Oil made Gaddafi’s Libya and it will build - or ruin - its successor

As rival governments vie for control of Libya’s oil, the resource has become both a lifeline and a weapon. Oil will ultimately decide the country’s future—whether through unity fostered by revenue-sharing, division as regions claim resources independently, or a continued status quo where factions and their backers fight for dominance. Read more here .

Nigeria kills at least 35 Islamic fighters near Cameroon border, air force says

Nigeria’s air force said it killed at least 35 Islamist fighters in strikes near the Cameroon border on Saturday, after intelligence revealed plans to attack ground troops. The operation, which hit four assembly points, is part of an intensified northeast campaign that has already claimed 592 militia members in eight months—surpassing gains made in 2024. Read more here .

What you need to know about Interpol’s $97m cybercrime bust across 18 African countries

In one of Africa’s biggest cybercrime crackdowns, authorities in 18 countries—backed by Interpol and the UK—arrested 1,209 suspects, identified 88,000 victims, and recovered $97.4 million. The three-month “Serengeti 2.0” operation also dismantled over 11,000 malicious infrastructures. Read more here .

Asia

Taiwan’s nuclear future hinges on voter anxiety over health and safety

Health has become the key issue for Taiwanese voters ahead of the August 23 referendum on restarting the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant, with concerns focused less on energy needs than on the risks to public well-being, journalist Julien Oeuillet told Global South World. Read more here .

Turkish first lady urges Melania Trump to speak out on Gaza

Turkish First Lady Emine Erdogan urged Melania Trump to press Israel’s prime minister on the plight of children in Gaza, citing Trump’s recent letter to Vladimir Putin about children in Ukraine and Russia, Ankara said Saturday, August 23. Read more here .

Iran forces kill six militants, IRNA reports, Israel link seen

Iranian forces killed six militants and arrested two in the southeast on Saturday, a day after rebels killed five police officers. IRNA said the group was linked to Israel and possibly trained by Mossad; most of the militants were foreign. Read more here .

Ecuador homicides increase 40% through July, over 5,000 killed

Ecuador recorded 5,268 homicides in the first seven months of this year—a 40% jump from 2024 and the country’s deadliest seven-month period in a decade, the interior ministry said. Most victims were aged 25–34 and killed with firearms. Read more here .

Bolsonaro's defence says drafted asylum request is not evidence of flight risk

Lawyers for former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro told the Supreme Court a draft asylum request to Argentina found on his phone was from last year and doesn’t prove flight risk, noting he never fled. Read more here .

At least 18 die in Colombia in two attacks attributed to FARC dissidents

At least 18 people were killed and over 40 were injured on Thursday, August 21, in two attacks in Colombia blamed on FARC dissidents. In Cali, a car bomb near an air force base left six dead and 71 wounded, officials said. Read more here .

2027

Earlier this year, senior US military officials sounded the alarm over China’s plans to modernise its military — the People ’s Liberation Army — allegedly to a level capable of a Taiwan invasion by 2027.

While some experts believe a more realistic date for a US-China confrontation over Taiwan is closer to 2030, the initial deadline is not without meaning for Beijing.

Year 2027 marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army, which is why, according to Mogato, “it's a very important and significant date to unite all Chinese territories into the mainland by 2027.”

The People’s Liberation Army was established decades before the People’s Republic of China itself, founded by the Chinese Communist Party in 1927 as the “Chinese Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army.”

It emerged amid the period of “White Terror”, when the ruling Nationalist Party, or Kuomintang, launched a bloody purge that killed thousands of communists and their supporters.

From those beginnings as a guerrilla force, the People’s Liberation Army has grown into the world’s largest standing military, with around 2 million active personnel as of 2024, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies. 

It also commands the largest navy in the world by number of ships, an advantage in any potential conflict over Taiwan’s surrounding waters.

2049

Beyond 2027 lies a grander target for Beijing and President Xi Jinping. 

Now in his third term, Xi has vowed that by 2049, the centenary of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing will “lead the world in terms of composite national strength and international influence.” 

Tying that ambition to the year 2049 is rooted in history. In 1949, the Communist Party won the Civil War and Mao Zedong declared the founding of the People’s Republic of China, forcing the Nationalists to retreat to Taiwan.

Xi’s 2049 vision calls for China to become a “great modern socialist country in all respects,” a goal that implicitly demands surpassing the United States not only in military might but also in economic power.

“Beyond 2027, China has an ambition to overtake the US as the No. 1 economic and military power by 2049,” Mogato said. “Why 2049? It’s the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China taking over Beijing after a civil war with the Nationalists.”

Whether Beijing can meet its twin ambitions in 2027 and 2049 remains uncertain. Time will tell,  but both dates are already shaping the future of global power.

Could Botswana abandon death penalty to tackle gender-based violence?

President Duma Boko has called for a review of capital punishment’s role in addressing violent crime, especially gender-based violence (GBV), as such crimes continue to rise in Botswana despite decades of its enforcement. Read more here .

Massacre in Benue, relief in reforms: Can new tax laws ease Nigeria's security crisis?

Over 100 people were killed in a June 13, 2025 attack in Yelewata, Benue State, amid ongoing land conflicts between Fulani herdsmen and farmers, Amnesty International reports. With over 1,000 deaths since May 2023, violence persists. Meanwhile, President Tinubu's new tax reforms aim to ease the burden on low-income Nigerians by boosting disposable income. Read more here .

U.S. visa cuts on Africa—Is it really about reciprocity?

The U.S. has imposed new visa restrictions on Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, and Cameroon, reducing student, tourist, and business visas to single-entry with three-month validity. The State Department cites its Global Reciprocity Realignment—but is reciprocity the real motive? Read more here .

Asia

Over 200 Chinese children poisoned after school used paint in food: summary

Over 200 kindergarten children in Tianshui, China, were hospitalized with lead poisoning after staff used industrial paint pigments to color food. Authorities say 233 of 251 children were affected. The school principal and others are in custody. Some food samples had lead levels over 2,000 times the legal limit. Read more here .

Key events in the Air India crash investigation

A preliminary report on last month’s Air India crash, which killed 260 people, reveals the engines were starved of fuel seconds after takeoff when fuel cutoff switches flipped to “off.” Read more here .

China, Malaysia agree on reciprocal visa-free entry for tourists and business travellers

China and Malaysia will launch a reciprocal visa-free travel deal on July 17, 2025, allowing stays of up to 30 days per visit and 90 days within 180 days. It applies to Chinese official and ordinary passport holders and Malaysian ordinary passport holders. Read more here .

Latin America

Adriano Baracho: Covering climate, communities, and change in Brazil

Adriano, a one-man journalist for TV10 in rural São Paulo, has spent a decade covering local stories solo. Originally from the Amazon’s Pará region, he also documents climate change, deforestation, and Indigenous struggles from remote areas often overlooked by the media. Read more here .

Why Colombia is celebrating its independence day in another country

Colombia will celebrate its Independence Day in the Czech Republic for the first time this July 2025, as part of efforts to deepen cultural ties abroad. Organised by the Colombian Embassy and ASOCOLCZ, the event will be held on Saturday, July 19, at Betlémské náměstí in the heart of Prague. Read more here .

Trump intensifies trade war with threat of 30% tariffs on EU, Mexico

President Donald Trump has threatened a 30% tariff on imports from Mexico and the EU starting August 1, after trade talks stalled. Announced via letters posted on Truth Social, the move escalates tensions with key U.S. partners. Both Mexico and the EU criticised the tariffs as unfair but vowed to keep negotiating. Read more here .

"There's a lot of untouched potential in our trade relationship, and therefore, this agreement comes at the right time because the new agreement will open new markets," she said during the joint press conference with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

The EU president asserted that after 10 long years of talking with Indonesia, this is the best deal for both Europeans and Indonesians.

“After 10 years of negotiations, we have made a breakthrough. This new trade agreement will open up great opportunities for both our people ,” she added.

President Subianto, who represents over 280 million Indonesians, also shared that “For Indonesia, CEPA is not only about trade; it is about fairness, respect, and building a strong future together. The agreement must support our efforts to grow our industries, create jobs, and strengthen our sustainable development goals." 

The trade agreement comes just a day after US President Donald Trump announced 30% tariffs on EU exports, which will start on August 1. 

South Africa's DA party withdraws from national dialogue amid coalition dispute

South Africa’s Democratic Alliance has pulled out of national dialogue but remains in the coalition government after President Ramaphosa dismissed one of its deputy ministers, DA leader John Steenhuisen said Saturday. Read more here .

The schoolboy fighting his parents for the right to leave Ghana

Since September 2024, a 14-year-old London boy of Ghanaian descent has stirred legal debate after his parents sent him to a Ghanaian boarding school under pretences to shield him from crime in London, court records show. Read more here .

The Mozambican student creating a visual world for the blind with tech

After seeing a blind woman fall in traffic, Joao Antonio Rego, 24, was inspired to create smart glasses that help the visually impaired navigate safely and independently. Read more here .

Asia

Thousands demand Thai prime minister quit over border dispute

Thousands rallied in Bangkok on Saturday, June 28, demanding that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra resign, amid a border dispute with Cambodia and economic woes. Braving heavy rain, it was the largest protest since her Pheu Thai party took power in 2023, as she faces a fragile coalition and a possible no-confidence vote next month. Read more here .

Driverless bus services suspended at Hong Kong International Airport after crashes

Hong Kong Airport suspended all driverless bus services after two collided near Terminal 1 on June 22, when one failed to yield at a taxiway intersection. Read more here .

What to know about Malaysia’s COVID-19 situation after the first death in 2025

Malaysia reported its first COVID-19 death of 2025 amid rising cases. The patient, unboosted and with preexisting conditions, died in mid-June—the first such fatality since May 2024. Read more here .

Latin America

Colombia's constitutional court halts electoral court's investigation into President Petro

Colombia’s Constitutional Court halted an electoral probe into President Gustavo Petro, ruling that only the House of Representatives can investigate his 2022 campaign financing. Read more here .

Brazil government begins legal analysis to challenge tax-hike reversal

Brazil's solicitor general is reviewing Congress's reversal of a tax hike on financial transactions, potentially leading to legal action. The review began at President Lula's request, with input from the finance ministry. Read more here .

Chile observatory captures the universe with 3,200-megapixel camera

Chile's Vera C. Rubin Observatory, home to the world’s largest digital camera, has released its first cosmic images. The 8.4-meter telescope on Pachon Hill aims to help astronomers study solar system formation and detect asteroid threats. Read more here .

The blackout, which began around 12:30 p.m. local time, affected major cities including Madrid, Lisbon, and Barcelona, leading to halted transportation systems, grounded flights, and widespread communication failures. Authorities are investigating the cause, with possibilities ranging from technical failures to cyberattacks.​

In Spain, the outage brought public transportation to a standstill . Madrid's metro system was evacuated, and traffic lights ceased functioning, causing significant congestion. Airports operated on backup generators, leading to flight delays nationwide.

Hospitals suspended routine operations, relying on emergency power to treat critical patients. Retailers like IKEA closed stores or limited access, and oil refineries , including those operated by Moeve and Petronor, halted operations due to the power failure.​

Portugal faced similar challenges. Lisbon's metro and train services were suspended, and traffic signals failed across the country. Water supplier EPAL warned of potential disruptions, and residents rushed to purchase emergency supplies. All IKEA stores in Portugal closed for the day, and airports operated on limited capacity.​

The exact cause of the outage remains unclear. Spanish grid operator Red Eléctrica and Portuguese operator REN are investigating, with initial reports suggesting a possible technical failure in the high-voltage network. Authorities have not ruled out a cyberattack, and Spain's National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE) is examining the possibility.​

A fire in southwest France, between Perpignan and Narbonne, damaged a high-voltage power line, which some speculate may have contributed to the outage. However, French grid operator RTE stated that the incident was unrelated to the blackout.​

Power restoration efforts began within hours in some regions. By early afternoon, electricity returned to parts of the Basque Country and Barcelona. However, full restoration across affected areas is expected to take longer, with Portuguese utility EDP unable to provide a definitive timeline.​

The outage also impacted cultural events. At the Madrid Open tennis tournament, matches were suspended as electronic systems failed, leaving players and spectators in the dark.

"For 500 years, basically the West,  meaning Europe and the United States, were in charge. They were in charge through imperialism. They were in charge of world finance. They were in charge of the world economy," Sachs told Global South World.

According to Sachs, the legacy of colonial domination, from the Atlantic slave trade to late-19th-century African colonisation, left enduring economic scars. But now, he argues, that era is ending,  not by design, but by global shifts in power and technology .

“Finally, this Western system is ending,” he remarked, adding, “And I say finally because it was not a fair system. It was not a just system. It was not an ethical system. It was a system of power.”

The current shocks, marked by the United States’ reintroduction of tariffs , intensifying geopolitical rivalries, and sanctions that have shaken the post-World War II economic order, have left many developing nations in economic limbo. But Sachs insists this is also a time of unprecedented opportunity.

“Power is now more diffused, more shared, across more parts of the world than has been true for centuries,” he noted.

He cited the growing influence of China and India as examples of the shifting balance and called for the African Union to rise as a unified global force, pushing for fairer systems of trade, finance, and governance.

“Technology is spreading, economic development is spreading. The world is online everywhere, even in remote villages — though not equally yet,” he noted.

In this new world order, Sachs says the path forward for the Global South lies in unity, investment in technology and education, and a firm demand for inclusion in shaping international policy .

From explosive celebrations to sacred rituals, here are 10 of the most unique Easter traditions practised around the world.

Sweden: Easter witches

Forget the Easter Bunny—in Sweden, children dress up as “Easter witches,” donning colourful clothes and painted cheeks as they go door to door trading drawings for sweets, a whimsical blend of Halloween and Easter.

Germany: Easter egg trees and bonfires

Germans bring colour to their gardens with Ostereierbaum—trees decorated with hand-painted eggs. The season is also marked by towering Easter bonfires, meant to chase away the dark of winter and welcome spring.

Slovakia: Whipping tradition

In Slovakia, Easter Monday comes with a quirky and controversial custom: men playfully whip women with decorated willow branches, believed to bring beauty and vitality for the year ahead.

Greece: Rocket wars and clay pots

On the island of Chios, two rival churches engage in a thrilling "rocket war ," firing thousands of homemade fireworks across the night sky. Meanwhile, in Corfu, residents hurl clay pots from balconies to ward off evil spirits.

France: Giant omelette for a thousand

In the town of Haux, chefs cook a giant omelette made with over 4,000 eggs—enough to feed an entire village. Legend has it that Napoleon once ordered a massive omelette here, and the tradition stuck.

Guatemala: Flower carpets

In Antigua, streets bloom with intricate alfombras—vibrant carpets of dyed sawdust, flowers, and fruit that line the roads for Easter processions. These temporary artworks are as fleeting as they are breathtaking.

Philippines : Self-crucifixion

In a dramatic and controversial act of faith, some Filipino devotees reenact Christ’s crucifixion —complete with nails and crosses—as a form of penance. Though discouraged by the Church, the practice draws large crowds each year.

Papua New Guinea: Cigarette trees

Churches in Papua New Guinea hang tobacco leaves and cigarettes on trees around Easter, encouraging congregants, especially men, to attend services and receive their “reward.”

“Instability and uncertainty are on the rise,” Li said, adding, “At this time, I think it’s even more important for each of our countries to open up their markets more, and our companies, our businesses, should be sharing their resources more.”

The forum, a key platform for dialogue between Chinese policymakers and global business leaders, comes amid escalating trade tensions between Beijing and Washington. With the possibility of  Donald Trump returning to the White House, fears of a renewed U.S.-China trade war loom large, threatening China’s export-driven growth, the AFP reports.

China has been under mounting pressure from Western economies, particularly the United States , which has tightened trade restrictions and imposed tariffs on Chinese goods. Despite this, Li Qiang emphasised China’s commitment to global economic integration, positioning Beijing as a proponent of open markets and cross-border collaboration.

The China Development Forum, which brings together international executives and Chinese officials, serves as a key indicator of Beijing’s economic direction.

Despite these, the are employees in various parts of the who give out their all at the workplace in terms of work hours.

According to data provided by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), there are some 5 countries in the world that work the most hours annually.

Here is the list:

Mexico

Topping the list is Mexico, where the average worker clocks in an impressive 2,207 hours per year. This high number reflects the country's labour dynamics, which often involve a six-day workweek.

Costa Rica

Following closely is Costa Rica, with an average of 2,171 hours worked annually. Known for its "Pura Vida" lifestyle, Costa Rica's high working hours might come as a surprise. However, the country frequently ranks high on the World Economic Forum’s Happy Planet Index, indicating a unique blend of hard work and overall well-being.

Chile

In third place is Chile, where the average annual hours worked is 1,953. Chile's economy is one of the most stable in Latin America, and its workforce is known for its dedication and productivity.

Greece

Greece which is the fourth place has an annual work hours of 1897. Like the rest of the countries on the list, Greece has a stable workforce which drives its innovation and development.

Israel

Rounding out the top five is Israel, with an average of 1,880 hours worked per year. Israel's workforce is known for its high productivity and innovation, contributing to the country's strong economic performance.