A video showing the harassment of two Kuki women by Meitei men in Manipur, India, has highlighted the ongoing ethnic conflict in the region. The incident, which included a gang-rape, occurred amidst violent riots sparked by affirmative action controversies. The state, under martial law since the 1970s, has seen over 140 deaths and displacement of thousands due to ethnic violence. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the violence, and arrests have been made. Activist Binalakshmi Nepram criticized the delayed response and highlighted the historical weaponization of women's bodies in Manipur's conflicts. The violence in Manipur is seen as a result of long-standing neglect, discrimination, and violent extremism.

Persistent clashes between Sudan's rival generals have hampered efforts to solidify a truce, coinciding with the arrival of the UN's top humanitarian official, Martin Griffiths. Griffiths' visit aims to discuss relief for millions of civilians amidst the conflict. This development follows South Sudan's announcement of a tentative seven-day ceasefire agreement between the conflicting parties.

A study released by the European Commission's Copernicus Climate Change Service indicates that temperatures in Europe are rising at twice the global average, with southern Europeans experiencing increased heat stress during summer. The study, which analyzed data over several decades, found that last year's record heat posed hazardous conditions for human health, highlighting the growing concern of heat stress as a significant issue due to human-made climate change.

NGOs, including Global Health Advocates and STOPAIDS, have criticized the European Commission for prioritizing commercial interests over public health and global equality in its COVID-19 vaccine rollout. The NGOs' reports allege that the Commission redacted contracts, accommodated industry requests on pricing and confidentiality, and failed to ensure transparency, which is inconsistent with EU legislation. The EU Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly cited maladministration due to the Commission's refusal to release text exchanges between its president and the CEO of Pfizer. The reports also highlight the global vaccine inequality, labeling it a 'vaccine apartheid,' where high-income countries had better access to vaccines than low and middle-income countries, partly due to intellectual property rules that prevented poorer countries from producing vaccines. Despite initial EU statements on vaccine solidarity, the reports claim that the EU's actions did not match its promises, leading to a 'every-country-for-itself' approach.

Google has agreed to make changes to its services, including Google Store, Google Play Store, Google Hotels, and Google Flights, to ensure they comply with EU consumer rules. The European Commission announced this commitment, highlighting the importance of clear and complete information for EU consumers. The EU Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders, emphasized the need for Google to fully comply with the Geo-blocking Regulation. This regulation aims to prevent discrimination against consumers based on their location within the EU. The Consumer Protection Cooperation Network will monitor Google's adherence to these commitments. The article also references past antitrust cases where Google was fined for abusing its dominant market position, including a significant €4 billion fine related to its Android operating system.

Six people have died and 31 remain missing following the sinking of the privately-owned ferry Esther Miracle off the coast of Gabon. The incident occurred in calm waters as the ferry traveled from Libreville to Port-Gentil with 161 passengers and crew aboard. Divers have located the wreck and are continuing the search for additional bodies.

Russia and Ukraine are using inflatable weapons as a cost-effective and deceptive military tactic. These weapons are indistinguishable from real ones, offering advantages in ease of transport and speed of deployment, while being composed of air.

Cities across France are witnessing the seventh day of protests against the government's planned pension reforms, with up to 1 million people expected to participate.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visited Northern Ireland on February 28 to promote his new agreement with the European Union designed to facilitate post-Brexit trade and resolve the political stalemate in the region.

On the UN's International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, it is highlighted that around 125,000 women and girls in France are affected by the practice, which is illegal in the country. Despite this, young girls are often subjected to mutilation while abroad with their families. France 24 journalists Olivia Bizot and Sonia Baritello report on the story of Assa, a woman who shared her journey of physical and psychological recovery.

Germany's plan to legalize cannabis consumption by 2024 is increasingly uncertain as it still needs to submit its proposals to the European Commission, confirmed by the German Ministry of Health. The bill is currently being drafted, addressing numerous legal and operational questions. The unprecedented project in the EU aims to allow German consumers to purchase up to 30 grams of cannabis for private use and grow up to three plants each, with the goal of protecting consumer health, reducing drug-related crime, and curbing the black market. Europe has traditionally been conservative regarding cannabis legalization, with Malta being an exception. The German project could prompt Europe to reconsider its stance, and if successful, other countries might follow. Germany's next steps involve preliminary discussions with the Commission and drafting the law post-approval. However, the current geopolitical agenda, including the war in Ukraine and a cost-of-living crisis, may not prioritize this issue. Germany faces challenges in complying with European border regulations and international law, specifically the 1961 UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. Health concerns are also being addressed, with an impact assessment of cannabis consumption in legalization countries expected early in the year.

Hans Leijtens, the new head of the EU border agency Frontex, has committed to ending illegal pushbacks of migrants and ensuring respect for fundamental rights. He emphasized accountability, transparency, and adherence to legal frameworks. Leijtens is set to replace interim director Aija Klanaja on March 1. The agency has faced scrutiny after an OLAF investigation found that EU guards were involved in illegal pushbacks, a practice Frontex claims is in the past. EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson highlighted the need to increase the return rate of irregular migrants, with only 30% currently returning to their home countries. Frontex coordinates return operations, and the EU is working on an operational strategy to improve the effectiveness of returns, emphasizing cooperation among member states.

The European Union is enhancing its readiness for chemical and nuclear emergencies by establishing a stockpile in Finland, with €242 million allocated by the European Commission. This strategic reserve will include medical countermeasures, devices, and response equipment to protect responders and civilians. The initiative, set to be operational from 2024, is a response to the heightened threat landscape due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and aims to ensure rapid deployment of assistance across Europe.

The article highlights the work of the Observers FRANCE 24 team in 2022, where they interacted with individuals involved in unique and inspiring projects. These include a Canadian artist in Ukraine who turns bullet holes into floral art, the creator of a new sport called 'Razball' from Burkina Faso, and a 98-year-old survivor of the Auschwitz concentration camp who uses TikTok as a platform to educate about the Holocaust. The team compiled a video featuring nine Observers who had the most inspiring stories of the year.

The article discusses the Hortas Cariocas urban community garden located in the Manguinhos favela of Rio de Janeiro, which is the largest of its kind in Latin America. The garden provides 800 families with affordable, pesticide-free produce each month. Despite the challenges posed by violence and police raids in the northern favelas, the garden is seen as a beacon of hope for reaching the most vulnerable populations of Rio. The observer, Yuri Lopes Cruz, highlights the positive impact of the garden on the community.

The article discusses the civilian efforts in Kyiv, Ukraine, to support the military in resisting the Russian invasion. Bodia, who once organized cultural events, now works on creating anti-tank barricades, known as 'hedgehogs', to stop Russian tanks. Civilians, including children and the elderly, are contributing to the war effort by making Molotov cocktails, cooking for soldiers, and enlisting to fight. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for national mobilization. Despite the threat of Russian forces entering Kyiv, many residents, like Bodia, are determined to stay and defend the city. The article also mentions the humanitarian impact, with over one million civilians fleeing Ukraine and potentially seven million internally displaced due to the war.

French archaeological missions have resumed their work in Egypt after being paused due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The article focuses on the excitement and anticipation among archaeologists as they return to Luxor, a city rich in historical treasures near the Valley of the Kings. It highlights the work of Isabelle Régen and her team, who are studying one of the most fascinating tombs in Egypt. The report is a collaborative effort between France 2 and FRANCE 24, with Olivia Bizot providing the coverage for FRANCE 24.

Journalists Mihai Dragolea and Radu Constantin Mocanu, along with activist Tiberiu Bosutar, were attacked by a group of 20 people while investigating illegal logging in Romania's Suceava County. The attackers, armed with axes and bats, destroyed their equipment and deleted their footage. This incident is part of a pattern of violence against those protecting Romania's ancient forests, with six foresters killed and 650 attacked in recent years. The 'wood mafia' is responsible for rampant illegal logging, with half of the wood extracted annually being illegal. Companies like HS Timber have been implicated in these activities. Despite the European Commission's infringement procedures against Romania for failing to protect its forests, illegal logging has intensified. The journalists and activists remain undeterred in their efforts to save Europe's last great forests.

Journalists Mihai Dragolea and Radu Constantin Mocanu, along with activist Tiberiu Bosutar, were attacked by a group of 20 people while investigating illegal logging in Romania's Suceava County. The attackers, armed with axes and bats, destroyed their equipment and deleted their footage. This incident is part of a pattern of violence against those protecting Romania's ancient forests, with six foresters killed and 650 attacked in recent years. The 'wood mafia' is responsible for rampant illegal logging, with half of the wood extracted annually being illegal. Companies like HS Timber have been implicated in these activities. Despite the European Commission's infringement procedures against Romania for failing to protect its forests, illegal logging has intensified. The journalists and activists remain undeterred in their efforts to save Europe's last great forests.

The article discusses how TikTok users with disabilities, such as Gem Hubbard and Lucy Edwards, are using the platform to educate the public about living with a disability. They create short videos to answer common questions and address misconceptions about daily life as a person with a disability. Lucy Edwards, who is blind, shares how she performs everyday tasks, and one of her videos gained over 18 million views. Gem Hubbard, a wheelchair user, also noticed a lack of disability content online and has contributed to increasing its presence. The article also touches on TikTok's past policy of suppressing disabled users' content to prevent cyberbullying, a policy which has since been repealed. Edwards remains optimistic about TikTok's potential for growth and positive change.