This week's biggest stories from the Global South: Air India crash kills over 290, Lula ratings plummet, behind Sudan's famine

Africa

How $500m in missing aid threatens millions in Sudan

Famine threatens several areas south of Khartoum, warns the World Food Programme, which has reached one million people in seven parts of the city. Ongoing conflict between Sudan's army and the RSF since April 2023 has displaced millions and split the country into rival zones. Read more here.

Malawi's army implicated in death of Vice President

A German investigation has blamed the Malawi Defence Force for the June 10, 2024, crash that killed Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight others. The MDF-operated Dornier aircraft was found 'not airworthy' due to expired certification and ignored mechanical issues. Read more here.

Senior Kenyan policeman arrested over death of blogger in custody

Kenyan authorities arrested a senior officer over blogger Albert Ojwang’s death in custody, which sparked protests. Police had claimed suicide, but an autopsy suggested assault. Read more here.

Asia

Air India Dreamliner crashes into Ahmedabad college hostel, kills over 240

Over 240 people died when an Air India flight to London crashed after takeoff from Ahmedabad, marking the worst aviation disaster in a decade. The Boeing 787 hit a medical college hostel, leaving one survivor—a British national of Indian origin—who described hearing a loud noise after takeoff. Read more here.

China to make all hospitals offer epidurals to incentivise childbirth

China will require all large hospitals to offer epidural anaesthesia during childbirth by year-end to support a 'friendly childbearing environment.' Smaller hospitals must comply by 2027, as authorities seek to reverse declining birth rates. Read more here.

Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s first astronaut to fly to the International Space Station

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will become the first Indian to visit the ISS, launching June 10 on Axiom Mission 4 via SpaceX. He’ll join a four-member crew for up to 14 days of research and outreach. Read more here.

Latin America

From peace negotiator to prisoner: Salvadoran artist in exile fights for his father's freedom

Atilio Montalvo Valiente, a musician and activist, fled El Salvador after his father, a key figure in the 1992 peace process, was kidnapped and jailed by the government. Facing threats, Valiente now lives in exile, continuing his fight against autocracy. Read more here.

Brazil's Lula grows more unpopular in Brazil as approval dips to 28%, Datafolha poll shows

Brazilian President Lula’s approval dipped to 28% in June, while disapproval rose to 40%, according to Datafolha. Despite the drop, ratings remain better than February’s record lows. Read more here.

Mexican president condemns violence in Los Angeles protests

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned violence during Los Angeles protests against U.S. immigration raids and urged respect for the rule of law in migration. Demonstrators rallied citywide, denouncing U.S. policies. Read more here.