Europe Sweden A new species has been discovered in Swedish forests, a fungus that parasitizes lichens; it has been recognized by researchers at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Africa Gabon Gabonese junta leader and transitional president Brice Oligui Nguema has recently concluded a dense diplomatic tour, working both to justify the August 2023 coup of his Government and to dispel fears that he intends to retain power indefinitely
Oceania Australia In Melbourne, two monuments dedicated to figures considered linked to the country's colonial past were vandalised, a statue of Queen Victoria and one of Captain James Cook, who led several voyages of exploration in the Pacific Ocean in the 18th century
Africa Benin The 27th Chinese medical team, tasked with providing health services and exchanging medical experiences with Beninese health personnel, arrived in Cotonou; the 22-member team will work in Lokossa, in the south-west, and Natitingou, in the north-west
Africa Burkina Faso The country's first mining waste treatment plant was inaugurated in the country, one of Africa's leading gold-producing states
America United States The United States suspended financial aid for the United Nations Agency for Palestine Refugees after Israeli allegations that some of the agency's employees were involved in the violent attack by Hamas on Israel on 7 October
Africa Zambia The reopening of schools has been further postponed to 12 February 2024, a decision that follows advice of Council of Ministers for National Disaster Management and Mitigation; calendar for schools and institutes has been changed to make up for lost time
Asia Azerbaijan Only a month after the first UN climate summit, Azerbaijan, the next host, announced a 28-strong organising committee without a single woman; after criticism, it added 12 women to the committee
Asia Qatar The country described as 'destructive' leaked audio statements by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticising Qatar's efforts to mediate with Hamas as 'problematic', complicating the already difficult negotiations
Africa Equatorial Guinea Al Asbar Auto Industries wants to establish itself in Equatorial Guinea, according to its executive director; the project would add to the government's efforts in its economic diversification agenda for 2035
Europe Portugal Brazilians Lucas Chianca and Maya Gabiera stormed the 2024 Nazare Big Wave Challenge podium to win men's and women's individual divisions with swell building and surf hitting 30 to 40 feet
Asia Pakistan Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Imran Khan's party in crisis, is facing difficult times ahead of the elections and the party's official website 'Insaf. pk' has been blocked; the party has asked the relevant authorities to explain why its site has been blocked
Europe Austria Thousands of people took to the streets across Austria on Friday to protest against right-wing extremism and racism, inspired by similar demonstrations in neighbouring Germany
Africa Angola A 5% salary increase for civil servants has ben announced, with the aim of partially restoring their purchasing power and recognising their dignity in return for services rendered