Benin’s petanque passion as World Championship host

Evan Gershkovich was arrested in late March in Russia on espionage charges. The court extended his pre-trial detention until January 30.

France will ban smoking on beaches and public parks, the country's health minister said on Tuesday, presenting a series of measures as the government looks to prevent 75,000 tobacco-related deaths per year. The measures — part of a government plan to combat smoking — aim to create a “tobacco-free generation by 2032.”

In 1940, during World War II, a group of tirailleurs – soldiers from what were then French colonies – fought the invading German army. In France's Rhône region, just outside of Lyon, these brave men faced the enemy. Many were taken prisoner and ruthlessly executed. A military cemetery has been erected in their honour, taking the form of a traditional Senegalese burial ground.

A government with seemingly unlimited power, a weak and divided opposition and a rebellious former PM accused of corruption are destabilizing Albanian politics and have led to incendiary scenes in parliament.

Thailand has welcomed the return of a majority of its citizens who'd been held captive in Gaza, while also observing a minute of silence for the 39 others killed during the October 7 Hamas attacks. Thais made up the largest non-Israeli group among the hostages. In order to recover some of these migrant workers, the government turned to Iran for support. We tell you more.

People in scores of rainforest nations could be paid to preserve forest areas under a concept announced by the Brazilian president. It is unclear if the plan will get off the ground.