Man arrested in connection with huge pile of waste
Authorities in Oxfordshire are working to tackle one of the most serious fly-tipping incidents the region has seen, after a massive illegal waste pile - around 150 metres long and up to six metres high - was discovered on farmland near Kidlington. The Environment Agency has declared the situation a critical incident due to public safety and environmental risks, particularly with the site’s proximity to the River Cherwell. Following months of overnight dumping by organised criminals, a court order secured in late October halted further tipping, and the location remains sealed off as a live crime scene. A 39-year-old man from the Guildford area has now been arrested as part of a major investigation. Officials are monitoring potential contamination, though no signs of hazardous waste breakdown have been detected so far. Keir Starmer said that ‘all available powers’ would be used to make those responsible pay for the clean-up: a similarly huge amount of illegally dumped waste, in Kent, will probably take up to a year to remove.
Italy: parliament passes law defining femicide
Italy has taken a major and symbolic step in addressing gender-based violence by unanimously passing a law that defines femicide - the killing of a woman because she is a woman - as a distinct crime punishable by a mandatory life sentence. Symbolically, the vote came on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, following intense national debate sparked by the murder of 22-year-old Giulia Cecchettin in 2023. Her sister’s call for society to confront deep-rooted patriarchy propelled public demand for change. Under the new law, cases motivated by control, discrimination, or retaliation for ending a relationship will be formally recorded as femicides. Supporters say this recognition exposes the true motivations behind such murders and encourages broader cultural reform. Critics argue that legislation alone cannot solve inequality, and that the definition of femicide is too vague and will prove difficult for judges to implement. Yet many believe this marks a vital shift - a country full of stereotypes about women and notions of male superiority finally naming and confronting a long-hidden crisis. See also World article 1, about the global instances of femicide.
Ukraine: differing signals about peace proposals
Hopes of a swift peace agreement to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have been tempered after the Kremlin cautioned against assuming a deal is close. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it was ‘premature’ to suggest a resolution may soon be reached, adding that outside actors - including the USA - might try to derail progress. His remarks followed more optimistic comments from Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, who confirmed Moscow had received a revised US-backed proposal developed with Ukrainian officials. Transcripts of leaked conversations suggest Russian negotiators believe the final document could align closely with their demands, while Steve Witkoff is expected to meet Vladimir Putin for further talks. Donald Trump has repeatedly highlighted what he calls strong momentum, claiming major points of disagreement have already been resolved. Yet elements reportedly included in draft proposals, such as Ukraine relinquishing the Donetsk region and abandoning NATO ambitions, remain deeply contentious for Kyiv. Diplomatic negotiations continue amid uncertainty and conflicting public signals.
Global: one woman killed by a partner or relative every ten minutes
Violence against women remains a deadly global crisis, with more than 50,000 women and girls killed in 2024 by intimate partners or family members - an average of one life taken every 10 minutes. A new joint report from UNODC and UN Women, released for the 2025 International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, warns that femicide persists at alarming levels with no sign of meaningful progress. The figures almost certainly underestimate the true scale due to underreporting, legal gaps, stigma, and lack of accurate data. Experts say economic instability, conflict, displacement and inadequate access to safe housing increase the risks for those trapped in abuse. Digital harassment can escalate into deadly violence, showing how danger often begins with controlling behaviours. Africa recorded the highest rate, followed by the Americas, Oceania, Asia, and Europe. UN Women says coordinated efforts involving schools, workplaces, public services and local communities are needed to spot early signs of violence. The campaigners also called on governments to increase funding for shelters, legal aid and specialist support services.
