A recap of international news stories so far this week as seen by Newsendip: Uganda and the trade of charcoal, international hostage situation in Gaza, first transgender woman Miss Portugal, and more.
- Hamas hostage situation for internationals
- Right to be forgotten for Czech cancer survivors
- Idea of a ritual human sacrifice during Ancient Egypt challenged
- Uganda and the illegal trade of charcoal
- Transgender woman elected Miss Portugal
- Number of asylum requests in the European Union in 2023 could be close to its highest year
- One in 10 births in the world occurs preterm
- In Argentina, a presidential candidate plans to “dollarize” the economy…
- …while Malaysia pursues its de-dollarisation
- In case you missed it
Hamas hostage situation for internationals
Between 150 and 200 people could be held hostages by Hamas following their terrorist attack on Saturday, according to Israel. Among them, at least 18 foreign nationals are thought to have been captured. Thailand reported that 11 workers were kidnapped. Respective countries officially reported 41 foreigners died from the attacks, and at least 31 were still missing so far. Hamas threatened to kill hostages for Israeli bombings in Gaza.
Right to be forgotten for Czech cancer survivors
The Czech Republic agreed with insurance companies on legislation to provide the right to be forgotten for people cured of cancer. After a few years, they would not be denied insurance or need to pay more because they used to fight against cancer. Last month, the European Parliament applied a similar directive that should apply to all Member States by 2025.
Idea of a ritual human sacrifice during Ancient Egypt challenged
Tombs next to the tomb of Queen Meret-Neith from the first dynasty of ancient Egypt challenge the idea that human sacrifice was part of the royal burials during that period. The discoveries fuel speculation the queen was the first pharaoh of ancient Egypt. Wine in perfectly sealed 5,000-year-old jars was also found.
Uganda and the illegal trade of charcoal
The trade of charcoal prompted authorities to issue an executive order to ban cutting trees for commercial charcoal. Charcoal — for urban households — and firewood — more popular in rural households — are major sources of energy in Uganda. It is one of the factors driving forest loss and degradation in Uganda. Forest covered 19% of Uganda in 2000 but only 12% in 2015. The execution order being delayed, the State minister for Northern Uganda ordered to donate 5,000 sacks of seized charcoal to schools.
First transgender woman elected Miss Portugal
Marina Machete is the first transgender woman to compete and be crowned Miss Portugal in the history of the competition. Transgender women have been allowed to compete in Portugal since 2012. She is the second transgender woman to be chosen to compete for Miss Universe this year, along with Miss Netherlands, Rikkie Kollé.
Number of asylum requests in the European Union in 2023 could be close to the highest year on record
The German newspaper Die Welt reported that 2023 has recorded over 800,000 asylum applications for the European Union, Norway and Switzerland (EU+ countries) so far, according to a confidential report counting all applications up until October 3rd they got access to. Figures for 2023 could surpass the peak of 1.23 million asylum applications received in 2016.
There have been sharp increases in Latvia and Estonia of over 100 percent relative to last year as a result of the war in Ukraine. Germany sees increases in asylum applications of 27, 17 and 16 percent for Syrian, Afghani and Turkish migrants. Migrants from Syria, Afghanistan and Turkey make up most of the applicants to EU+ countries.
During the first half of 2023, applications for asylum rose to 519,000, a 28 percent increase compared to the first half of 2022, according to a mid-year report from the European Union Agency for Asylum. In addition, approximately 4 million Ukrainians who flew the Russian invasion currently benefit from Temporary Protection.
One in 10 births in the world occurs preterm
A study published in The Lancet by authors from the World Health Organisation, UNICEF, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine showed that an estimated 13.4 million newborn babies were born premature (before 37 weeks) in 2020. It’s nearly 10% of all births worldwide, and no measurable change in preterm birth rates over the last decade at the global level was noticed. More than half of these preterm births take place in sub-Saharan Africa (29%) and southern Asia (27%). Preterm birth is considered to be one of the main risk factors for mortality before five years old.
In Argentina, a presidential candidate plans to “dollarize” the economy…
The candidate for Argentina’s presidential election, Javier Milei, confirmed he plans to “dollarize” the economy if he wins on October 22. He said on Argentinian radio on Monday that the Argentinian peso was worse than “excrement” because it is “not even good for fertilizer.” Mr. Milei would like to close the Central Bank and let the population choose the currency they want to use. Confronted with the devaluation of the peso, Argentina limits the use of the dollar to avoid deepening its critical lack of international foreign reserves and further develuation of its currency. The Central Bank director criticized “the level of madness we reached.” The leader of the far-right populist party Liberty Advances finished first with 30% of the votes in the presidential primaries that took place between candidates of all parties.
…while Malaysia pursues its de-dollarisation
The Prime Minister of Malaysia Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the country traded with Indonesia, Thailand and China using the Malaysian ringgit instead of the dollar to reduce its reliance on the American currency. The ringgit has been affected by a sharp depreciation versus the dollar in recent months and authorities hope to mitigate the increased costs of imports by using their national money.
Also, in case you missed it:
- The Bank of Israel announced a plan to sell 30 million dollars in foreign currency to “moderate volatility in the shekel exchange rate” in light of its declaration of war against Hamas. It’s the first time in its history Israel sells foreign reserves.
- A 6.3‑magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan in the northern Herat province Saturday morning. At least 1,000 died and 500 people are missing.
- Malaysia brings back its national service. Malaysian Defense Minister Mohamad Hasan announced in the Parliament the return of the national service training program, called PLKN. It had been abolished in 2018, but the new program would be shorter, only 45 days scattered across years instead of a 3‑month period, and cheaper. Created in 2003, national service also ceased in 2015 before resuming in 2016.
