To combat mental illnesses among young people, school nurses in Skåne are turning to an innovative method: prescribing physical activity instead of medication. This approach is aimed at helping students who are falling behind in school, feeling stressed, overweight, or anxious.

Mikaela Wiszniewska, is a 15-year-old student at Elinebergsskolan i Helsingborg, is one of the beneficiaries of this initiative. She has been prescribed dance classes to help improve her mental and physical well-being. She shares her positive impact of the prescription. The method, known as GoFar (Jointly Arranged Physical Activity on Prescription), has been in use in north-western Scania for several years and is now spreading across the country. 

Through this initiative, school nurses prescribe free physical activities such as football, dance, martial arts, and walking."It is a very important work method that we school nurses can use to motivate students to increase their physical activity and thus also feel better," says Viktoria Orrebo, a school nurse at Eline Bergsskolan.The mental health crisis among young people in Sweden has been escalating for over a decade. Since 2010, the proportion of children treated for mental illness has steadily increased. 

The increase has been most significant among girls, with a tripling of cases since 2010, according to the National Board of Health and Welfare. According to the Public Health Agency, almost 80 percent of 15-year-old girls and over 50 percent of boys report feeling fairly or very stressed by schoolwork. The GoFar initiative is addressing this issue by promoting physical activity, which school nurses in Skåne believe has yielded positive results. 

As Mikaela's experience shows, prescribing physical activity can be a powerful tool in improving the mental and physical health of young people. 

Recently the 2024 winners of the Goldman Environmental Prize were announced. The Goldman Environmental Prize, also sometimes referred to as the ‘Green Nobel Prize’, is awarded annually to environmental activists, one from each of the world's geographic regions (Asia, North America, Africa, Europe, South & Central America, Islands & Island Nations). International jurors receive confidential nominations from various environmental organisations or individuals, then select winners for this prize. The Goldman Environmental Prize was founded by Richard and Rhoda Goldamn in 1989 in hopes of drawing public attention to global environmental issues. This Prize recognises and honours individuals for their contributions and efforts to protect the environment, and by doing so, the Prize aims to inspire others to advocate for environmental justice and protect the planet. 

One of this year's winners is Murrawah Maroochy Johson, from Australia. Murrawah Maroochy Johnson's efforts managed to block the development of the Waratah coal mine. The development of this mine would have accelerated climate change in Queensland, Australia, and would have destroyed 8000 hectares of the Bimblebox Nature refuge threatening biodiversity. Additionally, the coal mine development would have added 1.58 billion tons of CO2 into the atmosphere and threatened Indigenous cultural rights. 

At the age of 19 Murrawah became an activist and was invited to campaign against the then-proposed development of the Adani Carmichael Coal Mine in the Galilee Basin, Queensland, Australia. Ever since, she has been advocating for the protection of the environment. Murrawah Maroochy Johson is also the co-founder of Youth Verdict, an advocacy group that has won the court case against the development of the Waratah coal mine. As the co-director, she guided the organisation to historic court victory that resulted in the Land Court of Queensland rejecting the coal mine from development. Furthermore, this case set new guidelines to consider between climate change impacts and culture and human rights. Her campaigns have led to her winning the highly prestigious international Goldman Environmental Prize. 

Johsnon reports that she is planning to continue using her platform to protect indigenous land from being exploited. Her work continues to inspire others all over the world to fight for environment protection. 

A new piece of legislation was introduced to the United States Congress on March 20th, 2024. The bill, called the “Destroy Zombie Guns Act” was introduced by;

Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (Democrat-Florida)

Congresswoman Jill Tokuda (Democrat-Hawaii)

Congressman Adam Schiff (Democrat-California) and

Congressman Gabe Amo (Democrat-Rhode Island)

According to Congressman Frost’s website, the legislation is meant “to close the “zombie gun” loophole that has allowed gun disposal companies to only destroy one part of a gun before reselling the remaining parts as a kit that could be used in the next act of gun violence that devastates a community.” 

Frost further alleges that “currently, government agencies across the country are unknowingly fueling a secondary gun market when they send retired, seized, and surrendered guns to gun disposal companies that destroy one small part of the gun and resell the rest. In most cases, purchasers are even able to avoid the most basic requirements, such as a background check.” 

What Frost is describing is, surprisingly, a real thing. What he does not acknowledge is that it is a well established practice that is entirely, one hundred percent legal. Furthermore, his allegation that so-called “zombie guns” could be used in an act of gun violence is an entirely nonsensical argument. 

But what exactly is a “zombie gun?” 

Much like with “ghost guns,” anti-firearm legislators use sensationalized language to create a catchy but scary name to persuade the less intelligent sections of the population. Congressman Frost describes “zombie guns” as guns that have been brought back to life,like they should be dead but they aren’t. What a “zombie gun” is in reality is a parts kit. 

To understand what a parts kit is, you first must understand what exactly a gun is. Even the dumbest politician should be able to understand that a gun is composed of several different parts. In the United States, only one part of a disassembled gun is actually legally considered to be the “firearm.” This piece is the receiver, which houses or provides structure for the major components required for the firing sequence. A proper legal definition can be found here. This means that only the receiver requires a federal background check to be bought and is the only part that is regulated. 

With this knowledge, it is easier to understand a parts kit. A parts kit is the all of the parts of a firearm, except with either no receiver included or a properly deactivated one. 

  An example of a Kalashnikov style rifle parts kit. Note that the receiver has been legally, permanently deactivated with three flame cuts. All of these parts are also available for purchase from any number of retailers. Parts kits are popular with firearm enthusiasts because the parts often have matching serial numbers, which has historical value and is looked for by collectors. 

To summarize, parts kits are NOT a complete firearm. These so-called “zombie guns” will not shoot and still require someone to purchase a receiver to use. Purchasing a receiver requires a federal background check and is heavily regulated. In fact, it would be easier for someone to simply purchase an assembled gun instead of buying the parts and needing the skills, tools and knowledge necessary to assemble it. 

The notion that criminals are buying legal parts kits, then illegally obtaining receivers, assembling the firearm and then using it in a crime, as opposed to illegally obtaining a whole firearm is frankly absurd. 

The creators of the bill provide zero empirical evidence or data of their “zombie guns” being used in crimes, nor do they cite even a single case of one being used in a crime. Once again, the legislators know absolutely nothing about what they are attempting to control, restrict or ban.

It is frankly absurd to allege that the surge of violent crime is being propagated by firearm parts kits that have been bought and built by collectors and enthusiasts for decades, rather than the flow of illegal guns across the border. The act is nothing more than a sensationalized push to further cut away rights under the guise of security, despite having no empirical basis. 

Following floods in the nearby town of Mai Mahiu, in the northwest Nakuru county of Kenya, Africa, at least 71 people have been officially declared dead and 110 are hospitalized, Nakuru governor Susan Kihika revealed to CNN on Monday 29th of April. Though villagers and first responders have said that the accident was caused by water pouring through a tunnel under a railway bridge with a clogged culvert, it is said that flooding in the area was made worse by a dam burst. Homes that had been swept away by severe flooding, toppled trees, and overturned cars were all observed by a CNN crew on the scene in Mai Mahiu. According to government spokesperson Isaac Maigua Mwaura on Monday, the tragedy occurred while flooding has taken over huge areas of Kenya, killing at least 103 people and forcing thousands of others from their homes since March.

“We are trying to get a handle on the situation but it’s a bit overwhelming, but we’re doing the best we can especially to reach those who have been carried away because we hope that some are still alive”

“The floodwaters are reported to have originated from a nearby river that broke its banks”

 Due to recent severe rains, a part of the road leading to Mai Mahiu, which is located 20 miles north of Nairobi's capital, has become inaccessible. Teams are clearing debris as they try to reach survivors and pull out bodies. Kenya has registered heavy rain since mid-March but downpours have intensified over the past week, leading to mass flooding. 

In recent decades, the world has suffered from a phenomenon known as the steady rise of sea levels. There are multiple causes, effects, and circumstances for this phenomenon, which many regions in the world have been suffering from.

There are many reasons for this rapid increase in sea levels, such as melting polar ice caps due to high temperatures, which has been the case in Greenland Antarctica, and many other countries. However, the most common reason is human activities, such as groundwater extraction and damming, which will eventually lead to changes in the distribution of water on land, ultimately affecting sea levels. Another primary reason is the overproduction of CO2 through burning fossil fuels and deforestation, which has led to an increase in global temperatures, commonly known as “climate change.” This change in temperature has resulted in the melting of polar ice caps and glaciers, leading to the rise in sea levels.

This phenomenon has made floods more frequent and common. Coastal areas where many people live are at higher risk, as these floods force people to leave their homes, damage buildings, and risk their lives. According to Our World In Data, there were 5,886 deaths due to floods.

Global sea levels have been rising steadily since the 19th century, with approximately 20 centimetres recorded during that time period, and it is estimated that by 2050 the sea level will rise by 28 cm, highlighting the ongoing significance of climate change. Because as the sea level continues to increase, there will be a growing threat to villages, communities, and cultures leading to a gradual disappearance. If not disappearance, it will lead to unwanted circumstances, as was the case in New York on September 29th, 2023. During that time, floods affected the entire subway service and led to the closure of most highways in the city.

In a distressing turn of events, Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, a prominent figure in the Assyrian Orthodox community in Sydney, was stabbed multiple times during a church service in the suburb of Wakeley. The incident, which also left three other worshippers injured, occurred at Christ The Good Shepherd Church on April 15th, Monday evening. Just days before the attack, Bishop Emmanuel had eerily warned his congregation of his impending death, proclaiming he had only "weeks to live."

The violent episode unfolded in the midst of a live-streamed service, where viewers witnessed the horrifying moment the bishop was attacked, reportedly stabbed six times. The footage also captured the immediate attacker, a 15-year-old boy, inside the church premises. As the news spread, an enraged crowd of approximately 2000 people gathered outside, leading to clashes with police and chaotic scenes around the church and later at Liverpool Hospital where the victims were treated.

Despite the severity of the assault, police have confirmed that the injuries sustained by Bishop Emmanuel and the three other men were not life-threatening. Bishop Emmanuel is currently reported to be in stable condition at Liverpool Hospital. 

The aftermath of the attack saw significant police resources deployed to contain the ensuing unrest. A large number of officers were reportedly injured during the riotous situation, with the police barricading themselves in the church to protect the apprehended suspect amid the violent uproar. The young suspect suffered serious hand injuries during the incident, with unconfirmed reports suggesting a finger may have been severed.

This tragic event highlights the vulnerability of religious leaders and places of worship, sparking discussions on security and the broader social issues that might underpin such acts of violence. The community, while reeling from this shock, shows signs of resilience and unity in the face of adversity, holding onto hope and prayer as key pillars for recovery and reconciliation. The investigation is ongoing, and many hope that it will bring clarity and justice in the wake of such unsettling violence.

In April 2024, The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled in favor of the association of KlimaSeniorinnen, a group of elderly Swiss women who claimed their government had violated their human rights by failing to combat climate change. The KlimaSeniorinnen association consists of over 2,500 elderly women aged 64 and older, living in Switzerland fighting for climate protection. This association, with the support of the international organization Greenpeace, formed back in 2016 demanding protection from the harmful effects of climate change. In 2020 the association presented a case which the Federal Supreme Court dismissed, and shortly after the KlimaSeniorinnen announced they would turn to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France.

 The KlimaSeniorinnen case was the first climate change case that a hearing at the European Court of Human Rights was held for. The climate crisis threatens livelihoods, and those especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of climate change are senior women. The association claims that the increasingly more intense, and frequent heat waves, occurring as a result of global warming, put elderly women at risk of dying during the heatwaves. This claim was cited and supported by a U.N Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report. This report indicated that those highest at risk of experiencing temperature-related deaths during heat waves are older adults and women. 

With their lawsuit, the KlimaSeniorinnen demanded that federal authorities improve the Swiss climate policy, arguing that the current measures are inefficient at limiting global warming. The Court ruled that Switzerland is violating the human rights of older women by not taking adequate steps toward combating climate change. The court specifically found a violation of Article 6: The right to a fair and public hearing and Article 8: the right to private and family life. The ECHR has also set requirements that Switzerland must comply with, and follow, to protect the climate. 

This historic ruling is of great importance globally. More and more climate lawsuits against corporations and governments are emerging worldwide aimed at fighting for climate justice. This court ruling highlights the importance of climate protection and sets requirements for other European Council member states to follow, to comply with human rights obligations. Citizens can ask for climate policies to be reviewed, changed, and reinforced, to protect human rights. Louise Fernier, legal counsel at Greenpeace International, who was supporting the Swiss Senior Women for Climate protection legal team reported, “This doesn’t stop in Strasbourg. The KlimaSeniorinnen’s stories are also on the agenda for the International Court of Justice, where hearings on all governments’ climate justice obligations will be held early next year.” Stronger efforts must be made to cut down emissions and protect people from the dangers that are emerging as a result of climate change.

A few days ago on the 5th of April, around 10:20 AM, an earthquake of magnitude 4.8 struck all of New York City, the epicentre being Tewksbury, central New Jersey. The earthquake has many citizens of NY  and NJ shocked and scared, but fortunately nobody was hurt or killed. People were left especially scared, as it is rather uncommon for earthquakes to occur in that area, especially ones of that scale, with a total of 19 being recorded (with a magnitude of at least 2.4). Despite all the shock and surprise, this was not the worst earthquake that has occurred in NYC, the worst occurring in 1884 with a magnitude of 5 (for reference the highest number is 9), but the recent earthquake was still relatively close in magnitude, making this earthquake very significant. 

I briefly spoke to a contact of mine who lives upstate New York, who also felt the impacts of the earthquake. She gave the following statement on the matter; ‘Experiencing the New York earthquake was quite unexpected for someone living in upstate New York like me. It was a reminder of the unpredictable forces of nature, but thankfully, the impact here was minor compared to regions more prone to seismic activity.’ 

It’s clear that the earthquake managed to rattle people in both New York and New Jersey, as it was unexpected and unusual for the given area. Thankfully nobody was hurt and there were no major incidents regarding destruction - some cracks in streets near the epicentre but otherwise nothing significant - and hopefully this event will spread awareness of the fact that earthquakes can happen at any point in time, and it's important for people to know what to do given the occurrence. Let this be a learning experience for the people living on the east coast of the United States!

The United Nations set an ambitious target in 2015: to eradicate poverty by 2030. At the heart of this mission lies the first Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) – No Poverty. With over 700 million people still living in extreme poverty globally, this goal isn't just aspirational; it's imperative for sustainable development.

No Poverty goes beyond economic metrics; it encompasses access to fundamental necessities like food, clean water, education, healthcare, and shelter. Poverty is a complex issue, entwined with social, economic, and environmental factors. To tackle poverty effectively, a multifaceted approach is essential. This includes promoting inclusive economic growth, creating decent jobs, establishing social protection systems, and enhancing resilience to economic shocks and natural disasters.

Promoting equitable economic growth is crucial. It involves fostering environments conducive to entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment, particularly in sectors that offer sustainable livelihoods. Additionally, investing in infrastructure, education, and healthcare can boost productivity and empower individuals to break free from poverty's grip. Social protection systems play a vital role, in preventing people from falling into poverty and supporting those already impoverished. Cash transfers, food assistance, and access to healthcare and education serve as lifelines, buffering against economic hardships and building resilience.

Education is key to breaking the poverty cycle. Universal access to quality education equips individuals with the skills needed for economic participation, fostering inclusivity and reducing disparities. Addressing gender inequality is also pivotal. Women and girls face disproportionate barriers to education, employment, and decision-making, perpetuating poverty. Empowering women and promoting gender equality not only benefits them but also contributes to poverty reduction and sustainable development. Environmental sustainability is intertwined with poverty eradication. Climate change and environmental degradation exacerbate poverty, necessitating sustainable practices and climate action.

No Poverty requires collaborative efforts from governments, civil society, businesses, and international organisations. Together, we can realise a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, leaving no one behind. Through collective action and commitment, we can turn the vision of a poverty-free world into a reality by 2030.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (ATF,) is a United States governmental law enforcement agency. It is responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes, issuing licenses and regulating any of its areas of jurisdiction. The ATF has a controversial history, ranging from unconstitutional rulings to disastrous arrest attempts that left dozens of American citizens dead. 

A common, persistent criticism of the ATF’s firearm wing is that it focuses on small crimes, such as individuals violating one of the numerous, asinine rules established by the National Firearms Act, while seemingly ignoring large scale crimes such as gun smuggling.  

Therefore, during the Obama presidency, between 2006 and 2011, the Arizona Field Office of the ATF ran a series of operations attempting to arrest cartel leaders in Mexico by purposefully allowing firearms to be sold in the United States to proxy buyers and tracking them as they made their way into cartel hands. Officially named “Project Gunrunner,” gun store owners would be enlisted as informants, tipping off ATF agents when a suspected proxy purchase was being made. Then, GPS tracking devices would be hidden in the weapons and they would be allowed to “walk away” from the stores. 

Problems with gunwalking arose almost immediately. Two smaller gunwalking cases, known as the Hernando and Medrano cases, were somewhat successful. A few lower level cartel members were sentenced for no more than 46 months. However, the tracking devices proved to have very limited battery life and would often stop working when covered. As a result, a number of the purchased guns were lost without a trace. 

The largest instance of gunwalking occurred in the ATF operation dubbed “Fast and Furious.” The operation, which ran from 2009 to 2011, involved ATF agents in Arizona deliberately allowing licensed gun dealers to sell weapons to known cartel straw purchasers, with the goal of tracking the guns as they were transferred to higher-level traffickers and gun smugglers. 

In previous operations, the ATF’s Mexico City Office and Mexican law enforcement had been made aware and were involved. In a dashingly stupid move, both the MCO and Mexican law enforcement were purposely kept in the dark. 

Furthermore, the ATF chose not to involve the gun dealers in the operation as they had done before. Several dealers expressed concern and frustration that the obvious straw purchasers they had reported returned repeatedly to purchase even more firearms. 

On 26th December 2022, Footballer Cody Fisher was beaten and stabbed to death in a Birmingham nightclub where more than 2000 people were present. The two murderers Kami Gordon and Kami Carpenter were sentenced to 26 and 25 years respectively after they both denied the fact that they murdered Cody, but yesterday after a 10 week trial, they received a life sentence after being found guilty with evidence. 

It started on Christmas Eve when Cody brushed past Gordon in a busy bar and did not apologise. Gordon tried to bully Cody and his best friend Dan Vann in the bar but failed which made him embarrassed and aggressive. So he and his friend Kami, in pursuit of revenge, spent the next 48 hours searching for Cody. Cody was at the nightclub with his girlfriend who briefly turned her attention, but the 37 second attack ended before she had the chance to look back. The 23 year old took his last breath in his girlfriend’s arms. 

This event had a huge impact on the whole family’s mental health, who are now scared to even go out. His mother was not even present at the trial as according to her, it will not put Cody back in their life. Cody’s friend Dan Vann was also attacked in another club, and charged for affray, the attacker Reegan Anderson was sentenced to prison for 18 months, but he will be released now considering the time he spent waiting for his sentence. 

In Future and Metroboomings latest album “WE DON'T TRUST YOU'' there was a diss in the introduction song of the album “We Don’t Trust You” where he comments Drake’s “Pillowtalking'' and referring to him as a “fed” (Federal agent). However the largest reveal of the album was in the song “Like That” where Kendrick Lamar was featured and dropped what was probably, the biggest diss the internet has seen in at least a year. 

To explain the disses that Kendrick says, we need context. J. Cole and Drake released a song called first person shooter where they excluded Kendrick Lamar from the song and also sneak dissed him. In their song, J. Cole says that he is the best rapper and that Drake is his equal/identical “We the big three like we started a league, but right now, I feel like Muhammed Ali”, “The Spider- Man meme is me looking at drake”. This could be interpreted as sneak dissing as he does not say it clearly but is inferring that out of the big three, Kendrick is number three. 

This “beef” has gone back since 2013 where Kendrick was not as big of an artist and got help from Drake and J. Cole to become more successful. In that year of 2013, after getting help from both Drake and J. Cole. Kendrick released a song with the artist Big Sean where he says that he will be the best artist ever and even name-dropped a lot of artists including Drake and J.Cole. This started the beef between J. Cole, Drake and Kendrick.

In Kendrick Lamar’s most recent song “Like That” he starts off by saying “Don’t pull no coffin out of your mouth” because it refers to Drake talking about death and coffins in the song First Person Shooter (FPS). Then Kendrick says “D-O-T, the money, power, respect. The last one is better. Say it’s a lot of goofies with a check”, meaning that Drake might have money and power but he has no respect making him one of the “goofies with a check”. Later on in his verse Kendrick says “Fuck sneak dissin’, First Person Shooter. I hope they came with three switches”, and this is the part where everyone realised that Kendrick was dissing Drake since he mentioned the name of Drake’s song. 

Kendrick then proceeds to diss J.Cole “If he walk around with that stick, it ain't Andre 3k” in the way that he says “stick” because of J.Cole’s song Stick where he basically said that he is violent and has in other occasions claimed that he has a “stick” which is slang referring to a gun. Kendrick is basically saying Cole is not Andre 3K. 

Then the highlight of the song was “Motherf*ck the big three, n****, it's just big me” meaning that he is not part of any big three but there is only him, at the top, claiming to be the best rapper. He again disses Drake in the lines afterwards by saying that Drake’s best work is still bad and that Prince legacy outlives Micheal Jackssons legacy. The line with Prince and Jacksson was aimed at Drake’s verse in FPS “I'm one away from Micheal, beat it”. To end Kendrick’s verse he says “For all your dog’s getting buried, that’s a K with all these nines. He gon see pet cemetery”, which is aimed towards Drake’s album called “My Dogs' ' where he speaks about his dead friends, Kendrick basically saying Drake and all his friends are nines (small dogs) while Kendrick is the big dog. K and nines can then refer to a K-9 which then links to the pet cemetery, the pet cemetery closes the verse with what he originally spoke about in the beginning of his verse, death “Don’t pull no coffin out of your mouth”.

So what is the conclusion? Well those shots are fired and hopefully a diss war is starting soon. I personally am on Kendrick’s side because #drakeislame. The media is excited and so am I. More drama, more disses and more entertainment for us.

In the early hours of Tuesday, April 9, 2024, Helsingborg was shattered by a fatal shooting in the Planteringen area, leaving a man in his 30s dead and leading to the arrest of one individual. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and prompted an extensive police operation. Authorities were called to the scene around 03:00 o’clock after receiving reports of disturbances, alarmingly noted to include the cries of several small children. Upon arrival, police discovered a man in his 30s with suspected gunshot wounds, who was pronounced dead at the scene. "A notification about the establishment," was how Katarina Rusin, a spokesperson for the police, succinctly summarized the initial phase of their investigation.

In the wake of the shooting, a significant portion of Wienergatan has been sealed off, with police cordons marking the perimeter of the crime scene. Law enforcement officers have maintained a visible presence throughout the morning, conducting door-to-door inquiries in an effort to gather witness statements and any relevant information that may shed light on the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. A suspect, a man in his 40s, has been taken into custody and is slated for questioning as investigators work diligently to piece together the events that led to this fatal shooting.

That earlier episode also resulted in the death of a man in his 30s and led to the arrest of several individuals, with five currently undergoing custody negotiations.Authorities are actively exploring the possibility of a connection between the two shootings. "We are of course investigating whether it has any connection with previous events, but it is too early to comment," stated Rusin, emphasizing the cautious approach being taken by the police in linking the incidents.

On March 26th, this year, a little girl Danka Ilic (2) was reported missing in Banjsko Polje in Bor, Eastern Serbia, after she was with her mother on a playground near their home. With the president of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, the news spread fiercely not only in the region but all over Austria and German media, as a viral video appeared online that showed a little girl similar to Danka, walking all alone around Vienna. Now the investigation spread quickly, and soon after it was confirmed by Austrian police that the girl was someone else and not the missing Danka. People continued sharing the news for a couple more days, all over social media, all Serbian news reports made sure to include the importance of the girl's disappearance, only to later be released to the public that Danka is not missing anymore but is actually dead. 

The shocking news reached a worldwide audience, people were desperate to know that the little hope they had left was now gone. On the same day, April 4th, 2024, two adult males (Dejan D. and Srdjan J.) in their 50s were taken into custody and arrested right away as one of them confessed to the crime of murdering Danka by running her over with a car. Not calling for any type of assistance at the moment of the accident (they failed to do so, as they claim), both men decided to put the girl into the truck of the vehicle and dump the body in a landfill. The suspects still refuse to reveal to the police the exact location of Dankas body now, as they admitted to moving it to a different place (most probably on March 28th, two days after the murder). 

It’s revealed that the little girl's dad, on the day of her disappearance (murder), actually spotted the same car and asked the driver if they had seen his daughter, which they both denied. The authorities are further questioning if the girl was even killed at the spot, it’s suggested that the vehicle was moving at 20 km/h at the time of the accident. If Danka survived the hit, it would create a possibility that the two men killed her nevertheless instead of trying to save her, which connects to why they hardly refuse to let the police find her body. 

With developments in technology, space is becoming increasingly crowded with more and more satellites in its orbit. While providing us humans with valuable advantages such as communication and observation, these satellites are becoming a threat to the planet. During the phase of re-entry in earth’s orbit, the satellites, which are typically made from superconductive elements such as aluminium, experience intense friction with earth's atmosphere. This friction and extreme heat causes the satellite's material to decompose and vaporise, which releases conductive dust and debris into the earth’s orbit. A recent study shows that this conductive dust and debris can temper with the earth’s magnetic field.

Why is the earth's magnetic field so important? Well we all enjoy the beautiful northern light show, but many do not know how these lights are produced. While we are being amazed by the beauty of those northern lights, the earth fights a constant war using its magnetic field to protect us from extremely dangerous radiations from solar flares. The earth’s magnetic field acts as a shield for us.  Basically, without this magnetic field, solar winds will just tear the atmosphere apart, just like mars. This would make the earth and its inhabitants more susceptible to solar winds and radiation coming from the sun. 

As of now, we are putting way too much extremely dangerous junk in the earth’s orbit. Different space agencies, SpaceX for instance, have plans for sending thousands of satellites in the earth’s orbit. The starlink project of Elon Musk’s SpaceX has around 5500 satellites in LEO(lower earth orbit), but the plan is for 12000 satellites, and there are indications that later it would be changed to around 42000 satellites in LEO. NASA has around 9500 satellites in earth’s orbit. These are just two space companies. What if we think about all 77 space agencies in the world, 16 of which have launch capacity, collectively adding to the pollution of the earth's orbit? Currently, we do not know of any other habitable  planet where humans can go and live, and life on earth would be scary without the earth’s magnetic field there to protect us from the sun. We, as inhabitants of the earth, need to think carefully about what we are doing to this planet, before it's too late to think about it. If not for us, then for the sake of future generations. 

In a horrific incident that has shaken the quiet suburban life of Vantaa, just outside Helsinki, Finland, three children were left injured following a shooting at a local school. The event, which unfolded on the morning of April 2nd, involved victims and the alleged perpetrator, all 13 years old, highlighting a disturbing scenario of youth violence.

Authorities were swiftly called to the scene at approximately at 9:00 AM local time, as panic ensued at the Viertola skolan primary school located in the Bäckby (Viertola) district. The school, home to about 800 students, became the center of a major police and emergency medical response effort following the incident. Sari Laasila, the principal of the affected school, confirmed to SVT that the crisis had been effectively managed and that "everyone is calm and safe" following the incident. Laasila's reassurance comes as a solace amidst the chaos, emphasizing the school and local law enforcement's efforts to restore order and security to the shocked community. The local police, having secured the scene, urged the public to avoid the area and to stay indoors as they conducted their investigation and ensured the safety of all students and staff. The city has rallied its crisis team to address the aftermath of the shooting, coordinating efforts to support the victims, their families, and the community at large, as reported by Yle.

This incident marks a rare and alarming occurrence of school violence in Finland, a country known for its high standards of education and generally low levels of violent crime. The fact that the victims and the suspected assailant are all young adolescents adds a particularly distressing dimension to the tragedy, prompting a nationwide conversation on school safety, mental health, and the factors contributing to such incidents among the youth.As the community of Vantaa, and Finland at large, comes to terms with the day's events, the focus turns towards healing and preventing such tragedies in the future. The incident at Viertolaskolan will undoubtedly lead to increased scrutiny of school security measures and the well-being of students, as the nation seeks to safeguard its youngest citizens and ensure a safe educational environment for all.

Worldwide star Rihanna, reemerged and made her appearance last Friday, as she had a performance for a private wedding of Asia’s richest man’s son. Anant is the son of Mukesh Ambani. The billionaire, who made his riches in both oil and telecommunications, is reportedly worth $117 billion. That makes him the ninth-richest person on the planet. 

She traveled to India for the show, which took place in the nation’s city of Jamnagar. It is said that she allegedly received around $6.3 million for the show, which she later got criticized for. With the fact that Rihanna finally came back into the public music world after the 2023 Super Bowl, her recent “boring” performance was heavily criticized and left her fans somewhat disappointed. The entrance and to be able to even see the event cost a heavy fee and made fans portray Rihanna as “lazy” for the way she performed. 

Fans can’t get over that she was paid almost double then the worldwide star Beyonce's fee. After the criticism got to Rihanna herself, she made her response seen and heard on Instagram.  The Lingerie brand Savage X Fenty founder launched a statement on the official Instagram account.

With the bold caption: “Badgalriri had Savage on rotation since Day 1," posted a few days ago. It portrays the superstar Rihanna  in an alluring light as she reassumes her entrepreneur tag to promote a range of underwear from Fenty's latest lingerie collection, defined as “so sexy and simple."

Haiti, a country in the Caribbean, has declared a state of emergency in response to a massive prison escape. The administration pointed to the increase in gang-related violence, kidnappings, murders, violence against women and children, and looting. Over the course of the weekend, around 3,500 inmates are said to have escaped from Haiti's National Penitentiary located in Port-au-Prince amid the pandemonium. 

The prison is now deserted and ringed by police cars as the remaining prisoners are transferred to other institutions.The  international airport, police stations and jails have all been the targets of violence that has been deemed unparalleled in recent memory. 

Tensions in the nation have increased as gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, better known as Barbecue, has demanded that Prime Minister Ariel Henry be arrested. Because of the violence, the US Embassy in Haiti has issued a security notice advising US citizens to leave the nation. In recent years, gang violence and turmoil have been rampant in Haiti, with rival gangs dominating a large portion of Port-au-Prince. Due to the scenario, which includes claims of rape, arson, kidnapping, and indiscriminate slaughter, hundreds of thousands of people have been compelled to leave their homes. The world community has been keeping a careful eye on the circumstances in Haiti and has called for calm and a diplomatic solution to the problem. To bring peace and stability back to Haiti, immediate action is required as the nation struggles with the fallout from the mass jail breakout and the rising level of violence.

Former, ex-Twitter executives recently announced they are suing Elon musk seeking over $128 million in unpaid severance. In the lawsuit filed on Monday, in a federal San Francisco court, four executives, including the former CEO Parag Agrawal, stated Musk without cause and reason, fired them when he took over Twitter, now known as X. After they were fired from the company, Musk allegedly avoided handing them money of $128 million in unpaid severance. The executives stated that this move from Musk was a part of a “larger pattern” of ignoring and refusing to pay former staff. 

Musk’s purchase of Twitter created lots of dispute between former executives and Musk. The former executives including ex-chief legal officer Vijaya Gadde, General counsel Sean Edgett, ex-CFO Ned Segal claim they are owed one year’s stock options and salary. They claim that the salaries owed break down to around $57 million for former CEO Agrawal, $44 million for Segal, $20 million for Gadde and $6 million for Edgett. 

Segal, Gadde, Edgett were all fired in October 2022 after Musk purchased Twitter (now X). According to the lawsuit, the executives were fired for "gross negligence and willful misconduct”. Examples given, which the executives claim as “fake” and invented by Musk, included Twitter signing off retention bonuses for employees of Twitter (employees who happened to be fired after Twitter was bought by Musk). The lawsuit also claims that Musk completely dismissed severance plans that were set as compensation in case the executives had lost their jobs. 

Furthermore, in the lawsuit, the executives have claimed that Musk’s overtake has changed the company, that the company has turned into an entity that ignores laws and avoids debts. According to the filing in federal court, "Musk doesn't pay his bills, believes the rules don't apply to him, and uses his wealth and power to run roughshod over anyone who disagrees with him,".  

Platform X is already facing another three lawsuits by former employees seeking severance payments up to $500 million. In addition, platform X is being sued for supposedly not paying former landlords, consultants, vendors, and public relations firms.   

X has not responded to requests for comment on the situation yet. With time we will see how this lawsuit resolves. 

Now with spring right around the corner, every fashion brand imaginable is steadily releasing their Spring/summer collections for 2024 and there's a lot of exciting trends to come!

Straight off the bat it’s become clear that low rise is out (yet again). Sky-high waistlines are what's back in, and this has been seen in multiple collections. All from Prada and Dior, to Alala and Coperini, all brands are committing to the high waistlines, after all, they are timeless, and the high-rise straight legged trousers will never not be a classy look. My favourite approach to this has been done by Philosophy by Lorenzo Serafini (shown to the right) who, in their collection, came out with a series of pants and shorts that are timeless, chic, and very high waisted (but in a classy way).

Dresses! Yes you read that right, a big trend within the fashion industry is to play around and experiment with dress styles. Not only in regards to colours and designs, but also vibes in an artistic-sofia coppola kind of way. This season, we saw beautiful, pastel coloured ruffled dresses coming from Dior (shown to the left), Dolce & Gabbana, Simone Rocha, Cecile Bahnsen and my personal favourite, Coperini. These brands show to be playing around with light, almost see-through fabrics like lace and voile, elevating a romantic element to the collections. Aside from these dresses however, more brands have experimented with a futuristic-like feel, with my all time favourites coming from Mugler (shown to the right), Rick Owens, and Chloe. Overall a new era for dresses is in store and based on previous trends, I think it's safe to say that experimentation is only going to get crazier!

Last but definitely not least, quiet but confidence, specifically (as Vogue called it) “quiet confidence”. What does this mean you may ask, trench coats and footwear. Yes, I know it's random but it's the type of essentials you imagine a “model off duty” wearing. Long trench coats with easy slip-on shoes have been a common trend, and you won't find better than Bottega Venetta, The Row, and Jil Sander. It's a timeless look that, like leopard print, will never really be out. 

Overall the SS24 cat walks promise exciting looks for the future, and experimental/chic fashion. Whilst some collections I loved, like the collections from The Row, Mugler, and Fendi, others I was not a fan of, such as Miu Miu or Rick Owens, but I still think all of the brands have something to offer, and I already can't wait to see what the FW24 collections will look like!

The new black comedy that got released on November 17th 2023, caught a lot of popularity real

quick and made it to the top of trends all over social media. “Saltburn”, written, directed, and co-produced by Emerald Fennell, starring Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, Rosamund Pike, Richard E. Grant, Alison Oliver, and Archie Madekwe is broadly a film following an Oxford student in the world of the rich. Its unusual storyline, great acting and plot twists to remember, are what made it aworldwide sensation.

The country estate that features in the film, known in real-life as Drayton House, is a castle-like mansion with 127 rooms based in Northamptonshire that has been in the Stopford-Sackville family since 1770. After the official release of the movie, a TikToker shared a video showing the castle, not being aware of how viral it would become. Which eventually led to the exact location of the mansion being now known. This weekend, the owner of the castle finally stepped out in public and gave out an interview in which he stated the situation he’s in. The viral video mentioned prior led to the mansion getting a lot of attention, maybe even more than it should. The owner revealed how he was forced to hire extra security due to the people now coming to his home taking videos and pictures of the place, standing in front of the castle. It didn’t appear to be a problem as long as the visitors stayed on public paths and respected privacy, but it was reported that more than 50 people strayed off of it. This shows how social media and trends can affect other people in the real world and the dangers of it.

Vaquita is a small mammal that belongs to the dolphin family. Unfortunately in the recent years, this animal has been endangered and now there are fewer than 10 Vaquitas alive. Vaquitas are important for keeping the ocean ecosystem stable, their extinction will affect the entire ecosystem.

Organizations and governments are trying hard to protect them by stopping a certain types of fishing activities, in order to initiate safe zone for them to live in, since it is essential in order to safe as much as possible. In addition to protecting vaquitas from extinction, its also important to shed the light on the reasons behind this decline in Vaquita populations. Including illegal fishing, there are other factors that played a significant role in the endangerment of this animal such as the low reproduction rate and other human activities such as, the use of fossil fuel, complacency and non-recycling of plastic. This was, and still is, the biggest threat for all aquatic organisms since, annually, there are around 14 million tons of plastic end up in the oceans. Moreover, there are other organizations dedicated preserving to the aquatic species by collecting donations to clean beaches and oceans from pollutants such as “The Ocean Conservancy."

Its still possible to take action before its too late, since the fate of these creatures is in our hand, if not for us, then for the next generations.

On 12th of February 2024, there was a big fire at the Liseberg park under construction in Gothenburg, the second largest city in Sweden. It caused a giant, thick cloud of smoke over the city central, which could be seen from far away.
According to the park, “The fire started at one of the water rides outside the building and then spread to the entire building”. Oceana, the park's newly built attraction, was completely destroyed by the fire. It started at around 10:00 am and efforts were still being made to extinguish the fire at 17:00 pm. The fire and the smoke were so big that even the park owners living in the hotel nearby were forced to evacuate. The residents living nearby were advised by the police to stay indoors and keep their windows shut to protect against the fire. 

Before this incident, there were hopes for the park to be opened before summer, and the Liseberg invested 1.2 billion SEK in the park’s construction. It was supposed to have indoor and outdoor swimming areas, and could hold 1750 people at a time. Now, the fire has caused a major setback to the park.

Luckily, there are no serious injuries. There were reports by the police about a man missing, but he was later found to be working on the park’s construction program.

-Ali Hassan, 13th February 2024

In the beginning of 2024, social media has led to rapid dissemination of information, both true and false. Recently, The brand Purina found themselves at the center of a social media storm when rumors began circulating on TikTok saying that their Pro Plan pet food was making animals sick. With reports of dogs experiencing seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, and even death after consuming Purina Pro Plan, concerned pet owners took to social media to warn others pet owners so they can call for a boycott of the brand.

However, Purina has angrily denied these rumors, stating that there is no evidence to support these claims made on TikTok and in various online forums. In response to the growing panic among pet owners, a Purina spokeswoman reassured the public that their food is safe to feed and that there is no pattern of problems with any specific product.Despite the lack of concrete evidence, the rumors continued to spread, leading to increased anxiety among pet owners. In an effort to conquer the fear of consumers, Purina urged pet owners to rely on sources for information about pet food safety and to be cautious of unverified claims made on social media.

As a company that feeds millions of pets each year, Purina takes pet health and safety very seriously. They emphasized that the rumors circulating on TikTok and other platforms are unfounded and may be the result of misinformation or malicious intent.

It is important for consumers to critically evaluate information before jumping to conclusions. While it is natural for pet owners to be concerned about the well-being of their pets companions, it is crucial to rely on reliable sources and expert opinions when it comes to pet food safety.

Ultimately, Purina hopes to reassure pet parents that their products are safe and reliable for animals to consume. As they continue to combat the spread of false information, they remain committed to providing high-quality pet food that meets the nutritional needs of pets around the world.

On February 5th, the Democrats, along with the Biden administration unveiled their new border reform bill, meant to combat the ongoing “Border Crisis”, of which they have been criticised for. Biden's administration has faced harsh criticism by the Republican party, particularly the so-called “MAGA” Republicans or Trump's hardline supporters, for the current level of legal border crossings. Ironically, this bill, which would allocate an additional $118 Billion dollars to border security, and implement a number of specific policies to limit border crossings, has been blocked by these same MAGA Republicans in congress. This is just another attempt at sabotaging Biden's reelection, by preventing his administration from passing any kind of positive reform. By limiting the Biden administration from passing any bills, Trump and the right wing are able to constantly critique Biden, further lowering his support in the polls, ahead of the election. Though this bill has not reached the floor of congress yet, the speaker of the house, Mike Johnson, has already promised that the bill will be “dead on arrival”. Johnson also said “{the bill} wont come close to ending the border catastrophe the president has created”, even though this bill would be the most significant border reform in decades. The bill would also pass some small amounts of foreign aid to both Ukraine, who desperately need it, and Israel.

-Oskar Hegarty, February 6 2024

On 1st of February 2024, the most known legend, Carl Weathers, peacefully passed away in his sleep at his home in Los Angeles (LA). The actor was known for his iconic roles such as Apollo Creed in the Rocky movies, even known as the father of Adonis Johnson Creed in the ´Creed´movies.

Weathers was born January 14th of 1948 in New Orleans. Carl had an remarkable 50 years of career in the film industry, arts and also sports such as the sport football, which he played in college football for the San Diego State Aztecs before playing professionally as a linebacker. He eventually joined the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League, known as NFL, after going undrafted in the 1970’s.

What causes Weathers to be placed in pop culture history, was his acting career that made him appear in more than 75 films and TV shows, including Happy Gilmore, American Battleship and Predator. Not only was Weathers an actor, but he was also a skilled director, in which he directed a few episodes of The Mandalorian in season 2 and 3. Because of all his talents, he contributed to the series, which earned him a 2021 Emmy nomination.

Weathers was not only a talented actor and sportsman but an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. His family has described him as a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend. Across generations and worldwide, Weathers will be remembered for his contributions to film, television, and sports, leaving behind an indelible mark on the world. Rest in peace, Carl Weathers.

-Amanda & Magdalena, February 6 2024

Forced migration is a phenomenon where migrants cannot return to their home country after being forced to leave, for reasons that may be political, economic or because of wars and the lack of basic resources.

Forced migration has increased considerably over the past 30 years and has become a major political and social issue in many parts of the world, and the term “Forced Migration” includes people who are forced to leave their home country because of violence, persecution, development projects and disasters that are caused by nature or human. 

The consequences of forced migration extend beyond immediate displacement, this crisis could lead to civil conflict since people who are forced to leave their home country and arrive in another one, will find the way of life is often very different from what they were accustomed to. This clash in traditions and the difficulty to adapt can cause problems for both sides, it can make communities feel uneasy and this might develop into civil war. When people are forced to change their usual ways of living and adapt to a new place, it can cause conflicts and disagreements that may escalate into something worse and more serious, which is the civil war.

Another outcome will be the “ Displacement of Refugees”. When thousands, if not millions of people are displaced they will have no means of finding shelter to protect them from the cold of the winter and the heat of the summer, they will find themselves in the roads looking for anyway or any hope of survival which opposes human rights. Those people will suffer from famine and poverty and this is completely immoral, since all humans should be treated equality.

However, there are parties concerned with defending the rights of those refugees such as UNICEF” which stands for the United Nation International Children's Emergency Fund. This specialised agency aim 

To reduce child mortality rates, enhance access to basic healthcare and nutritions, ensure access to quality education for childrens, prevent and respond to violence exploitation and conflict situations, and it aims to promote gender equality, ensuring equal opportunities for both genders.

Since its establishment in December 11,1946, this agency has been providing essential services to children and refugees globally without charge.

In conclusion, forced migration has developed into a significant global issue where defending those people rights is a duty for everyone of us. This collective effort is essential to create a better future free from injustice and ensure that every individual can aspire to a life marked by dignity, equality and compassion. 

It all started when a Muslim student started praying in the school playground, and the school claims that the number rose from 1 to 30 other students.what is noteworthy is the claim made by the school that many of those students were coerced by other students to intensify their religious practises, as half of the student population is muslim. The instances reported include cases like a muslim girl who joined the school choir dropping out, as she was being told that it was “haram” during the month of Ramadan(it actually is “haram” in the month of Ramadan in islam). 

Due to the escalating situation, the school governors banned “praying rituals”. However, this led to a number of events such as false rumours about a bomb placed inside the school, and a teacher's window shattered by a stone. The news regarding the situation on social media further fueled the tension. A student was suspended because of a confrontation with the teacher over bringing a prayer mat to school, which prompted the student's family to file a discrimination case against the school. 

The school's principal, Birbalsingh's response on social media regarding the ongoing situation was: "We believe it is wrong to separate children according to religion or race." she highlighted the school's commitment to creating an environment where the students are free from bullying and harassment. However, now it is up to the court to decide what should be done about this case. 

-Ali Hassan, January 30 2024

January 18, 2024, The Dragon Spacecraft launched into space from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA. A crew of four astronauts shared the ride on board the spacecraft headed to the International Space Station (ISS) as a part of the Axion Mission 3 (AX-3). On board are European astronauts Walter Villadei, Michael López-Alegría, Marcus Wandt, and Turkey's first ever citizen to visit space, Alper Gezeravcı. The mission specialist is Marcus Wandt, the third Swede ever to travel to space. 

Marcus Wandt will be on board the International Space Station along with the other crewmates to conduct a series of experiments and research. NASA reports that “The crew will spend about two weeks conducting microgravity research, educational outreach, and commercial activities aboard the space station,”. Swedish astronaut Marcus Wandt will be involved in conducting experiments on stem cells for Uppsala University, and another on ergonomics for the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH). Besides the Swedish experiments, Marcus will also be involved in around 20 international experiments related to life science, biotechnology, and material physics. 

Wandt’s mission is supported by the ESA (European Space Agency) and the Swedish National Space Agency. This specific mission is the first of its kind in the sense that it's the first all-European commercial astronaut mission to launch to the ISS. This mission holds great significance as it opens up opportunities for nations to access low-orbit Earth and collaborate with the international space community to further advance scientific research. By collaborating with a private/commercial space company, Europe is demonstrating how short-duration and fast missions can contribute to high quality research. This event is especially significant for Sweden and will contribute to strengthening Sweden's ambition for further development in aerospace engineering. 

-Written by M

On January 21st 2024, a shocking rumor emerged on the internet and all over social media. Allegedly The Eiffel Tower is “burning”, therefore it reached a huge attention, especially on the popular app TikTok. The video posted about this claim however now has over 2.3 million viewers. The photos of a burning Eiffel tower have also been posted and shared on other apps such as X (Twitter) and facebook with given captions: 

“The Eiffel Tower caught fire, one of the most emblematic monuments in the world, located in the heart of Paris. According to the latest information, firefighters have not yet been able to control the fire that occurred yesterday afternoon.”

After all of the fuss, it has turned out to be entirely a false claim. Using AI-generated imagery, the TikTok video created the illusion of a fire on the landmark. Therefore, it's safe to say that the Eiffel Tower remains undamaged. There is also no report of the fire listed on the French police website and multiple live streams show the Paris landmark remains standing with no signs of fire damage at the time of publication. 

Decades before Lockheed Martin’s much maligned F-35 fighter jet ever took to the skies, another plane made almost the same mistakes. In 1961, the then United States Secretary of Defense, Robert  McNamara published the Tactical Fighter Experimental (TFX) proposal as an open competition for any of the major aerospace corporations to fulfill. McNamara, seeking to cut military spending, mandated that the same aircraft would have to fulfill the needs of both the Air Force and Navy. The aircraft sought by the two armed services shared the need to carry heavy armament and fuel loads, feature high supersonic speed, twin engines and two seats, and most likely use wings that can change position in flight, known as variable geometry wings. 

Aircraft designs were submitted by Boeing, General Dynamics, Lockheed, McDonnell, North American and Republic. The evaluation group found all the proposals lacking, but Boeing and General Dynamics were selected to submit enhanced designs. The Air Force evaluation group preferred the Boeing proposal, the Navy hated both, but McNamara made an executive decision to select the General Dynamics proposal because it was cheaper. 

The resulting General Dynamics plane would come to be known as the F-111 Aardvark. Designed to be the premier fighter jet, the F-111 was anything but. It was huge, measuring 74 feet (23 meters) long by 63 feet (20 meters) wide. The empty weight of the F-111 varies slightly between its different variants, with the F-111A having an empty weight of 45,200 pounds (20,500 kilograms.) Its turn radius was approximately the size of ten city blocks; the pilot, sitting next to his copilot, could not see anything on the right side of the airplane. The F-111 was overweight, underpowered, could not dogfight, had unreliable engines and its only armaments, the missiles, had a horrific failure rate.

In short, “McNamara’s airplane” could not do any of the things it promised it could. As bloody lessons in air combat were being relearned in the skies above Vietnam, pilots of both services were rightfully outraged at this new airplane. They wanted a light, agile gunfighter, not this huge missile-armed flying bus. The Navy hated the plane so much they outright rejected it and would go on to develop their own aircraft instead, the F-14 Tomcat. The Air Force relegated the plane to being a bomber, a far cry from the original tactical fighter specification. 

The F-111 would live on for another few decades as a strike-bomber and electronic warfare aircraft in the United States Air Force. The Australian air force would purchase a number of the airplanes and operate them even longer. The F-111 failed miserably in its intended role as a multi-service tactical fighter but found some success in other roles. Mistakes were made, if 75 million dollars in development alone can be considered a mistake, lessons were learned. 

Or so the American taxpayer would hope. It seems that the Pentagon and Department of Defense have not quite learned their lessons. 

 The F-35, which began development in the early 2000s, is a multi-role, multi-service aircraft intended to serve the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and several foreign operators. The F-35, much like the F-111 is designed to fulfill a wide range of mission requirements, but the ambitious multi-role nature of the aircraft posed significant challenges. After the failure of the F-111 program in the late 1960’s, there was a shift towards single-role, single-service aircraft that were more focused and effective, such as the A-7, F-14, and A-10. In the modern day, the F-35 is designed to replace this whole slew of different aircraft types. The F-35, like the F-111, has faced criticism for trying to do too much and not fully meeting the diverse and demanding needs of its various users.

The F-35 program has been deemed a failure by many due to a combination of cost overruns, schedule delays, and performance issues. The aircraft's design compromises, needed to accommodate its multi-role capabilities, have resulted in various problems. The Government Accountability Office found that cost and schedule delays persist, and the Department of Defense has not yet authorized full-rate production of the F-35 due to ongoing issues. Additionally, the aircraft has over 800 deficiencies that still need to be addressed, and it has experienced several crashes. Furthermore, the F-35's ambitious goal of serving multiple branches of the military and foreign operators has led to significant complexities and challenges, contributing to its classification as a failure.

On a Monday evening, on Dec 11th, an entire corner of a seven-story building in Grace Shaved, Bronx, New York, unexpectedly collapsed.  Even though no deaths or severe injuries were reported, the incident left few people in shock and disbelief. The collapse took place in the Bronx's Grace Shaved neighborhood, a highly populated area filled with residential buildings. The incident left Domingo Taveras Tejada, a sixth-floor resident, with minor injuries.Tejada described his escape as a  race down the stairs, only to witness the collapse from the outside. The collapse of a seven-story building raises concerns about the safety of older buildings as well as emphasizes the significance of regular maintenance of them. Building age and structural integrity may be considered as primary factors contributing to such an incident. As a result, stricter guidelines might be implemented, preventing these types of incidents from happening in the future. The collapse of a seven-story building serves as a grave reminder of the potential risks associated with aging infrastructure. While the absence of fatalities or severe injuries in this incident provides a glimmer of hope, it calls attention to the need for improved building safety measures.

Every day, there are a lot of rumours on the internet, but this one really drew my attention.

On 28 November 2023, several websites, including livescience, newsweek and futurism, posted articles, all of them centred around one sentence: “Astronomers have discovered a new type of "aurora" created by falling SpaceX rocket boosters that punch temporary holes in the ionosphere. Experts are concerned that these blood-red light shows could be causing unknown problems for astronomy and communication.” 

SpaceX (Space Exploration Technologies Corporation), is a space transportation and aerospace manufacturer founded in 2002 by Elon Musk. It is not the first time SpaceX is criticised for such reasons. People comment quite “angrily” regarding the failures in some of their launches, with a reason that the CEO of SpaceX(Elon Musk) being wealthy is why SpaceX scientists keep burning money without being serious about the company's projects. 

An electron-rich layer called the ionosphere is formed when solar radiation with extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and x-rays ionises atoms and molecules in the upper atmosphere of Earth, ranging from 80 to approximately 600 km. For communication and navigational purposes, radio waves are reflected and modified by the ionosphere, which makes it quite significant. Rockets create ionospheric holes when fuel from their second stages burns in the middle part of the ionosphere. These "ionospheric holes" can excite gas molecules in this part of the atmosphere and trigger vibrant streaks of red, aurora-like light. 

This process is common with almost all rocket launches, and poses no threat as the ionosphere is naturally healed when exposed to sunlight. But, the SpaceX critics state it in dramatic language such as “SpaceX rockets keep tearing blood-red 'atmospheric holes' in the sky, and scientists are concerned”. The problem with these statements is that when it is about SpaceX, the rockets “make the sky bleed” and “rip holes in the atmosphere”, whereas when the same sources talk about other companies, such as U.S air force rockets, the tone changes to  “accidentally punched an ionospheric hole”.This inconsistency raises questions about the objectivity of these claims. 

SpaceX, like any other high profile company faces criticism, and it is important to separate genuine concerns from rumours.  Punching of holes in the ionosphere is very common, and poses no long-term effects, and this issue is not related to SpaceX only, it happens with most of the rocket launches. A comprehensive understanding of the environmental impact of space travel necessitates a balanced evaluation of the possibilities of such endeavours.

Cricket has come leaps and bounds from its initial days. A predominantly male dominated game for several decades, it has started transforming into a more inclusive game. In the initial days when cricket began to make the game more inclusive, women were marginalised and experienced sexism and discrimination. Though women's cricket actually began in 1747, it has only picked up in popularity from the 2000’s. The recent introduction of the Women’s premier league has garnered 

attention and brought the deserved attention and money to the women’s game.

Another breakthrough in the women's game that is rarely discussed is the introduction of equal match day pay for women officials and umpires. This means regardless of whether they officiate men or women's matches, they receive the same pay. 

Cricket is a game that is constantly changing and evolving. There has been a paradigmatic shift in the mode of playing the game and this shift also seems to have brought more equality and inclusivity to the game. 

-Krithan Sai, 12 December 2023

A vehicle that was used during the kidnapping was a burned out Citroen' vehicle, and has also been found. It is believed that the girl was murdered on the same day she was abducted. According to the Ministry of Interior, the motive for this crime was personal interest. Along with the girl’s body, the body of another person P.Z. known as a hairdresser from Veles, aged 74, was also found dead. While the prosecutor and the minister suspect the motive for the kidnapping of the young girl was to extort money from her mother, they said they still have no explanation why the initial investigation showed the teen had been killed only a couple of hours after the kidnapping, which happened on Monday, November 27, inside the hallway of the building she lived in. And while authorities said the suspects’ testimonies suggest that the girl’s father had disclosed information about her movement to the suspected killer/s, Spasovski was not able to answer whether the girl’s parents were separated. It was also revealed that the perpetrators are ethnic Macedonians, in an attempt to prevent ethnic tensions over the gruesome crime. Macedonian Justice Minister Krenar Loga stated recently that this is one of the biggest tragedies in North Macedonia and demanded responsibility and maximum punishment for the perpetrators.

On Sunday, June 25th 2023 at around 11:30 Swedish local time, a horrible accident happened in an amusement park in Stockholm. The accident left one person dead and severely injured at least nine more, who are receiving urgent medical treatment in a nearby hospital. The Jetline roller coaster reaches a height of 30m (90ft) and a speed of 90km/h (55 mph). It's a steel coaster which first opened at Gröna Lund in 1988. Originally built by Zierer and BHS it was modified in 1997 by Maurer Söhne to have a longer and steeper drop. After the accident occurred, the park was evacuated and was closed for a while. 

However on 13th of October, they opened the amusement park again.On that ride there were 14 people, all went horribly wrong when the whole front part of the rollercoaster separated from the rest, stopped in the middle of the track and caused people to crash and fall to the ground. Among the three people that fell out, one died while the other two were seriously injured. The 140-year-old park would be closed for police to carry out an investigation. The rollercoaster and the circumstances around the incident are being investigated by the Swedish Accident Investigation Authority (Statens Haverikommission), which said the inquiry will take between 10 and 12 months. Jetline is a steel coaster which first opened at Gröna Lund in 1988. 

Originally built by Zierer and BHS it was modified in 1997 by Maurer Söhne to have a longer and steeper drop. 

It was recently announced that the electric car company Tesla is suing the Swedish Transport Agency and postal service PostNord. During the October month, strikes broke out at Swedish Tesla service workshops. A wave of sympathy strikes escalated where postal workers from PostNord prevented new Tesla vehicles from receiving licence plates in Sweden. Additionally, Swedish mechanics refused to service Tesla cars and dockworkers from Swedish ports stopped the delivery of Tesla vehicles in order to place more pressure on the electric car company. These strikes were initiated by IF Metall, a Swedish trade union representing Tesla workers in Sweden. The workers and union are demanding that the electric car company sign a collective bargaining agreement. Collective agreements cover multiple conditions including worker salaries, working hours, holidays, and pension.  

Elon Musk described the actions of the postal service men from PostNord as ‘insane’ after licence plates were prevented from being delivered to new Tesla vehicles. The electric car company stated they were suing “the Swedish state through the Swedish Transport Agency” because "This confiscation of licence plates constitutes an unlawful discriminatory attack directed at Tesla.” The car company is demanding that the district court ensures registration plates and registration numbers assigned by the Swedish Transport Agency for Tesla vehicles come into Tesla's possession. If the transport agency does not comply with the request, the car company Tesla is ready to take further legal action and fine the Swedish Transport Agency. 

It has also been understood that the Swedish Tesla subsidiary, ™ Sweden, is taking legal action against PostNord for its failure to deliver post. The postal service’s response to this was that the delivery blockades from PostNord to ™ Sweden is a “sympathy measure for IF Metall”. A senior official from IF Metall, Veli-Pekka Säikkälä, stated that there is a simple and quick way to solve this situation, and that is to sign a collective agreement. Once Tesla does that, the IF Metal official feels, the conflict ends.

The next upcoming days and weeks actions will be taken to resolve the problem. Will Tesla take further legal action and fine the Swedish Transport agency or will the electric car company agree to sign the collective bargaining agreement?

Currently, there are no countries where there is a complete ban on smoking, and smoking is infamously known to cause serious health issues (the leading cause of lung cancer) and smoking cigarettes is a contributor to air pollution. Despite this, the implications might be too extensive. 

Before discussing implications, it's important to understand the uniqueness of the law. This law is not simply a ban on cigarettes, this ban is what is called a generational ban. What this means, is that the ban will only be enforced on future generations. Meaning those born after January 2009 will never be allowed to smoke in New Zealand, but everyone born prior to that will be allowed. 

The suggestion for the law passed pioneering legislation in 2022 and the ban will be enforced starting 2027. It was primarily designed to stop smoking related deaths, and save the healthcare system up to billions of dollars. But of course, with this ban, there are both pros and cons to come out of it. As previously mentioned, there will be both health and environmental benefits to the ban. Additionally, it may influence other countries to follow action. In fact, the UK and Hong are already discussing implementing the same laws as New Zealand. 

The negative outcomes of this however, include an increase in crime rate. With less tobacco being available over time, more people will turn to a black market. Infact, a suggestion was made to concentrate all cigarettes to one store, however, “Concentrating the distribution of cigarettes in one store in one small town is going to be a massive magnet for crime,” Luxon (prime minister of New Zealand) told Radio New Zealand. Additionally, the reversal of the law may cause thousands of Maori people (indigenous people of New Zealand) to lose their lives, especially because they smoke more commonly than the average person.

Overall this new law has provoked mixed feelings and opinions. It will hopefully save thousands of lives, and millions of dollars but unfortunately, at the expense of Maori people and higher crime rates. Its only a matter of time to see how this law affects the country of New Zealand as a whole, and hopefully, other countries will follow in their footsteps. 

-Mika Callaghan, November 2023  

In recent years, the concept of a "tipping point" has gained significant attention in conversations about the environment. A tipping point refers to a critical threshold where even small changes can have drastic and irreversible effects on the climate system. The latest news highlights how our planet is swiftly approaching various tipping points, raising concerns among scientists and policymakers about its long-term consequences. 

One of the most renowned tipping points is the melting of the Arctic ice cap. As global temperatures continue to rise, the amount of ice covering the Arctic region is declining at an alarming rate. In September 2020, scientists reported that Arctic sea ice shrank to its second-lowest extent ever recorded. This rapid disappearance not only disrupts the region's delicate ecosystems but also contributes to a vicious cycle of further warming. As ice melts, less sunlight gets reflected back into space (reduced albedo), leading to increased absorption of heat by the dark ocean, ultimately intensifying global warming.

However the Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the "lungs of the Earth," is critical for carbon absorption and climate regulation. However, recent reports indicate that rampant deforestation and escalating wildfires are pushing the Amazon rainforest toward a tipping point of irreversible degradation. In 2020, Brazil recorded the highest number of fires in the Amazon region since 2010, exacerbating concerns about the forest's ability to continue acting as a crucial carbon sink. The consequences of deforestation in the Amazon, such as biodiversity loss and exacerbation of climate change, have far-reaching effects on a global scale.

The latest news on tipping points within the environment reinforces the urgent need for immediate action to mitigate climate change. As these critical thresholds get closer, the importance of sustainable practices and the adoption of climate-friendly policies becomes increasingly evident. Governments, corporations, and individuals alike must collectively take responsibility to address these tipping points and protect the planet for future generations. 

Regarding actions we may do to lessen the chances of the tipping point, such as:

1. Increase public awareness: Educate people about the tipping point and its potential consequences. Use various mediums such as social media campaigns, documentaries, and public forums to spread the message effectively.

2. Shift to renewable energy sources: Transition from fossil fuels to clean and renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or geothermal power. Encourage governments and individuals to invest in renewable energy infrastructure and support related research and development.

3. Protect and restore ecosystems: Preserve and restore natural habitats like forests, wetlands, and coral reefs. These ecosystems absorb carbon dioxide and contribute to the overall health of the planet. Promote sustainable land use practices and support conservation efforts.

4. Adopt circular economy principles: Encourage the reuse, recycling, and repurposing of materials to minimize waste generation. Support businesses and initiatives that prioritize the circular economy model and reduce reliance on single-use products.

5. Advocate for international cooperation: Encourage governments to collaborate and work towards global solutions. Support international agreements and initiatives that aim to address climate change, such as the Paris Agreement.

Remember, addressing the tipping point requires collective efforts from individuals, communities, governments, and businesses. It is crucial to act swiftly and decisively to ensure a sustainable and habitable future for generations to come.

Sperm whales are the fourth largest type of whales, and are found in all deep oceans of the world. They are the largest of the toothed whales and the largest toothed predator, have the biggest brain for any creature, and are feeding all the time. They may consume up to two tons of food per day, or around three percent of their body weight. Their main food source is the giant squids and by eating these giant squids, they play a crucial role in maintaining the balance in marine ecosystems, by preventing overpopulation of certain species. When these massive animals feed at depth, they bring nutrients up to the surface through their excrement, stimulating the growth of phytoplankton. Another food source of sperm whales is the krill. Without sperm whales, just like any other type of whales, the krill would eat the free floating phytoplankton and algae causing an imbalance in the ecosystem, because just like land plants, phytoplankton take up carbon dioxide, make carbohydrates using light energy, and release oxygen, and the krill will eat all of the phytoplankton, affecting the oxygen levels on the earth.  

But sadly, these majestic creatures are facing threats, mainly due to whale hunting and pollution by humans. Their numbers have declined from 1.1 million sperm whales worldwide before the start of the whaling industry in the 11th century, to less than 360,000 sperm males worldwide in 2023. 

The only natural enemies the sperm whale has in the ocean are the orcas. They try to attack a pod of sperm whales, and focus on hunting female sperm male or calves. The male, which are too big and aggressive to be hunted by orcas mainly, face even bigger threats from human activities.

Sperm whales are hunted for four body parts: oil from the blubber, spermaceti from whale heads, ambergris if discovered in a whale’s intestines, and teeth.

A dead sperm whale washed ashore on Wales beach had plastic sheeting in its mouth, and the encounters of divers with sperm whale body parts strangled in nets are common. Not just sperm whales but many other types of whales and marine animals strangled in nets. Many of them die because of swallowing marine debris. 

For the endangered sperm whale, the Caribbean island of Dominica is establishing the first marine protected area ever in history. There are an estimated 35 families of sperm whales that spend most of their time in waters surrounding Dominica. The reserve will be established for the over 300 square miles (800 square kilometers) of royal blue waters on the western side of the island nation, which are important areas for nursing and feeding animals, marking a commendable commitment by Dominica to safeguard the future of the sperm whale population and the marine ecosystem at large.

The Three Mile Island accident that occurred in 1979 in Pennsylvania is often cited as an example of the dangers of nuclear power. However, this incident is not representative of nuclear power as a whole, and has been used to demonize and halt the progress of this clean energy source. 

Nuclear power is a safe and clean form of energy that can provide a large portion of the world’s energy needs. Nuclear power is an increasingly attractive clean energy option for its ability to generate large amounts of electricity with minimal environmental impact. Compared to solar and wind, nuclear power is more consistent and reliable. Nuclear plants can produce electricity around the clock, regardless of the weather or time of day, and they do not require large land footprints. Nuclear power is a clean, renewable energy source that, while it may take a few years to bring online, could help relieve the energy burden carried by burning fossil fuels. 

Despite this, in recent years, nuclear power has become increasingly demonized by governments and environmental activists, despite its potential as a renewable source of energy. This is largely due to a few key issues, such as the cost of construction, safety concerns, and the potential for nuclear waste. Safety concerns are, at least in part, fueled by the incident which took place at the Three Mile Mile Island nuclear facility in 1979.  

At the time of the Three Mile Island incident, the technology was still in its infancy and the operators were not adequately prepared to handle the emergency. It goes with saying that in the forty years since the accident, the technology and safety protocols have improved significantly. The accident itself was very minor, as the release of radioactive material was limited to a small area around the plant, and the amount of radiation that escaped was relatively low. The public was not exposed to dangerous levels of radiation, and the long-term health effects were minimal. The accident did not result in a catastrophic failure of the containment structure and no one was directly killed. 

The Three Mile Island incident is an unfortunate event, but it is not representative of nuclear power as a whole. The safety protocols and technology set in place in 1979 succeeded in preventing further disaster and they have only improved with time. Nuclear power is a safe and clean energy source, and Three Mile Island should not be demonized or used as an excuse to halt the progress of this important energy source.

Henrick Hammons, November 14 2023

On September 26th 2023, at around 22:45 AST (or September 27nd 2022, at around 03:45 CET) a fire broke out in a wedding hall called Al-Haytham, in Northern Iraq city Qaraqosh. It’s the biggest Christian town in Iraq - with a population of about 50,000, most of them Assyrians, before it was overrun by the Sunni Muslim jihadist group Islamic State (IS) in 2014. The town is still being rebuilt and about half of its residents are said to have returned. The fire was caused by fireworks as witnesses said, just in the moment when the bride and groom danced. At least 94 people died (including the brides’: three brothers; all of her uncles; her younger cousins and the grooms’ mother), as well as more than 100 people that are seriously injured.

 There is one video posted online that shows four large fountain fireworks alight in the hall, as many people sit at long tables nearby and loud music plays. Moments later, a large ceiling decoration covered with tassels and lights is engulfed by fire and screams ring out. (Video of the wedding fire)

In the interviews and news later on, the survivors stated:

"During the slow dance, one of the fireworks hit the roof," 

"The ceiling caught fire suddenly and it spread everywhere because it was all made of sandwich 

panels, vinyl sheets and fabric."

"Everything caught fire and started falling on people's heads. Nobody was able to get out."

"The fireworks started to climb to the ceiling [and] the whole hall went up in flames."

"I have a friend whose whole family died. He, his children, his mother, his wife, everyone. Many entire families died,"

 "It's a human catastrophe, an extermination."

In today's world, a significant shift in the way people learn new information can be observed. This transformation is occurring due to the surge in popularity of digital education platforms, such as Coursera, Khan Academy, TedX, and Udemy, which offer many courses and materials that can be accessed through the internet. 

In the past, learning was often restricted to physical classrooms, textbooks, and schedules. However, with the advancements in the internet, the boundaries of education have expanded. Whether you're a high school student, a working professional, or someone who wants to acquire new skills, these digital platforms offer a variety of ways of accessing knowledge.

One of the advantages of digital learning is its accessibility. Unlike traditional education, which may require you to be in a specific place and often comes with a heavy price, many online courses are either free or available at low cost. This affordability makes it accessible to a broader audience, including those who may have otherwise cannot afford education. 

Digital learning gives learners the power to take control of their education. It provides the freedom to select what you want to learn and when you want to learn it. This allows individuals to customise their learning experience to suit their needs and interests. Furthermore, the digital platforms offer more than reading and watching videos, they sometimes have interactive exercises, quizzes, and opportunities for interaction, creating a more engaging and effective learning environment.

Another advantage is the ability to connect with educators and experts from around the world. They can help individuals to learn at their own pace and on their schedule, regardless of their geographical location, by exposing learners to a wide range of perspectives and ideas. It is helpful to have a global classroom at your fingertips, where you can explore different cultures, viewpoints, and ways of thinking. Even on social platforms like Facebook, there are multiple groups where you can ask experts to help you.

While these digital learning platforms have many advantages, they are not without their challenges. One of the common concerns is the lack of face-to-face interaction with instructors and other students. Building a student-teacher relationship and grasping complex concepts can be more challenging through a screen. Self-discipline is another challenge. Since digital learning relies on self-paced study, staying motivated and managing time effectively is important. Without a set schedule and physical classroom, some learners may struggle with procrastination and difficulties in completing courses. It can be very hard to focus on studying because of advertisements and other distractions while working online. 

Not all online resources can be trusted. The variety of options can make it challenging to distinguish between reputable and less reputable providers. Therefore, when selecting online courses or programs, it is very important to research and choose which sources of  information are not biassed.

In summary, digital learning has transformed the way we learn. It has many advantages such as offering free courses, a flexible pace of study and an international perspective on different ideas, but it also has its cons such as false information and lack of focus.  

The Swedish capital city of Stockholm now has a plan in place to ban gas and diesel cars in part of the city beginning in 2025, according to Bloomberg. The ban is going to begin in a 20 block area around the capital's finance hub, the report states. The same area also houses the city's main shopping attractions. It'll only allow "electric cars, some hybrid trucks and fuel cell vehicles", citing rules reported by SVT that will be presented mid-week. Some vehicles are exempted from the regulation, including ambulances and police vehicles as well as cars where the driver or a passenger has a documented disability.

This regulation would surpass other major capital cities' efforts to reduce carbon-based transportation, such as in Paris, Athens, or Madrid. 

Lars Stromgren, the city's vice-mayor for transport, said that the air in Stockholm causes babies to have lung conditions and the elderly to die prematurely, and eliminating the harmful exhaust gasses from petrol and diesel cars is necessary. 

The Green Party, part of the Stockholm City Council's ruling coalition of left-wing and environmentally-focused parties, hopes this will boost the speed at which people exchange combustion-engine cars for electric ones. However, it's uncertain whether the plan will boost electric vehicle sales in Sweden, given the current cost-of-living crisis affecting EV sales. Mobility Sweden recently lowered its 2023 forecast for new EV registrations from 40% to 35% of total registrations.

Transport industry representatives said the plan was too radical and that the city should instead focus on investing more in electric charging stations for existing vehicles. However, the ban is seen as a significant step towards reducing air pollution and promoting the use of electric vehicles in urban areas. Stockholm will be the very first “Environmental zone- Class 3” in the country and it is currently unknown whether or not this action will be pursued in Sweden’s other large cities. It seems that we may soon see similar legislation here in Helsingborg.

Henrick Hammons, October 2023

Education and Career are starting to become a lot more vital now in MYP and DP so it is important to set yourself to be the best you can in your subjects. Other than being the best at studying, it is important to manage your time wisely in order to not miss deadlines. It may seem boring however in the future, students will have regrets when they don’t plan their time wisely. This article will start giving you a better understanding of how to be the best student that you can be. 

What can you do as a student to be the best you can? Here are some tips:

• Create a Resume. It will help you when applying for jobs and is a great way to show off your traits. 

• Have extracurricular activities. These look great on your resume and also helps you have a balance between both studies and enjoyment. 

• Create a time planner. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail and a time planner will really help you meet any deadlines or goals that you have in mind. Some great websites to use are studylife, xtiles, and KanBanFlow. 

• Prioritize your work. Work on what’s important at the current moment. You can do this by making a prioritization board which states tasks that are easy, difficult, urgent, and not urgent. 

• Talk to the career guidance counselor. If you are clueless about what to do in the future, try talking to the career guidance counselor who can help you out. 

Take breaks between work. When studying or working on an assignment, try to set a plan and work instead. An example can be working for 30 minutes then taking a 5 minute break for 2 hours. This would mean that you only take a 20 minute break in a span of 2 hours which is quite good but you do not realize it. 

Impact on our planet:

Pollution in all its different ways, has disastrous consequences and implications on our planet. It pollutes the atmosphere, contaminates water supplies, and affects ecosystems. The impact of pollution on aquatic environments is one of the most serious aspects of pollution. Pollutants such as plastics, heavy metals, and chemicals are finding their way into rivers, lakes, oceans, and seas. This pollution not only hurts marine life but also enters the food chain, eventually hurting humans. As the plastic levels slowly accumulate and magnify from animals to bigger animals to finally humans when they consume the animals. 

Fish are among the most harmed by water pollution. They live in water bodies that are close to human activity, putting them sensitive to contaminants. Here are some examples of how pollution affects fish. Pollutants such as heavy metals (such as mercury, lead, and cadmium), pesticides, and industrial chemicals accumulate in fish tissues. These infected fish can cause major health problems if consumed by humans as mentioned before. Plastic trash is frequently mistaken for food by fish, resulting in ingestion. This can obstruct their digestive systems, resulting in starvation or death and in the worst case extinction. Pollutants change water quality, resulting in oxygen depletion and toxic algal blooms, which kill marine organisms. 

The causes of pollution:

Pollution is caused by a variety of sources, including:

1. Industrial Emissions: Pollutants are released into the air and water by factories and power plants.

2. Transportation: Pollutants are released into the atmosphere and waterways by vehicle emissions, particularly those from diesel vehicles and ships.

3. Agricultural Practices: The use of pesticides and fertilizers can pollute water bodies.

4. Poor garbage Management: Poor garbage management and increased number of waste dumping lead to pollution.

5. Plastic manufacture: Plastic pollution in oceans and seas is caused by the manufacture and bad disposal of plastic products.

Ways of preventing pollution:

1. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle: Reduce waste by lowering consumption, reusing products, and correctly recycling materials in the appropriate areas.

2. Clean Energy: Encourage the use of renewable energy sources instead to prevent air pollution caused by fossil fuels.

3. Reduce your usage of plastic, and support projects to clean up plastic waste (mostly around water areas).

4. Garbage Management: Ensure that garbage is disposed responsibly and contribute to efforts to improve waste management.

Ali Azhar, September 2023

Did you know that 1 out of 5 children live in extreme poverty? Where the negative effects have serious consequences on their early lives which can cause them a lifetime of problems. Poverty can be defined as the lack of income for necessary resources such as education, food/water, and shelter. In 2015, it was seen that around 10% of the population lives in extreme poverty and struggles to afford healthcare, education, food/water, and access to sanitation. That sounds like a lot of the population but it decreased from 16% of the population in 2010. Southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa are predicted to have the largest increase of poverty in the world due to the pandemic. 

Global Poverty

Since the Industrial Revolution, the poverty rate has decreased in developed countries. The international poverty line is athreshold under which a person is considered to be living in poverty. The current international poverty line is $2.15 a day, meaning if a person is only able to spend less than that then they are considered as poor. The United States has the highest poverty rate among developed countries. The countries with the highest poverty rates include South Sudan with 76.4% of peole in poverty, and Madagascar with 70.7% of peole in poverty. 

Causes of poverty

Poverty could be considered as a cycle and can be transferred from generation to generation. Many can fall into poverty because of negative economic factors, such as natural disasters, drug addiction or mental health issues. 

Other root causes are:

• Limited job opportunities

• War or conflict

• High living costs

• Lack of government support

• Poor infrastructure

• Social barriers

Consequences of Poverty

Some typical issues that may arise from poverty are:

• Substance abuse

• Lack of education

• Poor housing and living conditions

• Tensions in society

• Rising crime rates

Reducing Poverty

The Wolrd Bank has a goal of reducing poverty to less than 3% by 2030. And some actions that they will be taking are installing wells for access for clean drinking water, making shelter for those in need, building schools in poor communities, and enhancing access to medical care. 

Solving Poverty?

Poverty cannot necessarily be solved, but there are different services that provide for those in poverty, but it is still not enough. A long term cure can be seen as motivating these people to join programs that provide jobs, skills, and education which can help in the long run.

The devastating and unjust death of Velupillai Prabakharan, the leader of the “Liberation of Tamil Tigers Eelam”,  has led millions of Tamils without a leader. A man who had the vision of freedom and liberation for the Tamil people in Sri Lanka, now gone, leaving his people without a sign of hope.  Although his death (together with the LTTE) was announced by the Sri Lankan military on May 18, 2009, Tamils across the world believe that he will return and lead them to victory and finish what the thousands of martyrs started. But even though they view him as a Hero, the western world saw him as a notorious terrorist. Who are they, that are located thousands of kilometres away, with no intention of analysing the conflict at all, to subject a hero to millions as a terrorist? All I have to say is, shame. Shame on those who allowed for the Tamils to suffer. Shame on those who stood on the sidelines and watched as the Sri Lankan Government took into action a wide range of genocides to its people. Shame on those who put politics and personal gain ahead of the lives of innocent human beings. 

For 25 years (1984-2009), Captain Prabakharan led the Liberation Tamil Tigers Eelam in the hunt for a separate Tamil state for the Tamil people. This was, in his eyes, the solution to the ongoing genocides and discrimination that the Tamils endured for decades from the Sri Lankan government. The Sri Lankan government committed genocides such as “The Black July” in 1983, which led to the deaths of more than 3,000 Tamils and left thousands more injured. The Sri Lankan Government provided voter registration lists, exposing the Tamil people to the Sinhala mobs, who were then transported by government vehicles to the Tamil owned settlements and shops in Colombo, where the boutiques and houses were burnt and the people tortured. In total, around 8,000 homes and 5,000 shops were destroyed resulting in 150,000 Tamils being displaced. Now I ask, who is the terrorist? If it is the government, who continuously promote and carry out acts of genocide, then where are the trials? Where are the Western countries who label Captain Prabakharan a terrorist years after the 1983 “Black July Genocide”? It is due to the lack of perseverance and global engagement from both international and local Governments, that people such as Velupillai Prabakharan are moulded, and organised groups such as LTTE are formed, in order to stand up for those who do not have a voice. For those who are suppressed by governments. 

The United States of America, United Kingdom, and Israel are amongst the countries who assisted the government of Sri Lanka for the defeat of the LTTE. These countries made the decision to turn a blind eye on the suffering of Tamil people and their rights, allowing and strengthening the Sri Lankan military to suppress its people. Former president of the United States of America, Barack Obama, had discussed the conflict stating that,  "The United States is deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka, where innocent civilians are caught between the government and the Tamil Tigers. We call on both sides to protect civilians and find a way to end the fighting”. If the USA really called on both sides to “find a way to end the fighting” due to the “innocent civilians” caught in the crossfire, then why is it that they give military aid to the Sri Lankan military? Why is it that around 70,000 to 100,000 Tamils died in the final years of the conflict due to the military? 

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift, that's why it's called “the present”. But the gift that is supposed to be the present, is not a gift at all for many Tamils in Sri Lanka. Denial of employment, education, justice and religion are the major problems Tamils are still facing today. Tamil places of worship are being falsely taken into ownership by the government in an attempt to suppress all religions that do not follow Buddhism and settle more Sinhalese people in Tamil areas. In Mullaitheevu, Tamil fishermen are not allowed to fish and the army threatens them with torture if they were to go against the rule. Tamil political prisoners from the time of the conflict are still in jail with no present charges, but the Sinhalese murderers of Tamils are being released on a regular basis. Propaganda and state owned news has been influencing the Sinhalese population of Sri Lanka to view the Tamils and the Tamil Tigers as evil, resulting in many Sinhalese evolving hatred towards Tamils. Where is the Western world now? Where are the humanitarian nations who wanted peace in Sri Lanka? It is clear that Captain Prabakharan did what was necessary. To ensure a safe future for the Tamils by attempting to form a separate state, after more than 70 years of suppression and torture. 

The truth always reveals itself, but sometimes we ignore the truth because it’s not in coordination with our fantasy. But I, along with the Tamils all over the world, will always remember the TRUTH.  

Lula was heavily criticised for the corruption in the Brazilian government and administration during his two terms. These two politicians from opposite ends of the political spectrum faced off against each other on the 2nd of October however neither of them won a majority and so a second round was held four weeks later on the 30th of October this time with a definite winner. Lula won the election with a narrow but clear majority and would be assuming office on the 1st of January 2023. However, supporters of Jair Bolsonaro were not so quick to accept the election results and alleged it was election fraud and that the true victor was Bolsonaro. These supporters were labelled as Bolsonaristas and they quickly took to the streets in protest blocking multiple roads and highways across the country. But these protesters did not simply just block 267 roads across Brazil they also called for a coup and/or military intervention to prevent Lula from being inaugurated as the new president which is not only against the law but goes against the very constitution of Brazil. These actions were criticised by many Brazilians and countries as they disrupted and prevented the flow of goods and important supplies which were being transported through the country via roads being blocked. Some critics went as far as saying that it was an attack on democracy and acts of domestic terrorism. The protests continued but eventually erupted into riots and chaos on the 8th of January when, like the 6th of January 2021 riots in the US, rioters stormed several government buildings in Brasília. These buildings were the Supreme Federal Court, the National Congress and the Planalto Presidential Palace. The storming of these buildings was an effort to push the military leader to stage a coup d’état and stop the transition of power from Jair Bolsonaro to the democratically elected Lula. Only a few hours after the attack Lula signed a decree which was passed by congress on the 10th January which authorised a federal state of emergency. Security forces were also sent to clear the government buildings of rioters and although they were successful it took them more than 5 hours to do so. The army was sent out to arrest and break up the camps and bases of the rioters and this they were successful in doing as they arrested over 1500 rioters and removed their bases. Although protests still continue the majority of rioting and protesting has fizzled out and been quelled. Despite preventing a coup d’etat the riots caused a total of 14.5 million BRL (Brazilian Real) in damage to public property and the government building were subject to looting and vandalism with many priceless paintings and furniture being damaged, destroyed or stolen. Anti-democratic/pro-Bolsonaro posts on various social media platforms were taken down. 

Some consequences of climate change are water scarcity, rising sea levels, declining biodiversity and many more. This does not only affect the environment around us but us humans as well . Climate change affects our ability to grow food, some professions as well as our health. For example, drought can harm the production of food which can lead to food shortages and increasing prices in goods. Another example is that higher temperatures may lead to an increase in harmful air pollutants, reducing the air quality. 

What changes could be made to fight against climate change?

• Using solar or wind energy systems instead of fossil fuels

• Drive more efficiently! Avoid rapid acceleration and excessive breaking

• Carpool or use public transportation

• Make sure to recycle all your trash into the correct bins 

• Turn off lights and electronic devices if not being used

• Avoid buying products which contain a lot of packaging! If they do, make sure to recycle them!

Emma Coetzee

14 March 2023 

To put it mildly, climate change is the end of the world. A 2-degree increase in temperature might not seem like that big of a deal. Increasing the AC from 20 to 22 degrees doesn’t bring about much change to how you feel, sure, but when you expand this change to the entire world, things go wrong. Many things go wrong. The ecosystems of our planet require a delicate balance to be able to survive, like a perfectly balanced see-saw. When too much pressure is applied to one side of the seesaw, the perfect balance is disrupted. In fact, if too much pressure is applied to that one side, everything on the other side can go careening upwards. Boom. It lands in a heap of fire and ash. Kind of like where our planet is headed right now. 

Historically, both humans and animals have been able to evolve to meet the demands of their environment. An example we all know is the evolution of homo sapiens from apes, specifically chimpanzees, that of the peppered moths, and the formation of vascular tissues on plants when they emerged from the water to take over the surface of the Earth. A very important thing to note here, is that this change did not happen overnight. A chimpanzee did not go to sleep one night, and woke up in the morning with fingers and long legs and substantially less body hair and the ability to think like we do. No, they underwent a rigorous process of natural selection and evolution so that I can type out this article and lecture you about climate change, so that you can rot your brain with the IB, so that we can sit in our little homes glaring at our mini computers and constantly leave the lights on when they’re not in use.

This process of evolution took thousands of years to get us to where we are, and will continue until the Earth gets gobbled up by the Sun (one of the few ways in which scientists believe the planet will officially die). And only at this point, when there exists no more life on our blue brown green planet will evolution completely stop. Unless of course, climate change causes such catastrophic damage, that all of us…die. Cease to exist. No longer be present in the realm of the living. 

You may be asking now, “Why did you go on a 500-word rant about evolution and adaptation and climate change?” Well, a reason why climate change is such an issue is because we have not been able to adapt to its effects, as have the flora and fauna around us. Especially the flora and fauna. 

According to the US National Park Service, climate change leads to more frequent droughts and wildfires, and the introduction of invasive species, all of which lead to the death of native species, including the native crops. Crops, like wheat and rice. Crops, like the things we process to turn into food. No crops = no bread.

The animals aren’t going to be spared either. Droughts and wildfires already lead to habitat

loss and destruction, and when paired with the loss of their food source, the plants, the stress they face has the potential to cause catastrophic and widespread extinction of many species. Hence: no adaptation in plants and animals = plants and animals dying = no food for humans = humans dying. Unless, of course, we decide to become cannibals. Doesn’t sound that appealing, does it?

So maybe, when you use the bathroom in school next time, remember to switch off the lights after you’re done. And maybe, when you’re at home and it's freezing, consider wearing a sweater and reducing the radiator instead of just putting it to maximum. Maybe start doing something to help the world.

Dixie Tyaji

Following the annexation of Crimea and the local referendum, ethnic groups became increasingly divided and only two months later, pro-Russian separatists demanded and held their own referendums in the Eastern regions of Luhansk and Donetsk. Conflict broke out between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists in these two eastern regions. Although Russia denied having any involvement in the conflict, both Ukraine and NATO reported a build up of Russian military equipment and forces on the Donetsk border. The conflict gradually transitioned into a stalemate with regular shelling from both sides and a few skirmishes.

In February 2015, France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine signed the Minsk Accords in order to negotiate some sort of rudimentary peace and in doing so stop the violence in eastern Ukraine. The Minsk Accords sought the removal of heavy weaponry, Ukrainian control over the region and a ceasefire between both parties. A satisfactory resolution was however never reached and skirmishes continued. 

By April 2016, in an attempt to deter Russian aggression and forces in the region, NATO sent 4 battalions to Eastern Europe which would regularly rotate between Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. This was also an effort to deter aggression in other parts of eastern Europe such as the Baltic. Only a year later in September 2017 the US deployed two tank brigades in Poland to further increase military presence and deter any advances or aggression from Russian troops. 

Two years later in January of 2018, sanctions were imposed by the US on 21 individuals connected to the conflict in Ukraine, some of which were heads of large Russian companies. Two months later in March 2018, the Department of state in the US approved the sales of anti-tank weaponry to Ukraine, this being the first sale of weaponry since the conflict broke out in 2014. In October of 2018, eight Nato members, including the US, conducted large military exercises in Western Ukraine, following the largest Russian military exercise since the collapse of the Soviet Union in September of that year. 

In October 2021 several satellite images presented the sightings of a large military build-up on the Russo-Ukrainian border and the movement of equipment and troops to the border. At this point the US and EU were aware that a large scale attack on Ukraine by the Russians might occur but were not certain where Russian forces would strike and when this strike would take place. The build-up would continue and satellite images of said build-up was spread across social media with no response from the Kremlin. The US had hoped that the spread of information and images on social media would draw enough attention to deter the Russians from launching an invasion. Unfortunately, this was not the case, for on the 24th of February Vladimir Putin announced on Russian state television that a special military operation had commenced. Vladimir Putin claimed that the objectives of this operation were to denazify and demilitarise Ukraine as well as to liberate Russian minorities in the country. Negotiations between countries in the EU, Russia and the US failed to produce any concrete results. In response to warnings that they would launch an invasion, Vladimir Putin claimed that his troops were simply serving a peace-keeping function in the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine. 

Following the commencing of the invasion on the 2nd of March 2022, 141 of 193 members of the UN voted to condemn the invasion. Sanctions on Russia by the US and EU shortly followed. The sanctions denied access to many banking institutions and many products vital in several important Russian industries. Russia gained ground in the first few months of the conflict but was bogged down by poor logistics and the unexpected resistance and resilience of the Ukrainian people. In the last few months the tide has seemed to turn as Ukrainian forces have pushed back the Russian forces to eastern Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskyj, the president of Ukraine, has promised that Ukraine will take back all of its lost territories including Crimea which would deal a huge blow to Russia. Heavy bombardment of large cities in Ukraine has lead to the country’s entire power grid being decimated, meaning it will be a very cold winter in Ukraine this year. The fighting continues to this day and may continue for some time, but the world looks favourably on Ukraine and hopes to rebuild it soon. 

Where does it happen?

It unfortunately still happens frequently today, with an estimated 24.9 million people across the globe under forced labor working conditions. Most forced labor occurs in poverty-stricken countries, however, it is not limited to these countries alone. It is estimated that 1.5 million people are forced to work against their will even in developed countries such as New Zealand, US, Canada, and Australia. Workers get abused and are forced to work however many hours they are instructed to, with little to no pay, food or adequate health facilities. Many workers die due to dangerous working conditions or suicide due to the harsh and unfair circumstances they didn’t choose to be in. 

From the phones and technology that we use to the clothes that we wear.  If we aren’t careful in what we purchase, we might be unknowingly supporting the use of forced labor, as forced labor lies behind the production of many common items. For example, in Xinjiang, China, Uyghurs are a minority group of people that China has decided to abuse and force into various fields of work for no good reason at all. Many companies in China profit off of Uyghur forced labour in clothing factories and cotton fields. It is said that 80% of cotton in China comes from the Xinjiang province, where Uyghur forced labor is prominent. 20% of that cotton is shipped worldwide, and there is a likely chance that an article of clothing in your wardrobe is made out of cotton crafted from the hands of a forced Uyghur laborer. Another horror story is the Longhua factory owned by a company called Foxconn, where most iPhones and Apple products were constructed during the rise of Apple and even today. Here, people are brought in to work through false promises. Workers sign a contract that states that if they quit employment before 3 months, they must pay a hefty fine. In an interview, Xu, one of the laborers, says that most people cannot last a year in the factory, as there is too much stress and pressure and abuse from higher-ups. Workers are expected to work 12 hour shifts and are humiliated by higher-ups in front of everyone as they get scolded publicly if they are too slow or have made a mistake. Empty promises of bonuses and benefits are not held and the conditions are so harsh and debilitating that depression and suicide have become a norm in these factories. Xu even said in regards to the factory that “It wouldn’t be Foxconn without people dying.” Suicides and deaths don’t get the coverage they deserve and are forgotten the next day. There are so many more instances and cases and places where these things happen on a daily basis.

This is all unfair and incredibly heartbreaking as these people didn’t deserve to get their life taken away from them. That is why we need to band together as human beings in order to work towards stopping these atrocities and creating a safer place for all of the victims that are in these traumatic circumstances, as well as to hopefully prevent other people from going through these horrible situations. There are many ways we can help, and as always, even the smallest things can and do help.

How we can help

Remember and buy consciously - In order to stay steadfast in our goals, we must remember the victims that have fallen and are still trapped in these inhumane conditions. Everytime you encounter a company that you’ve heard has been connected to forced labor, rethink your decision, do some research, and avoid giving money to that company as much as possible.

Research - When going out shopping, it can be useful to search up companies or stores that are ethical and sustainable and that don’t stand for forced labor. Do some research on some companies you’re unsure of either, to see if they are ethical. Here are lists of companies that you should avoid: 

• https://www.business-humanrights.org/en/latest-news/china-83-major-brands-implicated-in-report-on-forced-labour-of-ethnic-minorities-from-xinjiang-assigned-to-factories-across-provinces-includes-company-responses/ 

• https://www.saveuighur.org/these-brands-are-still-linked-to-uyghur-forced-labor-help-stop-them-now/ 

Set an example and raise awareness - If you’re ever in a conversation with someone regarding this topic, don’t be afraid to raise awareness on these issues. Talk and discuss about the topic and what you know. You can also raise awareness through other means such as presentations or art. Buy from ethical companies and set an example to not only the companies but to other people that this is how it always should be. Alternatively, buy second hand!!

Sign petitions and donate! - Sign petitions on calling out and boycotting companies that are unethical, and donate to charities and organizations that seek to provide shelter and aid to the victims and human beings that are affected. Here are some petitions and companies you can sign and donate to:

• https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/tell-nike-to-stop-profiting-from-forced-uyghur-labor 

• https://uhrp.org/take-action/ 

Thank you for reading. Take care of yourself, and others.

Sources and links for additional reading:

https://www.antislavery.org/slavery-today/forced-labour/ 

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/jun/18/foxconn-life-death-forbidden-city-longhua-suicide-apple-iphone-brian-merchant-one-device-extract 

• Physics: 1. Syukuro Man and Klaus Hasselmann “for the physical modelling of Earth’s climate, quantifying variability and reliably predicting global warming”

        2. Giorgio Parisi “for the discovery of the interplay of disorder and fluctuations in physical systems from atomic to planetary scales”

• Chemistry: 1. Benjamin List “for the development of asymmetric organocatalysis”

            2. David W.C. MacMillan “for the development of asymmetric organocatalysis”

• Psychology or Medicine: 1. David Julius and Ardem Patapoutian “for their discoveries of receptors for temperature and touch”                                

• Literature: 1. Abdulrazak Gurnah “for his uncompromising and compassionate penetration of the effects of colonialism and the fate of the refugee in the gulf between cultures and continents”

• Peace: 1. Maria Ressa and Dmitry Andreyevich Muratov  “for their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace”

• Economic sciences: 1. David Card “for his empirical contributions to labour economics”

                                   2. Joshua D. Angrist and Guido W. Imbens “for their methodological contributions to the analysis of causal relationships”

Where does it happen?

There is child labor everywhere, in almost every type of production you can think of. There are an estimated 200 million children as young as 5 (and under) employed for dangerous and hazardous work, with more than 100 million forced child laborers. And even then, there are still many unrecorded cases that have not been brought into the light. Children are forced to work extremely long shifts, with little to no protection from harsh working environments such as toxic chemicals, dangerous caves/tunnels and hazardous working equipment. The work itself is also dangerous and has led to millions of injuries and deaths. These children work endlessly through the blood, sweat and tears in order to provide for their family or themselves or to prevent being tortured or threatened by the terrible people that employ them.

What child laborers have to endure

Some children are forced to be child soldiers, fighting for a war they do not even understand at a young age and suffering from countless injuries and even death. Some are forced to work below the surface of the Earth, searching and mining day and night for minerals/metals that power modern technology. Some are forced to work in clothing and item production with dangerous chemicals and tiring work, sold to fast fashion and popular brands such as Shein, H&M, Zara, Wish, Nike and countless other companies that people flock to. Some are forced to build infrastructure, surrounded by hazards and given heavy tools that should never be used by children, just to give others a home to live in when they themselves do not. Some are forced into illegal sex work, soul, childhood and innocence stripped day by day, exposed to unbearable pain and trauma whilst the predators get away with the indescribable evil they commit. Some are forced to work strenuous hours on farms, exposed to dangerous pesticides and machines, just to get food on our plate that they don’t get to have. These are things that no human being ever deserves to go through, let alone children, the very people we need to protect. 

It’s heartbreaking to think of all the children in the world who don’t get to or never got to experience their childhood. They never got the opportunity that we had. They never got to look forward to bedtime, where stories would come alive in the night and leave us softly drifting to sleep. They never got to run around with their friends during break time playing tag or hide and seek. They never got to look forward to vacations and unexplored places. They never got to get excited about buying toys and games and never got to laugh as much as they wanted or cry as much as they needed or smile as much as they should. 

Millions have been injured. Millions have died. Millions still continue to suffer. 

That is why we need to do our part to help, in order to try and save these children from these terrible conditions and to prevent others from being forced into the same situations. 

What we can do to help

Always raise awareness!: Your voice is important. Raise awareness in any way you can, whether it’s brought up in conversation or through a presentation or telling someone whilst passing through an H&M. Use your voice. It’s powerful.

Don’t support companies that use child labor: Buying things from these companies only furthers this issue. Here is a link to some of the companies that use child labor: https://content.wisestep.com/companies-use-child-labor/ 

However, make sure you do your own research too so as not to unknowingly support a company that uses child labor.

Buy second-hand and from ethical companies: Buying second-hand doesn’t create a demand for these supplies which are fueled by child labor. Try to also research companies that are transparent and have a strict no child labor policy. This sets a standard for all companies and shows what companies people are most willing to buy from. This guide gives a list of ethical companies to support: https://www.endslaverynow.org/media/4100/slave-free-guide.pdf.

Donate and volunteer to organizations that help!: https://www.humanrightscareers.com/issues/organizations-end-child-labor/ 

Also, make sure to research these organizations separately in order to make sure that they are reliable and search for other organizations as well.

Together, we can inspire a more unified resolve when it comes to tackling these issues and making sure that it stays down. 

Thank you for reading. Take care of yourself and others. 

Additional sources for reading and educating yourself:

https://www.gfa.org/special-report/child-labor-today/ (The stories and insight into what children have experienced. Very heavy but worth a read)

Dmitry Muratov is one of the founders of the independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta, created in 1993. He has been editor in chief for 26 years there. The newspaper aims to produce information and articles regarding censored subjects in Russia such as corruption, police violence, and unlawful arrests. Novaya Gazeta has retained its independence as a prominent figure in detailing how corrupt power affects people's lives and distorts reality through media. This is despite constant threats that have targeted the safety and health of journalists who work there. 

Maria Ressa co-founded the online investigative media company by the name of Rappler in 2012 with the aim of exposing the growing authoritarianism, violence, and abuse of power within the Philippines. Together with Rappler, she has been raising her voice about President Duterte's anti-drug campaign, which despite sounding well intended to our western ears has led to the death of over 2,555 people. These deaths were supported by government claims that say they were involved with the distribution of drugs; however, many of the deaths were supported by falsified evidence. Maria Ressa and the Rappler are further attempting to show the people of the Philippines the nature of social media and the falsification of news and information that occurs on multiple platforms, attempting to portray the censorship of expression that exists both online and in real life within the country. 

The Nobel Peace Prize committee has chosen these two individuals “to underscore the importance of protecting and defending [the freedom of expression].” They both have shown extraordinary resilience in retaining authenticity and truth despite the growing number of fake news platforms and information manipulation. Freedom of expression is an important issue in terms of our future as governments and large corporations can alter our view and perspective through media in a way that can be hard to see. Censorship is reaching a new age, which is why the fight for freedom of expression is more relevant than ever. Be sure to check out Novaya Gazeta and Rappler, and learn about the issues they address. 

Julia Lde Beer-Jarlvi

09 November 2021

Background

Over the past decades, wars have been waged between Palestine and Israel over who gets all of the land that they both reside on. The nation is split into two; Israelis and Palestinians.  Israel currently has control over two large territories in which a large number of Palestinians reside; the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Hamas, a militant organization who is considered a terrorist group, rules and governs the Gaza Strip and Fatah, the rival party of Hamas, rules the West Bank.

What is happening?

In October of 2020, the Israeli government ordered several families to be evicted from their rightful homes in Sheikh Jarrah (a predominantly Palestinian neighborhood located in East Jerusalem) by May 2021, in order for their land to be occupied and used by Jewish families. This has been happening for a while in Sheikh Jarrah. For years, Palestinians have had to face prejudice and hate from the Israeli state as well as ethnic cleansing from the Israeli forces. In April of 2021, protests and demonstrations had erupted, Palestinians demanding the Israeli government to give the Palestinian owners their rightful land. The Israeli police began to use force to stop the protests and demonstrations. In May of 2021, during the month of Ramadan, the Israeli police began to use violence against Palestinians in the al-Aqsa Mosque during a time of peaceful religious worship, resulting in hundreds of wounded Palestinians from stun grenades, rubber bullets and water cannons. This began a series of violence in the following several days, with Israeli forces using lethal and nonlethal violence against Palestinians in Jerusalem. 

At the same time, Hamas, the militant group ruling Gaza, launched hundreds of rockets towards Israeli territory, injuring and killing Israeli as well as Palestinian citizens. Israeli forces began to then launch air strikes and bombs towards the Palestinian territories, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of Palestinian citizens. Healthcare centers, residential buildings, media buildings and areas where civilians resided were targeted. 

The devastating impact and consequences  

After eleven days of fighting, with the help of Egypt, a cease-fire was decided between Palestine and Israel. Eleven days in which more than two hundred and fifty Palestinians were killed, more than two thousand injured and at least thirteen Israelis killed. Hundreds dead. In eleven days. Children and mothers and fathers and sisters and brothers. Human beings killed and murdered unfairly for seemingly no reason at all. 

Both military sides have done evil, resulting in the deaths of innocent civilians. A loving father who never came back home. A mother with her children, running for their lives as their broken home crumbled behind them. A daughter who had dreams and passions, now just a vacant seat at a school desk. Children who still hadn’t used up all the smiles and laughter they were supposed to, whose bright futures were robbed of them, who were frightened and terrified with no clue as to what was happening, only that something was wrong and that they had to keep running. Homes destroyed. Pictures shattered and burned. Family heirlooms lost among the wreckage and no one left to remember them. People who laughed and smiled and cried and lived and loved, like everyone else on this planet. People like you and me.

This is the consequence of war and of violence. It robs and it takes unfairly. It and the military groups who initiate it have no care at all for the welfare of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire and do not care about the lives of human beings. We must remember the lives that are lost, the ones responsible for them, and move forward in the direction of good change in which we work towards a future where no human being ever needs to suffer any more. No more. 

The situation isn’t over yet. There is still prejudice and hate directed towards Palestinians and there are still families being evicted from their homes and have been evicted from their homes for years. There is still harm being caused by Israeli forces towards Palestinians. Palestinians continue to live in dangerous environments where their safety is not guaranteed. We must continue to help as much as possible, to ensure safety and peace to those who have undergone these traumatic events.  

What we can do to help

• Use your voice. Use it to spread awareness. Talk about it with your loved ones and discuss it. Awareness is the first step towards change. Compassion follows close behind. 

• Amplify other voices. Amplify the voices of those who have experienced this trauma and pain and listen. Be compassionate and lend your support.

• Lend a helping hand. Donate to charities that aim to provide solace and healing for the families that have lost a loved one to the fighting. Donate to charities that give to those who have lost their homes. Donate to the families affected directly so that they can continue to survive and buy the necessities that they need. Being kind can go a long way. Just a small gesture of kindness can change someone’s life for the better. In order for people to be more compassionate, we have to be kind to each other. We have to look out for each other. 

• Try not to support products that might be supporting oppression and racism. Here is a link to a great post that you can read and gain more information from: https://www.instagram.com/p/COvuRKfDhds/?utm_medium=copy_link 

• Educate yourself. If you clicked on this article, then you’re already on the right track. Try to educate yourself more on these issues by doing some research and listening to the perspectives of others and of those who are affected. Everyone, including myself, needs to do this more often. 

I would highly recommend for you to go down and read some of the links provided in order to gain more information and understanding and compassion and most importantly, to listen and to amplify the voices of those who have gone through this trauma and pain and to lend them our support. 

Thank you for reading. Stay safe and please, look after one another. 

A wilting flower needs not a waterfall, but a hundred tiny drops of rain. 

Sources used and sources for additional reading and information

https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/08/12/palestinian-rockets-may-killed-civilians-israel-gaza 

https://www.vox.com/2018/11/20/18080002/israel-palestine-conflict-basics

https://www.cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker/conflict/israeli-palestinian-conflict 

https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/what-hamas 

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CUtMX7boJ6t/?utm_medium=copy_link 

(trigger warning: shows a woman's dismembered hands due to the Israeli forces)  https://www.instagram.com/p/CUplxRFKXgi/?utm_medium=copy_link 

https://instagram.com/letstalkpalestine?utm_medium=copy_link 

(Photo Source)

Daena Lejano

21 October 2021

By no means will these articles be light hearted or easy to get through, as they all will deal with difficult topics that we may not want to talk about due to the terrible nature of these situations and the heaviness that comes with it. But they are important to talk about and we must continue to talk about them. This first article will provide some insight on what is happening in Afghanistan, the causes and the consequences. 

Afghanistan is a country located in Central Asia, landlocked between Iran and Pakistan. Approximately 38 million people live on its land. On August 5, 2021, the Taliban seized small cities and towns across the nation and on August 15, 2021, the group took control of the capital, Kabul. This caused a nationwide and global uproar, thousands of Afghans fleeing to the Kabul airport in order to seek refuge in other countries and to escape from Taliban rule. Countries from around the world began pulling their soldiers and troops and citizens out as fast as possible at the same time. The Kabul airport was packed with terrified citizens wanting to get as far away as possible from the very real and fast approaching possibility of Taliban rule. To understand this overwhelming fear and panic, we must first understand who the Taliban are and their origins.

Origin

Though the Taliban emerged as a force in the 1990’s, it was the Saur Revolution in 1978 that began it all. During that time, Afghanistan had been modernizing for the past couple of decades and was influenced by other powers such as the US and the Soviet Union who, in search of power over Afghanistan, wanted to get involved with the country’s infrastructure. The Afghan government was the primary employer of the country at the time, which led to frequent corruption. In 1978, a Marxist-Leninist group led a coup and killed Daud Khan, the former president, and his family, gaining control over the country and its governance. The group established themselves as the ‘People’s Republic of Afghanistan’ and wanted to rule the country with a communist regime. This group was backed and supported by the Soviet Union. 

The citizens did not support this new regime and insurgency spread throughout the nation. Due to this, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in order to support the new government and enforce their communist ideology through violence and oppression. The new regime sought to suppress Islamist groups and other groups who opposed them. Rebels who were former officers and troops, former members of political groups etc who did not stand for the Soviet’s occupation and ideology formed groups and a resistance movement was born called the ‘mujahedeen’. This Islamist movement was supported by the US government who saw the groups’ potential in opposing the Soviet Union’s regime and occupation. This all led to the Afghan Civil War in which the Soviet Union and the Afghan national army went to war against the Mujahedeen who were funded by the US government. Thousands of lives were lost and serious crimes against humanity were committed by both the ruling Communist regime and the Mujahedeen during the years of war. The Mujahedeen aimed to dispose of the new regime and the Soviet occupation and wanted to defend and rule with Islamic and Afghan values. In 1989, after years of destruction and chaos, the Soviet Union forfeited due to lack of military power and left Afghanistan. The Mujahedeen quickly rose to power in that time, with the leaders becoming warlords ruling different regions. Eventually a lot of them turned and attacked one another. 

A former commander of the Mujahedeen movement turned to a young generation of Afghans who had gone to madrassas (religious schools) and had been trained with a strict Islamic ideology called Deobandi, many of them residing in refugee camps in Pakistan. He was supported by these camps and by these students who had been taught Deobandi Islam, and eventually a group was formed through these origins and camps which became known as the Taliban, which translates to the ‘students’. Most Taliban members did not come from the Mujahedeen and eventually fought against them, due to the destruction that ensued during and after the Civil War that affected citizens heavily.  The Taliban promised to end this corruption and suffering, and because of that, were welcomed by most citizens in the beginning. Once they defeated the mujahedeen, they took over governance in 1996 and established Afghanistan as an Islamic emirate and began to impose its strict interpretation of Islamic law. 

Consequences and Crimes of/under The Taliban’s Rule 

The strict rule of the Taliban influenced women heavily in a negative way. Initially, they put restrictions on women in the assurance that it was only to prevent war crimes from being repeated again. However, it was made clear a year after their rule that they did not have any intentions to ease those restrictions and instead continued to heavily impose them, leading to the oppression of women. Women were not allowed to go to school or get a job and always had to be accompanied by a male figure if they wished to go anywhere. They could not pursue their dreams, and if any rule was broken, it led to public beatings or being thrown in jail. The Taliban also oppressed and abused religious and ethnic minorities, as well as banned music and television. Everything was strictly monitored and enforced, and if a law was broken, it would lead to severe consequences physically and mentally, and could even cost you your life. Many had to pay that price. 

Not only that, but the Taliban committed crimes against humanity and sexually abused and forced women and girls over and under the age of 18. Many were forced into marriages, and many were still young teenagers, children, who were still in the stages of developing maturity, physically and mentally. They were abused, taken advantage of and forced against their will; if they resisted, they would suffer even more. 

Young people were taken advantage of and made into child soldiers, through teachings and wrongful interpretations, through force and fear. At such a young age, whatever they saw or heard, they mimicked and followed, until eventually it formed a part of who they were and their beliefs and values. Many of the Taliban members were the same, but it does not excuse the evil actions that they have done and the suffering and pain that they have caused. 

What now? 

After 9/11, the US Army drove out the Taliban forcefully with US led forces and other foreign powers. Foreign soldiers remained in Afghanistan, but not long after the Taliban eventually regrouped and began to attack these foreign occupiers. This led to even more innocent lives being lost in the crossfire, resulting in thousands of citizens’ death both by the attacks of the Taliban and US led forces.

In 2020, an agreement was reached for the US forces and foreign powers to withdraw from Afghanistan, the Taliban promising not to attack. However, In 2021, when US forces began to withdraw from the country, the Taliban broke their promise and came on the offensive. They began to take control of cities and towns across the nation. On August 15, they seized control of Kabul, the capital, and began to strictly monitor the masses. Hundreds of civilians flocked to the Kabul airport in order to escape from Taliban rule, women, men, children alike. Civilians and forces from other countries were also in a rush to escape. Numerous attacks issued by the Taliban have taken many lives, children and innocent people, during this time, aiming to ‘control’ the masses due to the influx of people.

The Taliban promises that this time, they will not oppress or restrict women and will allow them to continue their education and work. However, they said the same exact thing during their first rule and they did not keep their word. Moreover, evidence has been provided that the Taliban have asked for a list of women and girls as young as 15 as candidates for marriage.

How we can help

It’s difficult to hear about situations that have affected so many and have taken so many lives. However, we can help, in order to work towards changing the future and preventing the pain and suffering of countless people. 

1. Donate. Donate to charities and organizations that are currently based in Afghanistan and are providing shelter and food for the civilians. Some good charities to donate to are: Afghanaid, Care.org, Röda Korset

2. Volunteer. Volunteer at an organization that seeks to help Afghan refugees and Afghan civilians during this difficult and terrifying time period. An organization in Sweden that has a focus on this right now is Röda Korset

3. Talk about it! It’s important that people keep on talking about these important issues which leads to more awareness and motivation for change. Together, we can change the course of how things play out and we can help as much as we can. 

4. Gain awareness and a better understanding. 

5. Seek to provide awareness through projects and events. Maybe you want to write something about this situation or organize an event seeking to help Afghans through donations or maybe you want to create a song or a short film about it. There are many ways in which we can raise awareness about it other than speaking. 

A wilting flower needs not a flood, but a hundred tiny drops of water. 

Thank you for reading and remember to take care of yourself and others. 

Sources where I got information as well as sources you can use for additional reading:

https://www.geo.tv/latest/367984-timeline-talibans-takeover-of-afghanistan 

https://theconversation.com/the-history-of-the-taliban-is-crucial-in-understanding-their-success-now-and-also-what-might-happen-next-166630 

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/8/18/the-history-of-the-taliban 

https://theconversation.com/the-world-must-not-look-away-as-the-taliban-sexually-enslaves-women-and-girls-165426 

https://www.hrw.org/reports/2005/afghanistan0605/3.htm 

Daena Lejano

24 September 2021

doses to people over the age of 55 since the side effects are typically seen in younger age groups. 

Earlier this week, Czech Health Minister Jan Hamacek tweeted that his country would be interested in Denmark's remaining doses. Meanwhile, Lithuania's Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė said Vilnius would also be willing to buy vaccines, and neighbouring Latvia has also expressed interest. However, it is not yet clear whether such deals are possible and permitted under EU procurement rules.

Several Danish political parties have also suggested that the surplus doses be distributed to Danes who are willing to receive AstraZeneca despite the health authorities' suspension. The European Commission currently has a portfolio of 2.6 billion doses from several companies, including AstraZeneca, and is negotiating further contracts.

Newsish is going to keep up with this issue and post articles when there are new updates on the situation.

Period poverty refers to the part of the population that has periods however are unable to afford basic hygiene products to manage the menstrual bleeding such as tampons or pads. Not only are these products priced but also have what is commonly called the ‘tampon tax’ as these products are included in the value-added tax (VAT) and are not exempt from this taxing like other products that are considered basic necessities. Scotland, however, has been combatting this issue head-on in the past couple of years, and now they have period products completely free for all. 

Fighting to end period poverty in Scotland is nothing new, it has been going on for years and in 2018, Scotland made period products free and accessible for students in high school, university, and college campuses. As 1 in 4 students in higher education struggled with affording sanitary products. Not only does this affect their health as poor menstrual hygiene can lead to fungal and yeast infections, irritation, dermatitis and is linked to cervical cancer however it means that they cannot focus on their subjects and might stay at home due to the embarrassment of not being able to afford feminine products. 

Two years later, Scotland has made period products completely free for all. This means that people who have periods of all ages and backgrounds can receive products and not just students. The legislation has also stated that a “reasonable choice of period products” be made available so that every person can find a size that suits them and their period. Here at ISH, something similar has been done. 

In the student lounge, there is a cardboard box on the window ledge which is filled with pads and tampons donated by people in the school so that the students of ISH who have periods do not have to concern themselves with poor menstrual health and embarrassment because of it. Sweden has one of the highest tampon taxes sitting at 25%. This is simply unacceptable as periods are not something that can be controlled, they happen regardless of the living and economic conditions of that person so period products should not be taxed as a luxury item. 

It’s time to end the stigma of periods and discuss the importance of period products as necessary items and not taxed goods. Scotland has taken a massive step and other countries that are financially capable of doing it should do the same. 

Sources:

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/24/world/europe/scotland-free-period-products.html

https://swedesinthestates.com/sweden-has-one-of-the-highest-tampon-taxes-in-the-world-2/

https://sph.umich.edu/pursuit/2020posts/period-poverty.html

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/aug/24/scotland-to-offer-free-sanitary-products-to-all-students-in-world-first

https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/risks-of-poor-menstrual-hygiene-5269678/

The motion was surprisingly also supported by Kristdemokraterna (Christian Democrats), Moderaterna and Liberalerna (the Liberals) three political parties who have partially expressed an unwillingness to working with SD in the decision and policymaking process. The reasoning behind this is that taking away the nuclear power plant won't help Sweden to go green, at least energy-wise. The leader of KD, Ebba Busch Thor, tweeted saying ‘[...] Nuclear power is necessary to reduce emissions and cope with the green transition. In the minutes of this voting, it will be stated that the Christian Democrats are behind Swedish nuclear power and a more climate-friendly policy.’ These four political parties together have a total of 173 votes out of 349 possible.

On Wednesday the 22nd of January, the parliament held a vote where the anti-Ringhals parties won with 174-173 votes. Even if SD had won the motion of restarting of the Ringhals reactors they wouldn’t necessarily have been restarted as that would cost large sums of money which the government currently does not have.