Is wearing pashmina scarves cultural appropriation?
Pashmina, a symbol of Kashmir’s cultural heritage, has long been revered for its unmatched craftsmanship. But today, its legacy is under threat as fake pashminas flood the market, casually worn as head scarves or rave accessories. How did a centuries-old tradition become a victim of commodification - and what...
Current in People
Understanding Kenya’s activist abduction crisis
Kenya has been gripped by a chilling wave of abductions targeting young people, particularly Gen Z, whose voices have been at the forefront of activism and dissent. According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) report, more than 85 young Kenyans have been abducted, with 29...
Hunger is at the heart of Indian farmers’ protests
Throughout history, protesters in India have been congregating in the streets to perform mass movements of solidarity against human rights offences and political policies which don’t prioritise the wellbeing of the nation’s people. Over the years we’ve seen impressive gatherings of people protesting in India. From indigenous peoples to students,...
Israel and Hamas agree to a ceasefire deal
After more than 460 days of war, Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire deal. The question on everyone’s mind is: how long will it last? After fifteen gruelling months of war, the day has finally arrived. Israel and Hamas have reportedly agreed on a...
The social smoker vs. the e-cig eremite
Both smoking and vaping have detrimental impacts on our physical health. But is the ease and subtlety of vaping creating yet another isolating habit amongst young people? Despite the UK government’s recent ban on disposable vapes, many young people are still turning to vaping instead of smoking cigarettes. According to...
Why are we still lowballing women in 2025?
Nikki Glaser’s Golden Globes paycheque has reignited the age-old issue of the gender pay gap. When will talented women be adequately rewarded for their work in a relentlessly unappreciative industry? The Golden Globes kicked off 2025’s awards season with a milk-glass-full of memorable moments. And if you didn’t get that...
Is there a ‘perfect’ level of sick pay?
As we enter peak flu season, more companies are grappling with questions about sick leave. But is there a ‘right’ amount of statutory sick pay? And how much is too much? If you’ve entered the new year with a blocked nose, you’re not alone. It feels like the morning commute has been peppered with coughs and sneezes for the past week. A trip to the shops transformed into a minefield...
Opinion – Blake Lively drama shows we’re still quick to hate women
Blake Lively proves our desire to watch successful women burn is both pervasive and insidious. But are times finally changing? When Colleen Hoover’s wildly successful novel ‘It Ends With Us’ was released as a feature film last year, the media went wild. But besides the dedicated fans who lined up to see their favourite characters on the silver screen, much of the attention shifted to on-set issues. It was somewhat surreal...
Why is Trump trying to buy Greenland?
Trump isn’t even officially back in office yet, and he is already plotting to ‘buy Greenland’. While it may seem like a rogue venture, the Arctic nation is gradually becoming more and more attractive in the eyes of global leaders – and that’s all thanks to climate change. Contrary to what its name suggests, Greenland is not so green. Located in the Arctic, the country is made up of a...
Explaining Mozambique’s post-election crisis
Mozambique's contentious general elections held in October have turned violent in recent months as thousands turned to the streets, disputing Daniel Chapo’s win led by opposition leader, Venâncio Mondlane. Mozambique violence has not only claimed hundreds of lives but also displaced thousands of people, forcing them to seek refuge in neighboring countries. The fire which ignited in October, has seen countless youths clash with police. The presidential result was much...
