Rorisang Modiba brings you daily global updates.

Sweden – A Swedish minister is very scared of bananas. Her staff must check that there are no bananas in any room before she visits. This was revealed when emails about it were made public. She posted online that she has this unusual fear and is receiving help for it. Just seeing or smelling bananas can make her feel sick and anxious.

World – The UN reports that 85,000 women were killed by men in 2023. Most deaths (60%) were caused by someone close to them, such as family members or partners. About 140 women and girls die this way every day worldwide. The UN says the home is the most dangerous place for women. Africa recorded the highest number of these killings, followed by the Americas. Many countries do not keep reliable records of these deaths.

Baku – At UN climate talks in Baku, rich countries agreed to provide $300 billion annually by 2035 to help poorer nations tackle climate change. This is more than the previous $100 billion promise, but far less than the $1.3 trillion that developing countries requested. Many poorer nations and small island states expressed strong dissatisfaction with this deal, saying it was grossly insufficient. Some even walked out of the talks in protest.

Siberia – Galina Ivanova survived 11 days alone in a Siberian forest after getting lost while exploring. She had no food, survived on snow and rainwater, and climbed trees for shelter. Despite her poor eyesight and the threat of bears, she persevered to see her family again. She was rescued when searchers followed the sound of a mysterious dog barking, though no dog was ever found. Galina believes it was a messenger from God.

Pictured above: Bananas.

Source: Stock