The rise of solo weddings in Japan
In a striking departure from tradition, single young women across the country are marrying themselves to celebrate personal milestones without a partner. This unconventional trend – which reflects shifting social norms and a pivot to independence – is reshaping the industry and has sparked a cultural debate. During the last...
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Temperatures soar to unprecedented heights
Earth just experienced its hottest day in recorded history. This has raised alarm bells among scientists and policymakers worldwide, who argue that it should serve as a wake-up-call. On Sunday July 21, Earth experienced its hottest day in history, with the planet’s average temperature soaring to a staggering 62.76°F...
What is happening in Venezuela?
Following the disputed result of the country’s presidential election – which saw Maduro secure another term in power – fresh protests have broken out in the capital. Home to the largest oil reserves in the world and once the richest nation in South America, recent decades have seen Venezuela ‘collapse...
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...
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,’ wrote Sébastien Farcis – who reports for various French and European media outlets –
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 gender equality is now deemed a cornerstone of societal progress, India continues to grapple with persistent disparities. This was made evident...
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, President Biden signed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorisation bill into law, ushering in a new era of anonymity for...
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...
