Vast crowds of Hindu pilgrims in India readied on Monday to bathe in sacred waters for the Kumbh Mela festival, with organisers expecting 400 million people — the largest gathering of humanity. The millennia-old Kumbh Mela, a sacred show of religious piety and ritual bathing — and a logistical challenge of staggering proportions — is … Read more
Research published in The Lancet medical journal on Friday estimates that the death toll in Gaza during the first nine months of the Israel-Hamas war was around 40 percent higher than recorded by the Palestinian territory’s health ministry. The number of dead in Gaza has become a matter of bitter debate since Israel launched its … Read more
Saudi Arabia on Sunday called for the lifting of sanctions on Syria after meetings with top diplomats from the Middle East and Europe that focused on the war-ravaged country’s future. The Gulf kingdom, the region’s biggest economy, is seeking to increase its influence in Syria after Islamist-led rebels toppled longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad last month, … Read more
US officials warned “dangerous and strong” winds were set to push deadly wildfires further through Los Angeles residential areas Sunday as firefighters struggled to make progress against the flames. At least 16 people have been confirmed dead from blazes that have ripped through the city, reducing whole neighborhoods to ashes and leaving thousands without homes. … Read more
From its founding in 1986, French video game maker Ubisoft has grown into a giant of the sector with operations in 20 countries and an uber popular franchise, “Assassin’s Creed”. But the firm has struggled as of late, making it a prime takeover candidate by global entertainment companies. Here is a look at Ubisoft over … Read more
As wildfires continue to devastate Los Angeles, at least 10 people have died, thousands of structures have been destroyed, and tens of thousands have been evacuated, with authorities bracing for even more dangerous conditions. Four major fires are burning in the region, including the Palisades and Eaton fires, which have become some of the most … Read more
After a lifetime in opposition, Germany’s hard-left standard-bearer Sahra Wagenknecht has shaken up the political scene with a blend of pro-poor, Moscow-friendly and anti-immigration policies. On Sunday, the 55-year-old launches the campaign of her one-year-old BSW party in the hope it will enter parliament after a snap general election slated for February 23, replicating its … Read more
For women e-sports players in China, mastering the game is just the first hurdle to carving out a space for themselves in the male-dominated field. To compete, casually but especially professionally, they must also overcome vicious trolls, gender norms, familial expectations and limited opportunities. China has become one of the world’s largest markets for e-sports. … Read more
AFP The Lego Group and BBC Studios are all set to give beloved Australian pup Bluey a Lego makeover. In June 2025, six new Lego sets depicting Bluey and her family will be launched, with young fans being also able to lay their hands on a separate Duplo range. “We believe that this partnership is … Read more
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party set out a radical programme on Saturday at a party congress ahead of next month’s snap general election as thousands of protesters took to the streets to voice their opposition to the party. Demonstrators shouting “No to Nazis” outside the venue in the eastern town of Riesa succeeded … Read more
