World Report

Slovakia’s controversial prime minister Robert Fico shockingly suggested that his country should consider neutrality. The Pentagon’s decision to reclassify its US base in Greenland as part of its northern command has sparked concern in Denmark. And in Chile, efforts are under way to protect a growing and unexpected influx of king penguins.

In Chad, the UN raises alarm over the deepening humanitarian crisis. In New Zealand, there are simmering racial tensions as Maori MPs are suspended, and in Cameroon, thousands must return home due to the end of Temporary Protected Status in the United States.

Italy has one of the oldest populations in the world, a situation exacerbated by the number of young people fleeing the country. In France, visitors are being warned that they could be fined if caught lighting up in public places. And in Tanzania, unpredictable weather patterns are confusing animals in the Serengeti national park.

Recent military clashes between India and Pakistan have set off alarm bells across the world as both countries have stockpiles of nuclear weapons. In the UK, Londoners are to be hit with new congestion charges, and in Slovakia, the meat from culled brown bears is to be offered to pubs and restaurants rather than being destroyed.

The outcome of last weekend’s presidential election in Romania caused political upset when pro-European centrist Nicusor Dan defeated the ultranationalist candidate. In Syria the lifting of sanctions by US President Trump is greeted with jubilation. In the northern Italian region of Trentino authorities roll out a scheme to counteract depopulation.

In Mexico, the killing of a young social medial influencer shot dead during a Tik Tok livestream has sent shockwaves through the country. In the UK, a reset of relations with the EU bothers those who supported Brexit, and in the US, plans are underway to restart uranium mining.

In Tunisia, the president has reacted angrily to international criticism over the sentencing of 37 political prisoners. In Canada, indigenous groups have banished the family of a drug dealer from his community in Haida Gwaii, and in Turkey, people have been mourning the death of a man who made a well-known film about military rule.

The number of Australian residents born in Ireland has passed 100,000 according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. In Nigeria at least 20 women have died from gender based violence since the beginning of the year, and in India the spotlight is on the police after a report examining police brutality.

The psychoactive drug Kush continues to devastate poorer communities in Sierra Leone. In France, there has been a rise in adult baptisms amoung catholics, and in Japan, wine production has expanded beyond the traditional rice wine sake to what is now a thriving industry.

In Homs, Syria, huge numbers of displaced families are moving back trying to rebuild their homes and lives. In Cameroon, two researchers were killed after being mistaken for members of the terror group Boko Haram, and in Australia, more than 20 people have been hospitalised after an attack by fire ants.