Muharram in Madagascar: Shia communities across Iraq, Russia, the U.S., Tanzania and Madagascar have started Muharram mourning ceremonies and service programs ahead of Tasu’a and Ashura, including gatherings at mosques and Hussainiyas and youth-focused cultural activities. Madagascar–Russia ties: Madagascar’s foreign minister Alice N’Diaye met Russia’s Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, with both sides highlighting cooperation in energy, agriculture, infrastructure, health, mining and education; Seychelles also confirmed it will attend the Russia–Africa Summit in October. Education & language: Madagascar’s higher education minister says Russian knowledge is a major advantage for students as ties with Russia expand, and suggests Russian could become an academic subject nationwide. Higher education cooperation: The same minister met Samara Polytech leadership to discuss engineering partnerships and training opportunities for Malagasy students, including support for Russian language teaching. Food security warning: UN food agencies warn acute hunger will worsen in hot spots including Madagascar, driven by conflict, funding shortages and climate shocks. Culture & youth theatre: “Madagascar: A Musical Adventure Kids” is set to open as a youth production, bringing the island adventure to the stage for families. Biodiversity spotlight: Lesser tenrecs—hedgehog-like mammals from Madagascar—have arrived at a UK zoo, raising awareness about habitat loss and hunting pressures.