Kosovo has officially been declared free of landmines, marking a major step in its recovery after the war that ended in 1999. The Halo Trust, an international charity that specializes in mine clearance, has completed its work in the region. This achievement is expected to greatly benefit local agriculture and infrastructure development. The Halo Trust reported that in the months following the war, 150 people were killed or injured by landmines. Today, the workers who once helped clear Kosovo are now helping in other conflict zones, such as Syria and Ukraine. According to the World Bank, Kosovo's average life expectancy is now 78 years, just one year less than that of the United States. A recent review of global efforts to protect 30% of the Earth's land and oceans by 2030 suggests that current commitments will only reach 27% by the target date. While 20% of land and inland waters are already protected, progress in protecting the oceans is lagging, with only 10% designated as protected areas. A new international treaty, the High Seas Treaty, took effect in January and has now been ratified by 100 countries. This treaty provides the first legal framework for protecting marine life in international waters, which cover nearly half of the planet. Scientists at the University of Manchester have developed a new test that could help prevent thousands of women from undergoing invasive procedures to check for womb cancer. The test analyzes cells from urine and vaginal fluid to detect the disease. In a trial involving nearly 1,864 women, the test identified over 80% of cancers and was 98.8% accurate in ruling out the disease. This could significantly improve early detection and reduce the need for more invasive diagnostic methods. Rubella is no longer considered a public health problem in Thailand, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Thailand has now joined more than 130 other countries in eliminating the disease. This success is attributed to strong government support, effective immunization programs, and high levels of community trust in health services. The elimination of rubella helps prevent congenital rubella syndrome, which can cause serious birth defects. The German government has committed to phasing out fossil fuels by 2045, as part of its climate action plan. The strategy includes expanding renewable energy, promoting electric vehicles, and reducing methane emissions by 30%. However, Germany is currently not on track to meet its existing climate goals, according to the Climate Action Tracker, which monitors global progress on climate commitments. In England, a new policy called Martha’s Rule is being rolled out to all A&E wards. The rule allows patients and their families to request an urgent review of their care, in response to the death of Martha Mills, who died of sepsis in 2021. The National Health Service (NHS) reported that 241 of the 4,906 calls made to Martha’s Rule helplines led to potentially life-saving interventions. A new species of cat has been discovered in the Yungas cloud forest in Bolivia. Initially mistaken for a stray, the cat was confirmed as a new species through DNA testing. This discovery marks the first new cat species identified in over 100 years and is the only known living member of the Tilcayo cat family. The find highlights the biodiversity of the region and the importance of continued wildlife research. The Royal Horticulture Society (RHS) has announced the first winner of its new Railway Stations in Bloom award. In Scotland, the Cardross Community Organic Garden transformed Cadross station into a vibrant space with raised beds and a model train made from old whisky barrels. The award celebrates the efforts of communities to bring greenery and beauty to public spaces.