Typhoon Gaemi devastates several countries in Asia
Worsening the torrential monsoon rains that are currently lashing China, Taiwan, and the Philippines, the tropical cyclone has triggered massive flooding and landslides, killing hundreds, injuring thousands, and even sinking ships. A freak weather event in parts of Asia is devastating China, Taiwan, and the Philippines. Since it initially developed on...
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The global crisis of illegal turtle trade
Recent arrests in Malaysia have drawn attention to the illegal turtle trade – a thriving black market industry worth billions that’s decimating vulnerable turtle populations to meet demand. Earlier this month, Malaysian authorities apprehended six members of an international wildlife smuggling syndicate known as the ‘Ninja Turtle...
Severity of Just Stop Oil prison sentences causes a stir
Five supporters of the JSO climate campaign have just been handed the longest jail terms ever meted out in the UK for a non-violent demonstration. This has sent shock waves through the protest community and wider British public, who consider the punishment to be too harsh. In November 2022, forty-five...
India cracks down on foreign journalists
In recent years, a significant number of foreign journalists have been forced to leave the country, raising concerns about press freedom and the quality of international coverage in India. ‘After 13 years working as a correspondent in India, the authorities have denied me a permit to work as a journalist,’...
India struggles to bridge its gender gap
As the rest of the world strives for gender parity, India continues to face significant challenges in achieving equality country-wide. Ranking 129 on the Global Gender Gap Index, the multifaceted issues contributing to this are clear, as are its implications for the nation’s socioeconomic progress. Despite the fact that...
Congress revokes ability to track private jet usage of uber-rich
A new law in the US has made it virtually impossible to monitor the private jet activities of celebrities and billionaires. This has sparked a debate on where to draw the line between protecting the privacy of the uber-rich and our right to call for climate accountability. On May 16,...
Explaining India Inc’s fear of Modi’s iron fist
The country’s corporate stalwarts are walking on eggshells as the Prime Minister’s government continues to intimidate and scrutinise those voicing dissent or critiquing its policies. Vocal corporate leaders who have expressed concerns about economic issues in India or criticised the government’s actions are facing backlash ranging from regulatory crackdowns to veiled threats. This pattern is fostering an atmosphere of self-censorship within the country’s business community, which is increasingly walking...
BJP’s escalating influence over electoral narratives
As India gears up for elections, BJP is using the media and AI to amplify its messaging and sway public opinion, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. In a bold move, the BJP has embraced political satire, crafting viral video campaigns that mock and caricature its opponents. The viral "Dulha Kaun Hai?" (Who's the Groom) ad, created by political consultancy firm Varahe Analytics, took a humorous jab at...
Understanding the sand mining crisis in India’s rivers
India's rivers are facing an alarming crisis due to rampant and often illegal sand mining, which is threatening the survival of endangered species and disrupting the delicate ecological balance of these vital waterways. Sand has become a precious commodity in India due to the burgeoning construction industry's insatiable demand. This has led to an alarming rise in sandmining operations, both legal and illegal, across India's rivers, particularly in the Gangetic plains....
Buzunesh Deba’s unpaid winnings expose running world’s failings
The 2014 Boston Marathon winner has been waiting on her prize money for years. But it was a stranger, not race organisers, who finally gave her what she’d earned. 8 years ago, Ethiopian runner Buzunesh Deba got the call of a lifetime. She’d won the Boston Marathon – 2 years after running it in 2014. The original winner Rita Jeptoo had been disqualified for doping, making Deba the official front...
