International

For centuries, maps have shaped the way people understand geography, history, and even global power dynamics. Yet the image most of the world still relies on, the Mercator projection, has long been criticized for distorting the size of continents. Africa, in particular, often appears smaller than it really is, overshadowed visually by Europe and North America despite being significantly larger in landmass. In a move that highlights the importance of representation in education and policy, the African Union has called for the adoption of maps that depict the continent at its actual scale.The debate around Africa’s portrayal on world maps…

Testimonies from individuals who have left North Korea and are working in Russia describe a grim reality of exploitation and forced labor. These accounts paint a picture of a system where workers are subjected to grueling hours, meager pay, and deplorable living conditions. The reports detail how a significant portion of their earnings is seized by the North Korean government, leaving them with very little. This system, which has been in place for decades, is allegedly a key source of foreign currency for the North Korean regime, and it has intensified as Russia faces a labor shortage. The circumstances encountered…

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky has emphasized that Ukraine will not agree to territorial compromises in the Donbas area, a position he reinforced as Russian military forces began new attacks. Although there are reports of Russian troops making gains in the eastern region of the nation, Zelensky strongly affirmed that relinquishing the Donbas would not achieve lasting peace. He insisted that such an action would merely offer Russia a "launching pad" for future offenses, putting other significant cities such as Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, and Kharkiv at risk of aggression. This steadfast stance comes amid ongoing diplomatic endeavors to resolve the persistent conflict,…

A sudden blaze broke out on Arthur’s Seat, the well-known dormant volcano that towers above Edinburgh, sending plumes of smoke into the skyline and drawing the attention of residents, tourists, and emergency crews alike. The fire, visible from much of the city, ignited during what began as an otherwise calm day in the Scottish capital, quickly sparking concern over both the potential damage to the beloved landmark and the safety of those in the area. Witnesses reported seeing flames flicker along the grassy slopes before the fire spread to a wider section of the hillside. The dry conditions, a product…

Families of hostages held in Gaza have issued an emotional appeal for citizens across Israel to join a nationwide strike, aiming to force urgent government action for the safe return of their loved ones. Their call comes amid growing signs that Israel is preparing to intensify its military campaign, heightening fears that time is running out for those in captivity. The appeal, delivered in press conferences, interviews, and a coordinated social media push, is part of a larger grassroots movement that has steadily gained momentum since the October escalation of hostilities. Relatives of the captives say they have exhausted quieter…

The political landscape in Colombia has been abruptly shaken by the killing of Senator Uribe, a figure whose influence reached far beyond his role in the legislative chamber. His death has set off a wave of political uncertainty and speculation about how this tragic event could alter the trajectory of the nation’s upcoming presidential election. While Colombia has endured political violence throughout its modern history, the assassination of such a high-profile lawmaker comes at a particularly volatile moment, with the country already deeply divided over issues of security, the economy, and the peace process with armed groups. Senator Uribe, an…

The legal focus on Begoña Gómez, wife of Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has grown stronger. She is presently under official scrutiny for suspected influence trading, corruption in business, misuse of public finances, and misappropriation. This marks the first time in the history of Spain's democracy that the spouse of a current Prime Minister is undergoing judicial actions while her husband is still in power. The Academic Position at the Center of the Matter The case revolves around Gómez’s role as director of the Chair of Competitive Social Transformation at the Complutense University of Madrid. According to investigators, Gómez allegedly…