"We are absolutely grateful to our fellow South Africans who helped us raise the funds for Atlehang to go to Sri Lanka just before the closing date," Mpho told the press.

The money will cover everything needed for the trip: flights, visas, accommodation, meals, tournament entry fees, FIDE costs, Chess South Africa administration charges, official uniforms, and other travel expenses. For Mpho, the support has been overwhelming. She says it has turned her daughter’s dream into reality.

With the funds secured, the focus has shifted. Atlehang is now deep in preparation. According to her mother, she is training more intensely with her coach, practising at home, and spending time studying chess books ahead of the competition. She will travel with her mother, while Chess South Africa is helping with visa arrangements.

Atlehang’s story started early. She was introduced to chess at the age of three by her father. What began as a simple interest quickly grew into something more, especially after she was exposed to the game at school.

Now in Grade 4, she already holds a Junior Master title and has earned South African national colours. She is also balancing schoolwork with several extracurricular activities. Since joining the national circuit in 2024, she has consistently ranked in the top five.

Another opportunity is already on the horizon. Atlehang has qualified for the 2026 FIDE World Cadets Chess Championship in Batumi, Georgia, scheduled for June. But for that, the journey is not over—she still needs to raise R105,061 (about $6,312) before the end of April to make it there.

Where are the leaders from? 

Using data from the last ten heads of state (or equivalent leaders) in Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Egypt, South Africa , India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, UK, France, Italy, USA, Japan, and Australia, Global South World categorised their birthplaces into three groups: biggest city, top three major cities; and outside the top three major cities.

Across the dataset, one pattern that stands out is that leaders are more likely to be born outside major urban centres than within them.

Countries such as Brazil, Nigeria, India, Tanzania, and the United States show strong decentralisation, with a majority of leaders originating from smaller cities, towns, or rural regions.

Which leaders are from outside major cities

Nigeria and India show particularly strong patterns, with most leaders born outside the major cities. In Brazil and Australia, leadership emerges from diverse regional bases rather than a single dominant city. The United States, often seen as a hub of elite politics, has presidents born across many different states, far from Washington, D.C.

This suggests that political legitimacy is often built at the grassroots level, with leaders rising through regional structures before entering national politics.

Which leaders are from capital cities 

While decentralisation is common, some countries remain heavily capital-centric. Argentina shows a strong concentration around Buenos Aires, reflecting its highly centralised administrative and educational systems.

Mexico exhibits similar patterns, with Mexico City playing an outsized role in political leadership. In Thailand, Bangkok remains the dominant political and elite hub.

These systems often feature centralised bureaucracies, elite educational institutions clustered in capitals, and political networks that are difficult to access from outside

Federal systems contributing to geographic diversity

One of the clearest drivers of geographic diversity in leadership is the structure of the state itself. Federal or highly decentralised systems such as those in India, Brazil and the United States consistently produce leaders from a wide range of regions.

This is because political careers in these countries are often built locally, such as governors, regional leaders, and state officials rising through subnational systems. Also, national leadership becomes the culmination of regional influence, not just central access

Africa’s distinct pattern

African countries in the dataset, particularly Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa, stand out for their highly decentralised leadership origins.

This reflects several dynamics like the need for ethnic and regional balance, strong rural political mobilisation and historical scepticism toward capital-based elites

In many cases, being from outside the capital or a major city is not a disadvantage but a political asset.

Graphics by Edward Sakyi

“ People will think of Quanzhou Tiangong as the first, probably the first in all of China, to do this kind of boxing event. Now there are a lot of bars trying to imitate it, but they probably still can't quite capture the essence,” the ring announcer said.

Organisers state that the fights are designed for entertainment rather than professional competition. Participants use thick amateur gloves to reduce the impact during bouts. The concept reportedly started as a way for staff to resolve workplace disputes before developing into a regular feature at the nightclub.

The course includes slalom cones that racers must navigate without losing speed. Braking is done by dragging a foot, and the track is lined with plastic barricades. The setup creates a competitive environment for participants and spectators.

The origins of the ritual are linked to Hindu folklore, particularly a mythological marriage dispute. Two groups take part in the event. One group, including members from castes such as Golla and Kammara, throws cow dung in the name of Goddess Bhadrakali. The opposing group participates in honour of Lord Veerabhadraswamy.

Participants acknowledge the possibility of injuries but often express little concern, citing traditional beliefs about healing. The festival is traditionally held a day after Ugadi, which marks the first day of the Hindu calendar year.

But the football almost became a side story. Because this final had everything: tension before kick-off, drama in stoppage time, a full-on pitch walk-off.  a failed “Panenka” penalty, and a moment of leadership that stopped the whole game from falling apart.

The trouble started before the first whistle.

Senegal’s Football Federation (FSF) raised “serious concerns” about security. They claimed their team bus had been swarmed by fans, and said they were even denied access to a training pitch at Morocco’s base. That alone was enough to create a hostile build-up, but the heat didn’t stop there.

On social media , the debates grew louder by the day. People argued over referee appointments, and there were accusations that Morocco was being given favourable treatment as tournament hosts. By the time players stepped out onto the pitch, it already felt like more than just a football match.

Despite the noise around it, the game itself stayed tight for most of the normal time.

For 90 minutes, no side had drawn first blood. Although it wasn’t a match full of goals or chaos early on, it was tense, cagey, and hanging on a knife-edge.

But as the clock ran out, that pressure didn’t disappear. 

The final completely lost control in the 98th minute.

Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw was already enraged after Congolese referee Jean-Jacques disallowed a close-range goal by Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr, judging there was a foul in the build-up.

Then came the moment that pushed everything over the edge.

Ndala was advised by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to award Morocco a penalty for a challenge by Senegalese defender El Hadji Malick Diouf on Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz. And Thiaw snapped.

In a move Morocco coach Walid Regragui called “shameful,” Thiaw ushered his players off the field in protest. Senegal walked toward the tunnel, and for around 17 to 20 minutes, the match was suspended while the football world stared in disbelief.

Even FIFA President Gianni Infantino, watching from the stands, later condemned the scenes, calling them “ugly” and unacceptable.

For a final, it was unheard of. And for African football, it was a moment that threatened to leave a stain far beyond one night.

While Senegal walked off, Sadio Mane stayed on the pitch.

Mane was credited with persuading his teammates to come back and finish the match.

Later, he explained, “It would be crazy to not play this game because... the referee gave a penalty.”

He also said he’d rather lose than see African football damaged by abandonment.

But it wasn't to be. The match was subsequently deemed to have been abandoned by Senegal, and the Confederation of African Football awarded a 3-0 win to Morocco.

When play returned in the 20th minute of stoppage time, Morocco had the perfect chance to win the title.

Their star man, Brahim Diaz, the tournament’s top scorer, stepped up.

And instead of going safe, he must have listened to the voices in his head, afterall, he had been on fire the entire tournament, what could go wrong?

The Spanish-born forward, who switched allegiance just 3 years ago, saw himself delivering the second AFCON title to the Atlas Lions after a 50-year wait.

Brahim Diaz tried the one penalty technique that had befallen many famous footballers before him: the “Panenka”.

Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy read it easily and caught it. Just like that, the chance was gone — and Morocco’s momentum went with it.

That miss didn’t just waste a penalty. It swung the entire final toward Senegal.

Senegal entered extra time with a different energy. Just three minutes into extra time, Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye stepped up and smashed in what was described as a “piledriver” left-footed strike from the edge of the box.

It flew straight into the top corner.

Morocco tried to respond with desperate attacks, and Brahim Diaz even had a close-range effort saved by Mendy. But Senegal held firm, protected their lead, and saw out the game.

When the final whistle came, it was over. Senegal were champions again.

Back home, the reaction was immediate.

The win triggered “ecstasy” in Dakar, and celebrations spread fast. Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye declared Monday a public holiday, giving the country space to properly celebrate the achievement.

After the dust settled, one name stood above the rest: Sadio Mane.

He was named AFCON 2025 Player of the Tournament.

And even though he wasn’t the top scorer — that honour went to Brahim Diaz, who finished with five goals — Mane was praised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for his leadership and calmness, especially during the final’s most volatile moments.

At 33 years old, and with speculation growing that this might be his last AFCON, the award felt like a tribute as much as a prize.

When Mane lifted the trophy — handed to him by captain Kalidou Koulibaly — it closed the curtain on a tournament that was as controversial as it was historic.

Xie recently starred in the Channel 8 drama "The Gift of Time" in 2025, where he played a wealthy entrepreneur battling cancer. The role marked his first acting project since leaving showbiz in 2005.

Reports indicate that he had already asked to be excluded from consideration before the awards nominations were finalised, and that he will not attend the ceremony scheduled for April 19 at The Theatre at Mediacorp.

In a message posted on Instagram, he expressed in Chinese gratitude for the recognition he received during his career and credited the success of his performances to the teamwork behind each production.

He also emphasised that awards are the best recognition for young and active actors and should remain so, as he is semi-retired.

"I deeply understand what awards mean to every colleague still climbing the ladder of success; they are a testament to hard work and perseverance, and stepping stones to the next opportunity. Although I had the opportunity to meet the audience last year as Lin Huoyan, I am already semi-retired and hope that the spotlight will remain on outstanding actors who are still active, giving them more opportunities to shine," reads Xei's message when translated.

Born on 15 September 1961, Xie Shaoguang, whose birth name is Cha Shao-kwong, is widely regarded as one of Singapore’s most accomplished Mandarin-language television actors.

He built his reputation through numerous dramas produced by MediaCorp Channel 8 and became one of the country’s most recognisable screen stars in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Over the course of his career, Xie won the Star Award for Best Actor five times, a record that stood for many years and helped cement his status as one of Singapore’s leading television performers.

During the height of his career, Xie appeared in several critically acclaimed series. One of his best-known roles came in the 1998 family drama "Stand by Me", where he played Du Hanmin, a former doctor who becomes paralysed. The series was a major success and won Best Drama Serial at the Star Awards, with Xie himself taking home the Best Actor prize for his performance.

After stepping away from acting in 2005, Xie spent nearly 20 years pursuing other interests. During that period, he worked as a chef and even spent time as a Buddhist monk before eventually returning to the screen in 2024.

Despite his comeback, Xie has suggested he now considers himself semi-retired and prefers that the spotlight shift toward younger actors in the industry.

During her time at KAIST, Ku also developed “Kooroll,” an eco-friendly hair roller, which later won recognition at the 2025 Korea Outstanding Patent Awards. The product was designed to reduce plastic use by around 80% compared with conventional hair rollers, highlighting her growing interest in combining technology with beauty innovation.

The invention has since evolved into a startup venture, with Ku involved in everything from product design to branding and the patent process. The foldable roller was designed to solve portability issues common with traditional rollers and reflects the actress’s expanding role as an entrepreneur.

Ku Hye-sun was born in Incheon, South Korea, in 1984 and rose to fame as a television actress before branching into directing, writing, music and visual arts.

She first gained widespread recognition through Korean television dramas such as "Hearts of Nineteen" in 2006 and the historical drama "The King and I" in 2007. However, her breakthrough role came in the hugely popular 2009 series "Boys Over Flowers" , where she played Geum Jan-di, a spirited student who becomes romantically involved with a wealthy heir.

The drama became a major hit across Asia and cemented Ku’s status as one of the most recognisable faces in the Korean entertainment industry.

She continued to build her career with roles in several well-known dramas, including "Take Care of Us, Captain" (2012), where she played an aspiring pilot, and "Angel Eyes" (2014), a romantic melodrama about two lovers reunited after years apart. She also starred in the medical fantasy drama "Blood" (2015) alongside actor Ahn Jae-hyun.

Beyond acting, Ku has established herself as a filmmaker. She made her directorial debut with the short film "The Madonna", which was screened at international film festivals and won awards for audience appreciation. She later directed her first feature film, "Magic" (2010), which was invited to the Jecheon International Music and Film Festival and the Tokyo International Film Festival.

In 2014, she wrote, directed and starred in the film "Daughter", a psychological drama addressing child abuse and family relationships. The film was screened at the Busan International Film Festival, further establishing her reputation as a creative force beyond acting.

Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny made headlines at the 2026 Grammy Awards after winning Album of the Year for Debí Tirar Más Fotos. The victory marked a historic moment for Latin music, with the project becoming one of the most prominent Spanish-language albums ever recognised in the ceremony’s top category.

He continued to host the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime show, which went on to become the most-watched and streamed since Michael Jackson's Super Bowl performance in 1993.

African artists also had a strong showing at the Grammys.

South African singer Tyla also won Best African Music Performance for her single Push 2 Start, adding to the global momentum of African genres such as Afrobeats and Amapiano. To add to her winning catalogue, she won the 57th NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding International Song of the Year with her hit single, "Is It".

The awards also paid tribute to one of Africa’s most influential musicians. Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti received a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, becoming the first African artist to be honoured in that category.

Latin and African artists have increasingly moved beyond regional success to become mainstream global figures.

Additionally, Nigerian sensation Tems became the first African female artist to record seven entries on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in February 2026. She reached that mark after her song “What You Need” debuted at number 93 on the Billboard Hot 100, bringing her total number of songs on the chart to seven.

With this total, Tems ties the record for the most Hot 100 appearances by any African act, alongside Burna Boy and South African band Seether.

Streaming platforms and social media have accelerated this shift, allowing audiences around the world to discover genres such as reggaeton, Afrobeats and Amapiano.

As a result, music from the Global South now regularly competes in major international categories rather than being confined to specialised genre awards.

The influence of Global South artists has also been visible across other international ceremonies in early 2026.

On February 28, Spanish star Rosalía , known for blending flamenco with contemporary pop and urban sounds, was among the artists recognised at the BRIT Awards, where she received the International Artist of the Year award.

The win reflects the broader diversification of global pop music, with non-English language artists increasingly recognised at traditionally Western-dominated ceremonies.

Tems has been especially prolific in 2026, racking up three Hot 100 entries this year alone, a pace no other African artist has matched so far.

Tems has been especially prolific in 2026, racking up three Hot 100 entries this year alone, a pace no other African artist has matched so far.

The entries include "Raindance", her collaboration with British rapper Dave, which charted on the Hot 100 early in the year and "What You Need", her solo single.

Burna Boy, on the other hand, became the first African artist to chart a Hot 100 song in six consecutive years from 2021 through 2026.

Who else has charted?

Billboard Hot 100 entries for African artists aren’t just a recent thing. Over the past few years, several track appearances have punched through, with a show of growing global influence:

These milestones reflect a shift in how global audiences consume music. Afrobeats and related genres no longer register only as niche or regional sounds; they enter mainstream conversation and sometimes dominate it.

The programme, which started last year in Lagos and later moved to Nairobi, is designed to support emerging women in music, including artists, songwriters and producers, through mentorship, networking and practical sessions. Applications for the South African edition close on 28 February.

Following Tems’ empowerment programme, British R&B artist Ella Mai will perform live in South Africa with two scheduled shows in April 2026. She will first take the stage at Sun City Superbowl on April 25 as part of the Konka Kulture Weekend, then headline a concert at GrandWest in Cape Town on 26 April.

Event organisers emphasise the special nature of Ella Mai’s South African run, noting demand is expected to be high with only two shows confirmed. Both concerts are presented in partnership with Vertex Events and local promoters, signalling continued international interest in South African live music markets.

1. Professional Sleeper

For some, sleep is not a luxury but a job. Professional sleepers take part in medical studies where researchers monitor rest patterns to better understand insomnia, neurological conditions and overall sleep health.

2. Water Slide Tester

Before families enjoy a new attraction, someone must test it first. Water slide testers evaluate safety, speed and rider experience, ensuring that thrill does not come at the expense of regulation.

3. Snake Milker

One of the most dangerous jobs on the list, snake milkers extract venom from reptiles. The venom is essential for producing antivenom, supporting treatments that save lives worldwide.

4. Odour Tester

Smell plays a powerful role in daily life, and companies invest heavily in getting it right. Odour testers assess fragrances in perfumes, deodorants and cleaning products, detecting flaws invisible to the eye.

5. Line Stander

In major cities, waiting has become a service. Professional line standers queue for clients outside exclusive restaurants, events or product launches, turning patience into income.

6. Golf Ball Diver

Hidden beneath ponds and lakes on golf courses are thousands of lost balls. Divers retrieve them, clean them and return them to the market, creating an unexpected industry built on recovery and resale.

7. Professional Mourner

In certain societies, mourning is both personal and communal. Professional mourners are hired to attend funerals and express grief publicly, preserving cultural traditions of honouring the dead.

8. Pet Food Taster

Quality control extends even to animal diets. Pet food tasters sample products to assess flavour and consistency, ensuring brands meet standards before reaching store shelves.

9. Island Caretaker

Perhaps the most romanticised role of all, island caretakers oversee remote properties or conservation areas. Their work involves wildlife monitoring, maintenance and environmental reporting, often in complete solitude.

These professions remind us that work is constantly evolving. What seems unusual often reflects creativity, cultural practice or specialised need. In a changing world, even the strangest job titles can carry surprising importance.

The smock, handwoven from locally spun cotton, originates from Northern Ghana, where Mahama comes from, was misidentified by some Zambians as a blouse, sparking online commentary and mockery.

However, the smock carries deep cultural and historical significance that extends beyond fashion.

A historic night for global representation

Bad Bunny, representing Puerto Rico, also secured the award for Best Música Urbana Album and Best Global Music Performance for "EoO". In a poignant acceptance speech delivered in both Spanish and English, Bad Bunny, who is set to headline the Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday, February 8, dedicated his win to "all the people who had to leave their homeland to follow their dreams". 

Other significant wins for the Global South included:

Main category winners and record-breaking achievements

Several industry giants continued to expand their legacies. Kendrick Lamar was the most-awarded artist of the night, winning Record of the Year for "Luther" (shared with SZA), Best Rap Album for GNX, and Best Rap Song for "TV Off". These victories allowed Lamar to surpass Jay-Z for the most career Grammys by a rapper, reaching a total of 27 awards.

Other major winners included:

Political statements and immigrant advocacy

The 2026 ceremony was defined by its political undertones, as many artists used the global platform to protest immigration enforcement. Billie Eilish, Kehlani, and Bad Bunny all voiced strong anti-ICE sentiments from the stage. Shaboozey, who won for Best Country Duo/Group Performance, dedicated his award to his immigrant mother and the cultural contributions of immigrants to the United States. Backstage, legendary Cuban singer Gloria Estefan expressed fear regarding the current political climate and children in detention centres.

Other notable winners

The evening also saw Leon Thomas win Best R&B Album for Mutt and Best Traditional R&B Performance for "Vibes Don’t Lie". Kehlani took home both Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song for "Folded". 

In the rock and alternative categories, The Cure won Best Alternative Music Album (Songs of a Lost World), while Turnstile swept multiple awards, including Best Rock Album and Best Metal Performance. Notably, director Steven Spielberg earned his first Grammy for the film Music for John Williams, officially making him the latest member of people to have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards (EGOT).

A mecha suit, typically associated with science-fiction films and anime, is a mechanical exoskeleton designed to enhance human movement and strength. Zhou says his version was constructed entirely from scavenged metal parts, assembled without professional tools.

“I put it together little by little,” he said. “Once I attached the shoulders, I realised I could move freely and even punch. That felt great. From then on, I worked on it whenever I had time.”

Zhou said the experience also changed his view of delivery workers.

“Before, I once argued with a late driver because I didn’t understand what he was going through,” he recalled. “Now that I’ve worn this mecha suit and delivered food myself, I truly understand the hardships and struggles.”

The event, which took place on Sunday, January 25,  following a 24-hour delay due to rain, was broadcast live on Netflix with a strategic 10-second delay. 

This precaution was implemented so the streaming service could "cut away" if a disaster occurred. "Nobody expects or wants to see anything like that to happen," stated Netflix executive Jeff Gaspin.

Despite the life-threatening nature of the stunt, Honnold appeared characteristically calm, even waving to fans through the windows of the 89th floor. Upon reaching the summit, his first word to describe the feat was simply: "Sick". 

Reflecting on the experience, Honnold noted the conditions were challenging: "It was very windy, so I was like, don’t fall off the spire. I was trying to balance nicely. But it was, what an incredible position, what a beautiful way to see Taipei".

While the climb was a global spectacle, Honnold revealed that his compensation was "embarrassingly small" when compared to athletes in mainstream sports. Although he did not disclose the exact figure, reports suggest it was in the mid-six figures.

"I’m not gonna say. It’s an embarrassing amount," Honnold told the New York Times . "Actually, if you put it in the context of mainstream sports... Major League Baseball players get like $170 million contracts". Nevertheless, he maintained that he would have performed the climb for free if granted permission, stating, "I would do the thing because I know I can, and it’d be amazing".

A brain without fear

Honnold’s ability to remain composed in high-stakes environments has long intrigued the scientific community. A neuroscientific study led by Jane Joseph used fMRI scans to monitor his brain activity while showing him disturbing imagery. The results were startling: Honnold’s amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for the fear response, showed no activity at all.

While his amygdala is not damaged, it possesses an astronomically higher threshold for activation than the average person. This lack of response allows him to process extreme danger as ordinary. 

During the study, Honnold was indifferent to the graphic visuals, reportedly asking if they were meant to be stressful and shrugging them off with a casual, "whatever". Experts suggest this is a result of neural adaptation, where repeated exposure to risk has rewired his brain to treat high-risk environments as familiar.

Support from the ground

Watching from below was Honnold’s wife, Sanni McCandless, who has two children with the climber. While many might expect her to be overwhelmed with terror, she described a sense of "joy" once the climb began.

"I was telling someone that when you really love someone, and you think that they might be stressed, you say, ‘I wish I could take their place...’" McCandless shared in a post-climb press conference. However, in this instance, her primary thought was: "Thank God I’m not him". 

She emphasised that their partnership is built on mutual respect for his passion, noting, "You try to make decisions as a team, but you also have to respect the art behind it and the passion behind it".

Taiwan’s Vice-President, Hsiao Bi-khim, also offered congratulations, admitting on social media that the spectacle was difficult to watch: "I admit I would probably feel sick, too, barely able to watch".

Together, these two projects are set to reshape how Africa connects within itself — and with the rest of the world.

Ethiopia’s Bishoftu is a mega hub in the making

Construction has officially begun on Bishoftu International Airport, a project aimed at addressing a significant issue: Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is expected to reach its capacity limit within two to three years.

Instead of trying to squeeze more out of an airport nearing its operational ceiling, Ethiopia is building a whole new one.

Bishoftu is being developed about 40–45 km southeast of Addis Ababa, and it’s not just an airport — it’s a full-blown $12.5 billion) “Airport City” project and everything about it is huge.

A scale Africa hasn’t seen before

The biggest headline is capacity. Bishoftu is designed to handle 110 million passengers annually, which is far beyond what any airport on the continent currently manages.

To put that in perspective, Africa’s busiest airport right now is O.R. Tambo International Airport in South Africa , and it handles over 20 million passengers. Bishoftu’s planned capacity completely changes the scale of what “Africa’s biggest airport” even means.

Built like a global transit powerhouse

The infrastructure is equally ambitious. The plan includes:

That aircraft parking capacity is more than quadruple what the existing Bole hub can handle.

The development includes a 38 km high-speed railway that will connect Bishoftu to Addis Ababa in just 25 minutes — a big deal for an airport located outside the capital.

Rwanda’s Bugesera is smaller, but very strategic

While Ethiopia is going for a continent-changing mega hub, Rwanda’s approach is different: high-standard growth with a clear strategic focus.

Rwanda is developing Bugesera International Airport , valued at about $2 billion, through a partnership between the Government of Rwanda and Qatar Airways, which holds a 60% stake.

That partnership signals just how seriously Rwanda is treating this project — not only as national infrastructure, but as a major aviation investment.

Built to grow in phases

Bugesera is being developed with a step-by-step plan:

It’s not trying to be the biggest in the world — but it’s clearly being built to scale up over time.

Designed to strengthen Rwanda’s regional role

Bugesera is also tied directly to Rwanda’s aviation ambitions.

The airport is expected to boost RwandAir, Rwanda’s state carrier, supporting its expansion into new markets — including the USA and various African nations.

In other words, the airport isn’t just a new building. It’s meant to help Rwanda compete harder in international aviation.

Africa’s aviation hierarchy

Currently, the largest airports in Africa are led by O.R. Tambo (South Africa), Cairo International (Egypt), with roughly 17 million passengers, and Addis Ababa Bole (Ethiopia) with approximately 12 to 25 million passengers.

The new projects in Ethiopia and Rwanda will stand out by significantly raising the ceiling for African aviation. 

But the football almost became a side story. Because this final had everything: tension before kick-off, drama in stoppage time, a full-on pitch walk-off, a failed “Panenka” penalty, and a moment of leadership that stopped the whole game from falling apart.

The trouble started before the first whistle.

Senegal’s Football Federation (FSF) raised “serious concerns” about security. They claimed their team bus had been swarmed by fans, and said they were even denied access to a training pitch at Morocco’s base. That alone was enough to create a hostile build-up, but the heat didn’t stop there.

On social media , the debates grew louder by the day. People argued over referee appointments, and there were accusations that Morocco was being given favourable treatment as tournament hosts. By the time players stepped out onto the pitch, it already felt like more than just a football match.

Despite the noise around it, the game itself stayed tight for most of the normal time.

For 90 minutes, no side had drawn first blood. Although it wasn’t a match full of goals or chaos early on, it was tense, cagey, and hanging on a knife-edge.

But as the clock ran out, that pressure didn’t disappear. 

The final completely lost control in the 98th minute.

Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw was already enraged after Congolese referee Jean-Jacques disallowed a close-range goal by Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr, judging there was a foul in the build-up.

Then came the moment that pushed everything over the edge.

Ndala was advised by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to award Morocco a penalty for a challenge by Senegalese defender El Hadji Malick Diouf on Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz. And Thiaw snapped.

In a move Morocco coach Walid Regragui called “shameful,” Thiaw ushered his players off the field in protest. Senegal walked toward the tunnel, and for around 17 to 20 minutes, the match was suspended while the football world stared in disbelief.

Even FIFA President Gianni Infantino, watching from the stands, later condemned the scenes, calling them “ugly” and unacceptable.

For a final, it was unheard of. And for African football, it was a moment that threatened to leave a stain far beyond one night.

While Senegal walked off, Sadio Mane stayed on the pitch.

Mane was credited with persuading his teammates to come back and finish the match.

Later, he explained, “It would be crazy to not play this game because... the referee gave a penalty.”

He also said he’d rather lose than see African football damaged by abandonment.

When play returned in the 20th minute of stoppage time, Morocco had the perfect chance to win the title.

Their star man, Brahim Diaz, the tournament’s top scorer, stepped up.

And instead of going safe, he must have listened to the voices in his head, afterall, he had been on fire the entire tournament, what could go wrong?

The Spanish-born forward, who switched allegiance just 3 years ago, saw himself delivering the second AFCON title to the Atlas Lions after a 50-year wait.

Brahim Diaz tried the one penalty technique that had befallen many famous footballers before him: the “Panenka”.

Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy read it easily and caught it. Just like that, the chance was gone — and Morocco’s momentum went with it.

That miss didn’t just waste a penalty. It swung the entire final toward Senegal.

Senegal entered extra time with a different energy. Just three minutes into extra time, Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye stepped up and smashed in what was described as a “piledriver” left-footed strike from the edge of the box.

It flew straight into the top corner.

Morocco tried to respond with desperate attacks, and Brahim Diaz even had a close-range effort saved by Mendy. But Senegal held firm, protected their lead, and saw out the game.

When the final whistle came, it was over. Senegal were champions again.

Back home, the reaction was immediate.

The win triggered “ecstasy” in Dakar, and celebrations spread fast. Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye declared Monday a public holiday, giving the country space to properly celebrate the achievement.

After the dust settled, one name stood above the rest: Sadio Mane.

He was named AFCON 2025 Player of the Tournament.

And even though he wasn’t the top scorer — that honour went to Brahim Diaz, who finished with five goals — Mane was praised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for his leadership and calmness, especially during the final’s most volatile moments.

At 33 years old, and with speculation growing that this might be his last AFCON, the award felt like a tribute as much as a prize.

When Mane lifted the trophy — handed to him by captain Kalidou Koulibaly — it closed the curtain on a tournament that was as controversial as it was historic.

Takaichi, who used to play in a heavy metal band, arranged the drumming event after Lee mentioned at last year’s APEC summit that he wanted to learn how to play the drums.

Chen, 42, is a trained architect who found a second career by borrowing Trump’s antics. 

His performances are carefully apolitical — no policy jabs or election jokes — relying instead on spectacle and familiarity.

In his short videos, Trump’s unmistakable drawl introduces Chinese hotpot, banters with tourists and dances to “YMCA”, all in English with Chinese subtitles. The emphasis is on entertainment, not commentary.

It all started with a bet

Chen began posting English-language videos online as a backup when China’s property downturn began to bite into his day job. At first, the response was modest. That changed when a friend dared him to try a Trump impression.

When Trump returned to the White House in 2025, the timing suddenly worked in Chen’s favour. The character felt relevant again — and the algorithm took notice.

Rise despite social media restrictions

What sets Chen apart is not just how closely he captures Trump’s voice and rhythm, but how far the impersonation has travelled.

Instagram is blocked in China, yet it has become Chen’s biggest platform, where he now has more than 1.3 million followers — more than on TikTok.

He has also built a large audience on Chinese apps, an unlikely achievement in a tightly controlled online space and at a time of strained US-China relations.

By treating Trump as a global pop culture figure rather than a political one, Chen has managed to stay visible and in demand. The approach has brought brand deals, live appearances and corporate events , without drawing official scrutiny.

Chinese Trump comes to the US

Like the real-life Trump, Chen has also attracted numerous stars near his orbit — both the real-life versions and impersonators. 

In October, the Chinese Trump met with “Yilong Ma,” a Chinese impersonator of the tech billionaire Elon Musk, a famed Trump ally. 

Chen has also met with American livestream artist iShowSpeed when the latter went on a tour in Asia, as well as UFC CEO Dana White, another famous ally of Trump. 

Earlier this year, it was Chen who travelled to the United States for the first time. He visited a Trump store and posted videos announcing he had come all the way from “Chin-a,” complete with the familiar tongue flick and fist pump.

The trip centred on the Consumer Electronics Show, but the attention he attracted suggested his following had moved beyond screens. Strangers recognised him, and the character translated surprisingly well offline.

Chen sees himself less as a provocateur than as a bridge — a borrowed American voice used to make China feel more approachable. 

At a time when rivalry dominates the conversation, his success points to a simpler truth: imitation, when kept light, can still cut through the noise.

In one widely shared moment from Botswana, the streamer appeared shocked to learn that he could not simply buy raw diamonds locally, despite the country being the world’s largest diamond producer. Viewers pointed out that Botswana’s diamond industry is tightly regulated through long-term international contracts, leaving a limited domestic market.

Beyond viral clips, social media users argue that iShowSpeed’s tour has unintentionally become educational. Others noted that many young Americans, especially those who have never travelled outside the United States , were exposed for the first time to African cities with skyscrapers, paved roads, internet access and modern amenities. Some described the reactions as revealing how deeply Western narratives have portrayed Africa as uniformly poor or rural.

One emotional video showed a viewer breaking down while saying the streams had changed his entire view of Africa, admitting he had grown up believing the continent consisted only of “huts and stick houses” with no future. Instead, he said, the livestreams showed beauty, culture, resources and advanced urban life.

iShowSpeed has said his motivation for doing long “IRL marathons” is to bring the world to people who cannot travel. “I’m for the people that can’t travel,” he said in one clip. “I try to give y’all the best experience. Whatever experience it is, I’m your test dummy.”

The streamer is reportedly set to visit 20 African countries, including Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa , Zambia, and Zimbabwe. He has already shared footage from Angola, Eswatini, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, among others.

FIFA World Cup 2026

One of the most anticipated events of the year is the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be the largest ever held in terms of teams and host nations. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, with 48 teams competing across the United States , Canada and Mexico. The number of teams playing in the World Cup 2026 has gone up from 32 in previous editions.

The expanded format, with 104 matches in 16 host cities, is expected to drive unprecedented fan engagement, lucrative broadcasting deals and tourism revenue. Iconic venues like Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca are being updated for the event and will host key fixtures.

Winter Olympic Games in Italy

Before the World Cup kicks off, the Winter Olympic Games 2026 will draw global focus to northern Italy. Hosted jointly by Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, the Olympics will run from February 6 to 22, 2026, featuring athletes from across the world competing in traditional snow and ice events. The Milan - Cortina Olympics aim to emphasise sustainability, using existing and refurbished venues, and will also serve as a platform for winter sports innovation and cultural exchange.

US 250th anniversary

2026 will also be a landmark moment in U.S. history, as the country celebrates 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. On July 4, 2026, the United States will commemorate a quarter-millennium of nationhood, tracing its origins to 1776, when 13 colonies declared independence from Great Britain. Reflecting on the anniversary, President Donald Trump described the Declaration as “a single sheet of parchment and 56 signatures” that launched “the greatest political journey in human history.” Since that moment, the United States has grown from its original colonies into a nation of 50 states, shaping global politics, culture and democracy along the way.

That casual moment became the starting point of a journey that would move from home cooking to digital influence, and now, social change. 

The video later evolved into a full recipe post on TikTok, helping her find an audience that connected with her food, her ideas, and eventually, her purpose.

In the early days, Chefabbys made a clear decision to stay behind the camera. For nearly two years, her videos focused only on the food. “For like two years I never showed my face… I just really love to cook,” she told Global South World in an interview. 

At the time, cooking was the focus, not visibility or recognition. That changed around December 2024, when she chose to step into the frame. “The moment you add your face to it, it becomes like your personality, showing what you can offer.” Showing her face helped shift how people saw her content. What once felt like a recipe page began to feel like a personal brand, built around a real person with a clear voice.

As her audience grew, so did the challenges behind the scenes. Chefabbys spoke about the financial strain of food content creation. “You need to buy the ingredients to shoot the recipe… and if that’s not coming anymore, you need to use your own money.” 

Beyond costs, there was also the pressure of standing out in a crowded digital space. “How do you stand out? What exactly will make people want to watch your videos?”

For her, the answer was never just better visuals or trend-driven content. It came from something deeper. Her relationship with food was shaped long before social media. 

“Growing up, we always came from a family where food was in abundance, and we always gave our food.” 

That habit of sharing stayed with her. Seeing people light up when they received a meal became meaningful. “I felt like, oh, if food can make somebody this happy, then imagine giving thousands of people that food.”

That thinking pushed her to look beyond content creation. She began to question how her words and values could turn into real action. “I wanted to make use of something I’ve been saying all the time… How do I change that thing that is just talking into something that is more passion-driven and action?”

The answer came on October 16, World Food Day, when Chefabbys launched the “Big Street Feast” in Accra. 

She turned the street into an open kitchen and fed tens of thousands for free . The event was simple in concept but powerful in impact. Food was shared without conditions or labels.

But she was not alone; her initiative received support from the office of Ghana’s president and local organisations. 

“People actually helped us. They came through. It was the first time, so people needed to see how it was going to go.” 

The crowd reflected the wider reality of food insecurity. Over 36 million people in West and Central Africa are on the verge of experiencing emergency hunger as a result of persistent conflict, difficult economic conditions, and severe weather, according to the World Food Programme (WFP) . The situation in Ghana, Guinea, and Côte d'Ivoire is getting worse due to rising food and fuel prices.

According to WFP, a million of Ghana's more than 2 million people who experience food insecurity are chronically malnourished children under five.

“It’s not just for the underprivileged… businessmen, influencers, and everyday people” showed up, reinforcing her belief that food challenges affect many people, not just those often identified as vulnerable.

From that experience, a bigger vision took shape. The Ghanaian now wants every October 16 to be recognised as Free Food Day across her country and everywhere else. 

Her idea is simple: restaurants, communities, and individuals offering free meals on that day. 

“In the next five years, I want to see World Food Day as something that is practised out of Ghana, in countries, in restaurants… people should be able to walk in and eat for free.”

Her work has not gone unnoticed. In July 2025, she was named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential Creators. Months later, at the TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa held in Johannesburg in December, she earned 1st Runner-Up in the Food Creator of the Year category. 

For her, recognition is not pressure. “It gives me more opportunities to do more… I don’t feel pressure at all,” she said.

Despite being widely known as a chef and content creator, Chefabbys defines herself differently. 

“Being a chef is my passion. Being a creator is a platform… but being a changemaker is my vision, my hope, my dream.” 

Since the inception of the AFCON in 1957, 15 different countries have won the tournament. The 2025 edition brings together 24 teams, half of which have previously lifted the AFCON trophy and the other half have never tasted glory. 

These 12 past champions represent some of the established powerhouses of African football, including record seven-time winners Egypt, defending champions Ivory Coast, three-time winners Nigeria , and five-time champions Cameroon.

Past champions

Grouped across all six pools, these teams bring varying degrees of historical success:

Group A:  Morocco (hosts) - Won the title in 1976.   Zambia - Won the title in 2012.

Group B:  Egypt - Record seven-time champions, winning titles including 1957, 1959, and completing a hat-trick between 2006 and 2010. South Africa - Won on home soil in 1996.

Group C:  Nigeria - Three-time champions, winning titles in 1980, 1994, and 2013. Tunisia - Won the title in 2004.

Group D:   Senegal - Champions of AFCON 2021. DR Congo - Two-time winners, having won the competition in 1968 (as Congo (Kinshasa)) and 1974 (as Zaire).

Group E:  Algeria - Two-time champions, winning in 1990 and 2019. Sudan - Won the title in 1970.

Group F: Cote d'Ivoire - The defending champions and three-time winners, with victories in 1992, 2015, and 2023. Cameroon - Five-time champions, winning titles including 1984, 1988, 2000, 2002, and 2017 .

Non-winning nations

The tournament also includes 12 nations that have never claimed the title. These teams, which are also spread across all six groups, include Mali, Burkina Faso, and Uganda , who have each reached the final once in the past but fell short. 

For others like Comoros, Botswana, and Mozambique, reaching the knockout stages would itself mark a milestone.

Full list of non-winners and their groups: 

Group A: - Mali (finalist in 1972), Comoros

Group B: - Angola , Zimbabwe

Group C: - Uganda (finalist in 1978), Tanzania

Group D: Benin , Botswana

Group E:   Burkina Faso (finalist in 1978), Equatorial Guinea

Group F: Gabon , Mozambique

With the first kickoff just days away, the question remains whether AFCON 2025 will see one of the 12 non-winning nations break new ground or whether a past champion will rise again.

With every group featuring a mix of experience and ambition, the potential for an upset is present, but so is the likelihood of history asserting itself once more.

Scorza bought the planes from Southern Winds, an airline that ceased operations nearly 20 years ago following a drug-trafficking scandal.

The hotel includes eight double rooms, each equipped with modern amenities such as balconies, jacuzzis, air conditioning, and bathrooms with advanced features. Some rooms also have smart TVs, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth-enabled showers. One room grants access to the plane’s original cockpit.

Footage shows the airplanes set in the middle of the countryside, with rooms that combine the structure of the aircraft with comfortable accommodations.

“The idea came up unexpectedly,” Scorza said. “We first converted one plane for events, then decided to use the other two as a hotel. We wanted it to be different from a normal hotel while keeping everything comfortable.”

Each plane is named after a country where Econovo has done business, including India , China, Turkey, Spain, the U.S., Italy, Peru, and Uruguay.

The planes became available after a 2004 scandal in which unaccompanied luggage on a Southern Winds flight was found to contain nearly 59 kilos of cocaine in Madrid. The airline eventually went out of business , and the planes were sold at low prices.

New video filmed this week shows Monte pushing a car, jogging on a treadmill, and lifting tiny dumbbells with surprising ease.

His father, Artem Soloyan, is a decorated strength athlete, but even he says Monte’s abilities caught the family off guard.

“He was only six months old,” Artem recalled. “He hung on for 22 seconds. He could’ve done more, but we stopped him because we got scared. He was stronger than we thought.”

Artem says Monte’s interest in exercise happened naturally. Around age two, the toddler started reaching for the treadmill and later asked if he could try pushing the family car.

“We never forced him,” Artem said. “He really wanted to try, and then he actually pushed the car.”

Strength runs deep in the family, and Artem thinks Monte simply inherited it.

“My grandfather was strong, my father was strong, and I became strong too. I think Monte just has it in his blood,” he said.

Monte’s early achievements have already earned him a spot in Armenia’s Book of Epic Heroes, and his family hopes one day he’ll grow up to represent the country in sports .

One eatery serving pagpag has recently drawn attention from international visitors and online viewers. 

On Tuesday, December 2, footage captured the owner, Dennifer Hueves, carefully washing buckets of salvaged chicken meat. She described the process used to make the food edible.

"So that it's clean, I rinsed it twice with water, then the third time I soaked and rinsed it with hot water," Hueves explained.

After washing, she chops the meat, adds seasonings and other ingredients, and deep-fries it. 

The dish originated from extreme poverty in the 1960s, when the country was plagued by a debt crisis and severe under employment , forcing many people to migrate to cities in search of employment. These communities began using leftover scraps of protein from various sources, which later turned into pagpag.

For many in Tondo, pagpag, which costs about 34 cents ($0.34), is the most affordable compared to other food choices out there. 

 "Pagpag costs only 20 pesos, while a vegetable dish out there costs 30–50 pesos; that's why we're saving money when we eat pagpag," resident Nenita Zamora told Viory.

The dish gained wider attention when travel influencer Baozou Brother, who has over 6.5 million followers on social media , posted a video of himself trying pagpag. 

His video sparked an online discussion about food safety and poverty. He struggled with the dish, claiming that while the flavour was "acceptable", the psychological barrier of swallowing it was difficult to overcome.

One resident defended the dish, stating, "I believe that pagpag is safe because of the way it was cleaned, rinsed and cooked. I can say that the bacteria were diminished when it was soaked in hot water and cooked to prevent any stomach problems."

However, the National Anti-Poverty Commission has issued warnings against the consumption of pagpag due to the potential health risks. The agency cited diseases such as hepatitis A, typhoid, diarrhoea, and cholera, along with general malnutrition concerns.

Footage filmed on Wednesday, November 26, shows Carlos beginning his day at dawn, walking to the shoreline to search for driftwood carried in by the tide. When none appear, he rows his small boat into the mangrove estuaries to gather branches, just as he has done for decades. He then turns the wood into charcoal, using a method taught by his grandfather when he was 12.

Despite his age, Carlos maintains a humble routine. “I do not feel either bored or tired. What I feel is happy,” he said as he looked through old family photographs. Each morning, he begins with a prayer: “I say thank God that we have woken up. I hope that you bless me and help me in whatever way you can,” he told Viory.

Carlos sells his charcoal in a nearby town for six to seven dollars per bag, often hauling the sacks on his shoulders before taking a bus. On days when wood is scarce, he collects plastic bottles to earn money instead.

Loneliness, he says, has become one of the most difficult parts of growing old. Most of his friends have died, leaving him without steady companionship. “I have seen all my friends die; I am the only one,” he reflected. “I say, Lord, well, it depends on you. You still give me life.”

Carlos lives in a modest structure made of planks and scrap material, which he shares with his chicken coop. Still, he remains content, not seeking recognition or records.

No formal verification process is underway to confirm his age. According to Guinness World Records, the world’s oldest living man is currently João Marinho Neto of Brazil , born in 1912, making him 112 and more than a decade younger than Carlos, if the Ecuadorian’s documents prove accurate.

Crafted by Cacaosuyo using cacao from Junin, the bar was named the overall winner at this year’s global competition.

Known informally as the “Chocolate Oscars,” the International Chocolate Awards are organised by a global network of specialists in cacao, gastronomy, and sensory analysis. The competition follows a regional format, with the Latin American round held in April and the final event taking place in Florence, Italy.

“On a personal level, having created a chocolate that has been recognised as the best in the world is an immense joy, because the idea and the whole concept of cacao came from the very beginning. The goal was to present Peruvian cacao to the world through our chocolate,” said Samir Giha, founder of Theobroma Inversiones and creator of the Cacaosuyo brand.

“I decided to make chocolate 12 years ago because it was something I was passionate about. I loved chocolate, and my daughters and I would talk about creating something nutritious but also delicious and sweet,” he told Viory.

Cacaosuyo has received consistent recognition in recent years. Its dark chocolate bars from Amazonas, Cusco, and Piura have earned World Gold for four consecutive years. The Piura Milk bar has also won five World Gold awards, including one for best milk chocolate.

In this year’s final, the El Ganso 70% bar outperformed entries from Europe , Africa, and Asia. The 2025 competition saw over 3,500 chocolate samples submitted from across the world. Latin American producers were well represented, with at least ten countries participating.

“I am doing this because I want to promote and preserve our culture , to show everyone that this is who we are, and we are proud of our culture,” Masaloon shared with Viory.

The footage shows Masaloon collecting the rats with other tribe members before preparing them in traditional ways. She says the dish has been passed down for generations. “Our father, our mother, taught us how to catch them and cook. It has been eaten since the time of our ancestors... even by the new generation today,” she said.

Despite the growing support online, Masaloon has also faced online ridicule, with some commenters mocking her appearance. “All of those hurtful words, I just use them as a way to make myself stronger,” she said.

Ambow Girl has over 220,000 followers and continues to share her tribal life.

Inspired by traffic lights, Aston devised the colour-coded warning system after confusion during the 1966 World Cup. The innovation quickly became a universal feature of football, defining refereeing for decades to come.

Now, more than 50 years later, another officiating milestone has emerged from the Global South. 

At the Fifa Under-20 World Cup in Chile, Morocco became the first team to use Fifa’s new “green card” system, which allows coaches to formally challenge refereeing decisions and request a video review.

Morocco’s coach, Hicham Dmia, flashed the green card during a match against Spain to dispute a penalty call. The challenge led to the decision being overturned — and Morocco went on to win 2–0, marking the system’s first successful use.

The trial, which gives each team two challenges per game, is part of Fifa’s broader effort to rebuild trust in officiating following widespread criticism of VAR. Supporters say it adds transparency and accountability, while critics fear it could disrupt the game’s flow or encourage tactical delays.

Fifa says the green card system will remain on trial throughout the tournament before officials decide whether to expand it to senior competitions.

For the football-obsessed nations of the Global South, the developments reaffirm their place at the centre of the sport ’s evolution, not just in producing players but also in shaping the way the game is played and governed.

“It’s completely unthinkable,” said Oeivind Stenersen, a historian who has studied the Nobel Peace Prize extensively. Speaking to AFP, Stenersen said Trump is “in many ways the opposite of the ideals that the Nobel Prize represents.”  

“The Nobel Peace Prize is about defending multilateral cooperation, for example, through the UN,” Stenersen added. “Trump breaks with that principle. He follows his own path, unilaterally.”

Trump has claimed he ended “six or seven wars” during his presidency, a figure experts call grossly exaggerated. While he often highlights the Abraham Accords, normalisation deals between Israel and several Arab states, analysts say those moves alone don’t align with the prize’s mission to reward diplomacy, peacebuilding, and respect for international law.

The Nobel Prizes are considered among the world’s most prestigious honours and will be announced next week, starting with medicine on Monday and ending with economics the following Monday. The Peace Prize winner will be revealed in Oslo on October 10.

“Today, I set a new record by pulling a 700-ton ship, surpassing the previous Ukrainian record of 614 tons. Thanks to God and the people who stood by me,” Kabonga said after completing the attempt.

Guinness World Records officials were present to verify the achievement.

“Today, Captain Ashraf Kabonga pulled a ship, and then two ships weighing a total of 700 tons, using only his teeth,” said Guinness adjudicator Mohamed Elnakeeb. “He accomplished the feat in two attempts, setting a new world record that no one has ever achieved before,” he added.

This isn’t Kabonga’s first time making headlines for his superhuman strength. The Egyptian wrestler already holds records for pulling the heaviest locomotive, a 279-ton train, and a subway car.

Those defeats prompted the party’s founder, Shinji Ishimaru, a former mayor of a small city in western Japan, to resign. His replacement, Koki Okumura, a 25-year-old doctoral student specializing in artificial intelligence at Kyoto University, has now taken an unusual step: ceding the party’s leadership role to an AI system.

The chatbot, represented by a cartoon penguin, will be tasked with handling clerical functions such as allocating party resources. 

“The party will entrust decision-making to AI.” the Kyoto University student announced in a press conference. “Legally, the representative must be a natural person, so formally, a human serves as the representative.”

Though Path to Rebirth is a small party, its move reflects a growing willingness worldwide to hand decision-making power — or at least decision-support roles — to algorithms.

In September, Albania announced what it called the world ’s first AI-generated “minister,” tasked with monitoring public procurement and combating corruption.

The Path to Rebirth party sees its experiment as a way to make politics more inclusive. Its website declares a belief that anyone interested in politics should have a chance to participate.

“I believe it has the potential to achieve things with greater precision than humans. This approach allows us to carefully consider voices that are often overlooked by humans, potentially creating a more inclusive and humane environment for political participation,” Okumura told CNN . 

Some dismiss the move as a publicity stunt, while others warn that using AI in governance raises serious questions about accountability and public trust. This, especially after recent controversies in the West, where chatbots have been implicated in harmful advice to vulnerable users.

Analysts say the high charges make African carriers less competitive than foreign airlines operating from regions with lower taxation . East African officials are now pushing for reforms. Andrea Aguer Ariik, EAC Deputy Secretary General, has urged member states to fast-track the signing of EAC Air Transport Market Liberalisation Regulations, which would open up regional skies under a multilateral framework.

“Once adopted by the SC-TCM and thereafter signed and ratified by the partner States, the air transport market in the EAC will be fully liberalised. Partner states will subsequently negotiate their regional air transport bilateral arrangements under the Multilateral Air Services Agreement,” said Ariik during the 19th Meeting of Directors General of Civil Aviation and Airports Authorities.

The 28-year-old chef, who made global headlines in 2023 for her Guinness World Record cook-a-thon, said she meticulously planned this new challenge to stay true to the authentic taste of Nigerian jollof rice.

The record-breaking attempt required staggering quantities of ingredients: 4,000 kilograms of basmati rice, 500 cartons of tomato paste, and 600 kilograms of onions.

Founded by Daniel Bumbash, the Soft Ground Wrestling academy behind the viral clips is a real camp which trains students to practice the extreme sport safely. The major principle for Bumbash’s raw and risky academy is that only the healthy can survive.

“This sport is very, very dangerous,” Bumbash admits. “If you’ve had surgery, if you have HIV, ulcers, or other health issues, this isn’t for you. Our training starts with running 60 kilometres through sugar plantations to test stamina. The first lesson? Learning how to fall, how to fall on your back.”

Despite their improvised rings, thin ropes tied to bamboo sticks over soft ground,  the fighters’ stamina and witty style have caught international attention. American professionals like Mansoor Abdul Aziz and Mason D. Madden have travelled to Uganda to train and encourage the trainees.

“The ground is soft, but wrestling always hurts,” Mansoor told NTV. “This is a brand-new style of wrestling. Look at the ring they made with their blood, their sweat, their passion, their tears,” he added

Madden, on the other hand, sees something bigger, he said, “Professional wrestling doesn’t exist here in Uganda, it doesn’t exist here in Africa really. So you look in the world and you know American-style wrestling, Lucha Libre-style wrestling, and Japanese-style wrestling. Right here is where African style can be born, and that’s on you.”

From dirt to WWE dreams

The underground wrestling gained even more legitimacy and popularity when WWE star Cody Rhodes donated a professional wrestling ring to the group, shipped directly to Kampala.

“When I told him our biggest challenge was a ring, he said, done,” Bumbash recalled. “Many people will ask for money, but I asked for a ring just as I’m asking for somebody help us with land. Cody Rhodes inspires me so much, just as he was inspired by his father. He also says if the talent is okay, he will pull it over to his academy in the future.” 

The group already holds live shows every Sunday at 2 p.m., with two official titles - the Tag Team Championship and the Heavyweight Championship - both donated by Cody Rhodes. 

Tickets cost just about $1.

Operational cost

Running the academy isn’t cheap. Wrestlers eat up to 100 kilos a day, Bumbash says. He adds that 100 students eat two cow thighs in one sitting. On top of that, malaria and cramped accommodations add to the costs. But he insists the payoff is worth it. “These young men could be on the streets. Instead, I keep them here, train them, discipline them. No stealing, no foul language, no violence. I’ve expelled 25 already. Here, they become sportsmen.”

Noting that, “The idea of painting with both my hand and foot at the same time started in 2019. I had a performance exactly a month later. When the idea came to me, I began asking people around me for their opinions, and they kept telling me it was impossible. They kept debating with me, saying that, scientifically, it's not possible to achieve muscular and mental coordination - that the brain can't make two decisions at once. They said it was nearly impossible,” he told Viory.

Bebaoui further noted that he pursued his vision through persistence and training. “I never believed it was impossible. When God inspired me with this idea, I felt I could achieve it. However, when I began practising, I encountered numerous challenges and sometimes felt overwhelmed.”

Videos from his performances show Bebaoui balancing on one leg while painting with his foot and hand simultaneously, creating two works of art in reverse. He has painted renowned world personalities including footballer Mohammed Salah.

Speaking on his future endeavours, the artist says his ambitions go beyond his current achievements. “My ambitions in the coming period are to apply to the Guinness World Records as the first artist in the world to paint with both his hand and foot at the same time - as if they were two completely different individuals, working in reverse, and within a record time. This is the approach I plan to take for my Guinness application. There will be a lot of diverse work, not just with the hand and foot - I will continue to develop myself further, and I won't stop at a certain stage. I hope to register this achievement in the Guinness World Records.”

Hernández completed the 3.84-kilometre swim in 1 hour, 6 minutes, and 15 seconds, beating the previous women’s world record set by Poland’s Izabela Babica, who swam 3.54 kilometres in Lake Strzeszynskie earlier this year at 4.02°C.

The Chilean swimmer began her attempt at 9:44 a.m., braving icy waters where the feels-like temperature was just 3°C. Her body temperature quickly dropped, and by the time she left the water, she was in hypothermia, with a core temperature of only 31°C.

Her achievement comes only a month after Hernández made headlines with her historic double crossing of the English Channel, swimming for more than 27 continuous hours.

The Ice Mermaid already holds three Guinness World Records: the fastest ice mile and longest swim at Cape Horn in 2022, and two Antarctic records in 2023 for the longest polar swim and as the only woman to complete a 2.5-kilometre swim in Antarctic waters.

The festival’s name is a portmanteau of cinema and laya — “freedom” in Filipino — reflecting its mission to champion filmmakers who “boldly articulate and freely interpret the Filipino experience.” It also aims to position the Philippines as “the cinematic centre of creativity and free artistic expression” in Asia. 

For more than 20 years, Cinemalaya has done just that. 

But its 21st edition arrived with unusual challenges. Two years ago, it was forced to move out of its longtime home at the CCP, now under renovation. Funding setbacks then forced a delay, moving its usual August run to October. 

This year’s theme, “ Layag sa Alon, Hangin, at Unos ” — in English, “Sail through the Waves, Winds, and Storms” — acknowledges this turbulence.

“We thought everything would be smooth sailing,” festival director Chris Millado admitted during Cinemalaya’s September 3 press conference. “But no. Cinemalaya, as you might have heard, almost capsized.” 

Despite setbacks, the festival pressed ahead. From October 3 to 12, 20 films will be screened at Shangri-La Mall cinemas in Metro Manila, continuing Cinemalaya’s tradition of presenting independent voices to wider audiences.

“Remember, 21 years ago, the whole Filipino industry was caught in the doldrums. There were no waves. It was stagnant,” Millado recalled. “And through Cinemalaya, it started to persevere and soften until it started harnessing the direction of this wave after wave of a new breed of filmmakers and their storytelling.”

Among this year’s entries is “ Republika ng Pipolipinas ,” the full-length directorial debut of Renei Dimla. The film tells the story of a disillusioned farmer who renounces her Filipino citizenship and establishes her own micronation to resist a government project that threatens to seize her land. 

The premise resonates strongly in a country where agriculture remains central to livelihoods, and where recent investigations into flood-control infrastructure have exposed deep-seated corruption.

“It’s a mockumentary because it brings together people from all walks of life — a mother whose child was killed during the drug war, an artist without government support. They all form the republic,” Dimlai told Global South, noting the social commentary aspect of the film.

Transgender struggles take the spotlight in Kevin Alambra’s “ Warla ,” a crime drama loosely inspired by real events. It follows a 19-year-old transgender woman who finds the family she longs for in a gang of trans sisters that kidnaps foreign men to fund gender-affirming surgeries.

The Philippines is home to the largest trans population in Asia — about 239,000 people, according to World Population Review. Yet in a predominantly Catholic country, queer communities continue to face stigma and discrimination.

“I felt the need to tell it and to humanise trans women because real people are behind this story,” Alambra told Global South World. “We hope that people start to be more active in understanding transgender lives, because it’s their lives we’re discussing.” 

Another feature, “ Paglilitis ” (The Trial) by Cheska Marfori, focuses on an employee persuaded by a determined lawyer to file charges against her powerful former boss, who had sexually harassed her in the workplace.

Set in the Philippines — dubbed the “social media capital of the world,” where nearly three-quarters of the population is online — the film examines how support and backlash collide in a digital space shaped by the rise of so-called woke culture.

“The patriarchy is deeply embedded in the office in this story, along with the power structures that sustain it,” Marfori told Global South World. “The office becomes a representation of the Philippines and, on a larger scale, the world.”

Other full-length features in the competition are “Bloom Where You Are Planted" by Nonilon Abao, "Child No. 82" by Tim Rone, "Cinemartyrs" by Sari Dalena, "Habang Nilalamon ng Hydra ang Kasaysayan" by Dustin Celestino, "Padamlágan" (Night Light) by Jenn Romano, "Open Endings" by Nigel Santos and Keavy Vicente, and "Raging" by Ryan Machado.

Screenings will primarily be held at Shangri-La Plaza, with Ayala Malls Cinemas and Gateway Cineplex also serving as festival venues.

1. Quantum Computing

Quantum computing has long been seen as a futuristic concept, but it is quickly becoming a reality. Unlike classical computers that process information in binary, quantum systems harness the principles of superposition and entanglement, allowing them to solve problems that would take today’s fastest supercomputers thousands of years.

Companies like Google, IBM, and Microsoft are investing heavily, with Google claiming it could build a million-qubit machine by the end of the decade. This shift has enormous implications for fields such as drug discovery, where quantum processors could simulate complex molecules, and finance, where they may optimise portfolios and manage systemic risks. But the rise of quantum also poses risks—particularly for cybersecurity, as current encryption systems could be broken by quantum-powered attacks.

Experts warn that businesses and governments need to start preparing for a post-quantum world, where encryption protocols will need to be re-engineered to withstand this new computational power.

2. 6G Networks

Expected to roll out in the early 2030s, 6G will combine terahertz-frequency communications with built-in artificial intelligence to deliver “zero latency” experiences . This means entire cities, vehicles, and even factories could operate with seamless real-time coordination.

One of the most exciting applications will be in immersive technologies, think holographic communication, remote surgery with robotic precision, and ultra-high-definition streaming that adapts instantly to user needs. Researchers also see 6G as a backbone for the Internet of Things, enabling billions of devices to connect simultaneously without network strain.

Analysts estimate that 6G could contribute more than $13 trillion to the global economy by 2035, driving growth across healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing.

3. Biotechnology and gene editing: Medicine gets personal

Advances in biotechnology and gene editing are expected to fundamentally transform healthcare in the next decade. With CRISPR gene-editing tools becoming more precise and affordable, doctors may soon correct genetic mutations before they cause disease.

Beyond treatment, biotech is reshaping diagnostics. AI-powered health tools now analyse everything from retinal scans to genomic sequences, offering predictive medicine that spots illnesses years before symptoms appear.

By 2030, experts predict a healthcare model centred on personalisation, where therapies are tailored to a patient’s unique genetic makeup (Poddar Group).

4. Autonomous and edge-powered systems: machines that think

Automation is not new, but the convergence of AI, robotics, and edge computing is pushing it into new territories. Delivery drones, warehouse robots, and even self-driving cars are becoming part of everyday infrastructure. By processing data at the edge—closer to where it’s generated—machines can make split-second decisions without relying on distant cloud servers.

The rise of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) could transform urban transport, while autonomous ships and freight vehicles promise to streamline global trade. These systems will not only reduce costs but also improve safety and efficiency.

Analysts point out that as batteries improve and AI becomes more adaptive, autonomous systems will increasingly interact with each other, creating networks of machines that collaborate without human intervention.

5. Energy and climate tech: powering a green future

Perhaps the most urgent frontier is in energy and climate technology. With the climate crisis accelerating, breakthroughs in green hydrogen, fusion power, and solid-state batteries could reshape the global energy landscape.

Green hydrogen, produced using renewable electricity, is seen as a viable replacement for fossil fuels in heavy industries like steel and shipping. Markets for this fuel are projected to reach $199 billion by 2034. Meanwhile, the race for fusion energy, a technology once thought of as science fiction, has accelerated.

Battery innovation is also central. Solid-state batteries, being tested by companies like Toyota, promise to hold more charge, recharge faster, and last longer than current lithium-ion alternatives. This could accelerate the global shift to electric vehicles while making renewable energy storage more reliable.

The race to lead in these fields will also shape geopolitics, as nations and companies compete for dominance in patents, infrastructure, and human capital. By 2030, the balance of power may be determined not by military strength alone but by who can harness these transformative tools most effectively.

“Salt contains magnesium, and it has a positive charge component to it,” he explained. “Like a battery, you need the plus and the minus. For the positive side, you can use copper or aluminium, and for the negative side, carbon or other materials,” he told Global South World .

When both electrodes are placed in a cup of salt water, a reaction occurs that generates electricity. The process is similar to a conventional battery, where chemicals inside react with components to produce energy.

Dundas says the challenge lies in amplifying and converting the raw current into usable voltage through circuits. His team has been testing different elements to find the most effective combination.

Unlike acid-based batteries, he stresses that salt water is safe. “It does not affect the skin because we swim in the sea every day. Salt water doesn’t burn the skin like acid does, and it’s safe for the environment ,” he said.

Dundas believes salt water could one day provide a quick, reliable and eco-friendly power source for homes, hospitals, and schools.

Accommodation at the site starts at 30 yuan (about $4.15 ) per night, with prices rising to 80 yuan (about $11 ) after the fourth day.

The initiative was founded by Chen Yani, known as “Keke.” She said her own negative experiences with men in the workplace encouraged her to establish a space where women could feel at ease.

Her first experiment came during the Lunar New Year, when she invited women through the social media platform Xiaohongshu, also called Rednote. Twelve women arrived for the initial stay.

Some participants said they wanted to escape persistent family questions about marriage and children . Others joined to take a temporary break from caring responsibilities or simply to enjoy a change of surroundings.

“Within the family, women often have to take care of grandparents, children and household chores. Not to mention work responsibilities,” Chen said. “They need a place where they don’t have to play a role and can just be themselves.”

"Personally, I worked in a high-pressure environment for a long time. I hope to have a space where I can fully relax," she added. "When I had the idea [of creating this space], I feel that maybe lots of women are in the same predicament, so they would also need such a place like this."

Social media has played a key role in spreading awareness of alternative lifestyles. Platforms like Rednote are increasingly used to promote communities and connect women with similar interests.

In Beijing, a cultural space called "Half the Sky" has been established to give women a venue for social and creative activities. Its founder, Lilith Jiang, said such projects address a gap in daily life.

“Men have plenty of opportunities to socialise, while drinking or while exercising,” she said. “Women don’t have that.”

Jiang added that women-only communities could also provide a longer-term answer for those worried about ageing alone.

“Women are constantly told: ‘If you don’t get married, what will become of you when you get older?’” she said. “But long-term, all-female shared co-living spaces where women can grow old together could be a solution.”

But her work goes far beyond the classroom. Through her personal project, Femafricmaths, Tabiri is amplifying the voices and stories of African women in mathematics, a project she began during her PhD studies in Glasgow, UK. “I couldn’t find mentors who looked like me,” she recalls. “I wanted to change this narrative.”

"The goal is to bridge the gap, the gender gap in math, and also to inspire more girls to pursue mathematics-related fields. In my private life, I manage Femafricmaths, an initiative I started when I was studying for a PhD in Glasgow in the UK. I looked around me and I couldn't find mentors who looked like me, or I couldn't hear their stories either online or in person, and I wanted to change this narrative," she told Global South World in an interview.

Her teaching style blends cultural familiarity with academic rigour. She uses examples rooted in everyday Ghanaian life, such as explaining the geometry behind a 'koko' (porridge) seller’s pan, and often teaches in local languages. “If you explain in a language the child dreams in, they get it,” she says.

What began as storytelling on social media has evolved into community outreach and online maths clubs for primary school children. For Tabiri, the subject is about more than solving for ‘x.’ “Maths isn’t only about finding answers,” she says. “It’s about finding purpose.”

Here are the seven contenders to watch:

Samuel Doria Medina

At 66, centre-right social democrat Samuel Doria Medina is one of Bolivia’s richest men and a familiar face in presidential politics. He has run for the top job three times before, in 2005, 2009, and 2014, without success. Owner of hotel chains and the country’s Burger King franchise, Doria Medina is positioning himself as a pro-business alternative. Polls put him in front as the election approaches.

Jorge ‘Tuto’ Quiroga

Jorge Quiroga , 65, is no stranger to Bolivia’s highest office, having served as president from 2001 to 2002. He began his political career as vice president to Hugo Banzer, the former dictator who returned to power via the ballot box in 1997. A right-wing politician with decades in public service, Quiroga’s résumé includes terms as president of Congress, finance minister, and leader of the opposition. He is known for his ties to international policy circles, including a stint as a Woodrow Wilson Scholar.

Andrónico Rodríguez

At 36, Andrónico Rodríguez is the youngest major contender and the only leftist leading in the polls. A cocalero activist, political scientist, and trade unionist, he serves as president of the Senate and is vice president of Evo Morales’ coca-farming union. Running under the Alianza Popular ticket, Rodríguez represents a younger generation of Movement for Socialism (MAS)-aligned politicians seeking to retain the party’s influence.

Eduardo del Castillo

Carlos Eduardo del Castillo del Carpio served as Bolivia’s Minister of Interior from 2020 to May 2025. Known for his hardline security policies, he is the official candidate for MAS in this election. The 36-year-old lawyer by training, Del Castillo’s candidacy signals MAS’s intent to rally its base while appealing to voters concerned about public order.   

Eva Copa

Eva Copa, 38, shook Bolivia’s political scene in 2021 when she won the mayorship of El Alto, the country’s second-largest city, defeating her former party, MAS. She is running with the National Renovation Movement (Morena). A former president of the Senate and senator for La Paz, Copa is seen as a symbol of political independence and grassroots strength.

Manfred Reyes Villa

Manfred Reyes Villa is 70 years old and a seasoned political figure and the current mayor of Cochabamba. He previously served in the same role in the 1990s before a high-profile conviction in absentia in 2013 for “anti-economic conduct” related to a highway project. Despite legal controversies, he staged a political comeback in 2021, winning the mayoralty with 55% of the vote. He is running on the Autonomía Para Bolivia ticket. 

Rodrigo Paz Pereira

Rodrigo Paz Pereira, 58, is running with the Partido Demócrata Cristiano (Christian Democratic Party). He has served as senator for Tarija since 2020 and previously as mayor of the city from 2015 to 2020. The son of former president Jaime Paz Zamora, his political career spans nearly two decades, including roles in the Chamber of Deputies and as president of the Tarija Municipal Council.

Women are thought to have genetic and hormonal protections that contribute to lower mortality from certain diseases.

Men, on the other hand, are more likely to engage in risky behaviours and suffer from health issues such as cardiovascular disease at a younger age.

Luo Changsheng, a member of the Tsinghua University Robot Football Team, explained their approach to programming the robots.

"We adopted a method combining imitation learning and reinforcement learning. Specifically, we first use imitation learning to show human actions to the robot, then let the robot iterate thousands or even tens of thousands of times in a simulation environment ," Changsheng told AFP in an interview.

"This allows it to independently learn the essence of human movements, ultimately enabling it to dribble like a human and shoot the ball like a human," he added.

The student also expressed confidence in China's ability to produce top-notch robots, but admitted that there remain areas to improve on, especially in other sports.

“I believe China’s humanoid robot hardware is among the most advanced in the world, both in terms of industrial development and humanoid robot design. However, we still need to catch up in certain areas of control algorithms, such as enabling robots to play badminton or table tennis.”

The current record was set in 2014 by Canadian powerlifter Kevin Fast, who pulled 15 vehicles, each weighing around 850 - 900 kg. For nearly 12 years, that benchmark remained untouched until now.

"Kevin Fast set the record in 2014. Since then, no one could break it for nearly 12 years. Yet only me, the Egyptian, succeeded," Kabonga declared. "God willing, I will submit all the video footage, photos, and links to the Guinness World Records website to document this great event."

Cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd, Kabonga dragged the line of vehicles a full 10 metres, surpassing the minimum requirement for the record.

"Thanks to God, I managed to pull the vehicles for 10 metres. I can pull for 11 or even 12 metres, but I prefer not to be less than 10," he added with a smile.

If confirmed by Guinness World Records, Kabonga will become the new world record holder for the most vehicles pulled by an individual.