World

Police in Canada have determined that a missing Iranian activist was most likely the victim of murder, sparking concerns that his disappearance bears the hallmarks of a transnational repression campaign targeting critics of Tehran's theocratic government. Masood Masjoody, a mathematician critical of both Iran's theocratic government and the exiled family of the former shah, vanished in early February in Burnaby, British Columbia.

Indonesia's Communication and Digital Affairs Minister, Meutya Hafid, announced on Friday that the government has signed a regulation prohibiting children under the age of 16 from having accounts on high-risk digital platforms. These include YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Roblox, and the popular livestreaming site Bigo Live. With a population of approximately 285 million, the fourth-highest globally, this Southeast Asian nation represents a significant market for social networks.

The newly opened Caminhos da Ibiapaba trail in Brazil's northeast region spans 186 kilometers along paths once used by 19th-century merchants, marking the first waymarked long-distance footpath in the country with standardized black and yellow footprint signage. This trail is part of a growing network aimed at increasing access to national parks, developing local economies, and better preserving the environment, contrasting with the long-established hiking networks in the US or European countries.

As the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran intensifies, the European Union (EU) faces growing scrutiny and mounting threats. Key powers within the bloc and the United Kingdom have called for adherence to international law and condemned the Iranian government, yet they have so far failed to articulate a common approach, appearing divided, sidelined, and ineffective as a major crisis unfolds in the Middle East with potential ramifications for Europe and the world.

The US economy unexpectedly lost 92,000 jobs in February, with the unemployment rate ticking up to 4.4%, marking the sixth contraction of the labor market under the Trump administration. The February jobs report, released by the US Labor Department on Friday, defied economists' forecasts of marginal gains between 50,000 and 59,000 jobs.

Cologne's iconic cathedral in Germany will begin charging an entrance fee for visitors starting from the second half of this year. The cathedral chapter announced this decision during a press conference on Thursday.

South Sudan, the world's youngest country, is reeling from an escalating conflict between the government-aligned army and opposition forces, with observers warning of a potential return to a full-blown civil war. Violent confrontations between the military, loyal to President Salva Kiir, and insurgents believed to be allied with suspended Vice-President Riek Machar have intensified in recent weeks, raising fears of renewed widespread violence.

Prominent pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai has announced he will not appeal his 20-year prison sentence in Hong Kong, marking the end of a protracted legal battle for the 78-year-old critic of the Chinese Communist Party and potentially opening the door to political negotiations for his release. The decision concludes years of court proceedings against the British citizen, whose case has drawn international condemnation.

The Trump administration in the United States has attempted to completely derail a UN resolution demanding action on the climate crisis, leading to cuts in the proposal but not its total elimination. Vanuatu, a Pacific island nation that considers itself existentially threatened by climate change, was forced to remove sections of its draft resolution in hopes that a reduced version could be adopted in a UN vote later this month.

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, on the eve of the new Formula One season in Melbourne, has called for a movement to "take Africa back", alleging that the continent is being "controlled" by European powers. He outlined his ambition to compete in a grand prix on African soil, emphasizing the need to address what he described as ongoing external dominance.

Northern Italy, fresh from hosting the Winter Olympics, is set to welcome the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games. The events will take place over 10 days from March 6 to 15 across three main locations: Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and Val di Fiemme. Approximately 665 athletes from 56 nations are expected to compete in 79 medal events across six sports: Para-alpine skiing, Para-biathlon, Para cross-country skiing, Para-ice hockey, Para-snowboard, and wheelchair curling. Each sport features multiple categories based on the type and level of disability of the competing athletes.

US intelligence (CIA) tracked the leader of an oil-rich, US-baiting nation to a heavily guarded compound in the mountain-flanked capital. Then, US military force demonstrated its power to remove that leader from power. Finally, a more pliant successor was installed to do Washington's bidding. This was the recipe for Donald Trump's recent 'regime change' in Venezuela. The country's president, Nicolás Maduro, was abducted in Caracas before dawn on 3 January.