Worldwide
Afghanistan: gun attack on mosque kills six
02 May 2024
On 29 April a gunman attacked a mosque in western Afghanistan, killing six people. The mosque, reportedly belonging to Afghanistan's minority Shia community, was targeted during prayer. Among the victims was a prayer leader. IS has…
Ecuador: president declares state of emergency
02 May 2024
On 30 April Ecuadorean president Daniel Noboa decreed a state of emergency in five coastal provinces, lasting sixty days, because of ‘internal armed conflict’. The measure marks the second such declaration by Noboa, who took office…
Joe Biden has signed a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, emphasising its importance in enhancing global security. He promised to send the military assistance for Ukraine ‘right away’, with $61 billion allocated…
India: world’s biggest election explained
25 Apr 2024
On 19 April Indians commenced voting for their next parliament, with Narendra Modi seeking a third term. Opinion polls favour his BJP party and its allies over an opposition alliance of over two dozen parties including…
Niger / Benin: oil starts to flow along pipeline
25 Apr 2024
Despite strained diplomatic ties, Benin is hoping for revenue from transit duties and taxes on Nigerien oil passing through Sémè Kraké. The site marks the terminus of a 1,980km pipeline from Niger's Agadem oil fields; oil…
Climate change: Asia most affected
25 Apr 2024
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has reported that Asia bore the brunt of climate change and weather-related disasters in 2023. Floods and storms caused significant casualties and economic damage, while heatwaves intensified. Asia's temperature rose almost…