Author: Arpan Rai

Afghan Journalists Struggle Under Taliban’s Ban on Media Content. The Taliban’s recent ban on images and videos of “living things” has sent shockwaves through the journalism community in Afghanistan. The new law, which prohibits the display of people and animals, poses a significant threat to the livelihoods of photojournalists in the country. Journalists fear that this restriction, rooted in the Taliban’s interpretation of Shariah law, will severely limit their ability to cover important stories and document human rights abuses. The ban, part of a broader set of “morality laws,” only allows visuals of the Taliban’s leaders, leaving journalists unable to…

North Korea has significantly expanded its weapons-grade nuclear material, potentially doubling its existing stockpile of atomic weapons, according to a recent analysis. Kim Jong-un is believed to possess between 80 and 90 nuclear warheads, with enough enriched plutonium and uranium to potentially produce 80 to 200 more warheads. The country also has the capacity to develop between 25 and 35 strategic thermonuclear warheads. The Royal United Services Institute (Rusi) report highlights North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, with the country aiming to deter neighboring countries like South Korea and Japan, as well as the US mainland. Despite international sanctions and pressure, North…

North Korea has significantly increased its weapons-grade nuclear material, potentially doubling its atomic weapons stockpile, as reported by the Royal United Services Institute. Kim Jong-un likely has between 80 and 90 nuclear warheads already, with plans to produce an additional 80 to 200 short and medium-range warheads, along with 25 to 35 strategic thermonuclear warheads. These weapons aim to serve as both a deterrent against neighboring countries and a credible threat to the US mainland. The analyst, Sarah Laderman, highlighted North Korea’s focus on a dual-capable arsenal to defend against the US and regional adversaries. The country’s ambitious nuclear program…

Title: The Plight of Afghan Policewomen: Victims of Sexual Abuse and Harassment The human rights organization, Human Rights Watch, has called on Nato member nations to evacuate Afghan policewomen who were sexually abused and harassed while serving under the previous Western-backed government. These women now face threats from the Taliban and are in desperate need of support and asylum. The report, “Double Betrayal: Abuses against Afghan Policewomen Past and Present,” highlights the heartbreaking stories of these women who feel betrayed and abandoned. Many of the former policewomen have had to go into hiding due to threats from the Taliban, with…

The recent attack on Chinese nationals in Pakistan has highlighted the ongoing security threats faced by foreign workers in the region. Separatist militants, such as the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), view Chinese presence as a threat to local resources, leading to targeted attacks. China’s extensive investments in Pakistan and Afghanistan make them prime targets for terrorist groups. Despite the risks, China remains committed to its projects in Pakistan, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that these attacks aim to disrupt development projects and strain relations between Pakistan and China. The attacks not only pose a…

Record Number of Flights Traverse Taliban-Controlled Afghan Airspace in Aftermath of Iran’s Attack on Israel Israel-Iran Crisis: The aftermath of Iran’s missile attack on Israel has led to a surge in the number of international flights passing through Taliban-controlled Afghan airspace. A record 191 flights crossed Afghanistan on Thursday, with airlines paying the civil aviation ministry $700 per flight. This revenue stream is vital for the cash-strapped Taliban regime. Since the collapse of the Nato-allied government in August 2021, Afghan airspace was off-limits, but flights have been gradually returning. The recent increase in traffic was prompted by Iran’s attack on…

In the aftermath of Iran’s missile attack on Israel, the number of international flights passing through Taliban-controlled Afghan airspace has surged, with a record 191 flights on a single day. Airlines pay the Taliban regime $700 per flight, providing much-needed revenue. Afghanistan’s airspace, once avoided due to safety concerns post-Nato withdrawal, is now a popular route again. As Iran’s attack forced airlines to reroute away from Iranian airspace, Afghan airspace became a safer alternative. The decision to avoid Afghan airspace was initially political, aimed at pressurizing the Taliban financially. Despite the risks, the increased use of Afghan airspace benefits airlines…

Title: “Rat Infestation Threatens India’s Albert Hall Museum: A Race to Preserve Priceless Artifacts” A rat infestation at India’s Albert Hall Museum in Jaipur has put the collection of royal artifacts at risk. The museum, named after Queen Victoria’s son, has been closed to visitors as pest control experts work to combat the rodents. The historic museum, housing treasures of Jaipur royal families, attracts millions of visitors annually. Pest control workers are using pesticide-laced baits to address the rat problem that has damaged the museum grounds. The intervention aims to protect invaluable artifacts, including a 2,346-year-old Egyptian sarcophagus and a…

Title: The Mystery of Mahmood Shah Habibi: An American-held Prisoner in Afghanistan The family of Mahmood Shah Habibi, an Afghan-born American citizen detained by the Taliban since August 2022, is seeking answers amidst rumors of his transfer to al-Qaeda for execution. Despite claims by Sarah Adams, a former CIA agent, the family denies receiving official information from Kabul or the US State Department. Mahmood’s brother, Ahmad Shah Mahmood, urges the US government to verify the rumors and intensify efforts for his brother’s release. The FBI has issued a notice seeking information on Mahmood’s disappearance, hinting at possible Taliban involvement. With…

Pope Francis Offers Shelter to Aung San Suu Kyi at Vatican During a recent 12-day tour of southeast Asia, Pope Francis expressed his support for the release of Myanmar’s former leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, who is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence after a military coup in 2021. The Pope even offered to shelter Suu Kyi at the Vatican, emphasizing the need for a future in Myanmar that respects human rights and democratic principles. Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and daughter of modern Myanmar’s founder, has been a prominent figure in the country’s struggle for democracy. She…