The acupuncturist’s profession is now regulated in Brazil. The law that governs the professional practice of this ancient Chinese medicine therapy was enacted by President Lula and published this week.

“A set of techniques and therapies consisting of stimulating specific points on the human body through the use of appropriate needles and specific instruments and procedures,” acupuncture aims to “maintain or restore the balance of the physical and mental functions of the human body,” the piece of legislation reads.

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The professional practice of this technique is primarily granted to those who hold a higher education degree in acupuncture, issued by a recognized institution.

The exercise of the profession is also open to those with a degree in a similar or equivalent course overseas, provided it is validated and registered with the competent authorities, as well as to higher education health professionals who hold a specialist title in acupuncture recognized by the applicable federal councils.

Authorization

Non-licensed professionals who have been practicing acupuncture continuously for at least five years are also authorized to practice the activity, provided they can prove their experience.

After the new law was signed, the Planalto presidential palace released a statement saying that the new rules guarantee the right to use isolated and specific acupuncture procedures as part of the regular practice of other health professions, as allowed by the relevant professional councils.

“In such cases, the professional must undergo a specific extension course taught by a recognized educational institution,” the government reported.

Forest rangers say pressure is mounting. Corneille Makonga recalls how a powerful individual arrived with heavy machinery, claiming to have purchased the community’s forest despite villagers holding official documents. He says the attempt amounted to a land grab.

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Libya's capital Tripoli was once home to a flourishing cinema scene. But the dictatorship by Muammar Gaddafi and the Libyan civil war led to the disappearance of all cinemas and filmmaking in the city. One director is trying to change that.

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"That’s harassment. And targeting a Jewish community in this way is antisemitism," said Hochul in the wake of a pro-Hamas protest.

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In Aomori, Japan, women in kimonos performed the Taue Mochitsuki rice pounding ceremony amid snowfall, aiming for a good harvest and family protection.

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The United States will suspend, starting January 21, the issuance of immigrant visas to citizens of 75 countries, including Brazil. The measure was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday (Jan. 14) by the US State Department. Tourist visas will continue to be issued.

Besides Brazil, the list includes several other countries, such as Russia, Iran, Iraq, Colombia, Uruguay, Cuba, Haiti, and Yemen.

According to the statement, the measure stems from a “comprehensive review” of US policies, regulations, and guidelines being conducted “to ensure that immigrants from these high-risk countries do not utilize US social welfare programs or become a public burden.”

The statement notes that President Donald Trump “has made it clear that immigrants must be financially self-sufficient and not represent a financial burden to Americans.”

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva received a phone call on Thursday (Jan. 15) from Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino. According to a statement released by the Planalto presidential palace, the two leaders discussed preparations for Lula’s visit to Panama on January 28, when he will participate in the opening of the International Economic Forum of Latin America and the Caribbean, organized by the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF).

During the visit, Lula will also hold a bilateral meeting with President Mulino to discuss issues related to trade, investment, and cooperation.

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Panama is one of the countries associated with Mercosur, a bloc formed by Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

According to the Planalto statement, Lula and Mulino exchanged views on the situation in Venezuela and reiterated the need to preserve peace and stability in Latin America and the Caribbean. They also agreed on the need to strengthen the United Nations and defend international law and dialogue.

Witkoff has been managing direct communication between Iran and the US during the recent protests, and has been in touch with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

At this time, the IDF did not name the targeted terrorists. However, Hamas-affiliated sources reported that the IDF killed targets in homes belonging to the al Huli and al Jarou families.

As Israel moves to overhaul its media system, journalists, lawmakers, and critics clash over power, press freedom, and the future of Israeli democracy

Iran’s streets run with blood, yet the West looks away, too consumed by pro-Palestinian ideology to defend real victims.

Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno has been named the winner of the 2026 African Peace Prize for his peaceful management of Chad’s political transition and the country’s humanitarian response to Sudanese refugees, the African Conference for Peace has announced.

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