New study reveals medical benefits of fasting that should thrill Muslims and Christians more besides spiritual revival
Researchers have been investigating the potential health benefits of fasting for decades, and there is evidence that the practice can help to delay certain diseases and lengthen lifespan in rodents. But the underlying biological mechanisms behind these benefits have been a mystery.
Alreay rapidly running out of mothers, experts warn China’s new urbanisation policy will thwart its ‘birth-friendly society’ goal
At a twice-a-decade top political gathering last month, China announced plans to build a “birth-friendly society” – pledging to implement measures long-called for by population experts, such as lowering childcare and education costs.
Arsenal poised to be declared EPL champions as Man City braces hefty fines and life in lower league
If Man City are found guilty, it adds, potential punishments include a huge fine, points deduction, transfer ban and expulsion from the Premier League. This case has dragged on longer than most would have anticipated, but it is a complicated situation and a further spanner was thrown into the works earlier this year. This came as they launched an unprecedented legal battle against the Premier League as they are pushing for the removal of Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules.
No longer at ease: For Black Britons, UK riots leave lasting scars in psyches of targets
“Please do not go out until this blows over,” Sarah Akinterinwa, messaged a friend on August 7. “I’m going into town tomorrow. Should be okay,” came the response. “Alone?” she asked. The messages from Akinterinwa, an illustrator and writer from London, are typical of the concern that spread among Black...
Scramble for numbers in Europe’s hospitality industry ushers in new concerns of ‘overtourism’
Anyone paying attention during this summer of “overtourism” is familiar with the escalating consequences around the world: traffic jams in paradise. Reports of hospitality workers living in tents. And “anti-tourism” protests intended to shame visitors as they dine – or, as in Barcelona in July, douse them with water pistols.
Why Bamasaba king in eastern Uganda faces rebellion over Imbalu, generations-old tradition of circumcision of boys
The king, known as the Umukuuka, had his way ahead of the August 3 ceremonial inauguration at a park in the town of Mbale, arguing for a traditional festival that also looked attractive to visitors. The organisers of Imbalu received over $120,000 in financial support from the Ugandan government and a corporate sponsor.
Seven people killed in stampede at a music concert in Congo’s capital, authorities report
The stampede occurred at the 80,000-capacity Stade des Martyrs stadium in the heart of Kinshasa where Mike Kalambayi, a popular Congolese gospel singer, was performing, Kinshasa Governor Daniel Bumba said.
The Legion of Christ scandal: Vatican’s Pius XII archives bring to the fore how the Catholic Holy See has long been corrupt
Now the new documents from the Vatican’s central governing office are fleshing out that history, providing more details about who in the Vatican helped Maciel evade sanction, believing the claims against him to be slander, and who sought to take a tougher line.
Nigerian novelist Wole Soyinka calls Trump a nerd, ‘consummate liar who studied, understands American psyche and right chord to tweak’
Soyinka said Nigeria has had one consummate liar, but said he is just a copycat besides Trump. He said: “We have had one here also, but he is just a copycat beside Donald Trump. If you want to find out what is going on, look at all the many lies of this fellow called Trump. So many lies. But I don’t want to go in that direction. Let’s just remark it and move on.
Catholic women in France accuse former beloved priest Abbe Pierre who was regarded as conscience of the nation of assault
The Vatican doesn’t usually comment on individual cases of alleged abuse and didn’t immediately respond when asked about Abbé Pierre. In 2021, an independent commission on sexual abuse in the Catholic Church estimated that some 330,000 children were sexually abused over 70 years by priests or other church-related figures in France.
