Australia reopened its borders Monday, permitting citizens to return and exit the country. Foreign workers in Australia remain unable to do so though.

After a dramatic drop during the pandemic lockdowns, carbon dioxide emissions are near record levels again, with China's share increasing to nearly a third of the total, researchers say.

Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir won the 50th running of the New York City Marathon on Sunday, surviving a thrilling three-way battle before sprinting for the finish line, and fellow Kenyan Albert Korir won the men's race.

Former Danone CEO Emmanuel Faber has just attended the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow. Now a partner at the impact investor Astanor Ventures, he has long called for the private sector to play a greater role in the fight against climate change. "No one has stepped up enough at this stage. But people and companies are moving," he told FRANCE 24's Kate Moody.

In response to a surge in infections, the Bundestag has approved new legislation. Acting Chancellor Angela Merkel is set to meet state leaders to debate further action as the pandemic threatens to spiral out of control.

Senegal's book industry has been riding high on the wave of Mohamed Mbougar Sarr's Goncourt prize. The 31 year-old sensation is reviving interest in Senegalese writers after he won France's top literary award earlier this month.

Nigeria has the second largest film output in the world, but many filmmakers struggle with low budgets and barely make a profit. But streaming platforms are giving a boost to African films.

International travel picked up over the summer, but Covid-19 is still expected to cost the global tourism industry some €1.8 trillion in 2021. Also, French finance minister Bruno Le Maire remains optimistic about the recovery despite concerns over the Omicron variant, and farmers in India continue their protest movement despite concessions from the government.

The hotel chain Marriott has said bookings at its South African locations have been hit by new Covid-19 travel restrictions, but that they have "not seen a huge number of cancellations as yet". President Cyril Ramaphosa has criticised the travel bans imposed on his country and its neighbours after the Omicron variant was first identified there. Marriott's EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) President, Satya Anand, told FRANCE 24 that the company is hopeful the effects will merely be temporary.

German automakers are being hit hard by a semiconductor chip shortage. Suppliers are affected in particular.

No three-piece suits, no dress shoes, no ties. Instead, Germany's new leaders appear in sneakers and unbuttoned shirts. A change in style that also symbolizes a new attitude.

It was the first vaccine to be approved, and as the Russian jab is rolled out globally, it's providing welcome relief to countries such as India. But the low-cost inoculation is more of a prestige project for the Kremlin than an altruistic endeavour.