These included India (39), Indonesia (34) and Bangladesh (24). Singapore led the region with 84 points, ranking third globally, followed by New Zealand (81) and Australia (76). Bhutan (71) and Brunei (63) were also among the stronger performers.

“In many countries across Asia Pacific, good governance is being undermined by weak law enforcement, unaccountable leadership and opacity in political funding,” said Ilham Mohamed, adviser for Asia Pacific at Transparency International.

“With young people demanding better, leaders must act now to curb corruption and strengthen democracy. Meaningful reforms can rebuild public trust and show those in power are finally listening,” Mohamed added.

At the lower end, Afghanistan (16), Myanmar (16) and North Korea (15) remained among the world’s most corrupt in perception terms, reflecting fragile institutions, opaque governance and limited democratic checks.

Corruption more prevalent in Central Asia

In Central Asia , scores were generally weaker, underscoring concerns about repression and limited oversight. 

Kazakhstan scored 38, Uzbekistan 31 and Kyrgyzstan 26. Tajikistan (19) and Turkmenistan (17) were among the lowest in the broader Europe and Central Asia grouping, reflecting entrenched corruption risks and restricted civic space.

Transparency International said weak law enforcement, concentrated political power and pressure on civil society continue to undermine anti-corruption efforts in parts of Central Asia, while rushed or poorly implemented reforms limit progress. 

In Kazakhstan, concerns have mounted over the restructuring of anti-corruption bodies, while in Uzbekistan journalists and bloggers exposing graft still face harassment despite formal reforms.

Public frustration has been evident across parts of Asia. Protests in the Philippines (32), Indonesia and Nepal (34) in 2025 were driven in part by allegations of misuse of public funds and broader concerns over accountability.

The CPI ranks 182 countries and territories on a scale from zero, considered highly corrupt, to 100, seen as very clean. 

Argentine President Javier Milei released a Christmas message on Wednesday, December 24, reviewing his administration’s first year in office, highlighting the elimination of the fiscal deficit, a drop in inflation, the lifting of currency controls and recent electoral gains by La Libertad Avanza (LLA). In a video shared on Instagram, Milei said the consolidated deficit had been reduced from 15% of GDP to zero and claimed that inflation had been brought under control, lifting 12 million people out of poverty. He also praised Security Minister Patricia Bullrich for ending roadblocks, tightening crime policy and creating a Federal Directorate of Investigations. Milei celebrated the adoption of the Single Paper Ballot and LLA’s performance in the legislative elections, which made the party the largest minority in the Chamber of Deputies and secured 20 Senate seats. He closed the message by urging Argentines to “fasten your seatbelts,” signalling further reforms as Congress prepares to debate the 2026 Budget.

Government pushes for Senate approval of 2026 Budget

President Javier Milei’s La Libertad Avanza gained backing from four senators in the Convicción Federal caucus, boosting government confidence that the 2026 Budget bill will pass its first reading in the Senate. If approved, it would be the first budget sanctioned under Milei since he took office in December 2023. The main uncertainty centres on Article 30, which proposes repealing laws that earmark funding for education, science and technical schools. While the government expects broad support for the overall bill, several Peronist senators backing the budget have said they will not vote for that article. The Casa Rosada is seeking to secure more than 40 votes and avoid reopening debate after setbacks in the Chamber of Deputies, where lawmakers failed to repeal university funding and disability emergency laws.

Economy minister signals shift away from Wall Street debt

Economy Minister Luis Caputo said the government will try to avoid issuing new debt under New York law in January, as part of a strategy to reduce Argentina’s reliance on U.S. financial markets. Writing on X, Caputo said the aim is to make Wall Street only a marginal source of financing. His comments followed a recent US$1 billion bond auction that drew higher yields and weaker demand than expected. Caputo said Argentina’s market debt is equivalent to about 25% of GDP, with Wall Street exposure accounting for less than five points. He added that proposed labour reforms include a severance assistance fund that could help develop a domestic capital market of around US$4 billion per year.

San Juan launches Argentina’s first solar highway

The province of San Juan inaugurated Argentina’s first solar highway on the Avenida Circunvalación, integrating photovoltaic generation into road infrastructure. The project includes 36 solar systems mounted on metal monopoles that feed electricity into the grid during the day and power road lighting at night. Developed entirely with local labour and expertise, the initiative aims to optimise existing infrastructure without using additional land. Provincial authorities say the project reduces emissions, cuts long-term energy costs and positions San Juan as a national leader in renewable energy and sustainable urban development.

Report shows sharp rise in security incidents

A national report by private security firm Verisure recorded a 20% year-on-year increase in security incidents across Argentina, highlighting a fragmented and regionalised crime pattern. Tucumán topped the ranking with a 65% rise, followed by Córdoba at 50% and Mendoza at 40%. The Atlantic coast saw a 30% increase, while Buenos Aires Province registered a 15% rise overall, masking a sharp increase in violent robberies in the Greater Buenos Aires area over the past decade. Despite the rise in robberies and violent incidents, Argentina’s homicide rate stood at 3.8 per 100,000 inhabitants, the lowest in two decades. According to the report, 74% of Argentines now cite insecurity as their main concern, pointing to public safety as a key social and political challenge.

Philippine lawmakers have concluded bicameral negotiations on the proposed P6.793 trillion ($115 billion) national budget for 2026 after months of delays. The House of Representatives and the Senate finalised the reconciled version at 2.22 a.m. on Thursday, following more than nine hours of deliberations. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said the agreed budget was responsive to public needs and claimed it was free of corruption and overpriced items. Final discussions focused on funding for public works, unprogrammed appropriations and special-purpose funds. The budget will now move towards ratification by both chambers.

Senate to subpoena Meta over disinformation hearing absence

A Philippine Senate committee will issue a subpoena to Meta after the Facebook owner again failed to attend a hearing on proposed laws tackling online disinformation. Senator Rodante Marcoleta moved for compulsory attendance after Meta skipped Monday’s session on three bills covering false content, social media algorithms and organised “troll farms,” submitting only an excuse letter. Committee chair Robin Padilla criticised what he said was a pattern of absences since the 19th Congress. The move contrasted with TikTok, which sent a senior policy executive. Lawmakers say the measures form a coordinated response to the country’s escalating disinformation problem.

Filipinas claim historic SEA Games football gold 

The Philippines’ women’s national football team won its first-ever Southeast Asian Games gold medal after defeating defending champions Vietnam in a dramatic penalty shootout in Thailand. The final ended goalless after extra time, forcing penalties for the second consecutive match involving the Filipinas. Both teams converted their first five kicks before veteran Jackie Sawicki scored in sudden death. Goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel then sealed the title by saving Vietnam’s final attempt. 

Philippine court orders arrests over $1.7 million ghost flood control project

A Philippine court has issued arrest warrants against contractor Sarah Discaya and nine others over a P96 million ($1.7 million) flood control project that allegedly never began in Davao Occidental, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Thursday. The suspects face graft and malversation charges linked to a project in Barangay Culaman, involving officials and staff of the Department of Public Works and Highways’ local engineering office. Malversation is a non-bailable offence, meaning those charged face immediate detention. The Office of the Ombudsman filed the cases with a regional court earlier this month, with authorities signalling further prosecutions.

Historic thoroughfare set for long-awaited facelift

The long-delayed rehabilitation of EDSA, Metro Manila’s main thoroughfare and a key site of the 1986 “People Power” uprising, will begin on December 24, Philippine authorities said. Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said the P6 billion project will take eight months, far shorter than earlier estimates of up to two years. Initial works will run overnight during the holiday period, when traffic is expected to be lighter. The overhaul will use stone mastic asphalt, a more durable material designed to withstand heavy loads and harsh weather. No changes to traffic rules are planned.

The United States and Liberia have signed a five-year, US$176 million bilateral health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding, marking a major step toward implementing the America First Global Health Strategy. Under the deal, Washington will provide up to US$125 million in health assistance over five years to support HIV/AIDS, malaria, maternal and child health, and global health security. Liberia, in turn, will increase domestic health financing by nearly US$51 million, assuming more responsibility for its national health system, the New Dawn reports. The agreement comes as Liberia shows measurable progress, advancing toward the 95-95-95 HIV targets, cutting malaria incidence by over 30%, and improving laboratory and surveillance systems. The MOU aims to strengthen government-to-government cooperation and modernise health systems. Similar multiyear agreements will be rolled out with other partner countries in the coming weeks.

Boakai declares Unity Party ‘stronger than ever’

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai says the Unity Party has emerged more united and resilient after years of political turbulence, declaring the party “stronger, more united, and more purposeful than ever.” Speaking at the UP’s Homecoming, Fundraising, and Headquarters Dedication Ceremony, Boakai recalled the party’s painful eviction from its former headquarters in 2021, a moment many believed would mark its collapse. “But they were wrong,” Boakai said. “We reorganised, we endured, and today we stand here not in defeat but stronger,” Liberian Observer quotes. He honoured the party’s founding fathers and remembered supporters killed in tragedies following UP rallies in 2023, describing them as “part of our story, our struggle, and our soul.”

Sweden to end bilateral aid, close Monrovia embassy in 2026

Sweden has announced it will end bilateral development aid to Liberia and close its Monrovia mission by 2026 in a major restructuring of its global development strategy. The move will phase out US$149.6 million in ongoing programs, equivalent to 12.4% of Liberia’s national budget, across governance, energy, education, agriculture, and health. Stockholm emphasised the decision is budget-driven and not a response to any internal developments in Liberia. Sweden will shift support to multilateral channels, EU funding, and future trade partnerships. More than 30 active Swedish-funded projects, including energy access, women’s empowerment, decentralisation, and rule-of-law initiatives, will undergo an “orderly wind-down.”

US$1.25 billion draft budget

The House of Representatives has passed the 2026 National Budget, amounting to L$247 billion, equivalent to US$1,249,665,191.15, marking the end of the second session of the 55th Legislature’s third quarter. The financial framework is fully balanced, with core and contingent revenues matching planned expenditures. The Joint Committee on Ways, Means, and Public Accounts reported discovering an additional US$38.8 million in potential revenue during scrutiny. The budget now moves to the Senate for concurrence.

Digital mineral rights application system

The Ministry of Mines and Energy has rolled out a fully digital mineral rights application platform, replacing Liberia’s manual, paper-based system with an online, transparent, investor-friendly interface. The system allows applicants to submit, renew, and track mineral rights remotely, significantly reducing bureaucratic delays and travel costs. Deputy Ministers Franseth Mulbah and William Hines hailed the launch as a transformative step toward aligning Liberia’s mining governance with global best practices. The system integrates with the Liberia Revenue Authority for online payments and is designed to curb corruption through reduced human discretion and verifiable digital records.

Stakeholders in Seychelles are navigating the ongoing tension between administrative processes and the nation’s development ambitions. Discussions continue around how best to maintain institutional rigour while ensuring that reforms and initiatives move forward at a pace aligned with the country’s socio-economic priorities.

National Assembly passes supplementary budget

The Seychelles National Assembly has approved a supplementary budget, signalling adjustments to existing fiscal allocations in response to evolving national needs. The passage of this budget underscores the government’s intent to address emerging priorities and to realign resources to support pressing policy commitments.

Seychelles Aquatic Federation elects new executive committee for 2025–29

The Seychelles Aquatic Federation has officially elected a new executive committee that will serve from 2025 to 2029. This leadership transition marks a significant step for the country's aquatic sports governance, shaping the strategic direction and development agenda for competitive and recreational aquatic activities over the next four years.

Seychelles strengthens circular economy links at Turkey forum

Seychelles strengthened international cooperation on sustainable waste management at the Global Zero Waste Forum in Istanbul, where an LWMA delegation advanced partnerships to support the country’s shift to a circular economy. As one of the few SIDS invited, Seychelles underscored its growing global role, with a key outcome being an MoU between LWMA and the Zero Waste Foundation to collaborate on policy development, capacity building, pilot projects, research, marine protection, and circular-economy initiatives.

Namalomba said the wage bill now absorbs 25% of all government recurrent spending, and a staggering 38% of domestic tax revenue goes straight to paying public workers. “This leaves very little money for roads, hospitals, schools, agriculture and economic growth,” he warned .

Officials say the crisis is being fuelled by outdated records, weak controls, duplicated roles, and widespread ghost workers (individuals who no longer serve in government but still receive salaries).

To address this, Malawi will conduct a Comprehensive Civil Service Payroll Audit between December 6, 2025 and February 6, 2026. Every civil servant must present themselves in person with their national ID, academic certificates, appointment letters and other documents. Those who fail to appear will be treated as illegitimate employees, with immediate salary suspension and dismissal proceedings.

Chief Secretary to the Government Dr Justin Saidi described the exercise as critical for “safeguarding public finances” and restoring order to government systems. He said the verification would help permanently eliminate payroll fraud and modernise Malawi’s HR and payroll infrastructure.

The Peruvian government has proposed cutting the 2026 budget for public order and security, even as the country faces a wave of violent crimes. Public unease is growing, especially after 210 homicides were reported in August alone.

Human rights concerns

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights strongly criticised Peru’s recently approved amnesty law for military and police personnel involved in past human rights violations, calling it a serious setback for justice and truth. The law is also under review by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.

Boluarte on corruption and governance

President Dina Boluarte reaffirmed her administration’s anti-corruption stance, declaring “we are frontal” during a ceremony where new weaponry was delivered to the National Police. She also emphasised that over 60% of the 2025 national budget is being directed to regional and local governments.

Border and sovereignty issues

Tensions flared at the Peru-Colombia border after a Colombian flag was raised inside Peruvian territory, sparking outrage among residents. The incident has reignited concerns over sovereignty and weak state presence in border regions.

Cybersecurity under fire

Peru’s Congress is summoning the Ministers of Interior and Defence following a major cyberattack on the National Police’s intelligence systems, which exposed classified information and raised alarms about the country’s cyber defences.

According to data compiled by 24/7 Wall St. from the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps programme, a joint project of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, more than one in four adults in these counties drink excessively far above the national average of fewer than one in five.

Digging deeper, 41 of these top 50 “drunkest” counties are in Wisconsin, making the Badger State by far the most concentrated region on the list.

Even outside public perception of Wisconsin as “ America ’s beer capital,” the data shows this trend extends well beyond social stereotypes; Outagamie County, home to Appleton, ranks number 1, where about 31% of adults report binge or heavy drinking.

In a broader metro-area analysis, 7 of the 10 drunkest U.S. cities, including Appleton, Green Bay, and Madison are located in Wisconsin.

Why it matters

1. Health risks soar.

Excessive alcohol use is a major preventable risk factor your health—linked to chronic illnesses like liver disease, cancer, heart disease, and mental-health issues, alongside accidents and impaired driving.

2. Wisconsin leads—and that spotlight demands awareness.

While the state appears on top in statistics, it also raises questions about cultural norms, access to treatment, and alcohol policies across the region.

3. Geography plays a role.

The regional clustering suggests local customs, social environments, and even economic factors influence drinking behaviors.

That long, narrow nation stretches into South America’s Pacific coast for 4,270 kilometres. This comparison shines a light on Chile’s extraordinary geography and the sheer variety of climates contained within its thin boundaries.

From the Atacama Desert in the north to the glaciers of Patagonia in the far south, Chile stretches over 33 degrees of latitude. It occupies a narrow strip of land between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean, measuring 4,270 kilometres from north to south while averaging only about 175 kilometres wide.

The country’s present shape emerged from a combination of rugged topography and historical events: the Andes formed a natural barrier to the east, and colonial expansion, followed by 19th‑century wars, extended Chile’s reach north and south.

Travelling the length of Chile is like journeying from London to Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso or from New York to Bogotá—it’s that long.

This extreme length produces remarkable environmental contrasts. In southern Chile, including Tierra del Fuego, a maritime climate prevails; some parts receive up to 4,000 millimetres of rain a year, though cities such as Punta Arenas get a much more modest 410 millimetres.

Central Chile around Santiago enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters, averaging around 275 millimetres of annual rainfall. At the northern extreme, the Atacama Desert sees almost no rainfall because the cold Humboldt Current suppresses cloud formation.

In just a few thousand kilometres, you move from snow‑capped Andean peaks and fjords to fertile valleys and some of the driest landscapes on Earth.

Understanding the Moon’s Scale

Placing Chile and the Moon in the same sentence invites curiosity about the Moon’s true size. Astronomers describe the Moon as a mid‑sized natural satellite: Universe Today reports its diameter as approximately 3,474 kilometres.

Space.com , citing NASA data, notes that the Moon’s mean radius is 1,737.5 kilometres, giving a mean diameter of about 3,475 kilometres, and that it orbits Earth at an average distance of roughly 384,400 kilometres.

In other words, the Moon spans just over a quarter of Earth’s width and sits about thirty Earth diameters away. If our planet were scaled to the size of a nickel, the Moon would be no bigger than a coffee bean.

Constitutional Court judges openly criticised suspended Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Hlalefang Motinyane for delaying her own legal case against Prime Minister Sam Matekane’s attempt to remove her from office. The situation has been further complicated by the Law Society of Lesotho, which filed an urgent application against her suspension.

Heated debate over parliament’s M1 billion budget bid

Lawmakers sparked controversy after proposing that Parliament receive 3% of the national budget, over M1 billion. Critics, including the Minister of Law and Justice, argued the move would be fiscally irresponsible and excessive, especially given Lesotho’s fragile public finances.

Opposition questions defence force reappointment

Opposition parties raised alarm over Prime Minister Matekane’s decision to reappoint Lieutenant General Mojalefa Letsoela as Commander of the Lesotho Defence Force. Critics argue the move reflects a lack of transparency and highlights Matekane’s close ties with the military leadership.

Lesotho–South Africa water deal under review

Lesotho and South Africa reaffirmed their commitment to Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, a key regional infrastructure initiative. Ministers from both countries discussed ways to manage cost overruns and delays, signalling a potential overhaul of project agreements.

Controversial citizenship bill sparks debate

Law and Justice Minister Lebohang Hlaele defended a proposed amendment to the Citizenship Order, which would reserve high-ranking government positions exclusively for indigenous Basotho. While supporters say it protects national identity, critics warn it risks undermining inclusivity and merit-based governance.

According to the graphic:

While these figures illustrate the incredible size of modern megacities, recent population data shows that the actual numbers are often even larger..

The global significance of megacities

Megacities are more than just population centres. They are hubs of economic power, cultural exchange, and innovation. Yet, their rapid expansion also creates pressing challenges: