'Toxic cloud' denounced Buy now

ticles of pollutants such as soot, sulphur and nitrogen oxides 'harm human health, the environment, and the climate'.

The fumes could cause serious health problems such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, including strokes and cancer, which can lead to premature death'.

RENFE users can now purchase free tickets for Cercanías, Rodalies and Media Distancia, with tickets valid for journeys made between September 1 and December 31, 2023.

The purchase of these tickets is possible through the Cercanías Renfe application and in the case of Media Distancia tickets, this can be done through the renfe.com website and via the usual sales channels, (stations, vending machines, etc).

To do this, clients must be previously registered. For Avant rail services, the 50 per cent discount on season tickets is maintained.

This same discount is applied to other highspeed routes that have been declared a Public Service Obligation (OSP), which operate under the same conditions as an Avant Pass.

In order to purchase the subscription, although it is free, it is necessary to pay a deposit of €10 in the case of Cercanías and Rodalies, and €20 for each conventional Media Distancia service.

Payment by card will allow the automatic return of the deposit, once it is verified that the condition of having made 16 trips during these four months has been met.

For children aged under 14 without ID, a recurring subscription for Media Distancia services are now being offered.

This can also be purchased at renfe.com or through the Renfe app on a mobile device.

A parent or guardian may acquire, through their NIF, NIE or passport, a maximum of four child passes for one origin and destination, during the period of validity.

Customers who have used the free commuter pass for Cercanías, Rodalies or Media Distancia in the first four ­ month period of 2023 will have their deposit returned, provided they have met the relevant conditions.

Denmark

Globe trotter

DANISH man completes decade-long journey visiting every country without flying. Torbjørn Pedersen's trip started in October 2013 and lasted 3,512 days. He relied on buses, trains, boats, and walking to complete the epic journey and all with just a $20 daily budget. He arrived in the Maldives as his 203rd and final country, returning home on a container vessel.

Quran burning

DENMARK faces backlash after a Quran burning incident which lead to protests following the desecration of the holy book outside the Iraqi embassy in Copenhagen. The act triggered widespread condemnation and raised concerns about freedom of expression versus respecting religious sensitivities. Danish authorities' handling of the situation, including the arrest of a woman trying to protect the Quran, drew criticism.

The Netherlands

Litter louts

GOING green can be costly as Amsterdam Council has found out since Holland imposed a refundable fee on buying products in cans and bottles. Many simply throw these away in rubbish bags which are ripped open by those looking to reclaim the deposits from shops leaving rubbish scattered throughout the city streets.

Geothermal heat

ICELAND has learned to live with its volcanoes and geothermal heat which helps to warm 90 per cent of its houses at vastly reduced financial and environmental cost. Now a group in Friesland in the north of The Netherlands, the Stogef Foundation wants to do the same using water from an underwater dormant volcano.

Italy

Joint arrest

A joint collaboration between the police forces of Italy and Spain has led to the arrest in Madrid of a violent fugitive on Monday, July 24.

The Spanish National Police arrested the man who is wanted in Italy for drug trafficking, violence and money laundering offences.

Famous u-turn

Alessandra Mussolini, 60, the granddaughter of Italian fascist dictator Benito Mussolini and also niece to Sophia Loren, has performed a U-turn, from her infamous far-right homophobic comments to now advocating for LGBTQ+ rights

Ms Mussolini was previously a pop singer, playboy model and film actress before she took up politics.