Explaining the ongoing protests at US universities
Students across the United States are calling for their universities to divest in firms that benefit from Israel’s occupation and war on Gaza. The movement has sparked questions about student safety and free speech during an especially politically charged time. Protests against the war in Gaza erupted on Columbia University's...
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Italy bill allows pro-life activists to enter abortion clinics
Described as a regression to ‘medieval times,’ Italy's latest ruling exacerbates already challenging access to abortion and fuels the right-wing government's agenda to restrict abortions in the country. Italy’s far-right leader Giorgia Meloni recently passed legislation allowing anti-abortion activists and organisations to enter abortion clinics. The move is part of the...
WHO approves new cholera vaccine
In a significant stride toward combating one of the world's most prevalent yet preventable diseases, the World Health Organization (WHO) has approved a new cholera vaccine. Cholera has plagued regions with inadequate sanitation and limited access to clean water for years. According to the World Health Organisation estimates, there are...
Exclusive – Discussing rising eco-anxiety with Clover Hogan
I spoke with the environmentalist about society’s need to protect young people’s mental health in the face of our current climate crisis and how this frustration can be turned into constructive activism. If, during the last few years, you’ve experienced an overwhelming sense of concern regarding the current state...
More children drink in England than in any other country
According to a study conducted by the World Health Organisation, the UK has the worst rate of child alcohol abuse worldwide. The analysis also found that girls aged 13 and 15 in Great Britain were drinking, smoking, and vaping more than boys of the same age. The UK is notorious...
India’s electoral landscape is marred by political interference
In India, where democracy is touted as the bedrock of its governance, recent revelations surrounding the fate of opposition leaders facing corruption charges paint a concerning picture. A comprehensive investigation by The Indian Express has uncovered a troubling pattern - a staggering 23 out of 25 key opposition politicians...
Lloyd Martin to become youngest Down’s syndrome marathon runner
The 19-year-old will attempt a world record at the London Marathon this April, with his mum by his side. Lloyd Martin has wanted to run a marathon for years, according to his mum Ceri Hooper. Hooper has run many marathons herself, running London four times and even completing the race in the prestigious Boston and Chicago routes. Lloyd, her 19 year old son, has always cheered her on from the sidelines....
Ladakh’s fight for identity and autonomy in India
The people of Ladakh, a remote and ecologically fragile region in India, have been taking to the streets to protest against the central government's policies, which they believe threaten their tribal identity and the delicate balance of their environment. As the region's demands for greater autonomy and constitutional protections remain unmet, the standoff between the locals and the authorities threatens to escalate. Losing political representation and facing environmental concerns In 2019,...
What is the controversy with electoral bonds?
India's electoral bond scheme intended to bring more transparency to political funding. It has since become engulfed in allegations of cronyism, as corporations try to buy influence from parties through anonymous cash donations. Electoral bonds allow individuals and companies to donate unlimited amounts of money to political parties through interest-free bearer bonds, issued by the State Bank of India. However, the identity of the donor is kept anonymous to all except...
Opinion – Queer community in India rightfully questions elections
As India's 2024 general elections approach, the country's vast and vibrant queer community is mobilizing to demand greater representation and rights from political parties vying for power. As the world's largest democracy gears up for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the queer community in India is closely scrutinizing the promises and commitments made by political parties. With an estimated population of over 100 million – equivalent to the entire population of...
