A European country that borders Russia could be expanding its nuclear capabilities at it seeks further protection for its adversaries. Poland has repeatedly stressed the need to advance its defence systems, including by adopting nuclear weapons.

Both Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Andrzej Duda have called for military expansion, particularly in the face of the threat posed by Russia. Earlier this month, Mr Tusk said he was “taking seriously” dsicussions with France about being protected by its nuclear weapons.

He added: “We must be aware that Poland must reach for the most modern capabilities also related to nuclear weapons and modern unconventional weapons … This is a race for security, not for war.”

This comes under Poland’s large scale drive to increase the size of its army, including by making every man undergo military training.

Mr Tusk said: “By the end of the year, we want to have a model ready so that every adult male in Poland is trained for war, and so that this reserve is adequate for possible threats.”

Polish President Duda also called for the US to base nuclear weapons in his country as a “deterrent” to Vladimir Putin earlier this month. He said the move would make Poland safer as Russia currently presents a very real threat, calling it as aggressive as the Soviet Union.

Though this could be viewed by Putin as a provocation, it would be in response to Russia storing tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, which borders Poland.

Mr Duda told the BBC: “It’s the same Russia that’s attacking Ukraine today, who is an aggressor, who is murdering civilians, who is bombing down civilian settlements. And it’s moving its nuclear weapons from the depths of Russia to Belarus.

“This defensive tactic is a vital response to Russia‘s behaviour, relocating nuclear weapons in the NATO area. Poland is ready to host this nuclear weapon.”

The president, also the commander-in-chief of the Polish armed forces, said US nuclear weapons would make his country safer by strengthening Washington’s commitment to its security.

He said: “Every strategic kind of infrastructure, American and NATO infrastructure, which we have on our soil is strengthening the inclination of the US and the North Atlantic Alliance to defend this territory.”

Safety fears have erupted in Gibraltar after two giant ships crashed when departing the British Overseas Territory’s waters. The LNG carrier SM Kestrel made contact with the anchored bulk carrier Diamond Star II while manoeuvring in the bay at around 1pm on Monday despite being equipped with “state of the art vessel tracking technology”.

The ship was attempting to exit the western anchorage. Both ships are now undergoing damage inspection and remain at the anchorage until further notice. No injuries were reported and no pollution occurred, and neither vessel suffered significant damage, according to Gibraltar authorities.

An investigation has been launched into how the ships bumped into each other, sparking debate over the need for a pilot when departing Gibraltar’s congested waters, the Olive Press reports.

Currently, vessels departing Gibraltar’s waters do not require a pilot to be on board. Gibraltar’s regulations only require pilots for berthing and unberthing and not for departing the anchorage. 

Earlier this year Gibraltar’s maritime authority called for compulsory use of pilots for vessels in the anchorage after Bulk Carrier OS 35 IMO9172399 collided with the LNG tanker ADAM LNG in 2022.

The ship was loaded with 183 tonnes of heavy fuel oil, 250 tonnes of diesel and 27 tonnes of lube oil. It was carrying 24 crew. At the time tugs were deployed and booms were placed around the vessel to contain oil spills.

The incident happened as the OS 35 manoeuvred between Catalan Bay and Sandy Bay to leave Gibraltar for Vlissengen in the Netherlands.

A report into the accident says the incident occurred due to poor planning and that the captain misjudged the maneuver resulting in the casualty concluding a pilot very likely would have prevented the incident.

“The master of OS 35 made an error of judgment, which was not detected by the bridge team,” concludes the report. “Had a pilot been embarked, it is considered very likely that an alternative maneuver would have been used to depart the anchorage, which would not have included the prolonged astern maneuver. Had a pilot been aboard, it is considered very likely that the collision would have been prevented.”

As the world’s second largest continent, Africa has much to offer both locals and tourists alike.

But one of its locations in particular is known as a “hidden gem” in the world of travel.

Madagascar is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world, though it remains an underappreciated tourist destination.

Known for its incredible landscapes, exotic wildlife and vibrant culture, the island nation off Africa’s eastern coast is still resuscitating its tourism sector after being ravaged by the pandemic.

Before the Covid-19 crisis, Madagascar was attracting over 400,000 visitors annually as part of a tourism sector which previously accounted for 6.7% of national GDP.

Visitors were vital to the local economy and contributed an estimated £726 million to the country’s finances.

Post-lockdown however, arrivals have gone into freefall with just 132,018 visitors.

Despite plummeting numbers of tourists, Madagascar still boasts immense natural beauty and a whole host of experiences.

The island is home to some of the world’s most unique species of plants and animals, including lemurs, orchids and tall baobab trees.

Yet the country’s tourism industry faces a number of issues which threaten its recovery, such as poorly maintained roads and unreliable, expensive air connections.

While other destinations in Africa are investing in tourist infrastructure to grow and cement their industries, Madagascar is lagging behind.

Throughout, the country’s potential has been significant, with a wealth of unique experiences on offer.

The island has an offering for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers and thrill seekers alike, with its wildlife the main draw for eco-tourists.

One of the most famous Madagascan attractions is the Avenue of the Baobabs, a landscape where enormous trees line the dirt road, an image that has become an iconic symbol of Madagascar.

Diverse ecosystems litter the island, including rainforests, dry deserts and long beaches.

Travellers seeking a road less trodden may well be satisfied by Madagascar, but the country faces an uphill struggle to grow its tourism back to pre-pandemic levels.

In the years to come, Madagascar will surely prove an exciting and rewarding destination for those travellers who make it to its shores.