Findings this month of geoglyphs, which date back more than 2,000 years, are smaller and can be seen from the ground

More than 100 new designs discovered in and around Peru’s ancient Nazca plain and surrounding areas could bring new information to light about the mysterious pre-Columbian artworks that have intrigued scientists and visitors for decades.

Following two years of field surveys with aerial photos and drones, Peruvian and Japanese researches from Yamagata University earlier this month reported the discovery of 168 new designs at the Unesco World Heritage site on Peru’s southern Pacific coast.

Dina Boluarte assumed the presidency after Pedro Castillo tried to illegally dissolve Congress and was arrested

The Peruvian president, Dina Boluarte, who has said she is leading a transitional government, urged the country’s Congress to pass a proposal to bring forward general elections in a news conference from the presidential palace on Saturday.

Boluarte, formerly Peru’s vice-president, assumed the presidency earlier this month after ex-president Pedro Castillo tried to illegally dissolve Congress and was arrested.

Education and culture ministers resign following ongoing unrest that has seen at least 17 people killed

Pressure rose on Peru’s fledgling government as two cabinet members resigned following deadly protests that have rocked the country since former president Pedro Castillo’s removal from office and arrest last week.

Education minister Patricia Correa and culture minister Jair Perez announced their resignations on Twitter on Friday, citing the deaths of individuals during the unrest.

Country’s human rights office calls for armed forces to cease the use of firearms and teargas

Judges in Peru have ruled that former president Pedro Castillo be held in preventive detention for 18 months pending trial on charges of rebellion and conspiracy for his attempt to shutter congress and rule by decree, as the death toll from a week of violent protests sparked by his ousting rose to at least 15.

A judicial panel in the supreme court ordered the extended period of pre-trial detention for Castillo as prosecutors continued an investigation into criminal charges against him. The decision did not touch on the merits of accusations faced by Castillo but the panel cited the risk of flight by the deposed president.

Measure will suspend free movement over Christmas holidays as supporters of ousted Pedro Castillo take to the streets

• What is happening in Peru and why are people so angry?

Peru’s new government has declared a 30-day national state of emergency to quell violent demonstrations which have shaken the country following the ousting and arrest of President Pedro Castillo a week ago.

The measure announced on Wednesday suspends the right to gather and move freely across the entire country – and comes just before the Christmas holidays when people typically travel extensively to visit family.