China

Over the next five years Chinese families will be encouraged to share tombs and adopt other ecologically friendly funeral practices, according to a guideline issued jointly by several government departments. The initiative promotes both smaller tombs and tombstones, as well as vertical burial systems inside skyscrapers. The government is targeting a cremation rate close to 100 percent by the end of 2020.

Ethiopia

Health ministers from across Africa have pledged to improve access to vaccines. At a conference in Addis Ababa, officials signed a pledge to promote immunization as a method of reducing child mortality, morbidity, and disability. “We all agree that vaccines are one of the most cost-effective solutions in global health. Investing in immunization programs will enable African countries to see an outstanding economic benefit,” said Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former Nigerian finance minister.

Chile

An artificial geyser created by accident during geothermal exploration near San Pedro de Atacama is finally under control, according to the firm responsible. The 200-foot-tall [60-meter] water-and-steam jet was apparently caused by the failure of valves and pipes in a 2.8-mile-deep [4.5-kilometer] test drilling well. Local protests are calling for a permanent halt to explorations, and an investigation is underway to determine if the company followed proper drilling procedures.

India

Traffic police in Hyderabad have launched a campaign against public urination by placing decorative garlands around the necks of offenders. Anyone caught will also be issued a warning and informed of the location of the nearest public toilets. “We are doing our bit to create awareness among the people to keep Hyderabad clean and also follow traffic rules,” said Rama Swaby from the Mahankali traffic police.

South Africa

Tesla Motors is preparing to open its first office in South Africa — the birthplace of its billionaire founder, Elon Musk. The Cape Town office will initially have only one employee, tasked with developing a market for Tesla’s utility-scale Powerpack batteries. The firm had previously identified South Africa as a huge market for battery storage due to its blackout-prone electrical grid.

Iceland

The Icelandic Language Institute is embroiled in a disagreement with the Icelandic football federation over a decision to print last names, rather than first names, on the players’ jerseys. Male Icelandic last names are patronymic, meaning that they’re derived from their father’s name—most of which are archaic and somewhat generic. As a result, the phone book and other registries are organized by first name. The Language Institution believes that the football federation’s decision is in violation of Icelandic law and traditions.