Asia Bahrain 128 competitors, 59 male and 69 female, took part in this year's Mutun competition; the event awards the three best in seven categories, each focusing on the memorization and comprehension of foundation texts related to Quranic sciences
America Colombia Intelligence sharing with the US has been suspended after recent missile strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean have killed at least 76 people, citing human rights concerns and potential violations of international law
Africa Ghana A Film Fund has been included in the 2026 budget to revive the local film industry and the Kumawood scene, recently struggling; the fund aims to boost production, distribution and marketing of Ghanaian films, creating jobs and driving cultural tourism
Africa Tunisia This year’s citrus harvest in Sidi Bouzid is estimated at more than 14.000 tonnes; modern irrigation, proper water management and favourable natural conditions have led to cultivate 486 hectares in 2024 from 228 in 2017
Asia Afghanistan A woman in Herat province has established a carpet-weaving workshop at her own expense, creating professional training and generating income for over 50 women and girls, fostering self-confidence and hope under restrictions' pressure
America Costa Rica The world’s first orange nurse shark, with combined xanthism and albinism, was discovered off Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, challenging established marine biology concepts
Europe Bosnia and Herzegovina Death toll of the nursing home blaze in Tuzla has risen to 15 after 3 people died of their injuries; the fire started from an upper floor of the building
Oceania Tonga 3.402 senior students throughout Tonga are starting their national exams this week, including 1.321 Form 5 students who have been discontinued from the national exam since 2022, under a decision taken during the COVID-19 restrictions
Europe Austria Direct train line Vienna-Prague will enhance frequency and the southern town of Villach will be connected to Czech Republic by ComfortJet trains starting in December
Asia Palestine First Gaza International Women’s Film Festival, founded by Palestinian filmmaker and researcher Ezzedine Shallah, brings together 79 films from 28 countries; it is organized in a displacement camp using a small home television and a generator for power
Africa South Africa Farmers are relieve by the lifting of US sanctions on many agricultural products, including macadamia nuts, of which South Africa is the world's top producer; wine and grapes are still hit by the measures
Europe Ukraine A standard-gauge railway connecting Ukraine with Poland has received EU funding; the project, due to be completed by the end of 2027, aims to improve cross-border transport and ease one of the main bottlenecks between the two countries
Africa Senegal Senegal’s public finances on international financial markets deteriorated; according to Bloomberg, the country’s sovereign risk has reached an unprecedented level, putting Senegal in financial distress and on the brink of bankruptcy
Africa Chad A high-stakes investor roundtable was hosted by Chadian government in Abu Dhabi, UAE, to secure financing for its ambitious National Development Plan, encompassing 300 project under the title “Chad Connect 2030”