In the UK, the government wants to encourage public bodies to do their bit to combat cyber criminals and hackers; tensions rise in Lithuania over concerns of Russian aggression on the border; and in Cape Verde, some locals lament the sale of local fishing rights to China.

Israeli settlers are using vineyard and tourism projects to seize strategic land in the West Bank. Growth in aquaculture is driving global demand for fishmeal, often at the expense of food security in poorer regions. And in London knife-related assaults and robberies have surged 60% in three years, prompting calls for new police tactics.

In Japan a tsunami warning this week highlighted the country's need to be prepared for natural disasters. In the Democratic Republic of Congo the government is opening up vast swathes of territory for oil and gas exploration. In Czechia a new law banning the public promotion of Communist ideology was signed into law by president Petr Pavel.

In France, unions are calling for demonstrations to be held across the country in protest at the Prime Minister's budget plans for next year. In India, Narendra Modi’s government has given security forces orders to wipe out Maoist rebels. And in the UK, automated driverless cars will be tested on the streets of London next year.

In China, house prices have dropped significantly in recent years sparking a slowdown in consumer spending and confidence. In Estonia, people have been assesing their sense of national identity at the country's Dance and Choral Festival, and in Prague, one of the city's iconic bridges is under threat.

In the West Bank and East Jerusalem, Israeli settlements have increased rapidly; a fast-moving fire on the outskirts of Marseille has destroyed homes and forced hundreds to evacuate; and an Australian Commission has ruled that British colonists committed genocide against the Indigenous population of Victoria.

In Canada, there are concerns about Iranians, linked to the regime in Teheran, entering the country. The United States has warned its citizens to exercise increased caution when visiting India. The small Balkan country has long emerged from its Stalinist past but it continues to face many challenges

A new memorial garden will be opened in Paris to commemorate the 10th anniversary of terrorist attacks across the city. How has the Greek island of Hydra managed to avoid the perils of mass tourism? In Slovakia there is opposition to what could be the only appearance in Europe this year by controversial rapper Kanye West.

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.