A recap of this week’s world news stories as seen by Newsendip: Free scallops in Japanese schools, no transaction on social media in Indonesia, a cashless KFC in Australia, controversy with German army digital radio, risks of cancer in the Netherlands, and more.
Swedish Prime Minister responds to fatal attack, promises stricter intervention including armed forces
As several shootings and deaths in Sweden are being attributed to gang violence, the prime minister decided to directly address the country following a deadly explosion. He said the government would change its legislation to address gang violence, via stricter migration and surveillance policies, assisted by the Swedish military.
In New Caledonia, shark culling continues despite court ruling
The administrative court of the French Pacific archipelago New Caledonia has prohibited the slaughter of sharks in protected areas. However, these zones represent only a small part of its waters and do not include the coast of Nouméa, New Caledonia’s capital. Due to an increase in shark attacks, the municipality has decided to continue hunting sharks.
Argentina stimulates oil and gas exports via alteration of exchange rate limits
The need to maintain Argentina’s international financial reserves and the development of “La Vaca Muerta,” one of the largest shale gas deposits in the world, has motivated the Argentinian government to stimulate the oil and gas market with a special exchange rate.
In the Netherlands, the risk of developing cancer rises to 1 in 2 Dutch people
A study from the Integrated Cancer Center of the Netherlands (IKNL) highlights that about half of the Dutch population could be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. However, the risk of dying of cancer has not increased.
Scallops in Japanese schools for free
Unable to export seafood to China because of the ban following Fukushima’s wastewater release, Japan is to provide 100,000 servings of scallops as free school lunches to children across the country.
6 Portuguese youths bring 32 countries to court for failure to respond to the climate crisis
Prompted by wildfires in 2017, six Portuguese youths bring 32 countries to the European Court of Human Rights for failure to respond to the climate crisis. They consider their physical and mental health to be suffering from climate change. A “David and Goliath” case.
Indonesia bans TikTok Shop and social commerce
As Indonesia bans transactions on social media platforms, TikTok rises against this decision arguing it helps small and medium companies selling products online.
Customers surprised at Australian KFC going cashless
A KFC branch in Australia was revealed to be only accepting credit card payments. While customers show their disappointment via social media, Australian banks also seem to be moving away from the need for banknotes.
Criminal organization ousted from Venezuelan prison, invokes international reaction
A week ago, Venezuelan authorities seized control of a prison that was being run by its captives. The group responsible, “El Tren de Aragua,” is spread across several countries with an extensive criminal record. One of its leaders escaped prison, and authorities are cooperating internationally in his search.
A controversy with digital radios in Germany’s military
Controversy rises in Germany regarding digital radios bought for its army for 1.4 billion dollars, as compatibility issues for their installation reportedly exist. The defense minister rejected such claims but admitted delays.
Pakistan, the lowest per capita income in South Asia, should increase taxes, the World Bank says
The World Bank finds that nearly 40% of Pakistanis, about 95 million people, are struggling with poverty. It recommends reducing wasteful expenditures and increasing taxes, notably on land and property that the lead country economist for Pakistan refers to as “sacred cows.”
Lego will not produce bricks entirely made from recycled plastic
Lego decided it would not produce its bricks entirely from recycled plastic, considering it would generate more carbon emissions by changing all its manufacturing processes to not deviate from its iconic model.
Asian “Olympics” in China to include esports, despite attempts to limit gaming in the country
In the 2022 Asian Games, Asian esports athletes will have the opportunity to earn official medals and represent their country for the first time in the tournament’s history. A legitimization of professional video games that comes after China attempts to crack down on video game addiction, imposing a three-hour-per-week limit on playtime for legal minors in China.
