Indonesia’s parliament has passed controversial legislation allowing the military a larger role in government, sparking fears of a return to Suharto-era military dominance. Supported by President Prabowo Subianto, the changes permit active military officers to hold government positions without retiring. Critics, including pro-democracy activists, argue this undermines democracy, recalling past military abuses. The revisions increase the number of civilian institutions military personnel can join and extend retirement ages for high-ranking officers. Protests have erupted, with activists demanding the military’s withdrawal from politics. Ava Sinclair 20/03/2025 4:00 pm
At least 85 Palestinians were killed in Israeli air strikes in Gaza, with over 430 deaths reported in the past two days. Israel resumed its bombing and ground operations after ceasefire talks failed, aiming to pressure Hamas to release hostages. Hamas fired rockets at Tel Aviv in response. The Israeli military began a “limited ground operation” in northern Gaza. Five UNRWA staff members were among the casualties. The situation remains tense, with warnings of further escalation. Ava Sinclair 20/03/2025 4:00 pm
The detention of Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian Green Card holder, highlights a troubling crackdown on free speech. Khalil, known for his Gaza solidarity efforts, was arrested by US immigration enforcement, seen as a politically motivated act amidst accusations against anti-Israel protesters. Critics argue the Trump administration exploits antisemitism concerns to undermine democracy, despite its own ties to antisemitic elements. Khalil’s arrest reflects broader global authoritarianism and efforts to silence pro-Palestine voices, with pro-Israel groups lobbying to amplify antisemitism claims. This situation underscores the complex dynamics of power and ideology. Noah Prescott 20/03/2025 12:30 pm
Masked men in a video, claiming to be from the Jalisco New Generation cartel, denounced searchers at a suspected cartel training camp in Jalisco, Mexico. The searchers had found clothing, shoes, and bones at the site. The video aimed to counter negative publicity, with security analyst David Saucedo affirming its likely cartel origin. The Jalisco cartel, recently labeled a terrorist organization by the U.S., often uses such videos for public relations, portraying themselves as defenders. Angélica, from the Jalisco Search Warriors, criticized the cartel’s denial of involvement in forced recruitment and killings. Ava Sinclair 20/03/2025 12:30 pm
Turkish authorities arrested dozens for “provocative” social media posts following the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a key rival to President Erdogan. Imamoglu, facing charges of corruption and aiding terrorist groups, was set to be a 2028 presidential candidate. His arrest sparked protests in Istanbul and Ankara, despite a protest ban. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported 261 suspect accounts inciting hostility, with 37 arrests made. Protests continue, but numbers remain small. Imamoglu’s office urges further demonstrations, while police clash with protesters using tear gas. Noah Prescott 20/03/2025 12:30 pm
Russian authorities reported a significant Ukrainian drone attack on the Engels airbase in Saratov Oblast, claiming to have downed 54 drones. The attack caused a fire at the airfield and damaged 30 houses, a hospital, two kindergartens, and a school. Engels, a strategic bomber base, has been targeted by Ukraine before. Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have downed 132 Ukrainian drones across seven regions. Meanwhile, Ukraine reported a major Russian bombardment on Kropyvnytskyi and Kupyansk, with multiple explosions and casualties. Ukraine’s air force noted 171 Russian drones launched, with 75 shot down. Noah Prescott 20/03/2025 12:30 pm
Google celebrates Nowruz 2025 with a Doodle by Pendar Yousefi. Nowruz, or Persian New Year, marks the spring equinox and symbolizes renewal and rebirth. Celebrated for over 3,000 years, it involves traditions like the haft-sin table, featuring symbolic items like sprouts and apples. Activities include spring cleaning, egg decorating, and bonfire jumping. Celebrations last 13 days, ending with Sizdah Bedar, a day spent outdoors. UNESCO recognizes Nowruz as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, and it’s observed by 300 million people worldwide. Noah Prescott 20/03/2025 12:30 pm
The EU unveiled a blueprint urging increased military spending, joint defense projects, and purchasing European arms due to concerns over Russia and U.S. protection reliability. The White Paper on defense aims for a robust European defense by 2030. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas highlighted Russia’s military-focused economy and stressed the need for long-term defense investments. The plan limits roles for non-EU arms producers and follows increased EU defense spending post-Ukraine invasion, intensified by U.S. policy shifts under President Trump. Ava Sinclair 20/03/2025 9:00 am
The 2025 World Happiness Report shows the US at its lowest ranking, 24th, amid rising social isolation and political polarization. Finland and other Nordic countries lead the index. The report, by the University of Oxford and partners, evaluates happiness based on health, wealth, freedom, and more. It highlights increased US unhappiness, with more Americans eating alone and rising “deaths of despair,” contrasting with global trends. Social isolation in the US contrasts with Mexico’s top 10 ranking, attributed to communal living and shared meals. Ava Sinclair 20/03/2025 9:00 am
Finland is named the happiest country for the eighth consecutive year in the World Happiness Report 2025. Other Nordic countries, including Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden, also top the rankings. The report, by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, highlights that happiness is influenced by trust, social connections, and community support, not just wealth. Factors like sharing meals and having social support are crucial. Belief in the kindness of others, such as expecting lost wallets to be returned, strongly predicts happiness. Nordic countries excel in these areas, showing higher actual wallet return rates than expected. Ava Sinclair 20/03/2025 5:30 am
