Paphael News

Hundreds of thousands of workers across India staged a nationwide strike on Wednesday to protest against the economic policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, particularly the push toward privatizing state-run enterprises and implementing other structural reforms. The large-scale industrial action, spearheaded by a coalition of trade unions, disrupted several sectors including transportation, banking, and manufacturing. The protest, dubbed “Bharat Bandh” (Hindi for “Shut Down India”), was organized by a coalition of ten major central trade unions. These include the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), and others. The strike also drew support from farmer organizations, rural workers, and public sector employees, making it one of the most wide-ranging labor actions in recent years. Union leaders argue that the government’s privatization drive threatens job security, reduces benefit...

In a dramatic turn of events, a man who spent 26 years in Lagos' notorious Kiri Kiri prison for a crime he did not commit has been exonerated and released. His case, which stemmed from an alleged involvement in a generator theft, was recently revisited, leading to the discovery of his innocence. The man, whose identity remains withheld for security reasons, was convicted in 1999 for his supposed role in a generator theft. Despite consistent claims of his innocence, the conviction held, and he spent more than two decades behind bars. His story gained traction when legal advocates and family members pushed for a review of his case, culminating in a landmark decision by the Nigerian judiciary to clear his name. Upon his release, the man wasted no time in reuniting with his family, especially his elderly mother. His first stop was her home, where the emotional moment of their reunion was captured. The mother, who had spent years praying for her son’s release, could not hold back tear...

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has confirmed the deaths of five Israeli soldiers during a combat operation in northern Gaza, marking one of the deadliest single incidents for Israeli forces in recent weeks. According to the military, two additional soldiers sustained serious injuries in the same engagement. The IDF released a brief statement on Monday, acknowledging the loss but refrained from providing specific operational details. “Five soldiers were killed during fighting in the northern Gaza Strip. Two others were critically wounded,” the military said in a statement, adding that families of the fallen had been notified. While the IDF did not elaborate on the circumstances, military sources speaking on condition of anonymity suggested the casualties may have resulted from an anti-tank missile strike or an accidental explosion during close-quarter combat with Hamas militants. The exact cause remains under investigation. The incident occurred amid renewed military activity in no...

In an electrifying display of dominance and precision, Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon shattered the women’s 1500m world record with a time of 3:48.68 at the Prefontaine Classic, part of the Wanda Diamond League Final, held on Saturday at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. The 30-year-old Olympic and world champion not only defended her status as the world’s premier middle-distance runner but also redefined the limits of human endurance in the event. Kipyegon took control of the race from the outset, sticking closely to the pacemakers and guided by the innovative Wavelight pacing technology. She hit each lap with clockwork precision, pulling away in the final 400 meters to cross the finish line well ahead of her competitors and her previous world record of 3:49.11, set in Florence just months ago (World Athletics, 2025). “This means a lot to me,” Kipyegon said moments after the race, visibly emotional. “I came here with a goal, and I felt strong and confident. I just wanted to run free, follow...

Jamaican sprinter Kishane Thompson delivered a statement performance on Sunday, winning the highly anticipated Men’s 100m event at the 2025 Prefontaine Classic with a time of 9.85 seconds. The meet, part of the prestigious Wanda Diamond League, was held at Hayward Field in Eugene and attracted elite global talent across various track and field disciplines. Thompson’s victory not only marked one of the fastest times of the season but also affirmed his position as one of the leading sprinters heading into the World Athletics Championships later this year. The 22-year-old burst out of the blocks with explosive speed and maintained a clear lead through the finish line, stunning spectators and analysts alike with his composed and dominant run. British sprinter Zharnel Hughes finished second, clocking a season’s best of 9.91 seconds. Hughes, the European 100m record holder, showed great form and consistency as he held off a strong challenge from American Trayvon Bromell, who took third pla...

In a thrilling showdown at the latest Diamond League meeting, American sprinter Melissa Jefferson-Wooden delivered one of the most impressive performances of her career by defeating Olympic champion Julien Alfred in the women’s 100 metres final. Jefferson-Wooden surged to the line in a blistering time of 10.75 seconds , narrowly edging Alfred, who followed closely at 10.77 seconds . The result came as a surprise to many athletics observers, as Alfred, the reigning Olympic 100m gold medallist and one of the season's top performers, was the favorite heading into the race. However, Jefferson-Wooden’s explosive start and strong finish proved decisive in securing the victory. The win marks one of her fastest times this season and signals a strong return to form as she builds momentum toward the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Ivorian sprint legend Marie-Josée Ta Lou-Smith also impressed, clinching third place with a Season’s Best of 10.90 seconds . The 35-year-old veteran continues to prov...

The Kano State Hisbah Board has officially dissolved the marriage of two young lovers, stating that the union contravened a key principle of Islamic marital law. The Islamic enforcement agency, which operates under the Shariah legal framework in Kano State, said the decision followed an investigation that found the couple failed to comply with one of the fundamental requirements for a valid marriage under Islam. Though the board did not publicly disclose the specific clause violated, sources within the agency revealed that the marriage may have occurred without the mandatory consent of a guardian (wali), a condition necessary for the legality of a marriage in Islamic tradition—particularly when involving young women. Speaking to journalists in Kano, Lawal Ibrahim Fagge, the Public Relations Officer of the Hisbah Board, confirmed the development and defended the board’s decision, saying it was based on due legal and religious consultation. “The Hisbah Board remains committed to upho...