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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.