Author: none@none.com (AFP)

India’s high-stakes six-week election came to a close on Saturday, with voting taking place in the spiritual city of Varanasi where Prime Minister Narendra Modi has positioned himself as a hero of the Hindu faith. Expected to secure a third term, Modi’s nationalist agenda has resonated with many voters, particularly in Varanasi, which is a hub for Hindu pilgrimage. The city has witnessed strong public support for Modi’s efforts to align religion with politics. Modi’s previous electoral wins have been driven by his appeal to the Hindu majority, exemplified by the recent inauguration of a grand temple at a controversial…

Donald Trump has turned his recent criminal conviction into a badge of honor, while Joe Biden has refrained from making it an issue in the 2024 presidential campaign. Trump wasted no time shifting from the courtroom to campaign mode, proclaiming himself a political prisoner after being found guilty on all charges in his New York hush-money trial. On the other hand, Biden has avoided addressing Trump’s legal troubles directly, fearing accusations of meddling in justice. However, as Trump becomes the first former US president convicted of a crime, Biden may need to reassess his approach. As Trump faces more serious…

Donald Trump Convicted of Crime in Hush Money Case Former US President Donald Trump was found guilty on all charges in his hush money case, marking the first time a former president has been convicted of a crime. The jury convicted him on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a payment to porn star Stormy Daniels. Despite the conviction, Trump remains eligible to run for president in the upcoming election. His lawyer plans to appeal the decision, while Trump himself maintains his innocence and condemns the trial as rigged. Political Impact and Future Trials The outcome of the…

In a historic turn of events, Donald Trump has been convicted of 34 charges in his New York hush-money trial, making him the first former US president ever convicted of a crime. Despite facing a litany of legal troubles, Trump has defiantly embraced his predicament, even likening himself to political prisoners like Nelson Mandela. On the other hand, Joe Biden has refrained from capitalizing on Trump’s legal woes, opting to focus on his own presidential duties. As the 2024 presidential campaign enters uncharted territory, the spotlight shifts to how both Trump and Biden navigate these tumultuous waters. Trump wasted no…

In a shocking incident, a dead boar was found dumped outside a mosque in southern Sweden, leading to a hate crime investigation by the police. The mosque, located in Skovde, had the dead animal thrown at its facade, sparking outrage and concern. The head of the foundation running the mosque, Smajo Sahat, confirmed that the incident was caught on surveillance cameras, but the perpetrator remains unidentified. Despite no recent threats towards the mosque, this act of aggression has left the community puzzled and fearful. With about 1,000 members, the mosque was opened just a year ago, making this incident even…

As India swelters under a scorching heatwave, experts are warning that hot nights can be as dangerous as midday peak temperatures. The country’s megacities are being hit hard by extreme weather, with temperatures soaring well over 45°C in several cities. New Delhi, home to over 30 million people, experienced record-breaking temperatures, leading to a surge in power usage. Tragically, a labourer in the city succumbed to heatstroke, highlighting the severity of the situation. Experts caution that urbanization and climate change are exacerbating the impact of heatwaves, posing a significant public health crisis. Climate scientist Aarti Khosla emphasized that heatwaves are…

India experienced record-breaking temperatures as the capital, Delhi, soared to a scorching 52.3 degrees Celsius, breaking the national record. The India Meteorological Department reported severe heat-wave conditions, with temperatures in Mungeshpur surpassing the previous record by one degree Celsius. The forecast predicted similar extreme temperatures for the city with a population of over 30 million, issuing a red alert for heat-related precautions. The heatwave prompted concerns of water scarcity in Delhi, leading authorities to implement water rationing measures. With soaring temperatures attributed to climate change, the region also faced challenges from Cyclone Remal in West Bengal and Mizoram. ‘Water scarcity’…

In Pakistan, less than five percent of over a million deaf school-age children have the opportunity to attend school. However, at a school for the deaf in Lahore, more than 200 pupils, including children and adults from disadvantaged backgrounds, are given a new lease on life. Led by teachers who are also deaf, the quiet classrooms are filled with joy and animated faces as students communicate through sign language. Founded by an American in 1998 and funded through donations, Deaf Reach operates eight schools across Pakistan, educating 2,000 students on a “pay what you can afford” basis. The majority of…

Torrential rains caused by a powerful cyclone led to the collapse of a quarry in India’s Mizoram state, resulting in the tragic death of 12 individuals. Rescue efforts were hampered by heavy rains, as officials worked tirelessly to locate more victims. Mizoram’s Chief Minister extended compensation to the families affected by the landslide, which occurred due to Cyclone Remal. The region experienced disruptions in highways and key roads, prompting the closure of schools and remote working for government employees. India’s weather office issued warnings of extremely heavy rainfall in Mizoram and other northeastern states, affecting Assam where one person lost…

As Iran mourned the tragic death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, attention has shifted to the upcoming election to choose his successor. With a conservative loyalist to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei being sought, the field of candidates for the June 28 vote has expanded significantly. Despite facing challenging times with ongoing conflict in Gaza and diplomatic tensions over its nuclear program, Iran is preparing for a pivotal election. Interim President Mohammad Mokhber, along with parliament speakers Bagher Ghalibaf and Ali Larijani, are among the prominent figures considering running for the position. Political expert Abbas Abdi believes…