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
Asia North Korea A Russian cargo ship that has been sanctioned for facilitating illicit weapons trade with North Korea appeared at a northeastern DPRK port this week for the first time in two months
Asia Kazakhstan A Potter Train, a new cultural and entertainment show will debut on 5 October; For the first time in Kazakhstan, a theatrical performance will be held aboard a commuter train, with actors dressed as characters from the Harry Potter universe
Africa Tunisia Tunisians who also hold Algerian, Turkish, or French nationality can now serve military service in their second country of nationality, following agreements signed between Tunisia and these three nations
Asia Cyprus Sixteen archaeological sites and monuments across Cyprus will be open with free entry this weekend as part of the celebrations for the European Heritage Days
America Trinidad and Tobago The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service has again suspended its routine forecast products and services at the Synoptic Forecasting Branch due to a staff shortage
Europe Norway A verbal assault on King Harald V, broadcast by his son-in-law Durek Verrett, has set off public uproar among Norwegians; calls for the king to strip Princess Martha Louise, of her royal title have come from monarchists and those favouring a republic
Asia Pakistan After over two months of protest, Gilgit-Baltistan traders ended their blockade at Sost Dry Port; The port, a vital China–Pakistan trade hub, resumed operations following government assurances to review freight charges and address trade grievances
Asia Iraq A Federal Electronic Visa System will be the single platform for issuing entry visas to Iraq and a health insurance will be mandatory for all entrants, linking the issuance of a visa to a health insurance document
America United States A temporary halt of some of the US government services came as funding has been cut off following Republican Party failure to agree with opposition Democrats on a way forward on a spending bill; it's the 10th halt since 1976
America Haiti 150 Haitian soldiers returned from an 8-week training in Mexico; they are part of the first group of 700, including special operations units, that will join the fight against gangs as violence spreads beyond the capital and surrounding areas
Africa Uganda Soldiers, police and rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority moved into Pian Upe Conservation Area to steer thousands of cattle out as herds belonging to Pokot pastoralists had overrun the grasslands, competing with antelopes and giraffes for food
Europe Iceland Airline Play collapse would have had more impact on the Icelandic aviation market if the airline had not already reduced its flight schedule, says the CEO of Icelandair, adding Icelandair has little room for more flights to help stranded travellers
Asia Palestine The Palestinian Authority would be willing to take responsibility for Gaza after the war and Hamas would have no role in a future government in the enclave, said President Abbas addressing the UN from remote, as no US visa was granted to his delegation