Global military spending reached an unprecedented $2.7 trillion in 2024 amid intensifying wars and rising geopolitical tensions worldwide.

Nepal’s Prime Minister resigned on Tuesday following a violent crackdown on youth-led anti-corruption protests left at least 19 dead and hundreds injured, prompting urgent appeals from the United Nations for restraint and dialogue.

With a record number of active conflicts worldwide, the Security Council met on Tuesday to debate the future of UN peace operations.

A high-level independent rights probe into the brutal war in Sudan condemned the many grave crimes committed by all combatants, citing evidence indicating that civilians have been “deliberately targeted, displaced and starved”.

A Russian airstrike on a Ukrainian village in the frontline region of Donetsk on Tuesday has reportedly killed more than 20 – including many elderly civilians who were lining up to collect pension payments.

  Globally, there is a 0.36% deterioration in average levels of peacefulness, as more countries are increasing their levels of militarisation against the backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions, increasing conflict, and rising economic uncertainty.

KABUL, September 8 (IPS) - In recent weeks, the walls of the Afghan capital have been plastered with slogans about women’s hijab: “Unveiling is a sign of ignorance”; “Hijab is a father’s honour and the pride of Muslims”.

BENGALURU, India, September 8 (IPS) - This year marks half a century since the start of Lebanon’s civil war in 1975 – a conflict that lasted 15 years, killed over 150,000 lives, and resulted in as many as 17,000 missing. Decades later, the legacy of that war is still everywhere: in the silence of classrooms without history books, in families who never knew what happened to their missing loved ones, and in violence made mundane in all parts of society.

UNITED NATIONS, September 8 (IPS) - At a time of great transformation for global health, solidarity is more important than ever. As other countries have retreated from their commitments, Japan has instead continued its steadfast investment in a shared future that prioritizes human dignity and security.

The UN chief has added his strong condemnation of Russian strikes overnight into Sunday targeting Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities which killed dozens – including children – and damaged civilian infrastructure.