Killing in Beirut raises fears of an extension of the Gaza conflict

The killed Al-Arouri, a priority target for Israel, was close to Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, and played a role in planning a deadly attack on Israel in October.

Global Affairs

2024 01 03T152008Z 2 LYNXMPEK020FW RTROPTP 4 ISRAEL PALESTINIANS HAMAS LEBANON Scaled — A person holds a placard displaying the photo of late Hamas deputy leader Saleh al-Arouri during the funeral of Ahmad Hammoud, who was killed along with al-Arouri of what security sources said was an Israeli drone strike in Beirut on Tuesday, in Burj al-Shemali in Tyre, Lebanon, January 3, 2024. REUTERS/Aziz Taher

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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.