German police suspect a politically motivated arson attack after two high-voltage pylons caught fire in the Johannisthal neighbourhood of south-eastern Berlin, causing a widespread power outage affecting thousands.

The fire broke out in the early hours of Tuesday on Königsheideweg street, with emergency services alerted around 3 a.m. (0100 GMT). Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze within an hour, but the flames caused significant damage to thick electrical cables on the pylons.

A police spokesman confirmed that criminal investigators are currently at the scene, examining evidence which suggests the use of an accelerant in the attack.

Authorities believe the deliberate nature of the incident and the choice of target point to extremist involvement, though the political affiliation of the perpetrators remains unclear.

The power cut has impacted approximately 43,000 households and 3,000 businesses across several districts including Altglienicke, Grünau, Adlershof, Spindlersfeld, Alt-Johannisthal, and Oberschöneweide. Restoration of electricity supply is expected to take some time, according to fire brigade officials.

The outage has also disrupted local tram services and traffic lights, complicating movement and safety in the affected areas.

Emergency teams were dispatched to two nursing homes, where several patients were transferred to nearby hospitals as a precaution.

Police continue to investigate the incident as part of a broader effort to understand the motive and bring those responsible to justice.

At least 10 protesters died and 87 others were injured on Monday during violent clashes with police in Kathmandu, Nepal. Security forces used rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons to disperse demonstrators demanding the government lift its ban on social media platforms and address widespread corruption.

The government blocked access to 26 unregistered social media sites, including Facebook, YouTube, and X, starting Friday, sparking public outrage and confusion among millions of users who rely on these platforms for news, entertainment, and business.

Shekhar Khanal, spokesperson for Kathmandu Valley police, confirmed the casualties and said the protests continued despite police efforts to quell them. Many injured protesters were treated at Civil Hospital, where tear gas also affected medical staff.

The demonstrations began peacefully, with protesters waving national flags and singing the anthem before tensions escalated near the parliament area. Protesters breached barriers and even entered the parliament grounds, prompting police to respond with force. Authorities imposed curfews in key parts of the capital, including areas around the parliament and the prime minister’s office.

Similar protests took place in other parts of Nepal as citizens voiced frustrations not only over the social media restrictions but also against entrenched corruption and government authoritarianism.

“We are protesting against corruption that has been institutionalized in Nepal,” said 24-year-old student Yujan Rajbhandari. Another protester, Ikshama Tumrok, 20, called for change, saying the current generation must end the cycle of oppression.

Videos highlighting the stark contrast between ordinary Nepalis’ struggles and politicians’ luxurious lifestyles have gone viral on platforms like TikTok, which remains accessible.

The government had previously given banned companies seven days to register locally and comply with regulations following a Supreme Court order last year. Despite stating its commitment to freedom of expression, Nepal has a history of restricting digital platforms, including a recent ban on Telegram and a temporary ban on TikTok that was lifted after compliance agreements.

The situation remains tense as authorities work to restore order amid ongoing protests.

The Kebbi State Police Command has said it exhumed a baby buried alive in Kebbi State.

Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, in a statement, said a farmer, Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad, while working on his farm near the area, discovered a patch of disturbed soil resembling a fresh grave.

“He raised an alarm and, with the help of nearby residents, exhumed the baby, who was found alive.

The infant was rushed to General Hospital, Kamba, where doctors confirmed her condition as stable after receiving medical attention.”

The statement further added that, following investigation, the police promptly arrested a 20-year-old mother, Maryam Atiku, for allegedly attempting to kill her newborn baby girl by burying her alive in Kamba, Dandi Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

It said the incident occurred on June 25, 2025, when Maryam allegedly tied the baby’s neck with wrappers, covered her mouth, and buried her in a shallow grave at Malam Yaro bush.

Commissioner of Police Bello Sani described the act as “inhuman and unacceptable,” reiterating the command’s zero tolerance for child abuse, exploitation, and gender-based violence.

He urged parents, guardians, and community leaders to protect children under their care and not compromise their future due to poverty or other pressures, even as he commended the wife of the Kebbi State Governor, Hajiya Zainab Nasir Idris, for supporting the welfare of the rescued baby and praised Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad for his timely intervention.

“The suspect will be arraigned in court, where she will face prosecution aimed at serving as a deterrent to others,” the statement further said.