Balendra Shah's Rastriya Swatantra Party poised for majority in Nepal's parliamentary elections, according to Election Commission trends
In a significant political shift, Balendra Shah, a prominent figure who transitioned from rapper to politician, appears to be on track for a decisive victory in Nepal's parliamentary elections. As of March 7, trends released by the Election Commission indicate that Shah's party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), is likely to secure a majority in the 275-member House of Representatives, the lower house of Nepal's parliament. This election follows a period of political instability marked by a surge of anti-corruption protests that led to the fall of the previous government. These elections, which were held on March 5, come about... [Continue Reading]
Russian missile strikes in Kharkiv kill seven, including two children, and injure over ten others according to regional governor
Russian missile strikes in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, have resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, including two children. The assaults, confirmed by the region's governor, Oleh Syniehubov, have also left over ten people injured, with children's injuries reported among them. This incident underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region as Ukraine continues to contend with ongoing aggression from Russia. The missile strikes specifically targeted a five-storey residential building in Kharkiv, leading to significant damage and prompting immediate rescue operations. Emergency responders quickly mobilized to clear the debris, searching for any individuals who may have been trapped beneath the... [Continue Reading]
U.S. Justice Department intensifies efforts to charge high-ranking Cuban officials amid pressure from Trump administration
The U.S. Justice Department has begun to intensify its efforts to charge high-ranking officials within the Cuban government. This initiative comes amid increasing pressure from the Trump administration, which has escalated its rhetorical assaults on the leadership of Cuba. The announcement marks a significant development in U.S.-Cuban relations, indicating a more aggressive stance toward the island's authorities. According to recent reports, the Justice Department has formed a specialized working group dedicated to evaluating the potential for federal charges against individuals or entities linked to Cuba’s government. This group’s efforts appear to align with broader U.S. diplomatic strategies aimed at confronting... [Continue Reading]
Petrol and diesel prices in Europe expected to exceed €2 per litre amid rising global oil prices and Middle East conflict
Petrol and diesel prices across Europe are predicted to surpass €2 per litre, with concerns escalating among fuel garage operators about imminent price hikes. This situation follows the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, which began last Saturday, and has been compounded by significant increases in global oil prices. The average price for unleaded petrol rose from €1.73 per litre last month to levels exceeding €1.80, while diesel has also approached €1.90 at many pumps. The ramifications of the ongoing conflict are already evident in the home heating oil market, where costs have surged dramatically. For instance, data from... [Continue Reading]
Jillian Segal’s office hand-picked candidate to assess controversial university antisemitism report card
Greg Craven, a former vice-chancellor of Australian Catholic University, chosen after no other bids made for the tenderGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAustralia’s antisemitism envoy hand-picked Greg Craven to lead her controversial university report card process after receiving no response from five firms approached during an open tender process.Documents released under freedom of information laws showed Jillian Segal’s office initially approached three independent consulting firms and two law firms to potentially conduct the assessment of Australian universities and how well they were dealing with antisemitism on campus, but all of them declined to bid on... [Continue Reading]
Sacking of teacher for anti-police remarks reasonable, appeal court rules
The Hong Kong government has won an appeal against a court ruling that found a veteran teacher’s dismissal for anti-police remarks was unlawful. The Court of Appeal on Friday ruled that the secretary for the civil service was entitled to sack 27-year veteran Toffee Tam Yuk-fun and strip her of all retirement benefits for serious misconduct during the 2019 anti-government protests. Tam, who taught at the Jockey Club Government Secondary School in Kowloon Tong, previously won a judicial review... [Continue Reading]
Anger in Cyprus over UK bases as US-Israel war with Iran endangers island
Protests grow as attack on British military site stirs fears that Cyprus is being dragged into a regional conflict. [Continue Reading]
Minneapolis killings and deportation outrage: Kristi Noem’s scandal-plagued DHS tenure
Backlash grew against homeland security secretary after slew of controversies from Trump’s immigration crackdownKristi Noem’s year-long tenure as homeland security secretary has been plagued by controversies as she led an aggressive immigration crackdown that hasprompted protests and lawsuits.There have been scandals, legally dubious deportations condemned by human rights groups, taxpayer-funded publicity campaigns, and false claims about US citizens. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
UK Border Force officer faces court over allegations of involvement in covert surveillance of Chinese nationals in Britain
A UK Border Force officer, Chi Leung "Peter" Wai, has appeared in court facing serious allegations that he participated in a covert operation to surveil and investigate Chinese nationals residing in Britain. The trial, ongoing at the Old Bailey, has revealed that Wai, who also goes by the nickname "fatboy", was implicated in a "shadow policing operation" that reportedly extended its influence from Hong Kong to various locations across the UK, including Pontefract in Yorkshire. The prosecution, led by Duncan Atkinson KC, claims that Wai was assigned tasks by Chung Biu "Bill" Yuen, a retired officer of the Hong Kong... [Continue Reading]
Nepal holds general election following youth-led protests that led to government resignation
Voters in Nepal have cast their ballots in a pivotal general election, marking the first such poll since the nation's youth-led protests resulted in the government’s resignation last September. The polls closed Thursday evening amid a climate of cautious optimism, with voters eager to make their voices heard. Preliminary results are expected as early as Friday, though full results may take several days to finalize. This election comes on the heels of significant political upheaval, which saw widespread demonstrations against the ruling government last year. These protests were fueled by public dissatisfaction regarding governmental performance and economic conditions. In a... [Continue Reading]
US and Israel Launch Airstrikes Across Iran Amid Escalating Regional Conflict
In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, the United States and Israel have initiated widespread airstrikes across Iran, targeting both military installations and civilian infrastructure. These strikes come amid an intense period of conflict that has already led to significant casualties, including at least 1,230 confirmed deaths in Iran, over 70 in Lebanon, and approximately a dozen in Israel, according to official reports. The air offensive marks a continuation of escalating tensions in the region. The strikes were reportedly aimed at pivotal military sites, signaling a calculated effort by Israeli and U.S. forces to undermine Iran's military capabilities. Footage from Tehran... [Continue Reading]
‘Panic and fear’: Iran’s political prisoners face increasing danger amid US-Israel war
Rights groups warned this week that prisoners in Iran – thousands of whom were detained during recent anti-government protests – are being refused shelter during US and Israeli strikes and face increased risk of forced disappearance and execution due to a nationwide internet blackout. [Continue Reading]
Nepal: voting closes in election pitting old guard against powerful youth movement
Early results may be released from Friday after first election since gen z protests forced Nepal’s then-PM to quitNearly six months after a wave of unprecedented gen Z-led protests forced Nepal’s then prime minister to quit, people have voted in a general election that is shaping up to be a high-stakes showdown between the entrenched old guard and a powerful youth movement.“The voting process has been concluded peacefully and enthusiastically,” said the chief election commissioner, Ram Prasad Bhandari. It appeared the turnout was only about 60%, according to initial estimates, the lowest in more than two decades. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Nepal elections frame new era after youth protests toppled leaders
Six months after youth-led protests ousted Nepal’s prime minister, people in Kathmandu have been voting in election. [Continue Reading]
Forbidden Stories reports on FindFace in Iran: Facial recognition 'an issue' for Western democracies
François Picard welcomes Alexander Abdelilah, an investigative journalist for Forbidden Stories who has just published a report on how the Iranian regime secretly acquired FindFace in 2019, a powerful facial recognition system developed by Russian company NTechLab. Abdelilah explores how this system operates both technically and politically. FindFace allows authorities to run recorded footage from CCTV cameras, street recordings, or even social media videos through an algorithm capable of matching a face in a crowd and tracing individuals who participate in protests. [Continue Reading]
French policeman to be tried over 2023 killing of teen Nahel
A French appeals court ruled Thursday that a policeman who shot and killed a teenager in 2023 in a Paris suburb, sparking protests, should be tried for violence that led to death. [Continue Reading]
Senate Votes 52-47 Against Resolution to Limit Trump's Military Authority on Iran Operations
The United States Senate has recently voted against a resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump's military authority regarding operations against Iran. The measure, which sought to curb Trump's powers in the ongoing conflict, was defeated in a procedural vote of 52-47, highlighting the significant support within the Senate for the current administration's military stance. The Senate debates are part of a broader discussion initiated amidst escalating tensions between the US and Iran, particularly following recent military actions. Proponents of the resolution argued that it was critical for Congress to assert its constitutional authority to declare war and control military... [Continue Reading]
Significant blackout leaves millions without electricity across western Cuba including Havana
A significant blackout impacted the western half of Cuba recently, leaving millions without electricity, including residents of the capital, Havana. This incident marks the latest in a series of outages affecting the island, which is currently struggling with dwindling oil supplies and a frail electricity infrastructure. The blackout has been confirmed by Cuba's Electric Union, which reported the outages affecting locations stretching from Pinar del Rio in the west to Camagüey in central Cuba. The Cuban government is actively addressing the crisis; crews were mobilized for power restoration efforts. An official statement was made on the social platform X, detailing... [Continue Reading]
UK to Charter Flights from Oman to Evacuate Nationals Amid Rising Middle East Tensions
Amid escalating military tensions in the Middle East, the UK government is set to charter flights from Oman to evacuate British nationals facing an emergency situation in the region. This decision comes in response to ongoing strikes launched by Iran, which are perceived as retaliatory actions for Israeli and US attacks, prompting a high-priority collection of the most vulnerable citizens first. The Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper announced that logistics are already underway, underscoring the urgency of the efforts planned over the coming days. The immediate backdrop to this situation involves a considerable disruption of air travel, particularly as airspace restrictions... [Continue Reading]
France, Germany, and Greece Increase Military Presence in Cyprus Following Iranian Drone Strikes
In response to recent Iranian-made drone strikes targeting a British military base in Cyprus, France, Germany, and Greece have significantly bolstered their military presence on the island. Cypriot officials confirmed that France will dispatch a warship and additional anti-drone and anti-missile systems to enhance the nation’s defenses. Germany also announced plans to send a warship, while Greece has already deployed four F-16 fighter jets and is dispatching two frigates to the region. The incident involving the Iranian drones marks an escalation in tensions that have been brewing in the Eastern Mediterranean. Cypriot authorities, facing a direct threat to security, underscored... [Continue Reading]
Drone attack on Ras Tanura refinery in Saudi Arabia causes significant damage and raises regional security concerns
A recent drone attack attributed to Iranian operatives has struck the Ras Tanura refinery in Saudi Arabia, one of the largest oil processing facilities globally, resulting in significant damage. This incident has heightened regional tensions and sparked concerns regarding security in a sensitive geopolitical landscape. The Saudi Arabian defence ministry reported that two drones were intercepted over the refinery, causing fire and necessitating emergency protocols. The facility, owned by the state oil giant Saudi Aramco, was temporarily shut down following the attack, which occurred local time on a recent Monday. Satellite imagery from the surveillance company Vantor revealed extensive damage... [Continue Reading]
Austin authorities investigate shooting at downtown bar that left three dead and 14 injured
Authorities in Austin, Texas, are investigating a shooting at a local bar that left three individuals dead and 14 others injured. The incident occurred early on Sunday in a downtown area popular with university students. Eyewitnesses reported that the attacker, identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, was wearing a “Property of Allah” hoodie during the shooting. Diagne, a Senegalese national and naturalized U.S. citizen, was killed by police after allegedly opening fire in the establishment. The shooting comes amidst heightened tensions and fears of potential terrorist acts following recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran. These airstrikes reportedly resulted in the death of... [Continue Reading]
Ten protesters killed and 34 injured in Karachi as security forces clash with demonstrators near US consulate gates
Recent protests in Karachi, Pakistan, escalated dramatically as security forces opened fire on demonstrators attempting to storm the gates of the US consulate. The violent altercation resulted in the deaths of ten protesters, while 34 others sustained injuries, according to Sukhdew Assardas Hamnani, a spokesman for the Sindh government. The protests were reportedly sparked by widespread anger over the ongoing conflict involving Iran, invoking solidarity among demonstrators in various cities, including Karachi and other parts of Pakistan and India. The incident occurred when a large crowd gathered outside the US consulate in Karachi's upscale district of Clifton. Eyewitness accounts suggest... [Continue Reading]
Death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei Sparks Unrest and Military Tensions Across the Middle East
The recent death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has triggered a significant wave of unrest and military repercussions throughout the Middle East. Following Khamenei's passing, multiple demonstrations erupted globally, manifesting either as celebrations or protests regarding the ongoing conflicts in the region. Reports indicate heightened tensions, particularly regarding Iran’s relationship with both Israel and the United States, as military actions escalate in response to prior attacks. Eyewitness accounts confirm that smoke was observed rising from Dubai's Jebel Ali Port recently, following confirmed Iranian military retaliatory actions. On Saturday, the port was struck by debris from an intercepted missile. This... [Continue Reading]
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei confirmed dead amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East
The recent decline in geopolitical stability in the Middle East has escalated following the confirmed death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during a series of military actions attributed to the United States and Israel. Reports cite that Khamenei, who has held power since the Iranian Revolution, was killed in an operation designed to neutralize perceived threats from Iran's nuclear and militant aspirations. This unprecedented event has sent shockwaves throughout Iran and prompted immediate regional and international reactions. According to multiple sources, Khamenei died in airstrikes described as coordinated efforts by US and Israeli forces aimed at dismantling key... [Continue Reading]
Iran Faces Political Uncertainty Following Death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
The recent death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, has plunged the country into a state of political uncertainty. His demise marks a pivotal moment in a regime historically built to endure beyond individual leadership. Analysts suggest that Khamenei's absence could catalyze a dangerous power struggle, potentially leading to a military takeover. This poses grave implications not only for Iran but also for its regional adversaries, particularly Israel and the United States, which have long viewed Khamenei as a key figure in Iran's defiance against Western influences. Official reports confirmed that Khamenei passed away in a Tehran hospital following... [Continue Reading]
US and Israel Conduct Military Operations Against Iran, Prompting UN Security Council Emergency Meeting
In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East, the United States and Israel have conducted coordinated military operations targeting Iran's clerical leadership. The strikes, which occurred recently, have drawn immediate condemnation from Iran, which labeled the resulting civilian deaths as a "war crime" during an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. This incident has raised concerns about violations of international humanitarian law and the potential for further conflict in the region. US Ambassador Mike Waltz defended the operations, emphasizing the international community's longstanding commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He stated, “The international community has... [Continue Reading]
US and Israel conduct military strikes; reports suggest death of Iranian leader Khamenei, claims remain unconfirmed
Recent coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel have reportedly resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, although this claim remains unconfirmed by Iranian authorities. US President Donald Trump proclaimed the strikes a success, asserting that they were aimed at eliminating significant threats posed by Iran's missile capabilities and naval forces. Following the attacks, which Mr Trump announced while at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, he expressed a commitment to continuing military efforts against Iran if it proceeds with its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. However, Iranian news outlets maintain that Khamenei remains in... [Continue Reading]
Disability rights activists in Dublin call for €400 monthly emergency payment amid financial concerns from Budget 2026
Disability rights activists rallied in Dublin, demanding urgent action from the government to introduce a monthly emergency disability payment of €400. This protest, held this afternoon, is a response to perceived inequities created by recent government decisions surrounding support for individuals with disabilities. The organisers of the protest believe that the Budget 2026 presented by the government has caused drastic financial strife for people with disabilities, leaving them up to €1,400 poorer annually. This reduction follows the withdrawal of essential support payments, exacerbating hardships faced by the disabled community. Many of the protestors are affiliated with the Irish Wheelchair Association... [Continue Reading]
Argentine Senate passes labour reforms backed by President Milei amid public protests and concerns from labour unions
The Argentine Senate has enacted sweeping labour reforms supported by President Javier Milei, a move that has sparked significant public outcry and continued protests. The legislation was passed with a vote tally of 42 in favor, 28 against, and two abstentions, marking a pivotal moment for Milei in his efforts to implement a more business-friendly environment. These reforms are intended to relax hiring regulations, extend working hours, and impose limitations on the right to strike, raising concerns among labour unions and worker advocacy groups about potential violations of worker protections. Critics of the reforms argue they represent a significant rollback... [Continue Reading]
