Traverse

Traverse

Category: Affairs

The recent Georgian elections: protests, vote-rigging claims and implications for European politics

he recent elections in Georgia have stirred considerable unrest and debate, casting a long shadow over the nation’s democratic integrity. Amidst allegations of vote-rigging, widespread protests erupted, reflecting a populace increasingly disillusioned with its political leadership. The events unfolding in Georgia resonate beyond its borders, prompting reactions from European leaders, including Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor… Continue reading The recent Georgian elections: protests, vote-rigging claims and implications for European politics

Iran: women’s protests endure as morality laws grow harsher

More than two years have passed since a young woman called Mahsa Amini died in police custody after being arrested in Iran for allegedly not wearing her hijab properly. Her death sparked mass protests throughout Iran against the country’s ruling theocracy. The fight of Iranian women for freedom and bodily autonomy now rages on. Ahou Daryaei, a 30-year-old French… Continue reading Iran: women’s protests endure as morality laws grow harsher

Descartes and the deep state: what 17th-century philosophy reveals about Trump and QAnon

What if I were to tell you that the US government and media is controlled by a secret cabal of devil-worshippers who are organising the mass kidnapping of children? Well, according to a recent poll, 17% of Americans believe this to be the case. Another 30% believe the 2020 US presidential election was stolen from… Continue reading Descartes and the deep state: what 17th-century philosophy reveals about Trump and QAnon

Why plastic bottles now have their caps attached

You may have bought a drink recently and noticed something odd: the once removable cap is now tethered to the bottle by a small strip of plastic. An EU directive was enacted in July, requiring that all single-use bottles have caps that remain attached. This is one of several policies designed to limit the amount of plastic litter –… Continue reading Why plastic bottles now have their caps attached

New technologies could help destroy persistent ‘forever chemicals’

Scientists and engineers are developing new ways to destroy per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) efficiently and sustainably. This class of chemicals is known as “forever chemicals” because PFAS persist and accumulate in the environment, animals and our bodies. PFAS have been used for decades to make everything from firefighting foam, packaging, waterproof clothes and non-stick frying pan coatings.… Continue reading New technologies could help destroy persistent ‘forever chemicals’

The escalating conflict in Lebanon: current events and potential repercussions

The situation in Lebanon has reached a critical juncture as ongoing military actions between Israel and Hezbollah have intensified, leading to significant humanitarian crises and geopolitical ramifications. This article explores the current events unfolding in Lebanon, the humanitarian impact, and the potential repercussions for the region and beyond. Current Events Intensified Military Actions In recent… Continue reading The escalating conflict in Lebanon: current events and potential repercussions

Wise women: six ancient female philosophers you should know about

Aspasia teaching Socrates the art of debate, painted by Nicolas André Monsiaux

When we conjure up ancient philosophers the image that springs to mind might be a bald Socrates discoursing with young men in the sun, or a scholarly Aristotle lecturing among cool columns. But what about Aspasia, the foreign mistress of the foremost politician in Athens who gave both political and erotic advice? Or Sosipatra, mystic, mother… Continue reading Wise women: six ancient female philosophers you should know about

Queer East Festival: On The Road 2024

Queer East Festival: On The Road will head out across the country from September to December, offering its biggest tour yet and showcasing a remarkable line-up of contemporary feature films, documentaries and shorts as well as special events that highlight a wide range of LGBTQ+ stories from East Asia, Southeast Asia and their diaspora communities.… Continue reading Queer East Festival: On The Road 2024

Sudan’s 2024 humanitarian crisis: a nation on the brink

In 2024, Sudan finds itself in the midst of one of the worst humanitarian crises in modern history. Since the eruption of civil war in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the nation has spiralled into political chaos, extreme violence, and humanitarian devastation. The conflict, originally… Continue reading Sudan’s 2024 humanitarian crisis: a nation on the brink

Tragedy strikes Kolkata as trainee doctor’s rape and murder sparks nationwide outrage

In what is being described as one of the most harrowing crimes in recent memory, the rape and murder of a young trainee doctor at R. G. Kar Medical College has left the city of Kolkata, and indeed the entire nation, reeling. The brutal incident, which occurred on the night of August 9, 2024, has… Continue reading Tragedy strikes Kolkata as trainee doctor’s rape and murder sparks nationwide outrage