Music and politics: How Taylor Swift sparked a scandal in Southeast Asia
Singapore stands by its decision to host Taylor Swift's exclusive Southeast Asia concert despite objections from neighbouring countries.
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.
READ MORE Continue reading India’s political troubles explained
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.
READ MORE Continue reading How a Senegalese engineer is using 3D printers to tackle plastic pollution