CLIMATE: The United Nation’s weather agency today confirmed a reading of 48.8°C in Sicily two years ago as the hottest temperature ever recorded in Europe.

The World Meteorological Organisation said that the new high was picked up on August 11 2021.

The figure soared past the previous European record of 48°C recorded in the Greek cities of Athens and Elefsina in July 1977.

VIETNAM: Philippines and Vietnam signed an agreement today on preventing and managing incidents in the disputed South China Sea during Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr’s visit to Hanoi.

The two countries agreed to increase co-ordination on maritime issues and work to promote trust and confidence, the Philippine government said in a statement.

No further details of the agreement were released. 

PERU: The controversial intelligence chief of former Peruvian president Alberto Fujimori pleaded guilty on Monday to charges in the 1992 massacre of six farmers who were taken from their homes by soldiers and executed in the town of Pativilca.

Vladimiro Montesinos pleaded guilty to charges of homicide, murder and forced disappearance, for which prosecutors are seeking a 25-year sentence. 

COLOMBIA: Bogota and the nation’s largest remaining rebel group announced on Monday they will extend their current ceasefire by one week, while delegates from both sides who are meeting in Cuba continue to discuss policies that could secure a longer lasting truce.

In a joint statement, the government and the National Liberation Army said they will abide by the conditions of the current ceasefire, which began in August and was set to expire on Monday night.