Focus FRANCE 24 English
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Our Focus programme brings you exclusive reports from around the world. Every day at 8:45am Paris time.
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Life behind bars in Brazil's overcrowded prison system
With over 830,000 inmates, Brazil has the third-largest prison population in the world, behind only the US and China. According to data from the National Secretariat for Penal Policy, there are almost 166,000 more prisoners than there are places currently available in the country's jails. In some penitentiaries, such as in the state of Rio de Janeiro, prison overcrowding can reach 190 percent. Brazilian prisons are also regularly the scene of rebellions and massacres.
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Indian elections and artificial intelligence: How deepfakes are influencing the vote
Around the world, elections have become a testing ground for artificial intelligence (AI). India, the world's most populous nation with more than 1.4 billion people, is a case in point. The country is in the middle of its marathon elections, with the capital New Delhi voting over the weekend. The vote has been marred by controversies surrounding the unregulated use of AI and deepfakes. Political parties are increasingly integrating AI into their campaigns and the industry has turned into a $60 million business. Our correspondents Khansa Juned and Léa Delfolie report.
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Young Burmese flee to neighbouring Thailand to avoid conscription
Myanmar's military junta, which took power in a coup in February 2021, is increasingly facing armed resistance. Last October, an alliance of ethnic rebel groups and pro-democracy activists launched a major offensive across the country. In response, the junta recently announced mandatory conscription for all men aged 18 to 35 and women aged between 18 and 27. As a result, thousands of young people are now fleeing the country to avoid being called up. Most are heading to neighbouring Thailand, which is bracing for an influx of refugees. FRANCE 24's William de Tamaris reports from the Thai border.
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Coober Pedy, the Australian town built underground to withstand extreme heat
As spring temperatures begin to rise in Europe, we see how one town in Australia has been learning to live with extreme heat for the past century. Situated in the middle of the desert, where summer temperatures reach up to 50°C, is Coober Pedy, a town built underground and originally established as a mining centre for opals. Over the past 100 years, residents have adapted to life in this extreme environment, only coming out at night when temperatures drop. Our France 2 colleagues report, with FRANCE 24's Lauren Bain.
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Poland steps up military recruitment in preparation for potential war with Russia
Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, neighbouring Poland has been wondering if it might be next – and getting ready. Warsaw says it wants to create the strongest army in Europe by 2035, and says it can attract new troops without bringing back compulsory military service. The Polish people appear enthusiastic about learning to defend themselves. FRANCE 24's Adrien Sarlat reports, with Gulliver Cragg.
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Maritime transport slows in Panama Canal due to drought
Today the World Water Forum starts in Bali, where world leaders will discuss the sustainability of water resources for a week. To illustrate the issue of water management, we head to Panama. The Panama Canal, one of the world’s major maritime trade routes, has suffered a decline in its water levels ever since drought affected the country last year. As well as reducing traffic through the canal in the short term, the country is looking for long-term solutions to guarantee transit as well as access to water drinking water for the population. This report by Quentin Duval and Matthieu Comin.