Author: INF 365

Peter and Barbie Reynolds, British nationals in their 70s, have been detained by the Taliban since February 1. The couple ran a non-profit educational organization, Rebuild, in Afghanistan for nearly two decades. Taliban authorities allege they possessed books “against Islam” and taught women and children. They are being held without formal charges in Kabul’s Pul-e-Charkhi prison under harsh conditions. Their family and human rights groups are urging immediate release due to declining health. Peter (79) and Barbie Reynolds (75) are a British couple who spent 18 years in Afghanistan. They founded Rebuild, an Afghan non-profit, in 2009, focusing on education…

Navy intercepts fishing trawler with over 800kg of heroin and crystal meth. Seven suspects arrested during the high-seas operation. Drugs were hidden in a Sri Lankan multi-day vessel. Authorities suspect link to international trafficking networks. Government pledges to intensify anti-drug efforts nationwide. Sri Lanka’s navy has made its largest-ever drug bust, seizing over 800 kilograms of narcotics from a fishing vessel off the island’s western coast. The raid took place early Saturday during a high-seas operation. The drugs—heroin and crystal methamphetamine—were hidden in a multi-day fishing trawler intercepted near Dikkowita Harbor, just north of the capital, Colombo. Officials arrested seven…

Iran open to indirect talks with US via Oman mediation. Direct US-Iran negotiations remain off the table. Tehran warns neighbors against aiding US military operations. Iran accelerates uranium enrichment amid rising tensions. Russia urges restraint, but Iran doubts Moscow’s loyalty. Iran has signaled willingness to resume indirect talks with the United States over its nuclear program. This comes amid growing fears of a possible military confrontation in the Middle East. A senior Iranian official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that Iran prefers mediation through Oman, a trusted regional interlocutor. Tehran, however, rejected direct negotiations under current US pressure. Iran Open to Indirect…

A newly released video contradicts Israeli claims about Palestinian medics’ deaths. The video shows medics with emergency lights on when Israeli forces fired at them. Israeli military’s initial account of the incident was proven inaccurate. 15 medics were killed by Israeli forces on March 23 in southern Gaza. One medic remains missing, raising concerns about his whereabouts. A newly surfaced phone video contradicts Israeli claims about the deaths of 15 Palestinian medics in southern Gaza. The footage, taken on March 23, shows emergency vehicles with flashing lights. These vehicles had visible logos, which challenges Israel’s statement that they had no…

Over 15,000 people marched in Madrid; organizers report far higher numbers Barcelona protest drew over 100,000 according to organizers Protesters demand affordable housing and public rental support Spain ranks low in public housing availability among OECD countries Youth and working professionals struggle with high rents and stagnant wages Tens of thousands took to the streets in Madrid, Barcelona, and other Spanish cities on Saturday. They protested the soaring housing costs and limited public rental options. The protests, organized by housing rights groups and supported by major labor unions, highlight growing frustration nationwide. According to government officials, around 15,000 participated in…

Architect Mohammed Rezwan named a 2025 Yale World Fellow. His floating schools help students in flood-prone areas of Bangladesh. The model includes mobile libraries, health clinics, and training centers. It’s part of Bangladesh’s National Adaptation Plan (2023–2050). The concept is now used in eight countries worldwide. Architect and social innovator Mohammed Rezwan has been selected as a 2025 Yale World Fellow, joining a prestigious cohort of 16 global leaders chosen from over 4,200 nominations. Yale University announced the selection in a recent press release, recognizing Rezwan for his pioneering work in climate-resilient education. The fellowship honors global changemakers working to…

Three Filipinos arrested in China on suspicion of espionage, allegedly working for the Philippine intelligence agency. The Philippines denies accusations, claiming they were ordinary citizens on a scholarship program. Tensions between China and the Philippines rise over South China Sea territorial disputes. Philippines suggests the arrests may be retaliation for their crackdown on Chinese spies. Philippine authorities have detained at least a dozen Chinese nationals on espionage-related charges. The Philippines is concerned after China arrested three Filipinos for alleged espionage. Chinese authorities claim they worked with the Philippine intelligence agency to gather sensitive military data. This arrest has caused rising…

A Russian-run sabotage plot involved explosive parcels sent to depots across Europe. Homemade incendiary devices, disguised in cosmetics and sex toys, were packed into the parcels. The devices were activated by pre-timed detonators sourced from Chinese gadgets. A Ukrainian suspect, Vladyslav D, and a Russian national were arrested in connection with the plot. The Kremlin denies involvement, calling the claims unsubstantiated and part of an anti-Russian narrative. A troubling European investigation has uncovered a sabotage plot allegedly planned by Russia’s GRU. The plot involved explosive devices hidden in everyday items, sent to courier depots across Europe last summer. Though small,…

Yunus returns after attending BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. Bangladesh assumes BIMSTEC chairmanship for two years. Yunus and Modi discuss bilateral relations amid regional tensions. BIMSTEC leaders agree to enhance trade and disaster relief efforts. Myanmar junta chief’s summit attendance sparks controversy. Professor Muhammad Yunus came back to Dhaka on Friday night. He had attended the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, Thailand. He also met several regional leaders during his trip. A Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight brought Yunus and his team home. They landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at around 10:05 pm. Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder confirmed…

Search for MH370 wreckage suspended due to poor weather conditions. Transport Minister confirms operations will resume at year’s end. Ocean Infinity’s search to cover 15,000 sq km in new location. Search operates on a “no find, no fee” principle, with a $70 million reward. Families of passengers remain patient after more than 11 years of waiting. The search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 has temporarily paused because of bad weather. Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook confirmed the halt on Thursday and said operations will restart later this year. Flight MH370 vanished on March 8, 2014, while traveling from Kuala Lumpur…