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
Oceania Solomon Islands According to the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index CPI released by Transparency International, the Solomon Islands has been ranked 43rd most corrupt country in the world
America Cuba Former North Korean ambassador to Cuba revealed that the embassy was a base of a smuggling ring; cigars would allegedly bought for $50 a box, put in the diplomatic pouch, and sold abroad for much higher prices
Africa eSwatini Following the suicide of a priest over loosing at gambling, Clinical Psychologist Mdlalose stated that, in her opinion, gambling should be banned in eSwatini because it is an addictive, irrational behaviour
Africa Comoros Octopus catch is now suspended until February in Moheli; the annual ban provides a period of rest that helps protect fish stocks
Europe Finland Immigrants in Finland contribute more to public finances than they cost, according to a new report based on national statistics. The study challenges common claims that immigration places a burden on the welfare system
Africa Sudan Paramilitary group Rapid Support Force, at war with the Sudanese military for over two years, reportedly agreed to a humanitarian truce proposed by US-led mediator group Quad
Africa Democratic Republic of the Congo The last patient of the 16th Ebola outbreak has been released from a treatment centre in Kasai province, according to the UN health agency; If no new cases are discovered in the next 42 days, the outbreak will be declared over
Oceania Marshall Islands The 177 Healthcare Clinic at Majuro hospital reopening after renovations has been celebrated with traditional singing and dancing; it provides healthcare services for the nuclear test-affected communities of Enewetak, Bikini, Rongelap, and Utrok atolls
Europe Luxembourg Two rare violins crafted by Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume (1798–1875) were sold to acclaimed violinist André Rieu by a Luxembourg-based alternative investment fund, the largest exclusively dedicated to historical violins, cellos and bows; price wasn't disclosed
Africa Gambia A fire ravaged Farafenni magistrate’s court, burning case file, reducing records and documents into ashes; news is reported by The Standard in an interview with a clerk who confirmed the cause is still unclear and such an incident never happened before
Asia Azerbaijan Google Chrome continued to dominate Azerbaijan's browser market across all platforms - computers, mobile devices, and tablets - with a total market share of 81,29%; according to latest Statcounter data Apple's Safari ranked second with 7,91%
Asia China New data centres with state funding will have to only use Chinese-made artificial intelligence chips, according to Reuters sources, and regulatory authorities ordered data centres that are less than 30% complete to remove all installed foreign chips
Asia Lebanon Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic visit to Lebanon has been confirmed and the program announced: it will take place from 30 November to 2 December 2025 and will include visits to key religious and national sites, interfaith gatherings, and a public Mass in Beirut