Author: none@none.com (AFP)

The United States Criticizes India in Religious Freedom Report The annual report on religious freedom published by the United States has sparked controversy by criticizing close partner India for its increasing anti-conversion laws, hate speech, and demolitions of homes and places of worship for minority faith communities. Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted the concerning rise of bigotry worldwide against both Jews and Muslims, and noted a sharp increase in anti-Semitism and Islamophobia in the US in connection to the Gaza war. Despite efforts by Indian police, the report revealed instances where Christian communities faced disruptions during worship services and…

The much-anticipated debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump is set to take place, with both candidates looking to gain an edge in the closely contested race for the presidency. With the country still reeling from the aftermath of the 2020 election, this debate carries significant weight as millions of Americans tune in to watch. This debate holds particular significance as it is one of only two scheduled for this election cycle, and the latest polls show the candidates locked in a tight race. Trump and Biden both need to present themselves as strong, capable leaders while avoiding major missteps…

Recent events in Bolivia have sparked global concern as two army leaders attempted a coup against President Luis Arce. Soldiers and tanks surrounded government buildings, with tanks even trying to break into the presidential palace. The ousted army chief, General Juan Jose Zuniga, claimed the armed forces were aiming to democratize the government. After about five hours, troops and tanks withdrew from Plaza Murillo, ending the uprising. Zuniga and another military leader, Juan Arnez Salvador, were subsequently arrested for their roles in the attempted coup. President Arce, in response, urged the people to mobilize against the threat to democracy. The…

In a dramatic turn of events, Bolivia’s army chief was arrested after leading an attempted coup against President Luis Arce. Troops and tanks stormed Plaza Murillo, prompting global condemnation and fears of an attack on democracy. The dismissed army chief, General Zuniga, claimed the uprising was to “restructure democracy” and prevent rule by a few for decades. The standoff lasted five hours before Zuniga was captured, claiming the president orchestrated the coup to boost his sagging popularity. Former president Evo Morales warned of a brewing coup and called for a defense of democracy. The power struggle in Bolivia stems from…

Iranians are gearing up to elect a new president from six candidates, including lone reformist Massoud Pezeshkian who aims to challenge the conservative stronghold in the Islamic republic. The snap election, scheduled earlier than planned due to the death of ultraconservative Ebrahim Raisi, comes at a turbulent time for Iran, facing economic strain from international sanctions and escalating tensions in the region, particularly with Israel. The leading contenders for the presidency in Iran include Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Saeed Jalili, and Massoud Pezeshkian, offering diverse views and promises to tackle the country’s economic challenges and international relations. As Iranians prepare to…

India’s new leader of the opposition Rahul Gandhi made a powerful statement in his first speech since assuming the post that had remained vacant for a decade. Gandhi, the chief rival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was appointed by fellow opposition lawmakers, signaling a revitalized challenge to the government. In his address in parliament, Gandhi emphasized the importance of the opposition as the voice of the Indian people. Despite his party’s previous limitations in the legislature, the recent election saw a resurgence for the Congress party, with Gandhi nearly doubling their parliamentary numbers. With Modi’s party falling short of a…

Kenya was in a state of shock on Wednesday as protests over proposed tax hikes turned deadly, prompting President William Ruto’s government to deploy the military after parts of parliament were set ablaze. The protests, mainly led by youth, began peacefully but escalated quickly as tensions flared and police fired live rounds on crowds. The violence left five dead and more than 30 injured, leading the government to deploy the army to support the police in tackling the situation. The government, taken by surprise by the intensity of opposition to its tax proposals, faced backlash from young Kenyans at the…

Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder, was finally released from a high-security British prison after years of legal battles and drama. He pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiracy related to national defense information and was sentenced to five years and two months in prison, though he was credited for time spent behind bars in Britain. Assange, a hero to free speech campaigners and a villain to others, left the court a free man and boarded a plane to Canberra, Australia, where he will be reunited with his family. His lawyer called it a “historic day” and highlighted the end…

Iranians are facing the impact of Western sanctions that have severely damaged the economy, leading to widespread discontent among the population. As the country’s presidential election approaches on June 28, the candidates are debating how to address these challenges, particularly in relation to foreign policy. The reimposed US sanctions, stemming from the withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal, have caused economic hardships, including high inflation and unemployment. The candidates, including both conservatives and a reformist, emphasize the need to address the detrimental effects of the sanctions and improve relations with the West. Reformist candidate Massoud Pezeshkian advocates for lifting the…

India’s newly elected lawmakers took the oath of office, but two government critics were unable to participate due to being jailed on national security charges. One is Sikh separatist Amritpal Singh, and the other is Sheikh Abdul Rashid, a former state legislator in Indian-occupied Kashmir. Rashid, arrested for alleged terror funding and money laundering, awaits his bail hearing on July 1. Meanwhile, Singh’s family has no information on his release. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called out Rashid’s name during oath-taking in parliament, seeking consensus with the opposition. Gandhi Appointed as Parliamentary Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi was named the Leader…