A harrowing incident in Uttar Pradesh, India, has drawn global attention after a 20-day-old baby girl was discovered buried alive in the Shahjahanpur district. The infant was found by a shepherd who, while grazing his goats, heard faint cries emanating from beneath a mound of earth. Upon closer inspection, he noticed a tiny hand protruding from the soil. The shepherd immediately alerted villagers, who subsequently called the police. Authorities arrived promptly and rescued the infant, who was rushed to the neonatal intensive care unit of a government-run hospital. Hospital officials report that the baby is in critical condition, battling severe infections and complications from the ordeal. Dr. Rajesh Kumar, the principal of the medical college, stated that the infant was brought in covered in dirt, with mud lodged in her mouth and nostrils, causing oxygen deprivation. Despite initial signs of improvement, her condition has since worsened due to infections and insect bites. Dr. Kumar emphasized that the baby’s wounds appeared fresh, suggesting she was buried shortly before being discovered. A team of specialists, including a plastic surgeon, is working tirelessly to save her life. Police have yet to identify the perpetrators, but the incident highlights the persistent issue of gender-based violence in India, where a cultural preference for male children has led to widespread female infanticide and abandonment. This case is not isolated; in 2019, a premature newborn girl was found buried alive in a clay pot, though she eventually recovered. India’s skewed gender ratio, one of the worst globally, is a consequence of deep-rooted social discrimination against girls, who are often viewed as financial burdens. Activists argue that illegal sex-selective abortions and post-birth killings of female infants remain prevalent, particularly in impoverished communities. The baby’s plight has reignited calls for stricter enforcement of laws against gender-based violence and greater societal change to address this ongoing crisis.
分类： society
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€1.2m of suspected cocaine seized in Dublin
In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, Irish police, An Garda Síochána, have confiscated cocaine worth approximately €1.2 million during coordinated raids in Dublin. The operation, conducted on Wednesday, targeted two separate residences in the city. At a property in Dublin 11, authorities uncovered 12 kilograms of suspected cocaine, estimated to have a street value of €840,000. Simultaneously, a search in Dublin 15 led to the discovery of an additional 5.5 kilograms of the illicit substance, valued at around €375,000. The seized drugs are now slated for forensic analysis to confirm their composition and origin. Two men, aged in their 30s and 40s, were apprehended at the scenes and subsequently charged in connection with the drug seizures. Both individuals are scheduled to appear before Blanchardstown District Court on Thursday morning. This operation underscores the ongoing efforts by Irish law enforcement to combat the illegal drug trade, which continues to pose significant challenges to public safety and health in the region.
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Scammed into scamming
In November 2024, Oly, a 39-year-old IT consultant from East Africa, embarked on what he believed would be a brief vacation in Bangkok, Thailand. However, his journey took a sinister turn when he was abducted and trafficked to a notorious scam center in Myanmar. This incident sheds light on a multibillion-dollar fraud industry thriving in Southeast Asia, fueled by human trafficking and operated by Chinese criminal gangs.
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Unresolved questions hang over case against Charlie Kirk’s accused killer
In a high-profile court appearance, Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspect in the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, faced charges of capital murder via video feed from jail in Provo, Utah. The case, which has sparked a political firestorm, continues to raise questions about Robinson’s motives, preparation, and potential accomplices. Prosecutors have yet to provide a comprehensive account of how Robinson planned the attack or what specifically drove him to commit the crime.
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Father and son embrace the buzz at ploughing championships
The National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, County Offaly, concluded its three-day run on Thursday, drawing massive crowds and showcasing a blend of agricultural tradition and modern innovation. Among the participants was 21-year-old Jack Wright from Magherafelt, who has been passionate about ploughing since the age of 13. His father, David Wright, serves as one of the event’s judges, making it a true family affair. Jack, who competed on Tuesday and secured fourth place in his class, emphasized the importance of practice and preparation. ‘There’s no point being nervous about it; you just go and try your hardest,’ he advised. The event, which spanned over 700 acres, attracted up to 300,000 visitors over the three days, surpassing last year’s attendance of 250,000. Attendees enjoyed a diverse program featuring ploughing and livestock competitions, music and dance performances, fashion shows, craft demonstrations, and a food fair. Irish President Michael D Higgins officially opened the championships, highlighting its significance in promoting agriculture and rural heritage. The event also included the ‘Machine of the Year’ competition and showcased millions of euros worth of agricultural machinery. This year’s championships followed the 70th World Ploughing Championships held earlier in Prague, cementing its status as a premier agricultural event.
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In coastal Ghana, female oyster farmers try to save an old practice threatened by climate change
In the coastal mangroves of Tsokomey, Ghana, Beatrice Nutekpor, a 45-year-old oyster farmer, continues a family tradition that has sustained her community for generations. Despite the challenges posed by climate change and economic instability, Nutekpor and other women in her community are determined to preserve their way of life. Oyster farming, a practice dominated by women, has been a vital source of income for families in this region. However, the depletion of mangroves due to rising sea levels, coastal development, and deforestation has threatened this livelihood. The Development Action Association, a nonprofit organization, once provided training in eco-friendly farming methods, including mangrove preservation and selective harvesting, to mitigate these challenges. However, the organization lost its U.S. funding following cuts to foreign aid, leaving the women to fend for themselves. Despite these setbacks, the women’s efforts to replant mangroves are yielding results, with oysters beginning to attach to the newly planted trees. Yet, the struggle persists. A single basin of oysters sells for approximately $4, barely enough to sustain families. The loss of mangroves forces farmers like Nutekpor to dive deeper into dangerous waters to find oysters, increasing the risk of drowning. The Densu Oyster Pickers Association has implemented strict guidelines to protect the mangroves, including penalties for unauthorized cutting. For Nutekpor, the fight is not just about survival but also about preserving a family legacy. ‘I want to teach my daughter so she can teach her child,’ she says. The battle to save Ghana’s mangroves and oyster farming is a testament to the resilience of these women, who are determined to secure a future for their families and generations to come.
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Sex abuse charges against top Australian radio host downgraded
In a significant legal development, veteran broadcaster and former Wallabies coach Alan Jones, 84, has pleaded not guilty to 27 charges of indecent assault and sexual touching. The charges stem from allegations that he assaulted nine men over two decades. During a court hearing on Thursday, prosecutors downgraded 11 of the most serious charges, which were related to alleged assaults on individuals under his authority, and dropped some charges entirely. The case, now set to be heard by a magistrate rather than a jury, will return to court next month. Deputy Chief Magistrate Sharon Freund noted that the case was restructured after two alleged victims withdrew, though no explanation was provided for their departure. Jones’ lawyer, Bryan Wrench, described the dropped charges as a ‘very big development’ and a ‘significant concession,’ emphasizing that there was no evidence of Jones having authority over the complainants. Police have indicated that some of the alleged victims knew Jones personally, with at least one having been employed by him. Others reportedly faced assault during their first encounter with him. Jones, a polarizing figure in Australian media, has consistently denied the allegations, calling them ‘baseless’ or ‘distortions of the truth.’ Known for his controversial remarks, Jones has faced multiple defamation lawsuits and advertiser boycotts throughout his career. The case continues to draw significant public attention as it unfolds.
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Body found in car registered to D4vd identified as missing teen
A decomposing body discovered in a Tesla registered to singer D4vd has been identified as Celeste Rivas, a 15-year-old girl who had been missing since April 2024, according to US authorities. The remains were found in the trunk of the impounded vehicle on September 8 at a Hollywood tow yard in Los Angeles, following reports of a foul odor. The cause and time of death remain undetermined. Rivas, from Lake Elsinore, California, was last seen on April 5, 2024, when she was 13 years old, as per a missing person flyer cited by CBS. The Tesla, with Texas license plates, had been abandoned in the Hollywood Hills five days prior and was likely at the tow yard for several days before the discovery. The car is registered to David Anthony Burke, the legal name of singer D4vd. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner described the remains as belonging to a 5ft 2in (157cm) individual with wavy black hair, wearing a tube top and black leggings, and bearing a tattoo on the right index finger that reads ‘Shhh.’ Law enforcement sources cited by NBC News indicated the remains were not intact, suggesting the girl had been deceased for an extended period. D4vd, known for his viral hits ‘Here With Me’ and ‘Romantic Homicide,’ released his debut album in April and was on tour when the remains were found. His scheduled show in Seattle was subsequently canceled. Police confirmed that D4vd is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
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Three officers killed in Pennsylvania shooting, with two others critical
A devastating shooting incident in Pennsylvania has resulted in the deaths of three police officers and left two others critically injured. The tragedy unfolded as officers were conducting a follow-up investigation related to a domestic dispute. According to Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris, the gunman was fatally shot by responding officers. The incident occurred around 14:00 local time (18:00 GMT) in a rural area of York County, approximately 100 miles west of Philadelphia. Images from the scene depicted injured personnel being airlifted via medical helicopter, highlighting the severity of the situation. The nearby Spring Grove School District, located in a small town of about 2,500 residents, initiated a brief shelter-in-place protocol, though officials later confirmed that the school was unaffected. Authorities have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro visited the area to meet with the families of the fallen officers and expressed profound grief over the loss. ‘We mourn the lives of three dedicated individuals who served their community, state, and country,’ Shapiro stated. ‘Such violence is unacceptable, and we must strive for societal improvement.’ In a gesture of respect, Shapiro ordered all state flags to be flown at half-mast. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that federal agents are assisting local and state authorities, offering support to the York County community. This incident underscores the persistent issue of gun violence in the United States, particularly affecting law enforcement personnel.
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Fury over corruption and ‘nepo babies’ as floods paralyse Philippines
In the Philippines, chronic flooding has become a grim reality for millions, exacerbated by allegations of widespread corruption in flood control projects. Crissa Tolentino, a 36-year-old public school teacher, navigates her daily life in Apalit, a low-lying town near Manila, by paddling through inundated streets. For her, this is not just a commute but a lifeline to her workplace and the clinic where she receives cancer treatment. However, this year, her frustration has reached a boiling point due to an unusually fierce monsoon that has disrupted lives and exposed deep-seated corruption.
Ms. Tolentino’s anger is echoed across the nation, where citizens are questioning the government’s inability to manage floods despite billions of pesos allocated for infrastructure. Allegations of ‘ghost projects’—construction contracts awarded for non-existent initiatives—have fueled public outrage. President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. has acknowledged the issue, even discovering a flood control dam that was supposed to exist but didn’t. The economic planning minister revealed that 70% of public funds for flood control had been siphoned off by corruption.
The scandal has led to high-profile resignations, including the House Speaker and the Senate leader, both implicated in corruption allegations. Social media has become a battleground for public anger, with Filipinos using AI-generated videos and hashtags like ‘nepo babies’ to criticize the extravagant lifestyles of politicians’ children. A planned anti-corruption protest on September 21, coinciding with the anniversary of martial law, underscores the depth of public discontent.
President Marcos Jr. has announced an inquiry to ‘unmask the swindlers,’ but skepticism remains. The focus has shifted to a family-owned construction firm, the Discayas, whose lavish lifestyle has drawn widespread condemnation. Their admission of paying kickbacks to lawmakers has further inflamed tensions. Meanwhile, Filipinos like Rhens Rafael Galang, who has turned his flood-related struggles into a thriving business, cling to hope for honest, long-term flood control solutions.
As the nation grapples with the dual crises of extreme weather and corruption, the question remains: will the government’s promises translate into tangible change, or will public fury continue to grow?