Thursday 17th February 2022

Europe

NATO and the United States say that Russia is still building up troops around Ukraine, after Moscow said it was pulling back. During a defence minister meeting yesterday, NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg said that there has been no sign of withdrawal so far.

“The defence ministers have just met to address Russia’s continued military buildup in and around Ukraine. This was a substantive discussion on the most serious security crisis in Europe in decades. Allies welcome all diplomatic efforts and there are signs from Moscow that diplomacy could continue, but so far we do not see any sign of de-escalation on the ground. No withdrawal of troops or equipment. This may of course change. However, what we see today is that Russia maintains a massive invasion force ready to attack."

Switzerland has lifted almost all its Covid-19 restrictions. Shops, restaurants and cultural locations will reopen without restrictions. People will temporarily still be required to wear masks on public transport and in healthcare facilities. The requirement to isolate for 5 days if you have tested positive for Covid-19 will last until the end of March. More than 90% of Switzerland’s population has either recovered from Covid-19 or been vaccinated.

Asia

China’s president Xi Jinping and French president Emmanuel Macron have agreed that it is important to increase joint efforts to reach a nuclear deal with Iran, according to Macron’s office.

In India, senior schools have reopened in the state of Karnataka a week after authorities closed them. Schools closed due to protests against a ban on female students wearing the hijab imposed by Karnataka authorities. India’s Muslim community makes up about 13% of the country’s population.

In Australia, a shark has killed a swimmer near Sydney beach. This is the first fatal shark attack in Sydney in nearly 60 years.

Americas

In Guatemala, an earthquake has killed two people. The earthquake had a magnitude of 6.2 and has caused landslides and building collapses.

In Brazil, at least 38 people have died after heavy rain in the city of Petropolis. The city streets flooded and landslides hit around 80 houses. A three day mourning period has been declared.

Africa

In Burkina Faso, military leader Paul-Henri Damiba has been sworn in as president. In January, a military coup in Burkina Faso overthrew president Roch Kabore. Damiba has led the transitional government since then. He promises to deal with the mounting insecurity in the country and to fight corruption.

In Somalia, five people have been killed in gunfire in the capital, Mogadishu. Officials say that Al Shabaab militants attacked police stations and security checkpoints. Indirect parliamentary elections are currently being held in Somalia and are due to be completed on 25th February.

And Egypt is extending the part of the Suez Canal for two-way traffic. The length for two-way traffic is being extended from 75km to 85km. Another 30km of the canal is being widened and deepened. Last year, global shipping was disrupted when one of the world’s largest containerships got stuck in the canal.

That’s your world news in 7 minutes. You can find us on social media: we’re on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @send7podcast. I’m Juliet Martin, have a wonderful day and I will speak to you tomorrow.