Australia plans to build biggest navy since World War II

The $7.25bn plan will increase Australian navy’s surface combatant fleet to 26 from 11.

Global Affairs

2024 02 19T235312Z 1 LYNXNPEK1I0JU RTROPTP 4 USA AUSTRALIA Scaled — FILE PHOTO: Australian Minister of Defense Richard Marles listens during a meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin at the Pentagon in Washington, U.S., July 13, 2022. REUTERS/Sarah Silbiger/File Photo

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Paolo Natale

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.