World news digest of January 25, 2022

Some news around the globe that didn’t make all world headlines, in short:

• The Australian Prime Minister’s WeChat account was bought and renamed by a Chinese company.
• The Supreme Court of India is concerned about “irrational” freebies politicians give to potential voters ahead of elections
• In an attempt to curb corruption in the country, South Africa reviews public procurement contracts made in response to Covid-19. More than half contain irregularities.
• Indonesia started the construction of a $3.1 billion coal gasification plant to cut LPG imports.
• On January 24, Nigeria suspended the removal of a subsidy on fuel ahead of labor protests on Thursday.
• Botswana Supreme Court annulled a decision that forbids a company to produce therapeutic cannabis.
• Postponed because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Argentina’s 2020 Census will take place on May 18. It becomes a public holiday to allow for face-to-face interviews, although the 56 questions can be answered digitally.
• France’s highest justice court temporarily suspended a ban on the sale of CBD hemp flowers implemented on December 30.
• A French tourist was sentenced to 8 years of prison in Iran for espionage. He flew a drone and took pictures in a natural park near the border between Iran and Tajikistan. His lawyer plans to appeal the decision.
• Burkina Faso’s military dissolved the Assembly and ousted the president from office.