Global Development News

The latest global development stories, each synthesized from multiple sources with added background and context.

Iranian Appeals Court Finalizes 74-Lash Sentence for Singer Parastoo Ahmadi

An Iranian appeals court has upheld a sentence of 74 lashes and a two-year ban on audiovisual activities for singer Parastoo Ahmadi and eight members of her production team. The punishment stems from a December 2024 online concert where Ahmadi performed without the mandatory hijab. The decision, finalized without a hearing, has drawn condemnation from international rights groups who describe flogging as torture, while Iranian officials frame the ruling as a necessary deterrent against violations of cultural norms.

9 days ago•Source: The Guardian

Global Aid Collapse: US Cuts 57% as Donors Prioritize Defense

global-development

0.93 min•13 days ago

Global Aid Collapse: US Cuts 57% as Donors Prioritize Defense

Foreign aid contributions fell in 2025 for nearly all top 10 donors, with US aid dropping 57% according to the OECD. The US dismantled USAID, while European nations like the UK, France, and Germany slashed budgets. This shift, driven by rearmament priorities, threatens global health initiatives, including malaria elimination efforts in the Caribbean.

via Our World in Data