Author: Yusra Firdaus

In a shocking turn of events on a seemingly ordinary afternoon, Aaron Bushnell, a 25-year-old Air Force member, thrust himself into the spotlight with a harrowing act of self-immolation outside an undisclosed diplomatic mission in the heart of Washington, D.C. Clad in military attire, Bushnell set himself ablaze in what he termed an “extreme act of protest” against what he vehemently denounced as genocide against the Palestinian people. The incident, which unfolded at 13:00 local time, sent ripples of shock and disbelief through the nation’s capital. Secret Service officers swiftly intervened, extinguishing the flames that engulfed Bushnell, who was later…

Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, has alerted holidaymakers to anticipate increased fares this summer, attributing the surge to delayed deliveries of new Boeing planes. O’Leary expressed concern that the tardy arrival of aircraft will limit passenger capacity, potentially resulting in up to a 10% rise in ticket prices for travelers during the peak season. Originally expecting 57 Boeing 737 Max 8200s by March, Ryanair now anticipates only 40-45 of these aircraft to be available for the summer season. The delay stems from heightened scrutiny following an incident in January involving a malfunction on an Alaska Airlines flight, prompting the Federal Aviation…

Donald Trump’s recent landslide win over Nikki Haley in the South Carolina primary marks a significant milestone in the Republican presidential nomination race, propelling him one step closer to a potential rematch with President Joe Biden in the general election. Trump’s commanding 20-point margin of victory in Haley’s home state underscores his enduring popularity and dominance within the GOP despite facing stiff opposition from within the party. The former president’s victory speech, devoid of any mention of Haley, signifies a strategic pivot towards the broader goal of reclaiming the White House in November. Trump’s rhetoric, laden with confrontational language aimed…

The recent Alabama court ruling that deems frozen embryos as children under state law has ignited a political firestorm, presenting both opportunities and challenges for Democrats and Republicans alike. In the midst of an election year, the controversy surrounding reproductive rights and fertility treatments has become a focal point in the political arena. The ruling has sent shockwaves through the fertility treatment community in Alabama, with several clinics pausing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) services due to fears of legal repercussions. While the decision does not directly restrict IVF, its implications have reverberated far beyond the courtroom, prompting a national debate on…

As I stood amidst Russians paying tribute to the memory of Alexei Navalny, a poignant dialogue with a young man unearthed the depths of shock and sorrow echoing across the nation. His words, laden with emotion, echoed the sentiments that reverberated through the hearts of many: “I’m in shock, just like two years ago on 24 February: when the war started.” Reflecting on the tumultuous events that have unfolded in Russia over the past two years, since President Putin’s fateful decision to launch a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, one cannot help but grasp the catalogue of drama, bloodshed, and tragedy…

In the heart of the ongoing Gaza and Rafah crisis lies a web of negotiations, tensions, and fragile hopes for peace. Recent developments, including Israel’s ultimatum regarding a potential ground operation in Rafah and the looming onset of Ramadan, have heightened the stakes and underscored the urgency of finding a resolution. The intricacies of these negotiations, involving various stakeholders and entrenched interests, paint a picture of a region teetering on the brink of further escalation. At the center of the crisis are the delicate negotiations between Israel and Hamas, facilitated by intermediaries such as the United States, Egypt, and Qatar.…

The recent strike by junior doctors in South Korea has thrust the nation’s healthcare system into the spotlight, exposing deep-seated issues that have long simmered beneath the surface. At its heart, the strike represents a multifaceted conflict between the government’s efforts to address critical physician shortages and the concerns of healthcare professionals regarding the potential ramifications of proposed reforms. South Korea boasts one of the world’s most highly privatized healthcare systems, with over 90% of hospitals operating as private entities. This privatization has fostered a healthcare environment where medical procedures are closely linked to insurance payments, creating a system driven…

In the vast expanse of Ukraine’s war-torn landscape, Lyman emerges as a poignant emblem of both the endurance and fragility that define the nation’s struggle. Nestled within the Donbas region, this small town bears witness to the ebb and flow of conflict, its streets echoing with tales of determination and despair, hope and heartache. As one traverses the labyrinthine alleys of Lyman, the scars of warfare are etched deep into its fabric. Once a thriving railway hub, the town now stands as a testament to the ravages of occupation and liberation, its once bustling thoroughfares now marred by the spectre…

The recent return of Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand’s enigmatic former Prime Minister, has once again thrust the nation’s tumultuous political landscape into the spotlight. Emerging from a one-year jail sentence for corruption and abuse of power, Thaksin’s release on parole has reignited a longstanding debate about justice, privilege, and the rule of law in Thai society. At 74 years old, Thaksin’s journey from self-imposed exile to his Bangkok mansion has been riddled with controversy and speculation. Despite his conviction, Thaksin’s entrance into Thailand last August was met with swift leniency. He was promptly detained, only to be released without spending a…

In the intricate labyrinth of Pakistani politics, where alliances shift like desert sands and ambitions collide like tectonic plates, the emergence of Omar Ayub Khan as a prime ministerial contender marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s democratic journey. Against a backdrop of electoral surprises, coalition formations, and allegations of fraud, Khan’s ascent reflects the enduring quest for power, legitimacy, and reform in a country grappling with its political identity and destiny. The recent electoral landscape, characterized by its unpredictability and drama, set the stage for a showdown of epic proportions. Imran Khan’s independents, buoyed by a wave of popular…