How 'blood gold' is fuelling conflict in West Africa

French authorities have detained an 18-year-old man with alleged ties to the misogynistic "incel" movement after uncovering what they believe was a plan to target women in an attack. The case is being handled by France's anti-terror prosecutors, signaling how seriously they're taking the threat.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just another crime story—it's a worrying example of how online hate movements can spill into real-world violence. The incel ideology, which often blames women for men's personal struggles, has been linked to deadly attacks abroad. France's decision to treat this as a potential terrorism case shows they're on high alert for copycat threats. It also raises tough questions about how to counter radicalization in isolated young men before it turns dangerous.

China looks poised to make space history with its first-ever satellite refuelling test, as two of its high-orbit probes—Shijian-21 and Shijian-25—recently maneuvered into close proximity. If successful, this would mark a major leap in autonomous satellite servicing, putting China ahead of the U.S. in this cutting-edge orbital capability.

Editor’s Note: Satellite refuelling could revolutionize space operations by extending the lifespan of expensive orbital assets, reducing debris, and giving nations a strategic edge. China pulling this off would signal its growing prowess in space tech—something worth watching, whether you're a space enthusiast or just curious about the next frontier of global competition.

Japan is finally taking steps to address a heartbreaking issue: parental child abduction, where one parent (often the mother) cuts off the other parent’s access to their child after divorce. Currently, Japan grants sole custody to one parent post-divorce, leaving many fathers—both Japanese and foreign—helpless. But change may be coming, as the country considers legal reforms to allow joint custody, offering hope for estranged parents and their children.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about legal technicalities—it’s about real families being torn apart. Japan’s strict sole-custody system has left countless parents, especially fathers, fighting for even basic visitation rights. If the law changes, it could bring Japan in line with much of the world, reducing painful custody battles and giving kids a better shot at maintaining relationships with both parents. For foreign parents married to Japanese spouses, this could be a lifeline after years of feeling abandoned by the system.

Environmental groups and academics are sounding the alarm over Hong Kong’s ecotourism plans for South Lantau, warning that without strict oversight, the project could devolve into a property development that harms the area’s fragile ecosystems. With a deadline looming for developers to pitch ideas, critics argue the government’s open-ended approach risks prioritizing profit over conservation.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about tourism—it’s a test of whether Hong Kong can balance economic ambitions with protecting its natural spaces. If the government doesn’t set firm rules, a well-intentioned ecotourism push could end up bulldozing the very environment it claims to celebrate. Locals and nature lovers are watching closely.

Heathrow Airport is weighing up whether to take National Grid to court after a fire—sparked by issues with the utility company's infrastructure—forced the airport to shut down. A recent report apparently points the finger at National Grid, and now Heathrow isn’t ruling out legal recourse.

Editor’s Note: When an airport as big as Heathrow grinds to a halt, it’s not just delayed flights—it’s a domino effect of missed connections, economic hits, and frustrated travelers. If the fire really was preventable, this legal threat signals Heathrow’s intent to hold National Grid accountable, and it could set a precedent for how infrastructure failures are handled in critical transport hubs.