Africa Eritrea The Arbaete Asmara sub-zone has been declared free of female genital mutilation after authorities verification that followed years of local monitoring, community reporting systems and coordinated action by health workers and local administrations
America Colombia Over 297 acres of Pablo Escobar’s former estate, known for its invasive hippos, have been handed over to women affected by the armed conflict, as part of a land reform aimed to reclaim property from narco-linked interests and aid victims
Europe Belgium 46 people were arrested in Brussels in a police operation targeting drug trafficking and organised crime; the announcement comes after a violent weekend with shootings in Saint-Gilles and on Boulevard du Midi, prompting authorities to continue efforts
Europe Greece Activist Greta Thunberg was handed flowers and greeted by dozens of supporters at Athens airport; she was deported to Greece after having been arrested by Israeli forces as Sumud Flotilla attempted to break naval blockade on Gaza and deliver aid
Africa Comoros The Fatwa council has officially determined that the Friday prayer will begin at 1 pm sharp; the opinion of the Gran Mufti had been asked to make new labour rules compatible with the compulsory Friday prayer
Europe United Kingdom Kazakhstan became the 116th country for Ross Jennings, a Scottish traveler and musician on a mission to play the bagpipes in every nation; dressed in a traditional kilt, he performed the Kazakh folk song “Dedimai au” in Astana
Oceania Australia Thousands flocked to Sea World on the Gold Coast last weekend, with "unreal" scenes of massive queues snaking through the theme park; footage shared online showed lines stretching beyond the park’s entrance, parents and kids packed shoulder to shoulder
Africa eSwatini New passport stamps are in use to curb cross-border crime; they carry advanced security features and are traceable to individual immigration officers, making it significantly harder for criminal networks to manipulate entry and exit records
America Chile A record increase in wine exports to Brazil, its top market, has been registered in Chile; the fact helped offset declining US sales caused by newly imposed 10% tariffs
Europe Ireland The Health Service spent around €220.000 in the last two years to bury people who die in Irish hospitals but have no family to make arrangements, according to new figures; the amount includes long stay hospitals for people who have no traceable relative
Asia Kazakhstan An 11.000-seat UEFA-standard stadium has opened in Kyzylorda; the Kaisar Arena, a new multifunctional complex, includes venues for boxing, wrestling, gymnastics, taekwondo, weightlifting and facilities for people with special needs
America Bolivia Daniela Artemisa, a tattoo artist in Bolivia, has gained recognition as the “Cholita Tattoo Artist” by blending Aymara traditions with goth aesthetics to celebrate Indigenous women, despite initial backlash and evolving perceptions of tattoo culture
Asia Jordan The AI-powered educational assistant “Siraj” has been launched on a pilot basis as part of the National Council for Future Technology’s initiatives and aligns with directives to integrate artificial intelligence into education
Europe Switzerland Freshwater jellyfish have been found in the Rheinauen lake in Trimmis, in Canton Graubünden; a non-venomous species, it poses no threats to swimmers