Today, NewsForKids.net looks at massive wildfires in Europe and a student protest in India. Large fires have forced hundreds of thousands from their homes in Spain and France. In India, a group of students called the “Cockroach Janta Party” have won a major victory against the government.
France & Spain Struggle to Control Massive Wildfires
Huge wildfires are tearing through forests in France and Spain. These fast-moving fires have forced over 350,000 people to leave their homes. Thousands of others have been told to stay inside for safety.
Some of the worst fires are currently in Gironde, France, near the city of Bordeaux. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu says one fire is so strong that it “generates its own winds”. Over 250,000 people in the area have been evacuated.
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Huge wildfires are tearing through forests in France and Spain. Some of the worst fires are currently in Gironde, France. Over 250,000 people in the area have been evacuated. Above, an image from Sunday of a shelter in France for people evacuated because of the wildfires.
In Spain, a wildfire is burning dangerously close to the capital, Madrid. The region’s president described it as the “worst wildfire” in the area’s history. Another dangerous wildfire is burning near the city of Valencia. In the past week, over 116,000 people in Spain have been forced from their homes.
Hot weather from multiple heatwaves has dried out plants in much of Europe, making it easy for things to catch on fire. Strong winds have caused the fires to spread and grow. Experts say that climate change is making these fires more dangerous and more powerful.
(Source: World Central Kitchen [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons.)
It’s only July, and Spain and France have already lost more land to wildfires this year than in all of last year. Over 445 square miles (1,150 square kilometers) have burned in France. In Spain, over 580 square miles (1,500 square kilometers) were lost.
Special planes and helicopters are being used to fight the fires. Both countries have sent soldiers to help the firefighters. France and Spain have asked the European Union for more help to keep people safe.
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Special planes and helicopters are being used to fight the fires. Both countries have sent soldiers to help the firefighters. France and Spain have asked the European Union for more help to keep people safe. Above, firetrucks in Gironde, France head toward the fire.
Cockroach Party: India’s Student Protesters Win Against Government
After two months, students protesting in India as the “Cockroach Janta Party” (CJP) have won their fight to improve Indian education.
The struggle began with a mean comment from the top judge of India’s supreme court. He compared young people without jobs to “cockroaches”.
Abhijeet Dipke felt hurt by the comment. On social media, he asked: “What if all cockroaches came together?”
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The struggle began after a judge on India’s supreme court compared young people without jobs to “cockroaches”. Abhijeet Dipke (center) organized the “Cockroach Janta Party” to bring all the “cockroaches” together. He encouraged them to protest peacefully.
Millions of people liked the idea. Mr. Dipke started the Cockroach Janta Party, a group for anyone who felt ignored or jobless. In just two weeks, the group had 22 million followers.
The movement grew quickly because many students were already angry. In May, a major medical exam had been canceled after some test questions were shared secretly. That meant everyone had to take the test again.
India’s Educational Tests
In India, difficult educational tests are promoted as a way for students to get ahead in life. But even those who are successful in school often have trouble finding a good job.
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After weeks of protesting, government representatives met with the group. By last Saturday, the government had agreed to many of the CJP’s demands, including the education minister stepping down. Above, protesters celebrate last Saturday in New Delhi after the government gave in.
Mr. Dipke began leading protests in New Delhi. He asked the protesters to stay peaceful, following the example of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi. The protests grew rapidly, especially after police violently broke up a march organized by the CJP.
After weeks of camping out and protesting, government representatives met with the group. By last Saturday, the government had agreed to many of the CJP’s demands, including the education minister stepping down.
“We have done it!” Mr. Dipke shouted to the cheering crowd.
Did You Know…?
The CJP is not actually a political party. The name was meant more as a joke. But it is now one of the few successful challenges that have been led against the strict government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The CJP have ended their protest, but they may continue to push for more changes.