A focused recap of international news stories by Newsendip: Kailasa, the country without a territory, a mandatory screening before cosmetic surgery, a confusing prize for the best minister of finance, and more.
- A country without territory striking deals with officials
- Dual citizenship and hopes of international influence for Lithuania
- Zimbabwe Finance Minister named Africa’s best amidst crisis
- “Forever chemicals” have made their way to the Dutch sea
- Myanmar now the world’s first opium producer
- Australia raises standards for cosmetic surgery
- New Hong Kong museums to highlight Chinese nationalism
Kailasa: the territory-less Hindu country reaching agreements with Paraguay and United States officials
Through the entity of the United States of Kailasa, Indian group leader Nithyananda reached symbolic partnerships with Paraguay and cities in the USA. The self-proclaimed nation lacks a defined territory but talks at United Nations conferences on behalf of 2 billion Hindus in the world about religious persecution. However, the collaboration proclamation with Paraguay led to the firing of Paraguay’s minister of agriculture.
A referendum on dual citizenship in Lithuania
A referendum to be held next year will determine whether Lithuanians can have more than one citizenship. The authorities aim to maintain ties with the country among the Lithuanian diaspora but also hope to gain influence abroad, especially given the distrust of their Russian neighbor. The population seems in favor, but the outcome of the vote is not so certain.
Zimbabwe Finance Minister receives award… in the midst of an economic crisis
Professor Mthuli Ncube received the award for “Best African Finance Minister” at a ceremony in London, while the country faces steep economic difficulties. The announcement received its share of aback reaction, including from Steve Hanke, professor of applied economics at John Hopkins University, who calculated Zimbabwe’s inflation at 943% per year, the highest in the world.
“Forever chemicals” have made their way to the Netherlands seawater
The Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS), found in a lot of our day-to-day products such as in cleaning products, water-resistant clothing and cookware and often called “forever chemicals” for their very slow degradation. They have made their way into our water and food chains. But in the Netherlands, the PFAS have now also been found in seawater so that authorities have recommended that people, particularly children, refrain from being in contact with seafoam, or getting rinsed right after taking a bath, while a national study is being conducted.
Myanmar is now the world’s largest opium producer
A sudden 95% decline in opium production in Afghanistan and an uncertain economy in Myanmar have led to a major production increase in the country. Following years of decreased yields between 2014–2020, opium production in the Southeast Asian country is now at its highest level in 20 years. The military junta, which seized power of the country in 2021, appears to be the “ultimate protection cartel of the trade, and have been for many years,” independent analyst David Mathieson told AFP earlier this year.
Australia raises standards for cosmetic surgery
In Australia, people looking to receive any cosmetic surgery procedure will need to have a mental health assessment, the first such nationwide regulation as part of stricter rules in the industry. The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons strongly supported the new standards to regulate the practices of “rogue” clinics. A recent Australian study showed close relations between the use of social media, low self-esteem and considerations for cosmetic surgery.
New Hong Kong museums announced to highlight Chinese nationalism
Hong Kong announced this month that it plans to build a new museum to highlight Chinese nationalism. It is expected to focus on China’s fight against foreign invasions, the development of the Chinese Communist Party, sports achievements, as well as technological and cultural developments. A second museum will focus on the city’s battle against the Japanese Occupation in 1941. The move is seen as yet another effort by the Hong Kong government to integrate more closely with China.
