Is Ecuador’s surge of violence a recent issue?

Experts are trying to explain the root causes of Ecuador’s spiralling violence, as President Daniel Noboa leads a crackdown on gangs.

TalkingPoint

2024 01 25T174817Z 618294400 RC24P5AZLAR2 RTRMADP 3 ECUADOR DRUGS Scaled — Police officers guard outside a processing plant during the destruction of more than 20 tons of seized drugs, at an undisclosed location, in Ecuador January 25, 2024. REUTERS/Karen Toro

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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.