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
Asia Myanmar A new body led by Min Aung Hlaing will fast-track the implementation of China‑Myanmar Economic Corridor and other projects under China’s Belt and Road Initiative, coordinating major infrastructure, energy, and transport links
America Chile Nearly 5 million new mandatory voters in Chile have been added to the presidential election for the first time and have significantly impacted the race's unpredictability, as they tend to distrust institutions and lean toward anti-establishment candidates
Africa Burundi A new sanitation ordinance imposes fines on persons and businesses that violate public hygiene and cleanliness regulations; the new move to improve sanitation punishes littering, public ration, spitting, dumping waste, smoking in public gatherings
America Canada Veterans, dignitaries and public celebrated Remembrance Day in ceremonies across Canada on 11 November, this year marking also the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War; as per tradition, children put a poppy on soldiers' graves
Africa Cameroon Opposition is leading a lockdown that has emptied streets and disrupted economic life across Cameroon following deadly repression of protest sparked by disputed election results: Paul Biya, 92, ruling since 1982, was declared the winner of his 8th mandate
Oceania Nauru A memorial service was held at dawn on 27 October at the World War II Memorial in Aiwo to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the return of Nauruans who were exiled to Chuuk and 93rd anniversary of Angam Day, celebrating recovery from possible extinction
Europe Czech Republic An influx of Ukrainian refugees since 2022 has prompted Czechia to request an exemption from paying the EU more funds to help other migrants, as it is among countries under 'major' migration strain according to EU
Oceania New Zealand A popular brand of coloured sand sold in New Zealand has been urgently recalled over concerns it may contain asbestos following independent testing in Australia that confirmed asbestos contamination in similar products
America Bolivia Rodrigo Paz has been sworn in as Bolivia’s new president, marking the end of nearly 20 years of socialist rule and promising economic reforms to tackle the country’s worst crisis in four decades
Europe Sweden 56% of Sweden's municipalities exceed the limit for air pollutants set by the EU's air quality directive, which is to be implemented in law next year, according to an analysis conducted on data from SMHI's modeling of air quality
Asia Indonesia Authorities are investigating a student, hurt, allegedly involved in explosions that wounded nearly 100 people at a school in Jakarta; the blasts hit a school mosque just before Friday prayers, sparking panic among worshippers and fears of a terrorism act
Asia Oman A direct flight linking Muscat to Beijing, China, will be launched later this November, while China extended its visa-free 30 days entry permit for residents of Oman, Bahrein, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia for the whole year 2026
Asia Cambodia 5th National Orchid Forum will promote orchid conservation, sustainable cultivation, and awareness of biodiversity, uniting researchers, farmers, and officials to protect native species