International

Violence is flaring again on the Thai-Cambodian border. Why is it so contentious?

Why does the Thai-Cambodian border remain a hotspot for violence?

Tensions have once again escalated along the border between Thailand and Cambodia, reviving a long history of conflict rooted in territorial claims, cultural heritage, and national pride. Though not new, the recent flare-ups are drawing attention to a region that has often served as a flashpoint in Southeast Asia, particularly near the area surrounding the historic Preah Vihear temple.The boundary between Thailand and Cambodia has historically been a tense area, with ongoing conflicts spanning several decades. Central to these disputes is a modest parcel of territory close to the historic Khmer Hindu sanctuary of Preah Vihear, which is perched on…
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Russia and Ukraine agree prisoner swap, but little other progress in Istanbul talks

Russia and Ukraine exchange prisoners, few gains from Istanbul negotiations

A fresh exchange of prisoners between Russia and Ukraine has been completed, offering a rare sign of cooperation between the two nations despite the broader lack of progress in formal negotiations. While the release of detainees has been welcomed by both sides, the wider talks held in Istanbul remain largely stalled, with few signs of a significant diplomatic breakthrough.The prisoner swap marks one of the few areas where Moscow and Kyiv have continued to find common ground since the full-scale conflict erupted. In this latest exchange, both countries repatriated dozens of individuals held in captivity. These exchanges often involve military…
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Macron says France to recognize a Palestinian state

Macron pledges France’s recognition of Palestinian state

President Emmanuel Macron of France has announced his nation’s plan to acknowledge the State of Palestine, joining France with an expanding international initiative that backs Palestinian independence. This statement indicates a wider change in worldwide diplomacy, as global leaders face increased pressure to tackle the enduring Israeli-Palestinian dispute with increased urgency.Macron’s comments represent one of the clearest indications yet that France may soon join several European and Global South nations in officially acknowledging Palestine as a sovereign state. Although no specific timeline was given, Macron’s statement suggests that recognition is no longer a matter of “if,” but “when.”For decades, France…
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Political exiles fleeing Bukele's crackdown in El Salvador say 'history is repeating itself'

Political exiles say ‘history is repeating itself’ amid Bukele’s crackdown in El Salvador

In recent years, El Salvador has drawn international attention not only for its sweeping security policies but also for an exodus of political figures and activists who claim they are no longer safe in their homeland. As the government tightens its grip under President Nayib Bukele, many of those who once played key roles in public life are seeking refuge abroad, citing concerns that the country is moving dangerously close to repeating dark chapters of its history.This growing wave of political exile reflects deep unease about the direction of El Salvador’s governance. While the official narrative points to national progress…
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Ukraine Moves to Defang U.S.-Backed Anticorruption Agency

Ukraine Attempts to Restrict U.S.-Backed Anticorruption Agency

Ukraine's leadership has taken steps that may significantly reduce the powers of a high-profile anticorruption institution established with support from Western allies. This shift comes as the country continues to navigate its complex internal political landscape while relying heavily on international financial and military assistance amid ongoing conflict.The institution in question, originally created to serve as an independent watchdog over government corruption, has long been a centerpiece of Ukraine’s post-2014 reform agenda. It was designed to ensure accountability at the highest levels of power, with backing—both technical and financial—from the United States and other Western nations. These allies have seen…
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India's ancient and mysterious 'dwarf' chambers

India’s ancient and mysterious ‘dwarf’ chambers

Concealed in several parts of India, especially in the southern region of Tamil Nadu, are ancient stone constructions that intrigue archaeologists, historians, and inquisitive explorers equally. Known commonly as "dwarf chambers" due to their remarkably small size, these structures raise inquiries regarding their intent, originators, and the groups that possibly utilized them. As studies into these enigmatic chambers advance, fresh hypotheses are developing that question our comprehension of India's long-ago history.Intriguing design and constructionAt first glance, these tiny chambers seem almost too small to serve any practical function. Most of them are built from megalithic stone slabs—massive pieces of rock…
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A furious Chinese internet takes on privilege

Privilege debated by a furious Chinese internet

Across Chinese social media, a wave of online dissent has emerged targeting conspicuous signs of privilege—from luxury influencers to elite internship schemes. This growing outcry isn’t just about envy; it reflects a mounting concern over inequality, fairness, and access to opportunity in modern China.A grassroots revolt against ostentatious displaysIn recent times, prominent controversies have consistently emerged on Chinese platforms such as Weibo, Douyin, and Xiaohongshu. A local bank faced backlash for offering "exclusive internship opportunities at leading international firms"—but exclusively to customers with multi-million yuan deposits. The reaction was immediate: people condemned this as a clear symbol of elitist injustice,…
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Relentless immigration raids are changing California's way of life

California’s way of life under relentless immigration raids

In the past few years, California has observed a significant transformation in its social and cultural landscape, influenced partially by the ongoing rise in immigration enforcement actions. As federal raids and deportation undertakings increase in frequency and scope, communities across the state are feeling an expanding sense of uncertainty, fear, and adjustment.California has been known for a long time as one of the most varied states in the nation, housing millions of immigrants who add to its economy, culture, and identity. From Los Angeles to the Central Valley, immigrant workers are essential to key sectors like agriculture, construction, hospitality, and…
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Tomorrowland organisers say festival will go ahead after fire destroys main stage

Tomorrowland festival to take place as planned after main stage fire, say organisers

Los organizadores de Tomorrowland, uno de los festivales de música electrónica más reconocidos en el mundo, han asegurado que el evento se realizará como estaba previsto, a pesar de un incendio considerable que dañó gravemente la estructura principal del escenario. El anuncio trae alivio a innumerables asistentes y al sector musical en general, que estaba atento a la situación tras las noticias del devastador incendio. Esta rápida confirmación demuestra la resiliencia y la determinación de los equipos operativos del festival para ofrecer la experiencia tan esperada, a pesar de enfrentar un obstáculo imprevisto y significativo.The incident, which occurred just days…
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Canada's PM wants to fast-track 'nation building' – but can he convince indigenous First Nations?

Canada’s PM aims to fast-track ‘nation building’ – but will indigenous First Nations support him?

As Canada embarks on a renewed effort to advance large-scale infrastructure and economic development projects under the banner of “nation building,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government is emphasizing urgency and ambition. From clean energy corridors to transportation links, the federal government has presented these initiatives as essential to shaping the country’s long-term prosperity and sustainability. Yet for many Indigenous First Nations, these projects bring a familiar set of questions: Who defines what nation building means? And how will Indigenous voices be meaningfully included?At the center of the debate is the federal government’s proposal to fast-track approvals for major projects deemed…
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