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Brazilians protest against bill that could lead to pardon for Bolsonaro and allies
BrazilBolsonaroProtest

Brazilians protest against bill that could lead to pardon for Bolsonaro and allies

Brazilians protested across all 26 states and the Federal District on Sunday, September 22, 2025, against a proposed bill that could pardon former President Jair Bolsonaro and his allies, who were convicted of attempting a coup. The demonstrations followed the lower house's approval of a constitutional amendment making it harder to arrest or prosecute lawmakers, and a subsequent vote to fast-track a bill granting amnesty to Bolsonaro, his associates, and hundreds involved in the January 2023 uprising. Bolsonaro was sentenced to over 27 years in prison on September 11 for attempting to overturn the 2022 election results, a charge he denies. Prominent artists, including music legends Caetano Veloso, Chico Buarque, and Gilberto Gil, as well as superstar Anitta, organized and promoted the protests, expressing outrage over legislative attempts to shield politicians and grant amnesty to coup plotters. Despite the mobilization, polls indicate the country remains deeply divided over Bolsonaro, with 50% supporting his imprisonment and 43% disagreeing.

September 22, 2025•1 min read•Source: TheHindu
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Trump praises conservative 'giant' Kirk at mega memorial event
TrumpPoliticsConservatism

Trump praises conservative 'giant' Kirk at mega memorial event

U.S. President Donald Trump hailed slain right-wing activist Charlie Kirk as "a giant of his generation" at a massive memorial event on Sunday, September 21, 2025, marked by strong Christian rhetoric. Trump described Kirk as a "devoted husband, father, son, Christian and patriot," killed for advocating freedom, justice, and common sense. The service, with extraordinary security and attendance from top administration officials including VP J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, saw speakers like Stephen Miller declare Kirk "immortal." Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, publicly forgave the alleged murderer. Kirk, 31, was shot on September 10 while speaking at a Utah university. His killing has inflamed political divisions, with authorities stating the suspect cited Kirk's "hatred." Trump, blaming the "radical left," vowed a crackdown on "domestic terrorism" and to designate "Antifa" as a terrorist organization, moves that have sparked alarm among critics who fear suppression of dissent.

September 22, 2025•1 min read•Source: TheHindu
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Israeli drone strike kills 5, including 3 children, in southern Lebanon
IsraelLebanonConflict

Israeli drone strike kills 5, including 3 children, in southern Lebanon

An Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon on Sunday, September 21, 2025, killed five people, including three children and their father, who held U.S. citizenship, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. The attack also wounded two others, including the children's mother. Despite a Washington-brokered ceasefire in November, Israel has continued almost daily strikes against southern and eastern Lebanon, claiming to target Hezbollah militants operating within civilian populations. The Israeli military acknowledged civilian casualties and stated it was reviewing the incident. Lebanese officials, including President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, condemned the strike, calling for international pressure on Israel to halt attacks and withdraw from occupied territories. Hezbollah, which maintains Israel has continued to occupy Lebanese territory, argues the ongoing strikes justify their refusal to disarm without Israel stopping its aggression and withdrawing. The ceasefire aimed to end months of conflict that killed thousands and displaced many in Lebanon.

September 22, 2025•1 min read•Source: TheHindu
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North Korea can talk to U.S. if it stops insisting on denuclearisation, Kim says
NorthkoreaUsDenuclearisation

North Korea can talk to U.S. if it stops insisting on denuclearisation, Kim says

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stated on Sunday, September 21, 2025, that his country is open to dialogue with the U.S. if Washington abandons its "absurd obsession" with denuclearization and accepts "genuine peaceful coexistence." Speaking at the Supreme People's Assembly, Kim, who reportedly still holds "fond memories" of former U.S. President Donald Trump, emphasized that building nuclear weapons is vital for North Korea's survival against threats from the U.S. and South Korea. He dismissed recent overtures for dialogue from Washington and Seoul as insincere, asserting their intent remains to weaken and destroy his regime. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who made peace overtures in June, acknowledged obstacles but maintained that a phased approach to denuclearization is realistic and that Trump could play a key role in bringing North Korea back to the negotiating table.

September 22, 2025•1 min read•Source: TheHindu
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Malaysia to lower RON95 fuel price from end-September in subsidy adjustment
MalaysiaEconomySubsidies

Malaysia to lower RON95 fuel price from end-September in subsidy adjustment

Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced on Monday, September 22, 2025, that the price of subsidised RON95 fuel will be lowered to 1.99 ringgit ($0.47) per litre from 2.05 ringgit, effective September 30. This is part of the government's plan to adjust fuel subsidies and provide cost of living relief. The new price will be exclusive to Malaysians with a valid driver's license, while non-citizens will pay 2.60 ringgit. Subsidised fuel purchases will also be capped at 300 litres per month per person, with exceptions for ride-hailing drivers. Savings from these changes will be used to improve public infrastructure and aid the needy, building on earlier measures to boost revenue and productivity.

September 22, 2025•1 min read•Source: TheHindu
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South Korea's President Lee says U.S. investment demands would spark financial crisis
SouthkoreaUsTrade

South Korea's President Lee says U.S. investment demands would spark financial crisis

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung warned on Friday, September 19, 2025, that accepting current U.S. demands in stalled trade talks, particularly the withdrawal of $350 billion in cash for U.S. investment without safeguards, could plunge South Korea into a financial crisis akin to 1997. Seoul and Washington verbally agreed to a trade deal in July, contingent on this investment and lower U.S. tariffs. Lee, who will address the UN General Assembly, highlighted the ongoing dispute over investment handling. He also commented on a recent U.S. immigration raid on Hyundai Motor workers, expressing anger but downplaying its impact on the alliance, praising Trump for an apology and offer to let workers stay. Lee is seeking a currency swap line with the U.S. to mitigate financial risks. He stressed that while both allies agree on increased defense contributions, trade and security talks are separate. Lee acknowledged limited optimism for inter-Korean talks and expressed concern over North Korea's military cooperation with Russia, viewing the escalating rivalry between "socialist" and "capitalist" camps as a dangerous situation requiring a path to peaceful coexistence.

September 22, 2025•1 min read•Source: TheHindu
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Russian says Ukrainian drones kills two, injures 15 in Crimea resort area
RussiaUkraineConflict

Russian says Ukrainian drones kills two, injures 15 in Crimea resort area

Russia's Defence Ministry reported on Sunday, September 21, 2025, that a Ukrainian drone attack in a resort area of the Crimea peninsula killed two people and injured 15. The ministry stated that Ukrainian armed forces launched "terrorist strikes" using strike drones with high-explosive payloads at approximately 19:30 Moscow time (1630 GMT) in an area with no military targets. The attack resulted in two civilian fatalities and varying degrees of injuries for 15 others. This incident further escalates tensions in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

September 22, 2025•1 min read•Source: TheHindu
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Dominican Republic says it seized 1,000 kgs of cocaine that was on speedboat destroyed by U.S. Navy
DominicanrepublicUsanavyDrugtrafficking

Dominican Republic says it seized 1,000 kgs of cocaine that was on speedboat destroyed by U.S. Navy

On Sunday, September 21, 2025, authorities in the Dominican Republic announced the seizure of 377 packages of cocaine from a speedboat previously destroyed by the U.S. Navy as part of a controversial anti-narcotics mission. The boat, carrying an estimated 1,000 kg of cocaine, was destroyed 80 nautical miles south of Isla Beata, with the Dominican Navy assisting U.S. efforts to intercept it en route to the U.S. The Dominican Republic’s National Directorate for Drug Control hailed this as the first joint U.S.-DR operation against narco-terrorism in the Caribbean. The Trump administration's mission, involving eight warships and a submarine since August, has reportedly destroyed three drug-carrying speedboats, leading to criticism from human rights groups and a Congressional resolution seeking to block further strikes. The White House links some boats to Venezuela, whose president, Nicolás Maduro, denies charges and views the U.S. buildup as an attack.

September 22, 2025•1 min read•Source: TheHindu
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Philippines halts work, classes as super typhoon barrels toward Luzon
PhilippinesTyphoonNaturaldisaster

Philippines halts work, classes as super typhoon barrels toward Luzon

The Philippines suspended work and classes in Metro Manila and other areas on Monday, September 22, 2025, as Super Typhoon Ragasa approached northern Luzon. State weather officials issued the highest typhoon warning for the Babuyan Islands, urging evacuations due to destructive winds, heavy rain, and potential storm surges. Ragasa, with sustained winds of 205 kph, was expected to make landfall near the Babuyan Islands before moving towards the Luzon Strait. While Taiwan braced for heavy rain from its outer bands, Hong Kong prepared for one of the strongest typhoons in years, considering airport closures. Philippine forecasters warned of widespread power outages, landslides, and dangerous seas, leading to numerous flight and ferry cancellations.

September 22, 2025•1 min read•Source: TheHindu
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Pakistani court charges man with murder of teenage TikTok influencer
PakistanCrimeTiktok

Pakistani court charges man with murder of teenage TikTok influencer

A Pakistani court in Islamabad on Saturday, September 20, 2025, formally charged Umar Hayat with the murder of 17-year-old Sana Yousuf, a teenage social media influencer. Hayat, a 22-year-old TikTok content creator, pleaded not guilty to shooting Yousuf outside her home earlier this year after she reportedly refused his offer of friendship. Yousuf, originally from Chitral, was known for promoting traditional music, dress, and advocating for girls' education on her TikTok channel. Her death in June sparked widespread condemnation across Pakistan. The court proceedings will continue as Hayat faces allegations of both murder and stealing her mobile phone, which he also denied.

September 21, 2025•1 min read•Source: TheHindu
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