CHINA: The Chang’e 6 lunar probe returned to Earth today with rock and soil samples from the little-explored far side of the moon, a global first that could include evidence of ice.

Scientists anticipate that the returned samples will include 2.5-million-year-old volcanic rock and other material that they hope will answer questions about geographic differences on the moon’s two sides.

IVORY COAST: At least 24 people have died in Abidjan following a week of heavy rains, four times the usual volume in some cases, which led to flooding and landslides.

The disasters have also caused “significant” damage across the city, flooding houses and roads. While flood-related deaths are not uncommon in Ivory Coast, the recent rainfall was more than eight inches in some districts.

NORWAY: The government has signed a deal to start stockpiling grain amid concerns that the Covid-19 pandemic, war in Europe and climate change have made the measure necessary.

The agreement was signed by ministers and four private companies, which will store the 30,000 tons of grain this year and next at their facilities, with further reserves to be built until 2029.

INDIA: Delhi Water Minister Atishi Marlena Singh has been admitted to hospital five days into her hunger strike to highlight the capital city’s water crisis, after her sugar levels dropped dramatically.

Ms Marlena Singh, leader of the Aam Aadmi Party, has accused neighbouring Haryana state, run by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), of restricting the water supply to the city amid a prolonged heatwave.