44th GCC meeting in Doha concludes: Arab leaders highlight regional stability and security of Gulf countries

Condemning Israel's aggression in Gaza and asking for international support for the Palestinian people as well as disputes with Iran over natural resources and concerns over its nuclear programme shaped the negotiations.

Global Affairs

2023 12 05T154955Z 566628837 RC2ZQ4A1S6HD RTRMADP 3 GULF SUMMIT QATAR Scaled — HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates attends the 44th session of the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), in Doha, Qatar, December 5, 2023.UAE Presidential Court/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY.

Maha Mehrgan

Front of mind

India’s political troubles explained

Rahul Gandhi calls out the ECI for “vote theft,” but the Commission demands proof or apology.

On August 7, 2025, Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission of India (ECI), accusing it of enabling “vote theft” during the 2024 general elections. He pointed to alleged irregularities in voter rolls in Karnataka’s Mahadevapura constituency, citing thousands of duplicate entries, invalid addresses, bulk registrations, and faulty photographs. Gandhi labelled the claims as the result of six months of research by his team and demanded transparency, including access to digital voter lists and CCTV footage.

How a Senegalese engineer is using 3D printers to tackle plastic pollution

Senegal struggles with a severe plastic waste crisis, producing around 250,000 metric tons annually.

In Dakar, a young self-taught engineer is changing the perspective of plastic waste. Francois Mbengue has developed a device that converts discarded plastic bottles into filament for 3D printers to produce o produce rulers, plant pots and hospital equipment.