The controversial reform, enacted in mid-September 2025, raised the price of diesel from $1.80 to over $2.80 per gallon. Noboa’s administration argued that the subsidy—costing the state more than $1 billion a year—was unsustainable and often exploited by smugglers. Officials say the savings will be redirected to social programmes and production incentives. Yet, for millions of Ecuadorians who depend on diesel for transport and agriculture, the move has instead meant higher living costs and greater uncertainty.

According to government data, national diesel consumption has fallen by around 13–14 percent since the policy took effect, with steeper drops of over 25 percent in border provinces such as Carchi and Imbabura. While authorities present this as proof that the reform is working, unions and Indigenous organisations see it as evidence of an economic slowdown and declining livelihoods in rural areas.

The public backlash has been fierce. The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE), transport unions, and farmers have led weeks of demonstrations demanding the reversal of the policy. Security forces have clashed repeatedly with protesters, prompting the government to declare a state of emergency in several provinces. At least one person has died, more than a hundred have been detained, and some are facing “terrorism” charges—a move that rights groups have criticised as excessive.

Tensions reached a new peak when President Noboa’s convoy was attacked with stones in Cañar, an incident the government described as an assassination attempt. The episode underscored how fragile the situation has become. A month on, Ecuador stands at a crossroads: between the promise of economic discipline and the mounting demand for social justice . Whether Noboa can restore calm without losing public trust remains an open question.

Trump has received public endorsements from multiple countries, including Israel, Pakistan, Cambodia, Rwanda and Gabon, to become the first Republican U.S. president since Theodore Roosevelt in 1906 to take up the distinguished honour.

Pakistan declared its intention to nominate Trump on June 20, following diplomatic efforts that helped bring about a ceasefire during a conflict between India and Pakistan in May. In July, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a letter to the Nobel Committee during a White House visit, formally nominating Trump for the prize.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet joined the list of supporters on August 7, citing Trump’s role in a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand that ended a five-day border conflict in July. Similarly, Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe and Gabonese President Brice Oligui Nguema have endorsed Trump for helping end a long-standing conflict between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

But why has he chosen to rename the DOD at this time? Trump said that the decision followed “long and hard” consideration and months of discussions. He explained that the original War Department had led the U.S. to victory in both world wars, whereas subsequent military engagements under the Defence Department often resulted in outcomes that were more drawn out and inconclusive, describing them as a “sort of tie.”

Its stated mission is to “strengthen defense capabilities of African states and regional organizations” and to “counter transnational threats.” In practice, that often means working alongside African militaries, training security forces, and carrying out counterterrorism operations.

The command was created at a time when extremist groups were expanding their footprint on the continent. From al-Qaeda-linked militants in the Sahel to al-Shabaab in Somalia, African security challenges quickly became seen as part of wider global terrorism networks.

Today, AFRICOM coordinates drone strikes, intelligence gathering, and joint exercises with African armies. It also supports multinational operations, such as those led by the African Union Mission in Somalia.

Some African governments view AFRICOM with suspicion, seeing it as an extension of American military influence.

Most developing countries share some common challenges, and they are;

But how does a country actually rise above these?

Here’s the thing: true development isn’t just crossing a GDP threshold. It’s about creating a system where opportunity isn’t reserved for the privileged, it’s built into the everyday life of every citizen.

Do you want to know what it really takes to get there? Watch the video above to find out.

So, how did the dollar become this powerful? And what does it mean for countries that depend on it every day, even for transactions between neighbouring nations?

The United Nations warns that these mass deportations could further destabilise Afghanistan, which is already grappling with a dire humanitarian crisis and shrinking international aid.

These countries were granted this privilege after they emerged as victors of World War II. But the world has changed drastically since then — economically, politically, and demographically. Many argue it’s time the UNSC reflected that.

With over 50% of the world’s population living in Asia and Africa, why don’t these regions have a permanent voice at the table? Should countries like India be given a seat based on their population, or Pakistan based on military power, or regional influence? And what happens when permanent members are the very ones involved in the conflicts the UN is supposed to address?

The government claims to have returned over 24,000 people without legal rights to stay since last July, but better weather and new tactics have increased crossings, and 73 people died attempting the journey in 2024.

The ruling junta, led by General Min Aung Hlaing, seized power in 2021. It relies on airstrikes, forced conscription and foreign support mainly from China and Russia to stay in power.

Against the Myanmar military is the resistance. It's a mix of ethnic armed organizations such as the Arkan Army, Kachin Independence Army, Ta'ang National Liberation Army and pro-democracy fighters from the National Unity Government and the People's Defense Forces.

Bottom line, Burma's military is at its weakest point yet and 2025 could be a turning point in the war.

What are the key drivers behind this economic surge? Nigeria is currently the fastest-growing economy in Africa, with a projected growth of 11.2%. This growth is mainly driven by its expanding oil and gas sector, which is boosting exports and government revenues. 

Senegal follows with an 8.2% growth rate. The country benefits from political stability, increasing foreign investment, and the development of its energy sector. Economic reforms also made it easier to do business.

The tragedy—South Korea’s deadliest aviation disaster—occurred on December 29, claiming 179 lives and leaving only two survivors, both crew members seated in the tail section.

While some held on to power, others staged political comebacks that sent shockwaves. A few countries broke barriers with their electoral decisions—others were marked with widespread controversy.

Built on the AT Protocol, the platform connects multiple independent servers into a single network. This innovative approach allows users to move their accounts, followers, and posts to other compatible services, offering a degree of freedom absent in traditional social media platforms.

Bluesky’s unique structure, however, is not without its challenges. The platform has faced criticism over offensive user handles, sparking debates about its moderation policies.

Trump is also expected to withdraw the US from the Paris Agreement—a global accord to combat climate change—marking a return to policies seen during his first term. Such a withdrawal could hinder international cooperation on climate efforts, making it more challenging for nations to address this global crisis collectively.

The surge of short-term visitors has strained Venice’s narrow streets, fragile buildings, and local routines. In response, the city has introduced regulations aimed at limiting crowds and curbing disruptive behaviour.

Ukraine has proved to be a tougher opponent to Russia and with the high costs on both sides amid the recent election of Donald Trump as US president, military aid to Kyiv might halt, forcing peace talks.

Despite a military victory being the ultimate goal of this war since day one, analysts think negotiations could dominate post-2024.

He highlighted that Ukraine’s three-month military incursion into Russian territory has stalled in this area, potentially due in part to North Korea’s reinforcement of Russian ranks.

The troops are believed to be embedded within Russian units, disguised as members of the Buryat ethnic group from the Russian Federation. The presence of North Korean soldiers on the frontlines has raised global concerns about the implications of Pyongyang’s military cooperation with Moscow. 

NATO officials stated on Friday, November 8, that the recent deployment of North Korean troops constitutes a "dangerous expansion" of the country's support for Russia's military operations in Ukraine.

But why are North Korean soldiers fighting for Russia? Analysts suggest that the North Korean regime sees the deployment as a chance to gain valuable combat experience and technical training for its military, one of the largest in the world, which boasts 1.2 million soldiers but lacks significant combat exposure.

Experts note that this arrangement could also offer North Korea an opportunity to test its military equipment in real-world conditions and gather intelligence on its performance. The development has not gone unnoticed by South Korea, a major arms supplier to Ukraine. 

Last month, CNN reported that South Korea hinted it might reconsider the level of military support it provides to Ukraine if the North Korean presence in Russia continues.

The tension between the Koreas remains high, with South Korea and North Korea still technically at war and separated by one of the world’s most heavily militarized borders. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, along with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, issued a joint statement in Seoul condemning the deployment of North Korean soldiers “in the strongest possible terms.” The statement highlighted worries that Russia might supply North Korea with materials and technology that could further Pyongyang’s military ambitions.

In a separate joint statement on November 6, the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the EU’s High Representative expressed strong condemnation of North Korea’s alleged deployment. The statement affirmed their “unwavering commitment to support Ukraine as it defends its freedom” and voiced concerns over the potential transfer of nuclear or missile-related technology from Russia to North Korea, which would violate United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs).

“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the increasing military cooperation between the DPRK and Russia… We are also deeply concerned about the potential for any transfer of nuclear or ballistic missile-related technology from Russia to the DPRK in violation of the relevant UNSCRs. We urge the DPRK to stop assisting in Russia’s war of aggression,” the statement read.

In conclusion, the joint statement underscored the commitment of the allied nations to work closely with international partners to formulate a coordinated response to the latest development.

Thus, China is shifting its trade focus, particularly in oil from Africa to the Gulf countries. 

China's crude oil imports from Africa are declining as the nation increasingly sources oil from more stable producers in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Russia, and other Asian nations. In 2023, the value of crude oil imports from Russia and several Asian producers surged compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, with dramatic increases noted in imports from the UAE (254 percent), Malaysia (408 percent), Kazakhstan (214 percent), and Kuwait (41 percent).

Meanwhile, China’s reliance on African oil is diminishing. With the exception of Chad, which saw a 78-percent increase in oil exports to China between 2019 and 2023, most major African oil producers have experienced significant declines in trade with China.  

Angola, once the world’s second-largest oil exporter to China in 2010, dropped to eighth place by 2023. Other African nations, including South Sudan, Sudan, and Nigeria, have also seen their oil exports to China plummet by 77 percent, 67 percent, and 61 percent, respectively.

What happened?

The incident occurred in Rati Bharpur village of the Hathras District after a large crowd of Bhole Baba followers gathered for a Satsanga, a gathering where people gather to perform spiritual and devotional activities including yoga. Around 250,000 people attended the event, a number that was more than the venue's capacity. There are two narratives from authorities so far. Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath said that the stampede started after a crowd of devotees were stopped after trying to approach the religious leader.

Another report by district administrator Ashish Kumar said that the incident happened while people were trying to escape the heat inside the makeshift tent where the event was held.

The stampede, according to local reports intensified as a result of insufficient crowd control mechanisms in place.

How many people were affected?

The stampede resulted in the death of at least 121 people, with many others injured. Most of the victims were women and children. The event organisers had permission for only 80,000 attendees, but the actual crowd far exceeded this number. Videos on social media showed many bodies lying outside the local hospital.

What the police are saying?

A First Information Report submitted by the police does not name the religious leader, Bhole Baba as one of the accused persons. "As the preacher left in his car, many rushed to collect dust rising from the path of the vehicle," a religious practice among some Hindus. "Some of those bent over got crushed by the large crowd exiting the venue," parts of the FIR said.

The complaint also added that event organisers tried to destroy evidence of the stampede by throwing victims' clothes and footwear into neighbouring fields.

Meanwhile, money equivalent of $2,500 has been announced as compensation for the deceased persons’ families.

The FIR has been registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 110 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), 126 (2) (wrongful restraint), 223 (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by the public servant), 238 (causing disappearance of evidence).

What is happening after?

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has promised strict action against those responsible and initiated a high-level investigation. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also offered full central assistance and expressed condolences.

Others including the National Commission for Women Chairperson Rekha Sharma criticised the organisers and called for legal action against Bhole Baba, who fled the scene.

On Social Media Platform X, political leaders and the public expressed condolences and demanded accountability. International leaders Russia’s President Vladimir Putin also expressed their sorrow over the incident.

Main organiser surrenders to police

The main organiser of the event turned himself in to the police on July 5. Devprakash Madhukar was a key suspect and was facing serious charges, including attempted culpable homicide. Earlier, the police had launched a search for him and offered a reward of 100,000 rupees (about $1,200) for any information that could lead to his arrest.

Who is Bhole Baba

Bhole Baba is a former UP police staffer who worked with the Local Intelligence Unit (LIU) for 18 years and took voluntary retirement in 1990, when he was posted in Etah, for religious reasons. The 65-year-old is known for his millions of followers from diverse backgrounds including the poor and influential for the past two decades.  

This religious book, written in Coptic script on papyrus in Egypt, dates back to between 250 and 350 AD. The codex, discovered in the 1950s, is believed to be one of the oldest in existence and was among several lots auctioned from Dr. Schøyen's collection. It contains a combination of biblical and other Christian texts, biblical extracts, and pagan literature, including the first complete epistle of Peter, the Book of Jonah, and an Easter homily.

Due to client confidentiality, the identity of the buyer could not be revealed. According to sources, it was initially bought by the University of Mississippi, where it remained until 1981.

It was acquired several times before being purchased by Norwegian manuscript collector Dr. Martin Schøyen in 1988. The manuscript itself includes texts such as the first complete epistle of Peter, the Book of Jonah, and an Easter homily.