Higher Education & Russia Ties: Madagascar’s Higher Education minister says Russian helps students access scientific and agricultural know-how, with plans to expand Russian teaching and a new training programme for teachers. Biodiversity & Conservation: Lesser tenrecs—hedgehog-like mammals from Madagascar—have arrived at UK zoos, spotlighting the island’s unique wildlife and the threats of deforestation and hunting. Culture & Faith: Muharram 1448 AH rituals continue in Mahajanga as Shia communities raise the Husseini mourning flag at Sultan al-Muallifin Hussainiya, keeping Ashura traditions alive. University Milestone: The University of Antananarivo marks its 65th anniversary with government leaders, pledging campus expansion and student housing improvements. Food Security Watch: UN agencies warn acute hunger will worsen in multiple hotspots, adding Madagascar to the list as conflict, funding gaps and climate shocks drive famine risk. Women’s Sport: Madagascar is among teams set to compete in Botswana’s first Billie Jean King Cup Africa Group III event, aimed at boosting girls’ tennis and development pathways. Climate Reality for Children: UNICEF reports almost all children worldwide face climate hazards, with overlapping risks threatening health, water, learning and safety.