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Supreme Court: Is India’s most powerful court hobbled by a huge pileup of cases?
Reuters By Soutik Biswas India correspondent Scholars have hailed India’s Supreme Court as the most powerful in the world – and not without reason. The 73-year-old court can nullify executive acts, parliamentary laws and amendments to the Constitution. It also has the power to initiate cases independently, appoint “friends of the court” to help it…
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Etsy accused of ‘destroying’ sellers by withholding money
Joanna Mccall-Shaw By Faarea Masud Business reporter Online marketplace Etsy has come under fire from sellers for putting 75% of their takings on hold for 45 days. Hundreds of small business owners got an email from Etsy notifying them it was actioning its “reserve system”. Ceramics seller Rachel Collyer said Etsy was holding £899 of…
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China using families as ‘hostages’ to quash dissent abroad
By Sam Judah BBC Newsnight and BBC Verify China is pressuring Uyghurs living abroad to spy on human rights campaigners by threatening families back home, researchers say. Refugees and activists tell the BBC intimidating tactics are tearing communities apart. “My dearest son,” said Alim’s mother as she flickered into view. “I didn’t think I’d see…
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Sudan conflict: Women tell BBC horror stories of rape
By Mohamed Osman BBC News Arabic While Kolthom was being gang-raped by four paramilitary fighters in Sudan’s war-hit Darfur region, she was also being racially abused. Warning: This article contains details some readers may find distressing. “They were very barbaric. They took turns raping me under the tree where I had gone to gather wood…
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Schizophrenic killer Adam Merritt’s sister reveals she has forgiven him
Sarah Merritt By Phil Shepka BBC News, Cambridgeshire Adam Merritt had a very close bond with his father Rob, who was also his carer after he was diagnosed with schizophrenia as a teenager. But in June last year, Adam called 999 to confess he had killed him. Adam’s sister says she is trying to move…
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Felix Klieser: The problem-solving French horn player of the BBC Proms
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra By Beth Rose BBC Access All Look at the BBC Proms poster this year and you’ll spot some classical big-hitters – the conductor Sir Simon Rattle and cello superstar Sheku Kanneh Mason. But look closer still and you’ll clock a suave French horn player…and his toes. Felix Klieser has been described as…
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Europe weather: How heatwaves could forever change summer holidays abroad
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. By Georgina Rannard Climate and science reporter For decades holidaymakers have poured into resorts and islands in southern Europe for a relaxing break in the summer sun. But the scenes of tourists fleeing wildfires in Greece, or…
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Denmark considering banning protests burning Quran and other religious texts
Reuters Denmark is considering banning protests involving burning the Quran or other religious texts over security and diplomatic concerns. The Danish foreign ministry said whilst protecting freedom of expression is crucial, such protests benefit extremists and pose a security threat. Copenhagen is looking at legal means to intervene in some circumstances, including protests outside embassies.…
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Are luggage-free trips the future?
With sustainably minded destinations and progressive tour operators advising passengers to pack less, are travellers being primed for an ultralight future? As summer ramps up in the northern hemisphere, many of us will begin packing suitcases, carry-ons and duffel bags as we prepare to head away on holiday. Far too many clothes will be packed,…
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Six of the best ways to immerse yourself in nature around Dunedin
From seeing majestic albatross at The Royal Albatross Centre to walking through ancient cloud forest at Orakanui Ecosanctuary, two passionate conservationists share their top tips. Known as the wildlife capital of New Zealand, Dunedin sits on the rim of an ancient volcano that is now Otago Harbour in the southern reaches of the country’s South…