Uncovering Facts

UN Urges Global Action to Eliminate Landmine Threat: 100 Million Lives at Risk April 10, 2025 In a powerful statement issued on Wednesday, the United Nations  called on the international community to step up efforts to rid the world of landmines and explosive remnants of war , warning that more than 100 million people  are at risk from these deadly devices. Marking the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action , the UN emphasized the urgent need for cooperation and sustained funding to address the growing threat posed by landmines, particularly in conflict-affected regions across Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. “ A War That Doesn’t End When the Guns Go Silent” UN Secretary-General António Guterres underscored the lingering danger landmines pose long after conflict ends. “Landmines trap civilians in fear,” he said. “They make land unusable, prevent children from going to school, and stop communities from rebuilding.” From Ukraine and Afghani...

South Sudan Faces Alarming Hunger Crisis as Conflict and Instability Escalate April 10, 2025 A humanitarian crisis is rapidly unfolding in South Sudan , where more than 7.7 million people  are now on the brink of starvation, according to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) . Aid agencies are calling it one of the worst food emergencies in the world today—yet one that continues to be dangerously underreported. The affected region, mostly in the northeast of the country, has been gripped by ongoing conflict, climate shocks, and economic collapse , creating the perfect storm for widespread hunger and displacement. For many families, the situation is beyond dire. “ We Eat Once Every Two Days ” In villages across Upper Nile and Jonglei states, families are rationing whatever little food they can find. Many are surviving on wild fruits and tree leaves. “We eat once every two days,” said Ayak, a mother of four, speaking to aid workers at a UN camp near Malakal. “Sometimes, we go...

Mass Protests Over Waqf Law Erupt in Bihar and Bengal: What’s Fueling the Unrest? April 10, 2025 Tensions flared in parts of eastern India today as thousands of people took to the streets in  Bihar  and West Bengal , voicing their anger over the current Waqf laws. Organized primarily by Muslim community leaders and backed by several social organizations, the protests reflect deep-seated frustrations over what many see as an opaque and outdated system governing religious endowments. What Is the Waqf Law? The Waqf Act governs the administration of Waqf properties—religious endowments made for charitable or religious purposes in the Muslim community. These properties are typically overseen by state Waqf boards, which are supposed to ensure fair and legal use of land and assets donated for mosques, graveyards, schools, and other welfare services. But critics argue that the system is broken. Why Are People Protesting? Protesters claim that the law allows for misuse, mismanagement,...

China Hits Back with 84% Tariffs as Trade War with U.S. Escalates    April 10, 2025 In a swift and forceful response to the United States’ sweeping trade tariffs, China has announced it will impose retaliatory tariffs of up to 84% on a wide range of American imports, effective April 10. This tit-for-tat move deepens an already tense standoff between the world’s two largest economies—and signals that the trade war is far from over. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce confirmed the decision late Wednesday evening, stating the new tariffs are a “necessary countermeasure” to what it called “unilateral and protectionist actions” by the United States. Background: How We Got Here Just last week, U.S. President Donald Trump introduced a baseline 10% tariff on all imports, with higher duties on select Chinese goods, citing concerns over unfair trade practices and a growing trade deficit. The White House argued the tariffs were essential for protecting American jobs and reviving domestic m...