Our World: The week of Oct. 26, 2026

A pay-for-citizenship plan in ArgentinaArgentina has become one of the first Group of 20 countries to move toward a “golden passport” program. A proposal unveiled by the government in early October says that in exchange for payments of $350,000 for a principal applicant or a bond purchase of $800,000, foreigners can become eligible for citizenship. Golden passports and visas have typically been favored by smaller nations struggling to attract foreign investment, such as Portugal and Saint Kitts. The program has not gone before Argentina’s congress, but ahead of next year’s presidential election, President Javier Milei’s opposition is already speaking out, calling the program elitist. – Whitney Eulich China’s AI chip boomChina’s chipmakers are benefiting from a boom in demand as a result of export controls on U.S. semiconductors. Firms such as Huawei and Alibaba are finding it’s a seller’s market, as year-over-year demand was up more than 400% in the first quarter, according to the financial media outlet Caixin. A chip shortage has held back some leading Chinese AI model developers, causing them to pause adding new subscribers this spring and summer. But the Chinese chip firms also face manufacturing bottlenecks, which are expected to persist in the coming two years, Caixin reports. – Ann Scott Tyson “Not everyone is able to go to church on Sunday.”That’s Boateng Bismark James, explaining to the BBC why he preaches on Ghana’s long-distance buses. Such pastors are a common sight in the West African country, pacing the aisles as they deliver sermons that can last for hours. But enforcement recently began for a law passed in May that makes the practice illegal, categorizing it as a nuisance that affects the safety and comfort of travelers. Public opinion is divided. Mr. James makes his income through contributions from passengers grateful for the service. Others say they prefer peace and quiet en route to their destinations. – Ryan Lenora Brown Greenland debates future of shark speciesA plan to cull 1,000 Greenland sharks has been dropped after questions about its legality. But, the Guardian reports, the prospect of a future cull still exists. Trawlers that fish off Greenland’s coast are having to compete for halibut and cod with Greenland sharks – the slowest sharks in the world and the second-largest carnivorous fish species. Conservationists say a cull wouldn’t work because other sharks would simply move into the area. They point to other issues that need to be addressed, such as too many boats and no alternative employment for fishers. –Tim Backshall Deepen your worldviewwith Monitor Highlights.Politics with respectGet political stories with respectful analysis.There‘s a world of new ideas in everyBooks newsletter.There‘s more to life, enrich yours withCulture & Learning weekly.Follow humanity‘s discoveries withScience & Nature stories in your inbox.Gain a spiritual perspectivefrom the stories in your inbox.Want to understand the deeper impact of critical events? Learn the Monitor‘s insight.Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads. ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? LoginReal news can be honest, hopeful, credible, constructive.The Christian Science Monitor was founded in 1908 to lift the standard of journalism and uplift humanity. We aim to “speak the truth in love.” Our goal is not to tell you what to think, but to give you the essential knowledge and understanding to come to your own intelligent conclusions. Join us in this mission by subscribing.