World News
Sri Lankan Opposition Politician Assassinated: Lasantha Wickramasekara Shot Dead in Office Amid Rising Violence
Oct 22, 2025 04:55 pm CST
Lasantha Wickramasekara, a 38-year-old opposition politician and Weligama council chairman, was shot dead in his office by an unidentified gunman. This marks the first political assassination under President Dissanayake's government, occurring amid Sri Lanka's alarming surge in violent crime with over 50 deaths in more than 100 shootings this year, mostly linked to drug gangs and organized crime.
Japan's First Female Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi Supported by 'Stealth Husband' Who Remains Behind the Scenes
Oct 22, 2025 04:44 pm CST
Japan's first female Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi receives quiet support from her husband Taku Yamamoto, who embraces the role of "stealth husband" by cooking meals and providing domestic support while deliberately staying out of the public spotlight to avoid interfering with her political leadership.
Breaking the Glass Ceiling: The Challenges of Women in Japanese Politics After First Female Prime Minister
Oct 22, 2025 04:15 pm CST
Despite Japan appointing its first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, women politicians continue facing deeply entrenched gender expectations in a male-dominated political landscape. Three local female councillors share their experiences of balancing careers with family pressures, highlighting persistent challenges despite symbolic progress in a country ranking 118th globally for gender equality.
Louvre Museum Reopens After $100 Million Royal Jewelry Heist: Security Concerns Rise in French Cultural Institutions
Oct 22, 2025 04:14 pm CST
The prestigious Louvre Museum in Paris has reopened three days after a sophisticated heist of royal jewelry valued over $100 million, including Napoleon's gifts to Empress Marie-Louise. While visitors return to the world-famous institution, the Apollo Gallery remains closed as investigators pursue an organized crime group suspected of the theft. This incident has intensified concerns about security vulnerabilities across French museums following similar recent breaches.
Japan's First Female PM Sanae Takaichi: What Her Leadership Means for India-Japan Strategic Partnership
Oct 22, 2025 04:13 pm CST
Japan's Sanae Takaichi makes history as the first female Prime Minister, continuing Shinzo Abe's legacy of strengthening India-Japan relations. As a China hawk and Quad supporter, her established ties with PM Modi and commitment to Indo-Pacific security signal potential deepening of the Special Strategic and Global Partnership, despite facing political challenges at home.
Heroic Rescue: 9-Month-Old Baby Saved from Poland's Highest Peak After Parents' Dangerous Climbing Attempt
Oct 22, 2025 03:41 pm CST
A Lithuanian couple faced severe backlash after attempting to climb Poland's 2,500-meter Mount Rysy with their nine-month-old baby in hazardous winter conditions. Despite multiple warnings, the unprepared parents proceeded until realizing the danger, whereupon a mountain guide heroically carried the infant to safety alone. The incident has sparked outrage online, with many condemning the parents' reckless decision that endangered their child's life.
Francesca Orsini: Renowned Hindi Scholar and SOAS Professor Deported from India Over Visa Issues
Oct 22, 2025 03:35 pm CST
Francesca Orsini, Professor Emerita at London's SOAS and distinguished scholar of Hindi and South Asian literature, was deported from Delhi Airport due to alleged visa violations. The British Academy Fellow, known for her extensive work on multilingual literary traditions in South Asia, had been placed on a government blacklist since March.
First Case of Mpox Variant 1b Detected in Netherlands: What You Need to Know About This Transmissible Strain
Oct 22, 2025 03:09 pm CST
The Netherlands has confirmed its first case of mpox variant 1b, a more transmissible strain of the viral disease. The infected individual, who was not vaccinated and had no recent travel history, has been isolated while health authorities conduct contact tracing. This article explores the transmission methods, symptoms, and risks associated with mpox, including its spread through close contact and potential dangers during pregnancy.
Luigi Mangione's Thailand Incident and UnitedHealthcare CEO Shooting Case: What We Know
Oct 22, 2025 03:03 pm CST
The case of Luigi Mangione, charged with killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, reveals a complex background including an alleged attack by transgender women in Thailand months before the shooting and documented criticisms of the US healthcare system. Facing federal charges with prosecutors seeking the death penalty, Mangione's next court appearance is scheduled for December 5.
Transgender Struggles in Pakistan: Navigating Medical, Cultural and Religious Barriers to Gender Affirmation
Oct 22, 2025 02:58 pm CST
Despite legal recognition since 2018, transgender individuals in Pakistan face overwhelming obstacles to accessing gender affirmation surgery, including cultural stigma, religious opposition, limited medical resources, and escalating violence. While the law permits transition, societal acceptance remains distant, leaving most transgender people caught between legal rights and harsh social realities.