insert_link World Diplomat says 68 Indian pilgrims among hajj dead A diplomat in Saudi Arabia said on Wednesday that 68 Indian nationals died during the hajj pilgrimage this year marked by searing heath, bringing the overall tally to more than 600. "We have confirmed around 68 dead... Some are because of natural causes and we had many old-age pilgrims. And some are due to the weather conditions, that's what we assume," the diplomat, who spoke on […] todayJune 19, 2024 19
insert_link Africa Sudan food emergency: local researcher unpacks scale of the disaster and what action is needed By Oliver Kiptoo Kirui, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) The UN recently warned of the risk of famine in Sudan. The war between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has killed civilians and devastated livelihoods on a massive scale. Around 18 million people are already acutely hungry, including 3.6 million children who are acutely malnourished. Oliver Kiptoo Kirui, who co-authored the Sudan National […] todayJune 13, 2024 9
insert_link South Africa S.Africa minister charged as part of corruption probe By Dave CLARK A South African minister was arrested and charged with corruption on Wednesday, as his ANC party wrangles with how to form a new government after major election losses. Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa was detained after he was implicated by the vast Zondo Commission inquiry into corruption under former ANC president Jacob Zuma's rule. As a serving minister in President Cyril Ramaphosa's […] todayJune 5, 2024 15
insert_link South Africa Christianity is changing in South Africa as pentecostal and indigenous churches grow – what’s behind the trend By Dion Forster, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Studies show that South Africa is one of only three countries in the world where religious participation has increased in recent years. The other two countries are Italy and the US. The 2022 Census data show that South Africa’s Christian adherence has once again increased. However, the kinds of Christianity that are growing, and those that are declining, tell […] todayMay 14, 2024 22
insert_link World Is Japan joining AUKUS? Not formally – its cooperation will remain limited for now By John Blaxland, Australian National University With Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visiting Washington this week, rumours have circulated that Japan might soon join the AUKUS security pact between Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has downplayed the suggestion, indicating this is not something that will happen soon. He added any cooperation would, for now, be on a project-by-project basis. […] todayApril 11, 2024 22