhstan Lauds Bibisara Assaubayeva, the Youngest Ever World Chess Champion

Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan: Pressure piled on nationalist opposition party

Uzbekistan
Uzbeks Perplexed as US Veterans Link Illnesses to Air Base
SCO to consider draft program proposed by Uzbekistan
Remittances to Uzbekistan in 2021 totaled USD 8 bln

Armenia
Armenian President Resigns Citing Lack of Powers
Armenian president quits citing 'difficult times' for nation

Azerbaijan
"Black January" as the starting point of Azerbaijan's independence

Iran
Iran rejects pessimistic assessment on nuclear dialogue in Austria
Iran rights defender sentenced to 8 years jail

Iraq
Stray animals find solace at Iraq animal shelter
PUK leadership endorses Barham Salih for Iraqi presidency
Iraq’s Oil Exports to Stay Steady This Month, Rise in February
PUK leadership endorses Barham Salih for Iraqi presidency

Syria
US-Backed Kurdish Forces, IS Militants Continue to Clash Over Syrian Prison
Syrian prison clash kills more than 120
Syria suspends work in state institutions due to energy crisis
IS prison break in Syria sparks days of clashes
Syria battle between Daesh, Kurdish forces kills over 135 — monitor
Aid cuts threaten hospitals in Syria rebel enclave

Turkey
Turkish Charity pledges 80 tons of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan
Turkish lira firms as minister sees limited inflation

Lebanon
Kuwait FM hopes Lebanon won't turn into a "platform for offensives"
Syrian refugees in Lebanon need help and protection, not more pressure to leave

Israel
Israeli forces demolish Palestinian home in East Jerusalem eviction
Health Ministry experts recommend scrapping Green Pass
Palestinian family evicted from East Jerusalem home to appeal to ICC
Ministry report highlights backlash against world Jewry over 2021 Gaza conflict
Fourth COVID vaccine shot raises resistance to serious illness for over-60s: Israel

Palestine
In latest high-level contact, Lapid meets with top PA official Hussein al-Sheikh
IDF troops held elderly Palestinian bound and gagged for over an hour — report
Palestinians’ cars vandalized in West Bank amid rising Jewish extremist violence

Jordan
Digital economy ministry launches updated version of Sanad App
Adaileh takes part in Arab League Council emergency meeting
Nurses Union demands increased overtime bonuses, 35% of salary

Kuwait
Kuwait FM, EU foreign policy chief discuss ties
Kuwait FM, Lebanese Pres. discuss ties, recent happenings
Under Amir's direction, three authorities' heads meet
Kuwait MoH approves new regulations for medical subscriptions, devices

Oman
Oman imposes new Covid-19 measures as cases soar
99 per cent COVID-19 cases in Oman have Omicron variant
Al Mouj enters into strategic partnership with Tabreed Oman
US detains smuggling ship in Gulf of Oman, Navy say

Saudi Arabia
KSrelief and WHO sign $15m agreements to support Yemeni health sector
Saudi Arabia calls on GCC to speed up establishment of customs union, common market
Saudi and US forces train in weapons of mass destruction crisis management
Residents injured in Houthi ballistic missile attack on Saudi industrial area
Saudi’s state-controlled miner names fourth CEO in two years

Yemen
Arab League seeks Yemen rebel 'terrorist' designation
UAE blocks missile attack as Yemen's Houthis target region's business hub

Europe

United Kingdom
No 10 in new fishing row as foreign trawlers dump tons of sea bass into the Channel
Sue Gray to examine Boris Johnson’s official diary as part of ‘partygate’ probe
Labour plotting ‘eye-watering tax increases’ as Tories warn £30bn plans will cripple incomes
Patients to receive new cancer drugs faster under Brexit rules shake-up
Assailed by scandal, UK's Johnson fights for his job

Portugal
10.9% rental price hike in Lisbon
Covid-19: Portugal Update, 23 January
Campo Branco farmers say drought is "getting worse”
Portugal third most stressed country in Europe

Spain
The Spanish Frigate Blas de Leso Sails to the Black Sea
Spanish earthquake felt in Portugal
Farmers' Protest in Spain Highlights Rural Concerns
'We don’t have human rights!' British expats in Spain blast illegal homes crisis

France
French surgeon who tried to sell X-ray of injured Bataclan survivor faces legal action
Fashion designer Thierry Mugler dies aged 73
Meeting of advisors to Normandy Four leaders scheduled for Jan 26

Belgium
Ostend Police Service opens internal enquiry after shows hard-handed arrest of 14-year-old girl
Limburg hospital hopes that peregrine falcon will sort out its pigeon problem
Brussels Police Clash with Anti-Vaccination Protesters
EU rapporteur recommends fines for states that fail to hit climate targets
European MEPs call for election observation mission to Hungary
End of pandemic in Europe 'plausible' after Omicron: WHO
European Commissioner Várhelyi to visit Ukraine on Jan 26-27
Water cannon, tear gas at COVID-19 protests in Brussels
EU ready for 'never-seen-before' sanctions if Russia attacks Ukraine

Netherlands
Dutch tourist fined over Nazi salute at Auschwitz
Plane stowaway found in Amsterdam survived in wheel

Germany
Germany blocks Estonia from sending military hardware into Ukraine amid tensions with Russia
German navy chief resigns after Crimea comments spark diplomatic row
German navy chief resigns over Ukraine comments
German archaeologists breathe new life into Umm Qais ruins
German Chancellor Turned Down Biden Invite to Discuss Ukraine Crisis - Der Spiegel

Denmark
Virginia inked offshore wind agreement with Denmark right before Northam left office, hoping to expand industry
Denmark UNESCO Viking Ships
5 royal friendships that transcend families – and borders

Austria
Iran rejects pessimistic assessment on nuclear dialogue in Austria
Smuggler who shot at border guards near Austria had maffia relations!
Look beyond the Austrian capital's grand palaces and museums
EU fury sees Austria compared to anti-vaxxers for breaking ranks in bloc: 'Embarrassing'

Switzerland
World Economic Forum to take place on May 22-26 in Davos
The Swiss banker managing Senegal's first private bank

Italy
Mafia traitor faces wrath of the Mob in 'maxi-trial'

Holy See
Vatican fraud trial to resume with boost for prosecution
Pope Francis installs 16 lay men, women as lectors, catechists

Slovenia
Slovenia calls Lin da Quebrada a "friend" and gets reprimanded

Croatia
Migrant Workers' Trade Union Accuses Tax Offices of Malpractice
Number of Pupils Positive for COVID Soars 67% Over Past Week

Serbia
Serbian President: We are Spending €500 Million more than Bulgaria for Defense
Serbian government blasts green groups for scuttling Rio Tinto’s lithium project

Greece
Go Mediterranean! Scientists Determine Better Diet to Prolong Your Life
Large swaths of Greece to be snowbound on Monday
Cold, snow and gale-force winds forecast from Sat to Wed
Greece turning into gas hub
Protest against migrant camp extension
Return to turbulent past of Greek politics could compromise path of progress

Bulgaria
Bulgarian Healthcare: You Pay Dearly to Die Early
Allianz Risk Barometer 2022: Cyber Threats Overtake Covid-19 in Ranking for Biggest Global Business Risks
Bulgaria: Bread and Grain Products Rose in Price more than the Average Inflation
Bulgarian Mathematician: No More than 70-80% of Green Certificates are Genuine
Bulgarian Health Minister: Restrictions in Five Areas are Expected within Days
Bulgaria: One Billion BGN are Provided in the 2022 Budget for Food Vouchers
Bulgarian Experts: Life will Continue to Become More Expensive in the Coming Months
Bulgarian President Rumen Radev takes office for 2nd term

Romania
Energy Minister informs EC of Romanian authorities' plans to step up support to final consumers
HealthMin Rafila: Covid daily caseload most likely at 25,000 - 28,000 next week
Official data:324 children abandoned in maternity wards, other health facilities in first nine months of 2021
Romania's Jan - Oct 2021 crude and gas imports worth a combined 2.831 bln euros
Sampling centers for Covid suspects set up with several Bucharest hospitals

Hungary
Migrants at Hungary border become part of election campaign
Hungary's PM inaugurates House of Music, new cultural landmark in capital
Head of Hungary's EP delegation: EC unlawfully withholding funding from Hungary
One dead, three hurt in Hungary hospital fire

Slovakia
Slovak Philharmonic is a first-class institution people outside Bratislava rarely see perform
In a Slovak plane, teen pilot lands in the world record books
China Direct: Slovenia outhawks Lithuania — Westminster spy — EU divided on Olympics boycott

Czech Republic
Czech Republic rated more stable than US, UK in new Social Risk Index

Poland
Eastward Yamal gas flows from Germany to Poland remain steady
Czechs ask for compensation in mine deal with Poland

Ukraine
US orders families of embassy staff to leave Ukraine
Ukrainian Foreign Ministry demands public refutation by German govt of Navy chief's statements on Crimea
PGO appeals against restraint measure for Poroshenko, insists on his arrest with alternative of UAH 1 bln bail
USA intends to deliver five Mi-17 helicopters to Ukraine

Belarus
Over 4.28m Belarusians fully vaccinated against COVID-19
Benefits of Great Stone industrial park for Belarus, China explained

Russia
Putin will never have another chance like this to overthrow the European strategic order
Russia slams US provocation ahead of Lavrov-Blinken talks

Lithuania
The ‘Lithuanian Elves’ who take on Russian trolls online
Lithuania needs very good reason not to allow freight transit – association
Opening of Kaunas – the European Capital of Culture 2022 greeted distinguished guests at the Bank of Lithuania building in Kaunas

Estonia
SCV residents highlight Estonian revolution in musical

Finland
Voting Covid-safely in Finland's first regional elections
Baltic nations to ship Washington-endorsed arms to Ukraine
Streaming and TV viewing rose to 3.5 hours a day in Finland last year
Finland's opposition come first, nationalists hammered in midterm regional vote

Sweden
UNESCO Lists Viking-Era Wooden Sailboats on Heritage List

Norway
Taliban, Afghan Civil Society Leaders Meet in Norway
IEA delegation’s arrival in Oslo triggered protest

Africa

Egypt
Egypt, Oman sign cooperation agreements in various fields
How Egypt’s jasmine village became global flower producer
FM: Egypt not behind stalled talks on GERD
The United States Provides 1.8 Million Additional Doses of Pfizer Coronavirus Vaccine to Egypt
‘We've Been Strategic Partners for the Last 40 Years’: Interview with US Ambassador to Egypt

Libya
LBC to hold a discussion panel with the Office of the Minister of State for Economic Affairs on PPP

Algeria
Rumours on Arab League Summit postponement misleading, says Algeria
French wheat exports falter as Algeria shuns its top supplier

Morocco
SPLA carries out new attacks on positions of Moroccan occupation army
Spanish FM: Morocco, Spain Not Close to Ending Recent Diplomatic Crisis

Senegal
Senegal Votes for Mayors in Litmus Test for President
Acclaimed Franco-Malian Director Ladj Ly Opens Free Film School in Senegal
Senegal's ruling party loses key cities in local elections

Liberia
Weah Calls for Probe After Deadly Stampede in Liberia
Liberia: Judge Gbeisay Blasts Government over Failure to Enforce Laws
Liberia: Former Senatorial Candidate Kouyateh Frowns On ECOWAS Sanction
University of Liberia to Commemorate its 71 Founder’s Day

Ghana
Explosion Kills Scores, Levels Buildings in Ghana
'Justice 4 Ghana' to embark on three-day picketing at Parliament

Burkina Faso
As soldiers mutiny in Burkina Faso, government dismisses talk of coup
Burkina Soldiers Mutiny Over Anti-Jihadist Strategy
Shots heard near Burkina Faso president's home, protesters torch ruling party HQ
Burkina Faso PM resigns following protests over jihadist violence
Burkina Faso President Kabore detained at military camp, security sources say

Mali
French soldier killed in attack on military camp in northern Mali
Jharkhand workers stuck in Mali seek government help to ensure safe return
Fury as thousands of soldiers in Mali and Baltic WON'T get Queen's Jubilee medal

Nigeria
486 people killed across Nigeria in first three weeks of 2022
Gunmen behead Ebubeagu security operative in Ebonyi
2023: INEC Warns Political Parties, Aspirants against Early Campaigns
I Have No Intention to Vie for APC Chairmanship, Buni Clarifies

Cameroon
Cameroon: 17 Die in Capital City Explosion Caused by Fire
Nightclub blaze kills at least 16 in Cameroon's capital

Sudan
No Civilian Rule, No Aid - U.S. Tells Sudan Government
Tear gas fired at Sudan protesters rallying against post-coup killings

Ethiopia
WHO 'sets aside' Ethiopia's request to probe WHO chief's links to rebellious Tigrayan forces

Somalia
Somali Journalist-Turned-Politician Survives Fifth Suicide Attack
Somalia's cabinet absolves ONLF as terrorist group

Kenya
Kenya Bans Scrap Metal Dealings to Curb Vandalism
Suspected al-Shabab suspects burn down 8 trucks in coastal Kenya
8 Kenyan Journalists From Powerful Political Families
Ruto pledges to work with Mudavadi, announces joint rallies

Uganda
Ruger confirms performing in Uganda next month
Uganda ready for return of tourists
Uganda, Tanzania top Kenya’s tourist source markets in E. Africa
Bank of Uganda Governor Mutebile dies in Nairobi
Bank of Uganda Governor Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile dies in Nairobi
Mario Mandaric Expands Ugandan Well Project: Aims for 100 a Year

Congo, DR
Kinshasa orders Afriland to pay treasury millions levied on transporters

Rwanda
Ugandan president's son visits Rwanda in sign of warming ties

Tanzania
Tanzania, Uganda Agree to Cut Non-Tariff Barriers to Ease Trade
UNDP Breathes new Life Into Tanzania's Tourism
Tanzania's Zanzibar President voices support for Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics
SIDA-funded project to boost science, technology and innovation launches in Tanzania
Uganda, Tanzania top Kenya’s tourist source markets in E. Africa

Zimbabwe
MDC Alliance resumes consultative meetings ahead of March by-elections
I regret working with Mwonzora: Khupe
Zimbabweans’ readiness to accept mediocrity is why we’re so easy to oppress!

Namibia
Former DTA president Kaura dies

South Africa
South African ConCourt Clarifies Act for Asylum Seekers
SANDF investigating cause of fire at Air Force Base Waterkloof

Oceania

Australia
Two Australian states to test school students twice weekly for COVID
Australian Open ejects protesters for supporting China’s Peng Shuai
Australia’s Cbus on acquisition hunt to hit ‘megafund’ status
Fortescue buys Williams Engineering in major push into battery storage
Fortescue to buy Williams Advanced Engineering for $222m
Australia COVID-19 deaths mount as return to school threatens new Omicron peak

New Zealand
New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern cancels her wedding amid new Omicron restrictions
New Zealand to escalate to Red Light settings