'I was tortured and lost my hand' - one student's struggle to get an education in Nigeria
Education

Nigerian Student Overcomes Torture and Disability to Pursue Education

A Childhood Marked by Violence Ovey Friday, a 19-year-old student from Nasarawa State in Nigeria, faced a life-changing tragedy at a very young age. When he was just 13, his…

Julius Malema's Prison sentence: What it means for his political future Julius Malema: Who is he and why this case matters Julius Malema has been sentenced five years behind bars as the leader of Economic Freedom Fighters. He was found guilty by the court of possessing an illegal firearm in public and shooting it. Malema, a prominent South African politician, is known for his outspokenness. He criticises Western influence, and calls for nationalisation of land owned by whites. He has a strong message that resonates strongly with the young voters, who are feeling economically left behind. His statements and actions, however, have also sparked controversy. His actions and statements have sparked controversy. His support base is loyal despite this. Will Julius Malema go to prison? You don't have to do it right away. Malema is entitled to appeal the sentence. He will remain free from prison as long as his appeal is pending. He admitted firing the weapon during the trial but claimed it was in celebration. However, the court still found that his actions had been illegal and dangerous. How to Appeal Malema intends to appeal both his conviction as well as sentence. His legal team will need to first obtain approval from the high court in order to overturn his conviction. The case can be reviewed if the high court approves. This move is likely to be opposed by the state. Malema has the right to take his case before the Constitutional Court of South Africa if necessary. Experts in law say that the entire process may take between four and five years. The case may remain active for some time. Is He Still a Parliamentary Member? For now, yes. South African law prohibits MPs from serving prison terms exceeding 12 months. This rule only applies after the appeals process is complete. Malema can appeal his conviction, so it isn't final. Malema can retain his seat in parliament and continue to be politically active. Also, he is expected to run in the upcoming local election. "Has Impact on His Political career " His career is not over yet, but the case leaves him in a state of uncertainty. Malema could gain support from the political establishment in the near future. Malema can portray himself as an opposition leader who is under legal pressure. This often increases loyalty from supporters. The risks on the long-term are significant. The courts could uphold his sentence and he may lose his position in the parliament. EFF could also suffer without him, since the party heavily relies on public perception and his influence.
Politics

Julius Malema’s Prison sentence: What it means for his political future

Julius Malema: Who is he and why this case matters Julius Malema has been sentenced five years behind bars as the leader of Economic Freedom Fighters. He was found guilty by…

Japan introduces "Kokushobi", a 40degC heat-resistant jacket, after record summer temperatures
Weather

Japan introduces “Kokushobi”, a 40degC heat-resistant jacket, after record summer temperatures

The Japan Meteorological Agency introduced a term, 'kokushobi' for days with temperatures above 40 degC. This word is a combination of koku, which means harsh or cruel (or savage), and strong data-end="149" data-start="133">kokushobi," to…

Thousands gather for open-air mass led by Pope Leo XIV Massive crowd welcomes Pope in Douala Over 120,000 people gathered at Douala for a massive open-air Mass, led by Pope Leo XIV. It is the largest crowd he has seen during his 11 day tour of Africa. Early in the morning, the Japoma stadium and surrounding areas were crowded. People had arrived early the previous night to get a prime spot. As Pope Francis entered his Popemobile in the Vatican, thousands of people cheered and waved flags. They also captured the moment with their smartphones. A message of unity and peace The Pope's focus during the Mass was on the promotion of peace, community development, and discipline. The Pope urged the young to make good use of their talent and not choose harmful things. He warned people against violent acts and grabbing for quick gain that can harm society. He urged people to be honest and strive for progress. The message was sent shortly after his trip to the Anglophone Cameroon region which has been ravaged by conflict for many years. After hearing him speak, many attendees felt hopeful. Artificial Intelligence Risks In Yaounde the Pope raised concern about artificial intelligence. The Pope said that artificial intelligence can cause divisions and fear to spread if it is used carelessly. He said that people can lose their connection to reality if they depend too heavily on digital simulations. This can lead to isolated groups, and reduce meaningful interaction between people. African natural resources: a concern He also criticised the high demand for Africa’s natural resources. The Pope emphasized minerals such as cobalt which is widely used for modern technology, including AI. He said that uncontrolled mining of these resources would harm local communities and increase inequality. Faithfulness, dedication, and resiliency The worshippers were deeply involved despite the heat. Others held books or umbrellas to protect themselves from the heat. Some knelt down, prayed or lifted their hands to show devotion. It was a powerful display of unity and faith amongst people with different backgrounds. The event was described by many as an emotional experience. The next stops in Africa on the tour The Pope is on a tour of Africa. He will then travel to Angola, and finally Equatorial Guinea to conclude his journey.
Travel

Thousands gather for open-air mass led by Pope Leo XIV

Massive crowd welcomes Pope in Douala Over 120,000 people gathered at Douala for a massive open-air Mass, led by Pope Leo XIV. It is the largest crowd he has seen during…

Oil Prices Drop as Iran Reopens Strait of Hormuz During Ceasefire Oil prices fell sharply after Iran announced that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open for commercial shipping during the ongoing ceasefire in the US-Israel conflict. Brent crude dropped to $88 per barrel, down from more than $98 earlier in the day. The sudden decline reflects renewed confidence in global oil supply after weeks of disruption. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy routes. Nearly 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas passes through this narrow waterway south of Iran. Any restriction in this route often leads to sharp price increases. Iran Signals Stability in Oil Supply Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, confirmed that commercial vessels can move freely through the strait during the ceasefire period. This announcement helped ease fears of supply shortages. Earlier, tensions had slowed tanker traffic to very low levels. The reduced flow of oil and gas pushed global prices higher and created uncertainty in energy markets. Before the conflict began, Brent crude traded below $70 per barrel. Prices later surged past $100 and peaked above $119 in March due to supply concerns. Although prices briefly rebounded above $90 later in the day, the overall trend showed relief in the market. Global Markets Respond Positively Stock markets reacted quickly to the news. Major US indices posted gains in early trading: S&P 500 rose by 1.2% Nasdaq increased by 1.3% Dow Jones climbed by 1.9% European markets also moved higher. France’s CAC and Germany’s DAX both gained around 2%, while the UK’s FTSE 100 ended the day up by 0.7%. Uncertainty Still Remains Despite the positive reaction, maritime organizations continue to verify Iran’s claims. The Strait of Hormuz had effectively remained restricted since military strikes began earlier this year. If the route stays open, it could stabilize oil prices and reduce pressure on global energy markets. However, any shift in the ceasefire situation may quickly reverse the trend
Economics

Oil Prices Drop as Iran Reopens Strait of Hormuz During Ceasefire

Oil prices fell sharply after Iran announced that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open for commercial shipping during the ongoing ceasefire in the US-Israel conflict. Brent crude dropped to…

Iran Talks Gain Momentum After Lebanon Ceasefire and Hormuz Opening A temporary halt in fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has shifted the tone in regional politics. The 10-day ceasefire, announced Thursday night, is being seen as a strategic win for Iran. Tehran had made it clear that progress in talks with the United States depended on a ceasefire in Lebanon. Now that condition has been met. In response, Iran has declared the Strait of Hormuz fully open, easing concerns over global oil supply routes. Ceasefire Creates New Diplomatic Openings Recent negotiations in Islamabad already showed that dialogue could continue even during conflict. However, both Iran and Pakistan insisted that Lebanon must be part of the discussion. With the ceasefire now in place, that demand has been fulfilled. This development has opened the door for renewed diplomatic engagement. It also allows multiple countries to claim progress without making major concessions. Mixed Reactions Inside Israel Not everyone sees the ceasefire as a positive move. Many Israelis living near the northern border are frustrated. They believe Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave in to pressure instead of fully neutralizing Hezbollah’s threat. Critics argue that the deal strengthens Iran’s influence in the region. They say it allows Tehran to shape events beyond its borders, especially in Lebanon. All Sides Find Strategic Advantage Despite the criticism, each party involved appears to gain something: The United States and Iran can both claim credit for reducing tensions Israel maintains a military presence in southern Lebanon Lebanon’s government finally enters direct talks with Israel Hezbollah avoids defeat and keeps its military strength intact Hezbollah has agreed to follow the ceasefire for now. Still, its leadership has made it clear that disarmament is not on the table. A senior figure stated that weapons will remain until key conditions are met. These include an Israeli withdrawal, the return of prisoners, the safe return of displaced civilians, and reconstruction efforts. Uncertain Path Ahead While the ceasefire lowers immediate tensions, it does not resolve the deeper conflict. The situation remains fragile. Any breakdown in conditions could quickly reverse progress. For now, the pause in fighting and the reopening of Hormuz have created a rare window for diplomacy. Whether this leads to lasting stability depends on what happens next.
War

Iran Talks Gain Momentum After Lebanon Ceasefire and Hormuz Opening

A temporary halt in fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has shifted the tone in regional politics. The 10-day ceasefire, announced Thursday night, is being seen as a strategic win for…

Woman Arrested After Girl Found Dead in Doncaster Pond A woman has been arrested following the death of a seven-year-old girl whose body was found in a pond in Doncaster. Girl Reported Missing Before Tragic Discovery Nyla May Bradshaw went to a park in the Owston area on the morning of 30 March. Shortly after arriving, she was reported missing. Emergency teams launched a search. They later found Nyla face down in a pond at the grounds of Owston Hall Hotel. She was unresponsive when discovered. Paramedics rushed her to Doncaster Royal Infirmary, where doctors pronounced her dead at 13:18 BST. Arrest Made as Investigation Develops South Yorkshire Police have arrested a woman in her 30s. She faces suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter and child neglect. Officers later released her on bail while investigations continue. Police first believed the case was non-suspicious. However, new findings during ongoing inquiries led to the arrest. Detective Chief Inspector Gary Magnay said Nyla’s death has deeply affected her family and the wider community. He confirmed that officers continue to support her loved ones during this difficult time. Police Urge Public Not to Speculate Authorities have asked the public to avoid speculation. They stressed that legal proceedings are now active. Any public discussion could affect future court action. Inquest Reveals Key Details An earlier inquest shared more details about the incident. Nyla, who was autistic and non-verbal, had been in the care of a childminder. She reportedly slipped through a gap in a fence and walked toward nearby woodland. Search teams used drones and a police aircraft to locate her before making the tragic discovery. Family Pays Emotional Tribute A family friend described Nyla as a joyful and loving child. She said Nyla brought light and energy to everyone around her. According to her, Nyla shared a close bond with her brothers, who adored her deeply. She remembered Nyla as a happy child who lived in her own beautiful world. Community Support and Fundraiser The local community has shown strong support for Nyla’s family. A fundraiser created in her memory has raised more than £20,000 so far.
Crime and Justice

Woman Arrested After Girl Found Dead in Doncaster Pond

A woman has been arrested following the death of a seven-year-old girl whose body was found in a pond in Doncaster. Girl Reported Missing Before Tragic Discovery Nyla May Bradshaw…

Harry and Meghan meet Bondi shooting survivors in Sydney
Entertainment

Harry and Meghan meet Bondi shooting survivors in Sydney

Bondi Surf Life Saving Club members met the couple and posed for a group selfie. The lifeguards were recognized for their quick response during the attack. Their actions helped keep…

Former Radio 1 DJ and Live Aid presenter Andy Kershaw has died at 66 after battling cancer. He was known for championing world music and global reporting.
Entertainment

Andy Kershaw: Former Radio 1 DJ Andy Kershaw Dies Aged 66 After Cancer Battle

Andy Kershaw, the former Radio 1 DJ and Live Aid presenter, has died at the age of 66. His family confirmed that Andy Kershaw died on Thursday evening at around…

Iranian footballers hope to find safety in Australia and have a new start
SportsWar

Iranian footballers hope to find safety in Australia and have a new start

After finding refuge in Australia, two Iranian footballers expressed their relief and optimism. The two footballers thanked their supporters, Australian officials, and the Australian Government for their help during this difficult…

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Rubio Calls Cuba a Threat as Havana Rejects US Claims US and Cuba Exchange Strong Statements Marco Rubio has described Cuba as a “national security threat” to the United States, while Cuban officials strongly denied the accusation and called the remarks misleading. Rubio made the comments before traveling to a NATO meeting in Sweden. His statement came shortly after the US government charged former Cuban president Raúl Castro with murder over the 1996 incident in which two planes were shot down, killing several US citizens. The US secretary of state said Washington still prefers a diplomatic solution with Cuba. However, he admitted that reaching a peaceful agreement may be difficult under the current leadership in Havana. Cuba Rejects Terrorism Accusations Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez quickly rejected Rubio’s comments. He said Cuba has never threatened the United States and accused US officials of spreading false information. Rodríguez also denied claims that Cuba supports terrorism in the region. In a statement shared on social media, he accused Washington of increasing pressure on the island and encouraging hostility against the Cuban government. Tensions between both countries have grown in recent months as the Trump administration pushes for political and economic reforms in Cuba. Economic Pressure Increases on Cuba Cuba continues to face serious economic problems, including fuel shortages, food scarcity, and long electricity blackouts. Many experts believe US sanctions and restrictions on oil supplies have made the crisis worse. According to Rubio, Cuba has already accepted a $100 million humanitarian aid package from the United States. At the same time, the US government continues to pressure Havana for major reforms. American officials reportedly want Cuba to allow more foreign investment and reduce the influence of Russian and Chinese intelligence agencies operating on the island. Questions Grow Over Raúl Castro Charges The indictment against Raúl Castro has increased concerns about future US actions toward Cuba. Some political analysts compared the situation to earlier US pressure campaigns against Venezuela and its president, Nicolás Maduro. When reporters asked Rubio whether the US planned to bring Castro to America for trial, he avoided giving direct details. He stated that he would not publicly discuss any possible plans regarding the case.
Rubio Calls Cuba a Threat as Havana Rejects US Claims
Politics United States
UK Net Migration Falls Sharply to 171,000 as Policy Tightens and Asylum Claims Drop Net migration hits lowest level in years Net migration in the United Kingdom has dropped to around 171,000 in the latest figures, according to Home Office data. This is nearly half the level recorded in 2024 and the lowest seen since 2012, excluding the pandemic years. Officials link the fall mainly to fewer arrivals from outside the European Union, especially for work and study. Fewer people are also coming to the country overall compared with recent years. Asylum claims remain high despite decline Asylum applications also fell slightly. About 93,525 people claimed asylum in the UK in the year to March 2026, which is 12% lower than the previous year. Even with this drop, the number is still more than double the pre pandemic level, showing that pressure on the asylum system remains high. Government response and political debate Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the latest data shows progress but stressed that more action is needed. He said the government is building a skills based migration system designed to reduce dependence on overseas labour and focus on contribution. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the figures reflect efforts to bring “order and control” to the borders. In contrast, opposition figures argued that stronger action is still required. Policy changes shaping migration trends Several policy changes introduced in 2024 and continued by the current government have played a major role in reducing migration.
UK Net Migration Falls Sharply to 171,000 as Policy Tightens and Asylum Claims Drop
Travel
Government Announces Summer VAT Reduction for Family Attractions
Government Announces Summer VAT Reduction for Family Attractions
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New UK guidance states toilets and changing rooms should be used based on biological sex, with provisions for gender neutral alternatives
UK Guidance Sets Rules for Toilets and Changing Rooms Based on Biological Sex
Crime and Justice
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