Arnold Barboza Jr. secured a victory over Xolisani Ndongeni, signaling his readiness to face top competitors in the 140-pound boxing division. Barboza, now with Golden Boy Promotions, is eyeing fights against notable names like Ryan Garcia and Teofimo Lopez. Despite a minor injury, Barboza dominated the fight from the sixth round, and his performance has kept him in contention for the WBO title. The article also mentions a ringside altercation involving Bernard Hopkins and Billy Haney.

Boxer Roy Jones Jr. and other notable figures contributed to a Guinness World Record painting aimed at promoting global unity. The canvas, which has traveled the world including the United Nations and the International Space Station, features contributions from over 2,070 individuals from more than 200 countries. The project, which includes Hollywood talent, musicians, and international sports stars, has been displayed at significant events such as COP28 UAE and aims to symbolize peace, environmental sustainability, and the shared human spirit.

Israeli biotech firm Pluri is developing PLX-R18, a novel treatment for Hematopoietic Acute Radiation Syndrome (H-ARS), and has signed a $4.2 million contract with the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the US Department of Defense. The treatment aims to prevent bone marrow degradation from radiation exposure and could be added to the US Strategic National Stockpile. The partnership reflects changing geopolitics and the need for cost-effective, scalable medical countermeasures for radiation sickness.

Pluri, an Israeli biotech firm, has developed a new treatment for radiation sickness, PLX-R18 cell therapy, aimed at rapid deployment post-nuclear events. The company signed a $4.2 million contract with the US NIAID and AFRRI to advance the treatment's development. This collaboration is a response to increased nuclear threats and aims to provide a scalable, cost-effective solution for acute radiation syndrome. The treatment could be added to the US Strategic National Stockpile, reflecting a shift in defense strategies due to changing geopolitics.

Lennart Bolliger's book 'Apartheid’s Black Soldiers Un-national Wars and Militaries in Southern Africa,' published by Ohio University Press, explores the overlooked history of Black soldiers in Southern Africa's conflicts during the Cold War era. It examines the roles of Namibians who fought against SWAPO and Angolan soldiers who joined the South African Army, forming a Portuguese-speaking elite unit. The book also delves into the 32nd Battalion's transformation from an Angolan rebel group to a police unit in Africa, and the post-Apartheid fates of these soldiers, including their involvement in mercenary activities and advocacy for veterans' rights in Namibia. The work is noted for giving voice to the participants and is recommended for those interested in African conflicts, proxy forces, and combatant re-integration.

The article discusses the situation in the town of Bunagana in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the militant group M23 has established a de facto capital amidst ongoing peace talks in Kampala. M23, composed mostly of former members of the CNDP, has seized control of a significant territory in eastern DRC and is training new officials in governance and ideology, drawing inspiration from figures like Che Guevara and Gandhi. The group has implemented various administrative and environmental policies under the leadership of M23 cadres, such as Benjamin Mbonimpa. Despite their efforts to portray a benevolent administration, M23 faces criticism for human rights abuses and is involved in peace negotiations that could determine their future role in the region.

The article explores the evolution of the Personified-Death figure in early Renaissance illustrations of Petrarch’s 'Triumph of Death'. Initially, Death was depicted as a Reaper collecting sinners, but later became associated with peaceful deathbeds and the promise of heavenly reward. This shift was influenced by a mix of secular and devotional poetry, theology, and Latin literature, reflecting a mortality that reassured viewers of their salvation. The article also discusses the role of reflective looking, influenced by theological and poetic traditions, which allowed for rich contemplative interpretations of the images. Additionally, it examines the development of beliefs about the beatific vision and how images of Personified-Death with donor-figures and the Virgin Mary may represent the successful completion of a Christian’s journey to the beatific vision.

In Burkina Faso, militias like the Volunteers for the Defense of the Fatherland (VDP), formed by the government in 2020, are responding to terrorist threats. The VDP, including members from various religious backgrounds and traditional hunter brotherhoods known as Dozos, has faced controversy and accusations of human rights violations. The country's history of coups and the recent rise in insurgency highlight the complex interplay of military, cultural, and religious dynamics. Kibsa Ouedraogo, a local chief and VDP commander, embodies the intersection of traditional animist beliefs and the fight against terrorism. Despite concerns of interethnic conflict, the VDP is seen by some as necessary minutemen in the struggle against jihadist forces.

The book 'Architectural Guide: Sub Saharan Africa' from Dom Publishers, edited by Philipp Meuser, Adil Dalbai, and Livingstone Mukasa, is a comprehensive study of Africa's diverse architecture. The work, which took six years to complete, includes 49 chapters on individual African countries, over 5,000 photos, and contributions from 350 experts. It provides insights into secular, cultural, religious, and governmental structures, offering a coherent narrative and context. The series is useful for CEOs in the architectural field and anyone interested in Africa, providing knowledge beyond the built environment and serving as a conversation starter with its detailed coverage of famous and lesser-known buildings.

Malaysian Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin reaffirmed his commitment to a free and open South China Sea at the 37th ASEAN Summit, amid territorial disputes with China. Malaysia has increased defense capabilities, detained Chinese nationals for illegal fishing, and received U.S. support, including surveillance drones. Yassin's administration has also challenged China's maritime claims at the United Nations. The PRC's One Belt, One Road program has been implicated in corruption and illicit dealings in Malaysia, as detailed in a report by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

The article discusses the potential for the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand to form a joint space agency, known as CANZUK, following the UK's departure from the European Union's space initiatives. It highlights the varying stages of space program development among the CANZUK countries and the economic benefits of investing in space technology. The piece suggests that a CANZUK space agency could focus on telecommunications, satellite networks, and space-oriented startups, and could also advocate for updates to the Outer Space Treaty. The article argues that such collaboration could be beneficial for all parties involved and is in line with the UK government's National Space Council's objectives.

China's fishing fleet, the world's largest due to unfair subsidies, is engaging in 'illegal, unregulated and underreported' fishing, posing a threat to global food security and sovereignty. This activity is prevalent in the South China Sea, where China's territorial claims are disputed by ASEAN countries. Incidents involving Chinese vessels have occurred in East Asia and globally, with significant economic and diplomatic repercussions. International pressure is mounting on China to regulate its fleet and end subsidies, as unsustainable fishing rates threaten the primary protein source for billions and could lead to seafood becoming a luxury.

In the western Balkans, Huawei's advertisements are prominent in North Macedonia, but absent in Kosovo. A senior Kosovar government official in Pristina discussed China's minimal role in the country, contrasting with Japan's increasing involvement.

Ghana is expanding its space economy, having launched its first satellite, GhanaSat-1, in 2017 with the help of Japan's Kyushu Institute of Technology and JAXA. The satellite, which cost US$500,000 and was operational for nearly two years, was used for environmental monitoring and training scientists. Ghana's space efforts began with the Kuntunse Intelsat Satellite Earth Station in 1981 and evolved into the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute. The country is part of the SKA Africa partnership and has converted a telecommunications antenna into a radio telescope. Other initiatives include the SAT4Farming project to aid cocoa farmers. Sub-Saharan African countries are increasingly participating in space technology, with South Africa and Nigeria leading the way. The African Union has plans for an African Space Agency, though it's behind schedule. The African space industry is valued at US$7.37 billion and is expected to grow significantly.

W.E.B Du Bois, an African-American intellectual, spent his last years in Ghana, where his home is now a memorial featuring Chinese decorations and photos of his meeting with Mao Zedong. China's historical ties with Ghana date back to at least the 1940s, with the relationship strengthening during the presidency of Kwame Nkrumah. Today, China's influence in Ghana is evident, with companies like Huawei establishing a presence. However, the term 'galamsey' is often associated with illegal Chinese mining operations in Ghana, which have led to environmental damage and tension with local miners. Despite crackdowns and arrests, illegal mining by Chinese nationals persists. The China-Africa Development Fund, established in 2007, operates in Ghana, reflecting the country's importance to China. Relations between Ghana and China are described as sometimes sweet, a little bit sour, but generally improving.

The article discusses the interest of foreign companies, particularly Turkey's Genel Energy, in the untapped oil reserves of Somaliland, a self-declared republic in northern Somalia. Despite its efforts to gain international recognition and participation in anti-piracy efforts, Somaliland has not received significant support for its independence. The region sees oil as a potential path to development and financial stability. However, there are territorial disputes over oil blocks, particularly in the Nugaal valley, with claims from Puntland, the Mogadishu government, and local factions. The article also touches on the internal political dynamics of Somaliland and the concerns of the local Dulbahante sub-clan regarding oil exploration.