reporters without borders

In a bid to bolster security, Bihar's Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has called on administrative and law enforcement officials to remain vigilant along the India-Nepal frontier. He emphasized the urgency of tackling issues like drug trafficking, counterfeit currency, and smuggling with rigorous enforcement and advanced surveillance technologies.

At the bustling Raxaul border, Yao Shuzhang, a Chinese toy trader, was detained by SSB officers while trying to cross into India without valid documentation. Authorities discovered a shipment of toys in his possession and are currently probing into his intentions and potential connections, noting a concerning uptick in unauthorized foreign entries in the area.

Illegal jeans dyeing and washing units are polluting Gurgaon's drains with untreated, colored effluents, eventually reaching the Yamuna. The HPCB issued show-cause notices to several units operating without mandatory clearances or effluent treatment systems, warning of prosecution and environmental compensation. These operations, found in densely populated residential areas, pose a significant public health and groundwater contamination risk.

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court underscored the primacy of bail, regardless of UAPA constraints, asserting that personal freedom must not be persistently restricted. By referencing the KA Najeeb case, the justices highlighted that extended detention without trial contravenes constitutional principles, challenging previous judgments that had sidestepped this fundamental right.

The latest Ebola outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain, highlights global disease surveillance weaknesses, even after COVID-19. With no specific vaccine and potential for silent spread, experts fear wider transmission. This outbreak underscores the need for robust public health infrastructure and rapid response to prevent localized crises from becoming global challenges.

Tighter enforcement of customs regulations in Nepal, notably the NPR 100 duty-free limit, is shaking up the fabric of cross-border life along the India-Nepal border in Bihar. Local traders and families are grappling with heightened expenses and unpredictability, affecting not only commerce but also social ties, from weddings to everyday interactions.

The recent drone strike near the UAE's Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, though causing no damage, has heightened regional tensions. Iran, accused by the UAE of numerous attacks, denies involvement but warns of limited patience. Meanwhile, reports suggest the UAE's covert operations in Iran just before the announcement of the ceasefire. The incident underscores the escalating conflict, with potential for greater UAE involvement if the ceasefire collapses.

West Bengal's new BJP government has launched a swift crackdown on illegal toll and drop gates across the state. Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Agarwal issued the directive, ordering immediate closure of all unauthorized collection points. District administrations are tasked with identifying and removing these illegal operations, with a report due by May 15.

The BJP has accused Rahul Gandhi of a significant financial discrepancy, alleging his foreign travels over two decades cost approximately Rs 60 crore, far exceeding his declared income. The party questions potential Foreign Contribution Regulation Act and tax law violations, demanding transparency regarding the source of funds for his numerous international trips.

In a decisive move to combat the persistent rebellion in Casamance, Senegalese troops have stepped up their campaign against illicit cannabis cultivation. Recent crackdowns along the Gambian frontier have resulted in multiple arrests and the confiscation of substantial cannabis stocks, aimed at crippling the insurgency's financial backbone.

Gardeners often struggle with dull front yards where low-lying flowers blend into the grass. Adding height with tall perennials like Garden Phlox and Perennial Veronica creates visual interest and depth, enhancing curb appeal. Incorporating filler plants such as Daylily and Rosemallow provides volume, while strategic staggering of plants prevents a monotonous look, transforming a border into a memorable landscape.

Hezbollah's deployment of fibre-optic FPV drones along Israel's northern border presents a significant defence challenge. These small, low-flying drones bypass jamming systems, making them difficult to detect and intercept. Israel is racing to develop countermeasures against this evolving threat, which has already resulted in casualties and damage to military assets.

Congo's alarming Ebola fatalities ignite fears of a potential spillover into Uganda and South Sudan. The elusive Bundibugyo strain, devoid of a viable vaccine, complicates the task of controlling the situation. While asymptomatic spread is rare, the illness presents flu-like symptoms in its early stages, which can postpone diagnosis and facilitate the spread through bodily fluids.

The NCB’s Rs 182 crore Captagon bust has exposed India’s first known link to a narcotics trade tied to Syria, Gulf smuggling routes and organised crime networks. But what exactly is Captagon, and why is it called the “jihadi drug”?

The Supreme Court stated that illegal infiltration by Bangladeshi nationals is not a terrorist act, even as the BJP vows to expel them from West Bengal. The court granted bail to an individual arrested for facilitating illegal immigration, noting the porous border with Bangladesh and the large number of immigrants already in India.

Oil Marketing Companies have assured Odisha that fuel supplies are stable, dispelling fears of a shortage. A temporary surge in demand, particularly in border districts, led to brief stock depletion at some stations. OMCs have deployed extra tankers and are monitoring inventory to ensure uninterrupted availability for regular consumers, advising bulk buyers to procure directly from companies.

As one of Himalaya’s oldest pilgrimage traditions opens for another season, Nepal is asking why India and China are using a route it claims as its own

The Bar Council of India has requested detailed information from the West Bengal Bar Council regarding Mamata Banerjee's legal enrollment and practice status. This follows her appearance in lawyer's robes at the Calcutta High Court to argue a public interest litigation. The BCI seeks to verify her active status as an advocate, given her previous tenure as Chief Minister.

Fifty-two years ago, India detonated a nuclear device in Rajasthan's Thar desert, codenamed 'Smiling Buddha'. This event, coinciding with Buddha Purnima, marked India's entry into the nuclear club. Despite being officially termed a 'peaceful nuclear explosion', the test ignited debate and reshaped India's global standing, demonstrating scientific self-reliance and announcing strategic intent.

The Khangri Glacier in Arunachal Pradesh is undergoing rapid thawing, giving rise to a newly formed glacial lake that is a looming danger for communities downstream and the crucial Brahmaputra river system. Experts caution that Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) could severely threaten water resources and regional stability across India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Tibet.

Police in Sri Ganganagar intercepted a car without a number plate, arresting two Punjab smugglers. The operation, involving a dramatic chase and blockade, recovered 1.5 kg of heroin, 1 kg of opium, five foreign-made pistols, and 72 cartridges, believed to be dropped by a Pakistani drone.

Police in West Bengal's border districts are intensifying searches, suspecting professional shooters from neighboring states in the assassination of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari's aide, Chandranath Rath. Investigators are also exploring the involvement of local criminals who may have provided logistical support.

President Trump's China visit occurs amid a US-Iran stalemate, with analysts suggesting Xi Jinping holds more leverage. Many in Beijing view Trump as a symptom of liberal democracy's instability and American decline, validating Xi's "rise of the East" worldview. This perception of US weakness could lead China to miscalculate and test Washington.