Author: Amanda Martinez

Following the discovery of six Meitei community members’ bodies, including women and children, Manipur’s government increased security. According to Meitei groups, the victims were kidnapped and killed by Kuki armed gangs. Police have yet to confirm the allegations; this tragedy led to a surge of new violent demonstrations throughout the northeastern state. The ongoing Manipur ethnic conflict has claimed 200 lives. Since the violence broke out in May 2023, the Meiteis and Kukis war has caused the displacement of many people. Authorities in the Meitei-dominated Imphal Valley implemented a curfew and internet service restrictions in response to the rising tensions.…

The yearly months-long darkness in Utqiagvik, Alaska, the northernmost town in the United States, is about to begin. The sun will set on November 18 at precisely 1:27 p.m. local time and stay below the horizon until January 22, 2025, marking the beginning of Utqiagvik polar nights. Daylight will only last 48 minutes when it rises at 1:15 p.m. This polar night phenomenon occurs because Utqiagvik is located roughly 330 miles north of the Arctic Circle at 71.17 degrees North latitude. This town, formerly known as Barrow, has a population of approximately 5,000 residents who endure frigid conditions during the…

The highly anticipated bout ended as Jake Paul defeated Mike Tyson, leaving fans divided over the impact on boxing history. Paul, a 27-year-old YouTuber, won against a 58-year-old two-time heavyweight champion, Tyson. The fight did not live up to the hype despite competing in front of 70,000 fans in Texas and millions more watching on Netflix. Tyson was not as formidable as he was in his prime over 20 years ago at his last professional fight.  Paul’s youth and strategy to keep Tyson at bay gave him an advantage in the match. He outmaneuvered Tyson, who had trouble keeping up…

Under Donald Trump’s leadership as US president, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky expressed confidence that the Ukrainian war with Russia would end. Zelensky called Trump after he won the election and had a constructive exchange. He said he heard nothing against Ukraine’s position but did not reveal whether Trump made any demands on talks with Russia. Trump has made it clear that cutting back on US military aid to Ukraine and ending the war are his primary goals. In response to Russia’s invasion, the US House of Representatives authorized $61 billion in military assistance to Ukraine this year. According to the…

Sri Lanka’s new leader, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and his left-leaning National People’s Party (NPP) coalition have secured a massive victory in snap parliamentary elections. According to official results, the NPP secured a two-thirds majority in the 225-member parliament with 159 seats. This majority was necessary for Dissanayake, elected in September, to carry out his pledges to combat corruption and bring stability following the dire economic situation.  Voters were worried about shortages, inflation, and the high cost of living. Experts predicted that the NPP would do well, but it was unclear by what percentage, and it was important to see if…

Mike Tyson and Jake Paul´s fight will occur on Friday, November 15th, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The event will only be available on Netflix at 8 p.m. ET. Both boxers met on Thursday for a weigh-in for the said square-off. Videos on the internet show Mike Tyson smacking Jake Paul during the weigh-in, and tensions between the two fighters erupted. Tom Patti, a lifelong friend of Tyson´s, claimed that Paul stepped on Tyson´s foot, which led to his reaction. The footage also shows Paul briefly stepping on his right foot before Tyson hit him across the face, forcing…

New Zealand’s parliament Paused when MPs performed Haka to demonstrate their strong opposition to a bill that would revise the Treaty of Waitangi interpretation. Opposition MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke led the traditional dance after being questioned about her party’s position on the controversial bill. The Treaty of Waitangi came into being in 1840 when the British and majority Māori tribes signed an agreement. This Treaty was contentious because officials wrote it in English and Māori, exclusively spoken before colonization. Both versions contain significant variations regarding matters like property ownership. A peaceful Māori rights march or hīkoi has attracted thousands to Wellington.…

The UK-based consumer advocacy group Which? is suing Apple, claiming that the tech giant has essentially forced 40 million British users to pay outrageous fees for its iCloud service. If the Apple iCloud lawsuit is successful, it may lead to £3bn payment. This will further lead to individual customers possibly receiving 70£ in compensation.  Which? contends that Apple’s iCloud policies are anti-competitive, restricting consumer options and raising prices. However, Apple has rejected the allegations, stating that using iCloud is optional and that customers can access various third-party apps. The company claims its policies aim to make data transfer as seamless…

Authorities in the eastern and southern parts of Spain have issued new alerts and started taking action due to the continuous torrential rains. Two weeks ago, floods in Spain killed at least 215 people, prompting evacuations and the closure of schools.  Aemet, the official meteorological office, increased the alert level for several provinces on Wednesday, including Málaga in Andalucía, due to the prediction of dangerous weather. The Andalucían government took immediate action by closing schools in Málaga and Granada. Thousands of residents living near the Guadalhorce River were evacuated, and high-speed rail services between Málaga and Madrid were stopped. Meanwhile,…

The meeting between Biden and Trump marks a return to the traditional power transfer, which was largely abandoned in 2020. Joe Biden gave his full support for the transition, and Donald Trump promised a seamless handover of power at their meeting on wednesday. Long-time political foe Biden congratulated Trump on his win and promised him the administration’s support when they met in the Oval Office. In return, Trump thanked Biden for his cordial welcome and dedication to a seamless transition despite their prior conflicts.  Whereas, Melania Trump declined the invite to meet First Lady Jill Biden. The White House stated…

Israeli construction in Syria´s buffer zone has alarmed the UN, which claims that the actions violate a ceasefire agreement that has existed for 50 years. Recent trenches and earth berms constructed within the Area of Separation (AoS), a strip under UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) surveillance, are visible under satellite pictures. The construction has prompted warnings of heightened tensions along the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The captured footage shows the ongoing construction, including military vehicles and freshly dug earthworks near Majdal Shams and further south. While most of the construction is said to be done in Israel-controlled areas, UNDOF Chief of Mission…

Volkswagen Group and Rivian are intensifying their collaboration with a joint venture now valued at a $5 billion investment. Rivian’s shares surged over 9% in after-hours trading. The partnership enables both companies to share critical technology, reducing development costs and accelerating innovation. Volkswagen will use Rivian’s technology in its vehicles, with the first models arriving in 2027. Developers and engineers from both firms will collaborate in California, and additional facilities will open in North America and Europe. Rivian gains crucial funding amid slowing electric car demand.  Volkswagen faces challenges: higher costs, weakening sales, and Chinese competition. The company plans significant…