Germany’s far right is in a buoyant mood. On Saturday, while its conference was under way in the eastern town of Riesa, in Saxony, Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) laid out ambitions to close Germany’s borders, resume buying Russian gas and, in effect, dismantle the EU. German media reported that party’s agreed manifesto includes plans to…
At least 10 people have died after landslides swept through two cities in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, state officials have said. The Bethania neighbourhood in the city of Ipatinga was the worst affected by the mudslides, which were triggered by torrential rain. The mayor’s office said that 204mm (8in) of rain fell in…
AFP US President-elect Donald Trump has threatened that “all hell” will break loose if the hostages are not released before he takes office The outline of the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal currently being discussed by Israel and Hamas at indirect talks in Doha has been on the table since May. So why is…
German-Iranian woman Nahid Taghavi has been released from prison in Iran, her daughter says. “It’s over. Nahid is free! After more than four years as a political prisoner in the Islamic Republic of Iran my mother… was freed and is back in Germany,” Mariam Claren wrote on X. Taghavi, 70, was arrested in Tehran in…
Reuters Fashion photographer Oliviero Toscani, known for his shock ad campaigns for Italian clothing brand Benetton, has died aged 82, his family has confirmed. The brand’s former art director revealed least year he had amyloidosis, a rare incurable condition that affects the body’s vital organs and nerves. “It is with great sorrow that we announce…
US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have spoken by phone – in Biden’s final week in office – as momentum builds towards a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal. Israel and Hamas are understood to be making progress but uncertainty remains over key aspects of the potential agreement. The White House…
At least 16 civilians in Nigeria’s north-western Zamfara State have been killed in a military air strike, apparently after being mistaken for criminal gangs. Residents told local media the victims were members of local vigilante groups and civilians defending themselves from armed gangs notorious for kidnapping people for ransom. The strikes targeted militant gangs in…
An 18-year-old Dalit woman from the southern India state of Kerala has accused 64 men of sexually abusing her since she was 13 years old. Police have arrested 28 people in connection with the case so far – the men are in custody and have not made any public statement. The accused, who range between…
South Korea’s suspended president Yoon Suk Yeol will receive his annual pay rise despite his impeachment for briefly placing the country under martial law, the government has said. Yoon’s salary will increase by 3% to 262.6 million won ($179,000; £147,000), in line with the standard for government officials. Since his impeachment in December, Yoon has…
Ankit Srinivas The Mahakumbh Mela is taking place in the northern city of Prayagraj Millions of people are gathering in the northern Indian city of Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh state to participate in the Mahakumbh Mela, the world’s largest gathering of humanity. Devout Hindus from all parts of the world have arrived here (and will…
