BORDER CROSSINGS: The Lithuanian government decided today to reopen the country’s two border crossings with Belarus, Medininkai and Salcininkai, weeks after they were closed following disruptions at the capital’s airport caused by balloons used to smuggle cigarettes across the frontier.

The government in Vilnius said in late October it would keep the crossings closed for a month, with some exemptions. Officials in Lithuania view the balloon disruption as a deliberate act by Russia-allied Belarus.

INDIA: The family of a Muslim man, Mohammad Akhlaq, who was lynched by a Hindu mob in Dadri in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh in 2015, today vowed to continue their fight for justice after authorities recently move to drop all charges against the accused.

Mr Akhlaq was beaten to death after rumours spread that he had stored and consumed beef, a claim his family has always denied.

BRAZIL: United Nations Cop30 host Brazil created 10 new indigenous territories today after the climate summit was hit by protests.

The designation means the areas, including one in part of the Amazon, will have their culture and environment protected under Brazilian law.

The move follows last year’s recognition of indigenous possession of 11 territories by the administration of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

TANKER RELEASE: Iranian authorities released a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker today with all its 21 crew members, days after Tehran seized the ship, the vessel’s managers said.

Tehran had no immediate comment on the release of the Talara, which marked the first ship seizure by Iran in months.

Cyprus-based Columbia Shipmanagement said the crew “are safe and in good spirits.”