Submit your Article

Opponents of Myanmar’s military rule urged citizens to stay indoors on Wednesday in a “silent strike” protesting the Dec 28 elections, which critics say are designed to legitimize the junta. Images showed empty streets in Yangon as many joined the action.

Meanwhile, authorities charged 10 pro-democracy activists in Mandalay with disrupting the electoral process after a rare flash-mob protest. The charges carry up to 10 years in prison. Despite threats to shopkeepers and tight security, activists say the strike shows public resistance to military rule remains strong.

Algerian journalist and AL24 News commentator Mehdi Ghezzar was released Wednesday morning after being briefly detained by French police near his Paris residence. Ghezzar told AL24 News he was held for several hours, calling it another instance in what he describes as growing pressure on him in France.

Ghezzar was recently removed from the French radio programme Les Grandes Gueules on RMC, where he had been a well-known voice. His exclusion followed his outspoken commentary on the war in Gaza and his strong support for the Palestinian cause. He says he has also faced repeated stops at Paris airports, despite being publicly recognised for his commentary.

His brief arrest has sparked criticism from observers who see it as part of a broader pattern of pressure on journalists whose views challenge dominant media narratives. The incident has renewed debate about press freedom in France and concerns over the gap between official commitments and practices on the ground.

Austrian ski jumper Stefan Kraft announced the birth of his daughter on Tuesday, sharing the joyful news on Instagram with the message: “Welcome to earth, our little princess.” The 32-year-old said the newborn has made the family’s happiness “perfect.” Kraft recently skipped the World Cup events in Ruka and Wisla to be with his wife during the final days of her pregnancy. The ski jumping season continues this weekend in Klingenthal, Germany, but it remains uncertain whether Kraft will return to competition or extend his time at home with his family.

UNESCO officially recognised Italian cuisine as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, celebrating a tradition deeply rooted in family, community and regional diversity. The decision was announced on Wednesday at the 20th ICH session held at Delhi’s historic Red Fort.Italy began its bid in 2023, arguing that its food culture represents more than iconic dishes like pizza or pasta—it is a shared ritual passed down through generations.From Lombardy’s ossobuco to Puglia’s orecchiette, the cuisine reflects a mosaic of regional flavours and histories.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed the recognition as a moment of national pride, saying it will help protect authentic Italian products from imitation. Industry groups predict the accolade could boost tourism by up to 8 percent within two years, adding nearly 18 million overnight visits. Italian cuisine now joins global culinary traditions such as French haute cuisine, Korea’s kimchi-making and Japan’s Washoku.