Climate change: Greta Thunberg calls out the 'haters'
- 28 September 2019
- From the section Science & Environment
Image copyright
EPA
Greta Thunberg is angry, and not just about climate change.
"The haters are as active as ever", the 16-year-old Swedish climate activist posted on social media on Thursday, "going after me, my looks, my clothes, my behaviour and my differences". Anything, she says, rather than talk about the climate crisis.
It hasn't stopped her from campaigning. On Friday, she led another of her climate strikes, heading up a huge demonstration in Montreal, demanding international aviation does more to cut its carbon footprint.
But she is clearly very annoyed, accusing critics of "crossing every line to avert the focus" with, what she calls, lies and conspiracy theories.
Of course, the attention isn't surprising. Over the past year, Greta Thunberg has arguably done more to galvanise global action on climate than any other single individual.
Read full article Climate change: Greta Thunberg calls out the 'haters'
Climate change action: We can't all be Greta, but your choices have a ripple effect
- 20 September 2019
- From the section Science & Environment
Is individual action pointless in the face of climate change? Let's not beat around the bush: the simple answer has to be "yes".
Think about it: what difference does one person forgoing a lamb chop for a lentil bake, deciding to catch the bus rather than take their car, or deciding not to jet off for that autumn getaway in the Balearics make if the other 7,699,999,999 of us humans here on Earth don't do anything?
Leaving India and the best shave in the world
- 16 June 2018
- From the section India
I've never been lithe enough for yoga or patient enough for meditation, but during my time in India I did discover a path to a kind of transcendence: a street shave.
Getting one has become something of a ritual for me on a quiet morning. I'll cycle lazily to the local market and to Balwant Singh.
Read full article Leaving India and the best shave in the world
The story barely reported by Indian media
- 28 May 2018
- From the section India
Image copyright
Getty Images
It is a potential scandal that claims to strike at a key pillar of Indian democracy - the freedom of the press - yet it is barely being reported in the Indian media.
There's a simple reason for that: this alleged scandal involves many of the most powerful media institutions in the country.
Why are so many people denied the painkillers they need?
- 21 May 2018
- From the section India
The world is suffering from an invisible epidemic, an epidemic of pain.
As many as 60 million people are reckoned to suffer avoidable agony every year.
Read full article Why are so many people denied the painkillers they need?
Up close and personal with the biggest drone squadron ever
- 25 March 2018
- From the section Asia
Before taking office, Donald Trump called the war in Afghanistan a "total disaster". But last August he changed his mind and announced that the US would stay until the war was - in his words - "won". Military commanders see air power as key to the hoped-for victory, and have assembled in the country what they say is the biggest drone squadron ever.
I'm lying in the belly of a KC-135 "stratotanker", peering down at the snowy IS-infested mountains of north-eastern Afghanistan.
Read full article Up close and personal with the biggest drone squadron ever
Russia 'arming the Afghan Taliban', says US
- 23 March 2018
- From the section Asia
Russia is supporting and even supplying arms to the Taliban, the head of US forces in Afghanistan has told the BBC.
In an exclusive interview, Gen John Nicholson said he'd seen "destabilising activity by the Russians."
Read full article Russia 'arming the Afghan Taliban', says US
The ancient wisdom the Dalai Lama hopes will enrich the world
- 13 March 2018
- From the section India
It isn't often you meet the leader of a world religion - rarer still that he tweaks your cheek. But that's what happened when I met the 14th Dalai Lama last month.
You know when he has entered a room. First there is a hush and, almost immediately after that, a ripple of infectious laughter. Next, there he is, his face creased into a mischievous smile, his eyes twinkling behind his tinted spectacles.
Read full article The ancient wisdom the Dalai Lama hopes will enrich the world
The Indian coin that set off millions of messages
- 21 February 2018
- From the section India
India's central bank is reckoned to have sent out hundreds of millions of text messages in the last couple of days - all part of a rearguard effort to protect the value of the Indian currency.
Don't be too alarmed, the Indian economy isn't about to tank - not quite yet, anyway. The bank's herculean campaign is only designed to ensure the integrity of the country's humble 10 rupee coin - worth just 10 US cents or 10 UK pence.
Read full article The Indian coin that set off millions of messages
Bangladesh grows tired of the Battling Begums
- 11 February 2018
- From the section Asia
Image copyright
EPA
Move over Machiavelli, step aside Sun Tzu. If you want to know how to defeat your enemies and hold on to power the real playbook should be Bangladeshi politics.
The conviction of the leader of the Bangladeshi opposition, Khaleda Zia, is just the latest gambit in a decades-long battle between the country's two formidable leading ladies.
Read full article Bangladesh grows tired of the Battling Begums
