Russian opposition voices brace for complete blackout

When a Russian lawmaker announced last week that the country would begin slowing YouTube loading speeds on desktop browsers by up to 70%, it seemed to confirm many Russians' fears that access to the video platform would be gradually restricted.

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Spectators gather before a concert of Yaroslav Dronov, known by his stage name Shaman, held in protest against, what organizers called, the illegal blocking of Russian users' channels on the video-streaming platform YouTube, near the U.S. embassy in Moscow, Russia July 19, 2024. One of the placards reads: "We are together". REUTERS/Yulia Morozova
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Paolo Natale

Front of mind

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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.
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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.
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