Category: Trending

“There is not even the most basic level of trust,” says South Korean President Lee Jae Myung of relations with North Korea.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung warned Monday (Nov 24) of the risk of accidental clashes with North Korea, which has cut off all channels of communication with Seoul.

Lee, who has taken several steps to ease tensions since taking office in June, has offered discussions with the North without preconditions, in contrast to his hawkish conservative predecessor.

Pyongyang has yet to respond to Lee’s overtures.

“Inter-Korean relations have, regrettably, turned very hostile and confrontational,” Lee told reporters on a flight from South Africa, where he attended the G20 summit, to Türkiye.

“There is not even the most basic level of trust, and North Korea is making extremely extreme statements and taking extremely extreme actions,” he said, giving examples of recent cases of North Korea installing triple layers of barbed-wire fences on the border.

“We have now reached a situation where we do not know when an accidental clash may occur,” said Lee.

“All lines of connection have been cut. They are refusing all dialogue and contact. It is a very dangerous state,” he added.

Lee, however, said Seoul would continue to pursue communications with the North, saying the South was “always open”.

“Why do we exchange and talk with every other country but not with North Korea? Now let us exchange. And we support the normalisation of relations.”

Source : https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/lee-jae-myung-south-north-korea-relations-risk-accidental-clashes-5487416

A Christian group has announced that at least 50 of the more than 300 children snatched by gunmen from a Catholic school in Nigeria have fled from their captors.

Fifty of the 303 students kidnapped from a Catholic school in north-central Nigeria last week have escaped and have been reunited with their parents, the Catholic Church and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said on Sunday.

What happened in the kidnapping?
Armed men raided the Catholic boarding school in the village of Papiri in Niger State on Friday morning, abducting 303 children and 12 teachers.

Some 253 pupils remain in captivity, according to the Catholic bishop who heads the school.

Among them are 6-year-old children, local media has reported, citing parents.

In a statement, CAN chairman Bulus Yohanna, a Catholic Bishop who is also the proprietor of the school, said the pupils fled from their captors on Friday and Saturday.

Africa’s most populous country is currently under increasing scrutiny from US President Donald Trump, whose administration designated Nigeria as particular concern due to the killing of Christians by radical Islamists.

Pope calls for ‘immediate release’ of hostages
Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV on Sunday made “a heartfelt appeal for the immediate release of the hostages.”

The pope spoke of his “deep sorrow, especially for the many young boys and girls kidnapped and for their anguished families,” at the end of the Angelus prayer.

School kidnappings have come to define insecurity in Nigeria, and armed gangs often see schools as “strategic” targets to attract more attention.

At least 1,500 students have been seized in Nigeria since the infamous kidnapping of the Chibok schoolgirls more than a decade ago. Many of the children were released only after ransoms were met.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/nigeria-50-children-escape-after-catholic-school-kidnapping/a-74855166

President Donald Trump has said a US plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war is not his “final offer” for Kyiv, after Ukrainian allies voiced concerns over proposals.

Earlier on Saturday, leaders from Europe, Canada and Japan said the plan had elements “essential for a just and lasting peace”, but would “require additional work”, citing concerns over border changes and caps on Ukraine’s army.

On Sunday, security officials from Britain, France, Germany, the US and Ukraine will meet in Geneva, Switzerland.

President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier warned Ukraine faced “one of the most difficult moments in our history” over US pressure to accept the plan seen as favourable to Moscow.

Trump has given Ukraine until 27 November to accept the 28-point plan, while Russia’s President Vladimir Putin said it could be the “basis” for a settlement.

When asked on Saturday whether the current draft plan was his final offer for Ukraine, Trump told reporters at the White House: “No, not my final offer.”

“One way or another we have to get it [the war] ended, so we’re working on it,” he added.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff will be among those taking part in talks in Geneva on Sunday. National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell will attend on the UK’s behalf.

Saturday’s joint statement at the G20 summit in South Africa was signed by the leaders of Canada, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, the UK, Germany and Norway. Two top EU officials were also among the signatories.

The statement said: “We believe therefore that the draft is a basis which will require additional work. We are ready to engage in order to ensure that a future peace is sustainable. We are clear on the principle that borders must not be changed by force.

“We are also concerned by the proposed limitations on Ukraine’s armed forces, which would leave Ukraine vulnerable to future attack.”

It added: “The implementation of elements relating to the European Union and relating to Nato would need the consent of EU and Nato members respectively”.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who is at the G20 summit in Johannesburg, spoke to Zelensky on the phone on Saturday, followed by a call with Trump.

On the Trump call, a Downing Street spokesman said Sir Keir “relayed the discussions that have been taking place between Coalition of the Willing partners [Ukraine’s allies] in attendance at the G20 summit today”.

They added: “The leaders agreed their teams would work together on the 28-point US peace proposal in Geneva tomorrow. They agreed to speak again tomorrow.”

Sir Keir earlier said he was concerned about proposed caps on Ukraine’s military in the US plan, saying “it’s fundamental that Ukraine has to be able to defend itself if there’s a ceasefire”.

The widely leaked US peace plan proposes Ukrainian troops withdraw from the part of the eastern Donetsk region that they currently control, and de facto Russian control of Donetsk, as well as the neighbouring Luhansk region and the southern Crimea peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014.

The plan also includes freezing the borders of Ukraine’s southern Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions along the current battle lines. Both regions are partially occupied by Russia.

The US draft would also limit Ukraine’s military to 600,000 personnel, with European fighter jets stationed in neighbouring Poland.

Kyiv would receive “reliable security guarantees”, the plan says, although no details have been given. The document says “it is expected” that Russia will not invade its neighbours and Nato will not expand further.

The plan also suggests Russia will be “reintegrated into the global economy”, through the lifting of sanctions and by inviting Russia to rejoin the G7 group of the world’s most powerful countries – making it the G8 again.

On Friday, Trump said Zelensky would “have to like” the US proposals, adding otherwise Ukraine and Russia would continue fighting.

Earlier in the day, the Ukrainian leader addressed the nation with a stark warning that the country “might face a very difficult choice: either losing dignity, or risk losing a key partner”.

“Today is one of the most difficult moments in our history,” Zelensky added, pledging to work “constructively” with the Americans on the plan.

On Saturday, Zelensky announced that his head of office Andriy Yermak would lead Ukraine’s negotiating team for future talks on a peace deal, including any that may involve Russia.

“Our representatives know how to defend Ukraine’s national interests and exactly what must be done to prevent Russia from launching a third invasion, another strike against Ukraine,” the president said in a video statement posted on social media.

Kyiv is critically dependent on deliveries of US-made advanced weaponry, including air defence systems to repel deadly Russian air assaults, as well as intelligence provided by Washington.

Putin on Friday confirmed Moscow had received the US plan – but said it had not been discussed with the Kremlin in detail.

Source : https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clydg8w7kxvo

It is unusual for world leaders to adopt a declaration at the start of the G20. Officials from G20 summit host South Africa said Washington had pressured them not to adopt a declaration in its absence.

World leaders attending a Group of 20 (G20) leaders’ summit in South Africa on Saturday adopted a declaration addressing global challenges despite opposition from the United States.

The move broke with protocol as declarations are typically adopted at the end of G20 summits.

In his opening remarks, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said: “We should not allow anything to diminish the value, the stature and the impact of the first African G20 presidency.”

This year’s summit has been overshadowed by President Donald Trump’s decision not to send a US delegation.

South African officials said Washington had put pressure on South Africa not to adopt a declaration in its absence.

While the world’s largest economy boycotted the summit, Ramaphosa argued that the G20 still played a key role in international cooperation.

“The G20 underscores the value of the relevance of multilateralism. It recognizes that the challenges that we face can only be resolved through cooperation, collaboration and partnership,” the summit’s host said.

G20 amid geopolitical crisis

Despite Ramaphosa’s optimism, French President Emmanuel Macron noted that “the G20 may be coming to the end of a cycle.”

“We are living in a moment of geopolitics in which we are struggling to resolve major crises together around this table, including with members who are not present today,” said Macron.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer agreed with Macron’s warning.

“There’s no doubt, the road ahead is tough,” he said. “We need to find ways to play a constructive role again today in the face of the world challenges.”

Meanwhile, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who was attending the summit instead of President Xi Jinping, said “unilateralism and protectionism are rampant” and “many people are pondering what exactly is happening to global solidarity.”

What did G20 leaders agree on in the declaration?

The 122-point declaration demanded more global action to cope with climate change.

Endorsed on the same day that the COP30 talks ended in Brazil, leaders acknowledged that “investment and climate finance” need to be scaled up “from billions to trillions globally from all sources.”

The declaration also addressed the need to reform international financial systems to help low-income countries deal with their debt.

Its language on taxing the super-rich was weaker than in the previous G20 declaration in Rio de Janeiro, where leaders agreed for the first time “to ensure that ultra-high-net-worth individuals are effectively taxed.”

Leaders also urged for a “just, comprehensive, and lasting peace” in Ukraine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the “Occupied Palestinian Territory” based on the UN Charter.

Although Ukraine appeared only once in the 30-page text, Western leaders at the summit scrambled on the sidelines to address a peace plan proposed by the US that would end the war in Ukraine on terms considered favorable to Russia.

Source : https://www.dw.com/en/g20-adopts-declaration-despite-us-absence/a-74850499

The UK government is expected to approve China’s plans for a new mega embassy in central London.

A final decision has not yet been formally taken, but the advice ministers are understood to have received from the intelligence agencies clears the path for the controversial project to be given the go ahead.

The expected green light – first reported by the Times newspaper – will become the latest case study in the growing public argument about how wise a close relationship with Beijing is.

The approval or rejection of the planning application lies with the Housing Secretary Steve Reed – in what is known as a quasi-judicial decision.

But given the sensitivities of this judgement call, many others have been consulted – including MI5 and MI6.

The decision has repeatedly been delayed and last month the government pushed back a deadline to rule on the application to 10 December.

The site at Royal Mint Court is close to the City of London, and fibre optic cables that carry vast quantities of highly sensitive data, sparking concerns it could pose an espionage risk.

The embassy, at 20,000 square metres, would be the biggest of its kind anywhere in Europe.

Some have argued that a single site, rather than multiple sites across London, may be easier to manage and there is an awareness in government that rejecting China’s long-standing desire for its new embassy could set back diplomatic relations.

However, Conservative shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel warned that approving the embassy would put Britain at risk, accusing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer of being “desperate and unprincipled”.

The Chinese Embassy in the UK has previously said the new complex would enhance “mutually beneficial cooperation” between China and Britain, with officials arguing objections to the site are unjustified.

Since winning the general election last year, Labour has sought to thaw the UK’s relationship with Beijing.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Business Secretary Peter Kyle and the most senior civil servant in the Foreign Office, Sir Olly Robbins, have all been on visits to China.

The prime minister is expected to make his own trip to the country, perhaps as soon as early next year.

Asked about the prospect of heading there, he told reporters en route to the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, that no visit was confirmed yet.

He said the government’s approach to China “is the same approach as we’ve always taken, which is cooperate where we can and challenge where we must, particularly on national security”.

Critics say the government is insufficiently hard-headed about what they see as the threat posed by Beijing, and argue for a much greater caution in the UK’s relationship.

Dame Priti said: “It beggars belief that Starmer is jetting off to Beijing just months after the case against the alleged Chinese spies collapsed on his watch.”

She added: “Keir Starmer is so weak, and our economy so precarious, that Labour feels it must kowtow to China at every opportunity, regardless of the cost to our country.”

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said approving the embassy would be the “wrong decision”.

“If you think of all the Hong Kongers who came to our country to escape the oppression from China, now the government is allowing it in.”

In September a case involving two men – including a former parliamentary researcher – who were accused of spying for China collapsed in controversial circumstances. Both men denied wrongdoing.

Prosecutors said the case was dropped because they could not get evidence from the government referring to China as a national security threat.

Source : https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgexdjp0qj8o

Gunshots were fired during an annual Christmas event in United States’ North Carolina. At the time of the firing, over 200 people were attending the downtown Concord Christmas tree lighting.

Several people were injured in a shooting incident in the United States’ North Carolina on Friday evening (local time). The incident took place during the downtown Concord Christmas tree lighting.

At the time of the firing, over 200 people were attending the event. According to reports, gunshots were heard at around 7:30 pm (local time).

After receiving the information, the police reached the spot. The entire area was cordoned off. The injured were taken to a nearby hospital.

There are no details about the person who opened fire. Brett Ford, a balloon artist, told WCNC Charlotte that at the time of the incident around 250–300 people were present at the spot. “All of a sudden, you heard what you thought was fireworks, but it’s about 40 minutes early for the fireworks,” he added.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/us-shooting-several-injured-in-firing-at-concord-christmas-tree-lighting-in-north-carolina-video

Passed under the Biden administration in 2022, the CHIPS Act was designed to boost the US chip manufacturing industry and allocated US$39 billion to spur the construction of new factories and expand existing facilities.

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers introduced a Bill on Thursday (Nov 20) in the House that would block the purchase of Chinese chipmaking equipment by CHIPS Act grant recipients for 10 years.

The Bill targets a range of chipmaking tools from complex lithography equipment, like that produced by Dutch manufacturer ASML, to machines that slice and dice the silicon wafers on which chips are printed.

The Bill was introduced in the House by Republican Jay Obernolte and Democratic member Zoe Lofgren. In the Senate, Democrat Mark Kelly and Republican Marsha Blackburn plan to introduce the Bill in December.

Passed under the Biden administration in 2022, the CHIPS Act was designed to boost the US chip manufacturing industry and allocated US$39 billion to spur the construction of new factories and expand existing facilities.

Chip manufacturers such as Intel, Taiwan’s TSMC and South Korea’s Samsung Electronics have received grants under the law, though the US later converted Intel’s grant money into an equity stake.

China has invested more than US$40 billion in the chip industry with a focus on manufacturing equipment, and the market share of such equipment has grown substantially, according to background material provided by the lawmakers.

US chip equipment makers have grown concerned that export restrictions on their tool shipments to China will lower sales and hurt their ability to invest in research and development. The use of CHIPS Act grant money to buy Chinese equipment has compounded the issue.

The largest American chipmaking tool companies include Applied Materials, Lam Research and KLA.

Source : https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/us-lawmakers-target-chinese-chipmaking-equipment-imports-chips-act-grant-recipients-5481106

Ukraine plans to seek nearly $44 billion from Russia for the damage linked to an increase in climate-warming emissions from the ongoing war, a government minister told Reuters.
The move marks the first time a country is claiming damages for such an increase in emissions, including from the fossil fuels, cement and steel used in fighting the war, and from the destruction of trees through resultant fires.

“A lot of damage was caused to water, to land, to forests,” said Pavlo Kartashov, the country’s deputy minister for economy, environment, and agriculture.
“We have huge amounts of additional CO2 emissions and greenhouse gases,” Kartashov told Reuters in an interview on the sidelines of the COP30 climate summit in Brazil.
A member of the Russian delegation at COP30 declined to comment.
Dutch carbon accounting expert Lennard de Klerk estimated the war had generated about 237 million tons of additional CO2-equivalent emissions since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, nearly equal to the annual emissions for Ireland, Belgium and Austria combined.

De Klerk told Reuters he had helped Ukraine to calculate the damage figure based on a 2022 study in Nature estimating the so-called social cost of carbon, an estimate of damages to society from CO2, at about $185 a ton.
He said Ukraine was preparing to submit a claim through a new compensation process being set up by the Council of Europe that has already received some 70,000 claims by Ukrainian individuals for wartime damages.
All the claims, including any filed by other legal entities such as companies, will then be decided by a claims commission.
It remains unclear where the compensation will come from. De Klerk suggested that the billions of dollars in frozen Russian assets could be used in covering the claims.

Source: https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/cop/ukraine-plans-44-billion-claim-against-russia-wartime-emissions-2025-11-18/

As Johannesburg prepares to host Africa’s first ever G20 summit, South Africa aims to showcase its diplomatic and economic potential despite the US boycott.

In South Africa’s largest city, Johannesburg, preparations for hosting the world’s biggest economic players at the annual G20 (Group of 20) summit have been underway for weeks.

“The preparations were actually perfect. Anything else will be overkill,” Siphamandla Zondi, a professor of politics and international relations at the University of Johannesburg, told DW following a workshop on the G20 summit, which takes place on November 22–23.

Lindelani Mkhaliphi, a young South African who also took part in the workshop, said: “It does make me feel proud. We’re also representing the entirety of Africa.”

The first G20 summit to be held on African soil is a big moment for South Africa, which is trying to straddle its role as a BRICS member, while remaining a valued trade partner for Western democracies.

But for Mavis Owusu-Gyamfi, president and CEO of the African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET), South Africa’s focus on solidarity, equality, and sustainability has been refreshing.

“It comes at a time when the world is starting to recognize that Africa is central to solving a lot of the global challenges,” Owusu-Gyamfi told DW, adding that “global growth and stability depend on whether the African continent’s trajectory is good or bad.”

She points to Africa’s fast growing, young population, its increasing share of the global workforce, and sovereignty over a “significant percentage of the critical minerals that we need for green growth.”

Why is the US boycotting the G20 in South Africa?

The United States will assume the G20 rotating presidency on December 1, but is boycotting the G20 summit in Johannesburg.

Washington’s relationship with South Africa has soured: First came crippling aid cuts through USAID in February, which affected thousands of vulnerable South Africans. Then Pretoria was singled out for high tariffs.

The administration of US President Donald Trump has asserted, without tangible evidence, that a genocide targeting white people is occurring in South Africa.

The South African government has denied that Afrikaners and other white South Africans are being persecuted.

Washington has also castigated Pretoria for its ongoing case at the International Court of Justice against Israel over its actions in the Gaza Strip.

But according to Menzi Ndhlovu, a political risk analyst at Signal Risk, skipping the G20 serves another function.

“This is about the delegitimization of South Africa, its leadership status, and its belonging in the upper echelons of the global power structures,” he said.

“The US, or Republicans rather, see South Africa as a country case of DEI [Diversity, Equity and Inclusion],” Ndhlovu told DW. “And the Republicans are opposed to DEI in America. So to make an example in the international arena, they have flagged South Africa.”

In February, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused South Africa of “using the G20 to promote ‘solidarity, equality, & sustainability.’ In other words: DEI and climate change,” which he said were “anti-Americanisms.”

Many other G20 attendees still expected

But snubbing an organization representing around 85% of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP),60% of the world’s population, and over 75% of global trade is still an issue. The G20 consists of the world’s 19 biggest economies plus the European Union (EU) and African Union (AU), and senior officials are expected to attend despite the US absence.

Referring to Trump’s claims of genocide in South Africa, analyst Ndhlovu said: “A lot of major powers are looking past some of the theatrics, and they don’t want any part of it because they see the value in partnering with what still is Africa’s largest and most influential economy.”

Ndhlovu acknowledges the US boycott is a major obstacle because of its economic clout and influence on global institutions, but suggests there are ways around this for South Africa.

“The response from South Africa to Trump’s non-attendance was very stately,” Ndhlovu told DW. “The next step is actually more important, and that is finding resolutions that can work in the absence of the US and where there is consensus.”

“Global cooperation does not revolve around a single country,” noted economist Owusu-Gyamfi.

“South Africa has used this G20 presidency to highlight the fact that solving current global challenges, be it debt reform, climate financing, trade, is a collective action by the G20 and beyond.”

What can South Africa gain from the G20?

The problems for South Africa, and President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government, are considerable: Corruption scandals, high crime rates, and a stagnating economy battling staggering unemployment. Still, Ndhlovu and others see the G20 as a chance for South Africa to “put on a good show.”

“As Africans, there is a tendency to feel like all of this does not affect us, that we perceive this as European,” Nghede Adams, a Nigerian scholar at the German Konrad Adenauer Foundation, told DW.

“But, here in South Africa, it is home, an opportunity for us to connect.”

Ugandan Martha Tukahirwa of the Fight Inequality Alliance, who will be on the sidelines of the G20, told DW: “The global economy is not only in a state of just mere faltering, but we’re in a moment where there is a lot of extractivism. It’s exclusionary, and highly unstable.”

She believes the summit is a “political moment” because previously, important multilateral spaces were led by representatives from other continents.

“We need to use the space to really amplify our demands,” she said.

Big, bold challenges

Aside from the apparent US snub, the boldest aims of South Africa’s leadership may also be its biggest challenges.

“In sub-Saharan Africa, our elders hold dearly to the principles of equity, of unity in a crisis,” Mavis Owusu-Gyamfi said.

“So I’m really proud Soupluth Africa held strong onto those. They’ve put debt sustainability for low-income countries at the heart of the agenda, with countries spending an average of 17% of their revenues on debt repayment right now.”

She describes this as a first, and believes the G20’s legacy must translate into real benefits for Africa’s economic growth.

“Africa has to transform its economies from a dependence on exporting raw materials to value addition that can create jobs for its people,” political economist Owusu-Gyamfi told DW.

“It must have access to the right types of finance when it is needed. South Africa’s focus on the cost of capital is an excellent example of why the G20 happening on African soil is good for Africa.”

Analyst Ndhlovu added that picking the right themes, like debt restructuring, can make the G20 a success for South Africa.

Source : https://www.dw.com/en/south-africa-rises-above-us-snub-as-g20-nears/a-74781094

Donald Trump ripped into a reporter from the US network ABC News on Tuesday (Nov 18), just days after calling another woman journalist “piggy” after she asked a question related to the convicted sexual offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Trump threatened ABC’s broadcast licence after reporter Mary Bruce posed questions during a White House visit by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The earlier incident involving Bloomberg reporter Catherine Lucey happened a few days ago on Air Force One, but only came to light on social media on Tuesday.

“Quiet. Quiet, piggy,” Trump said to Lucey on Friday, pointing his finger at her, after she asked him why he would not release material on disgraced sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, if there’s nothing incriminating in the files”.

CNN journalist Jake Tapper called Trump’s “piggy” comment “disgusting and completely unacceptable”.

On Tuesday, Trump singled out ABC News’s Bruce after she asked a series of questions in the Oval Office as the US president hosted the de facto Saudi ruler in a high-profile event.

Bruce first asked questions about whether dealings by Trump’s family business with the Saudis were a conflict of interest.

She then quizzed Prince Mohammed over the 2018 murder of dissident Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, saying “US intelligence concluded that you orchestrated the brutal murder of a journalist, 9/11 families are furious that you are here in the Oval Office. Why should Americans trust you?”

Trump cut in angrily, saying: “ABC fake news. One of the worst in the business.”

“NO MORE QUESTIONS”

The president then said he has “nothing to do” with the Trump Organization, which is currently run by his two eldest sons and which announced a deal with a Saudi developer for a resort in the Maldives on Monday.

Trump also backed Prince Mohammed’s denial of involvement in the Khashoggi murder, despite US intelligence suggesting he approved the operation.

“You don’t have to embarrass our guest by asking a question like that,” Trump snapped.

Trump boiled over again when Bruce later asked about the flashpoint issue of Epstein. Congress voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to order the release of files about the financier, who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking.

Source : https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-lashes-out-female-reporters-abc-news-bloomberg-5476051

Two were killed as massive clashes broke out in several parts of Bangladesh, including capital Dhaka, after the ICT’s death penalty ruling for for ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for crimes against humanity during the students’ uprising in 2024.

Bangladesh was on the boil yet again as Awami League supporters clashed with their rivals and police following the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)’s death sentence verdict for ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for crimes against humanity during the students’ uprising last year that toppled her government.

Demonstrators blocked several highways in Dhaka as they led marches and clashed with police, who were deployed on the streets of Dhaka and elsewhere in Bangladesh in anticipation of violence following the ICT verdict. Police had to use batons, sound grenades and tear gas in a bid to disperse the protesters, according to Bangladeshi media.

Videos surfaced on social media showing demonstrators being chased by police with batons and explosions being heard as Dhaka remained tense throughout the day.

Dhanmondi 32 area, where the house of Bangladesh’s founding father and Hasina’s father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is located, remained tense as protesters attempted to march there and destroy the property, local media reported.

Supporters of the Awami League, which has been banned by the Muhammad Yunus-led interim regime for its role in the 2024 anti-government protests, clashed with their counterparts from Jatiya Chhatra Shakti, an organisation formed with the coordinators of the students’ uprising.

Ahead of the ICT verdict on Monday, the Awami League had called a two-day nationwide bandh to protest against the ruling, which has been described by Hasina as “politically motivated”.

ICT RULING AGAINST SHEIKH HASINA

The ICT found Hasina, the 78-year-old Awami League chief, currently living in exile in Delhi since her ouster on August 5 last year following massive anti-government protests, guilty on three charges: incitement to violence, issuing orders to kill protesters and failing to prevent atrocities during the student-led uprising.

Former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan was also sentenced to death, while former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun received five years in prison after becoming a state witness and pleading guilty.

The landmark ruling, arriving months ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for early February, is expected to reshape Bangladesh’s political landscape.

A defiant Hasina called the ruling “biased, politically motivated” and issued by a “rigged tribunal with no democratic mandate”. On the other hand, Yunus praised the verdict, saying that no one, regardless of power, was above the law.

Following the verdict, Bangladesh has written to India to immediately return Hasina and Kamal for their alleged role in the deadly July crackdown on students’ protests.

In response, New Delhi said it formally took note of the ICT ruling against Hasina, adding that it “remains committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh.”

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/bangladesh-massive-clashes-sheikh-hasina-ict-death-sentence-killed-cops-on-charge-2821568-2025-11-18

PRESIDENT Donald Trump has sparked renewed health concerns after he addressed reporters with a raspy voice from the White House.

But when he was quizzed about how he was feeling, the 79-year-old insisted he strained his voice during a dispute over his tariffs.

A reporter asked, “Your voice sounds a little rough. Are you feeling alright?” before the president shut him down with a swift response.

“I feel great. I was shouting at people because they were stupid about something having to do with trade and a country,” Trump said.

“I blew my stack at these people.”

The reporter continued saying, “Well it sounds like there’s a follow up there” before the president abruptly said, “What?”

“I thought you said there was a polyp,” said Trump, appearing to reference an abnormal growth of tissue that can develop in the vocal cords.

“I don’t want to hear that!” he said, sparking a roar of laughter in the room.

This isn’t the first time that Trump has appeared to have a weakened voice since taking back the White House in January.

In September, he sounded a bit worn out during a phone interview with conservative commentator Scott Jennings, the Daily Beast reported at the time.

The president has also sparked concern after sporting a bruised hand that was smudged with concealer on several occasions.

But White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed this was merely due to a harmless vein condition that exacerbates bruising.

Last week, Trump got his latest physical check-up, and his doctor said he was in “excellent overall health.”

Navy Captain Sean Barbabella wrote in a letter, “His cardiac age – a validated measure of cardiovascular vitality via ECG -was found to be approximately 14 years younger than his chronological age.

“He continues to maintain a demanding daily schedule without restriction.”

LATEST PHYSICAL

Despite raising eyebrows, Trump has continually pointed to his annual physical completed in April which showed he was in fighting shape.

According to the publicly released exam, Trump has dropped 20 pounds since his last physical in 2020, and his cholesterol is sitting at 140.

Though the president is known to enjoy indulgent meals like McDonald’s, he’s also an avid golfer who gets his steps in on the course.

And according to Fox News’ Sean Hannity, the president has found a way to enjoy his favorite offerings while maintaining his weight.

“If [Trump] has a burger now, he usually doesn’t have it with a bun,” the host previously said.

In September, death rumors circulated online after the president had a quiet weekend.

When he was asked by reporters about the viral claims, Trump insisted that he’s always busy behind the scenes.

TRUMP ON WORLD CUP

Before Trump was quizzed on his voice, he revealed that international soccer lovers who purchase a World Cup ticket will get a “FIFA pass” that seamlessly allows them into the US.

The next FIFA World Cup will be held in the US, Canada, and Mexico, and Trump predicted it will generate $30 billion for America and 200,000 jobs.

But Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that the FIFA pass does not give visitors free rein on their time in America, and urged travelers to apply for the pass now.

Source : https://www.the-sun.com/news/15506386/president-trump-voice-raspy-truth-video/

Bangladeshi judges have found former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina guilty of crimes against humanity for the violent repression of anti-government protests in 2024.

Indigenous peoples around the world are vital to protecting forests yet are often shut out of climate policy decisions. At COP30, they hope world leaders will finally respond to their concerns.

When organizers of this year’s international climate conference adopted ‘mutirao’ — a Portuguese word of Indigenous origin meaning ‘collective effort’ — as the event’s official slogan, they were reinforcing a message first conveyed by the choice of location for COP30.

The Amazonian city of Belem was selected for the talks to showcase the role of the region’s 1.7 million Indigenous peoples as skilled stewards of the world’s largest rainforest.

These gestures are a departure for talks in which Indigenous communities — who safeguard much of the world’s biodiversity — have long felt unheard. But whether they will translate into meaningful action remains to be seen.

What are Indigenous communities asking for?

The more than 5,000 distinct groups of Indigenous peoples living across 90 countries represent just 6% of the global population but are vital to protecting nature and climate.

As guardians of their lands, one of their main demands is a greater say in how that land is managed. Many of their territories face encroachment from oil and gas drilling, mining, and logging.

“We want to reach a consensus where Indigenous territories are no longer sacrificed,” said Lucia Ixchiu, an Indigenous K’iche from Guatemala, who sailed through the Amazon for weeks to bring that message to world leaders.

For many communities, land rights are an ongoing issue. Though legal recognition of an estimated 100 million hectares (247 million acres) was granted to Indigenous, Afro-descendant and other local communities between 2015 and 2020 worldwide, claims to a further 1.4 billion hectares are yet to be resolved.

“We hope that COP30 will strengthen the international commitment to the demarcation and protection of Indigenous territories, recognizing them as fundamental areas for conservation and climate balance,” said Alcebias Sapara, a leading member of the Coordination of Indigenous Organizations in the Brazilian Amazon.

Sapara said they would also push for direct funding mechanisms for Indigenous-led initiatives — so they could manage their territories autonomously and sustainably — and for traditional knowledge to be integrated into climate policies.

Christine Halvorson, program director at the Rainforest Foundation US, said they also want to make sure that any green energy projects that could impact Indigenous lands and livelihoods happen only after those communities are consulted and give their consent.

Halvorson added Indigenous peoples are also requesting greater protection, as many face threats and violence for defending their land. In 2024, around a third of the environmental defenders disappeared or killed internationally were Indigenous.

Can they help protect the climate?

“Without Indigenous peoples… there is no future for humanity,” Sonia Guajajara, Brazil’s Minister of Indigenous Peoples, told AFP. She highlighted how they ensure clean water, and protect biodiversity where they live.

Indigenous communities are widely seen as the world’s best forest guardians. They manage around a quarter of the world’s land and up to half of the remaining intact forests.

Besides being rich in biodiversity, the world’s forests are vital carbon sinks, storing an estimated 861 gigatons of carbon — roughly equal to 100 years of fossil fuel emissions.

Intact forests have in the past absorbed around a fifth of emissions, but they are increasingly under threat from human activity and climate change. Last year wildfires led to an 80% increase in tropical forest deforestation.

There is growing body of credible research supporting the argument that granting land rights to Indigenous peoples has a key role in tackling climate change.

“The evidence is clear: Where Indigenous territorial rights are respected, deforestation declines; where they are denied, destruction advances,” said Guajajara, in a written statement ahead of COP.

Granting communities the power to prevent development projects like oil drilling and mining on their land has also been found to be a cost-effective way to protect nature.

Ensuring land rights for Indigenous peoples in the Brazilian Amazon could decrease deforestation by 66%, according to one 2023 study. Another estimated emissions would be 45% higher in the Amazon without Indigenous protected land.

What might Indigenous communities achieve at COP30?

There were some wins already ahead of COP30’s official opening.

This included dozens of countries pledging to formally recognize land rights by 2030 across 80 million hectares where Indigenous, Afro-descendant and other communities live. The move has been cautiously welcomed by Indigenous leaders, who warned implementing land rights in practice can be challenging.

The launch of the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF), a proposed $125-billion (€108 billion) global conservation fund that would pay countries based on how well they protect their forests, also pledged to give 20% of funds to Indigenous peoples.

While this is a significant step forward, to be truly effective Halvorson says the TFFF must guarantee Indigenous peoples have direct and equitable access to the resources they need.

She said if commitments in Belem on land demarcation, direct funding and global recognition of territorial rights are fulfilled, “COP30 could become a landmark for climate justice.”

Is COP30 really paying attention to Indigenous communities?

Minister Guajajara told DW that this year marks the highest Indigenous participation in COP history and their most significant presence in decision-making spaces. Still, only have fraction have access to the restricted negotiation areas.

“Having credentials to enter the venue does not guarantee that the voices and views of Indigenous delegates from Brazil will be heard,” said the Indigenous Climate Action organization.

While COP30 has shown progress in the visibility of Indigenous peoples’ concerns, so far “it is still not enough compared to what we expect,” said Alcebias Sapara.

Indigenous protestors twice interrupted the Belem climate talks this week, trying to have their voices heard. Leaders of the Munduruku Indigenous group, who led a demonstration on Friday, presented a series of demands to Brazil, including a rejection of deforestation carbon credits. Carbon credits have come under scrutiny for failing to deliver promised emissions cuts.

Source : https://www.dw.com/en/mutirao-the-brazilian-indigenous-concept-that-could-change-climate-talks/a-74734652

No damage has been reported but ashfall is expected in parts of Kagoshima and the neighbouring Miyazaki prefecture, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

A volcano in southern Japan erupted early on Sunday (Nov 16), sending a plume of ash and smoke into the sky and prompting a warning over ashfall.

Sakurajima, one of Japan’s most active volcanoes, erupted before dawn, sending ash and smoke up to 4,400m into the sky, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

No damage has been reported, an official in Kagoshima prefecture, where the volcano is located, told AFP.

But the weather agency forecast ashfall in part of Kagoshima and neighbouring Miyazaki prefecture, as the eruption continued several times.

Source : https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/japan-volcano-sakurajima-eruption-5470336

United States House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson said on Sunday (Nov 16) he believed the approaching vote on releasing Justice Department files related to Jeffrey Epstein should help put to rest allegations that President Donald Trump had any connection to the late sex offender’s abuse and trafficking of underage girls.

“They’re doing this to go after President Trump on this theory that he has something to do with it. He does not,” Johnson, the Republican leader in the House, said on Fox News Sunday.

“Epstein is their entire game plan, so we’re going to take that weapon out of their hands,” Johnson said of Democrats. “Let’s just get this done and move it on. There’s nothing to hide.”

Although Trump and Epstein were photographed together decades ago, the president has said the two men fell out prior to Epstein’s convictions.

Emails released last week by a House committee showed Epstein believed Trump “knew about the girls”, though it was not clear what that phrase meant. Trump has since instructed the Department of Justice to investigate prominent Democrats’ ties to Epstein.

Representative Ro Khanna, a California Democrat and an original sponsor of the petition calling for a vote on the files’ release, said on Sunday that he expected more than 40 Republicans to vote in favour.

Republicans hold the majority in the House, with 219 seats, versus 214 for Democrats.

Khanna, speaking on NBC’s “Meet the Press”, said the measure is not about Trump but about accountability for all the powerful individuals who allegedly participated in abusing thousands of victims.

“This is not partisan. They all need to be held accountable. The Epstein class needs to go,” Khanna said.

The battle over disclosure of more Epstein-related documents, a subject Trump himself campaigned on, has opened a rift with some of his allies in Congress.

Trump late on Friday withdrew his support for Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, long one of his staunchest supporters in Congress, following her criticism of Republicans on certain issues, including the handling of the Epstein files.

Source : https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/trump-us-vote-releasing-epstein-files-mike-johnson-5471016

Activists held the first mass protest at the UN’s COP conference since 2021, demanding greater environmental protection and more action against climate change.

Thousands marched in the Brazilian city of Belem on Saturday, as the UN’s COP30 climate conference marks its halfway point.

Organizers dubbed the event the “Great People’s March.”

The mass mobilization comes after two Indigenous-led protests that disrupted the climate conference earlier in the week.

On Saturday, demonstrators marched 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles) through the city.

Environmental activists were joined by Indigenous people holding banners, flags, chanting slogans, and blasting music from speakers.

The last such protest at the UN’s annual climate summit took place four years ago at COP26 in Glasgow.

The last three annual gatherings were held in Egypt, Dubai and Azerbaijan, whose governments were not friendly to protests during the conference.

COP30 in Belem will run through Friday and environmental activists are hoping some progress can be made on the issue of climate change and its adverse effects, particularly io vulnerable communities.

Parallel to the UN meeting, the “People’s Summit” is also being held at the university in Belem, with hundreds of NGOs, environmentalist movements and networks from Brazil and abroad gathering there. The activist roundtable has met during the UN summit since 2023.

Activists demand reparations
At the rally, demonstrators renewed demands for reparations paid for damage caused by corporations and governments seen as responsible for the earth’s warming, to poor and marginalized communities, which have a much smaller effect on the climate.

Some marchers dressed in black, to signify a funeral for fossil fuels, a main contributor to climate change.

Demonstrators paraded three coffins marked with the words “coal,” “oil” and “gas.”

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/cop30-environmental-activists-stage-mass-protest-in-belem/a-74760961

Disagreements between Donald Trump and Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene have ballooned into a public feud, signalling a breakdown in relations between the US president and one of his fiercest defenders.

On Friday, Trump called Greene “wacky” in social media posts and said she should be unseated in next year’s elections. On Saturday, he called her a “traitor”.

Greene has in recent days questioned whether Trump was still putting “America First” and criticised his handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files.

The feud comes as the House is set to consider whether to release the files to the public.

“All I see “Wacky” Marjorie do is COMPLAIN, COMPLAIN, COMPLAIN!” Trump posted on Friday night, claiming that she turned on him after he suggested that she shouldn’t run for governor or senator in her home state of Georgia.

“She has told many people that she is upset that I don’t return her phone calls anymore,” Trump said, adding: “I can’t take a ranting Lunatic’s call every day.”

He pledged to back any Republican opponent that takes her on in next year’s midterm elections, when she is up for reelection, before intensifying his attacks in social media posts on Saturday from his home in Florida.

“Marjorie ‘Traitor’ Green [sic] is a disgrace to our GREAT REPUBLICAN PARTY!” he wrote.

The comments follow days of criticism from Greene, who has said that Trump is not doing enough to bring down costs for voters. She also denounced his recent decisions in foreign conflicts and on tariff policies.

But she has been most critical of his approach to handling the Epstein files.

The turnaround is remarkable for a lawmaker who stood by Trump during multiple scandals, most notably the Capitol riot in 2021 when Trump supporters stormed the US legislature in an attempt to block Trump’s election defeat.

The US president also vigorously defended Greene when she was accused of promoting antisemitic conspiracy theories.

Greene is one of only four House Republicans who joined Democrats in signing a discharge petition calling for the release of the Epstein files last week.

On Friday, Greene posted on X that Trump was trying to stop other Republicans from voting in favour of the Epstein petition.

“He’s coming after me hard to make an example to scare all the other Republicans before next weeks vote to release the Epstein files,” she posted, adding: “It’s astonishing really how hard he’s fighting to stop the Epstein files from coming out that he actually goes to this level.”

She returned to X on Saturday to say Trump had made her a target for threats “fueled and egged on by the most powerful man in the world”.

“As a Republican, who overwhelmingly votes for President Trump’s bills and agenda, his aggression against me… is completely shocking to everyone,” she wrote.

“I don’t worship or serve Donald Trump,” she wrote in one post. “I worship God, Jesus is my savior, and I serve my district GA14 and the American people.”

Former Republican pollster and strategist Robert Moran said it was clear the US president did not want the Epstein files to be released and “is trying to pressure” Greene.

Mr Moran doubted the row would affect Trump’s popularity as the electorate was so divided, but said it was inevitable the files would eventually come out.

“Many of his voters are sceptical of power and so they want power to be held to account, and they support the release of these files,” he added.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9wv4dx05q5o

The US December 2025 Visa Bulletin brought encouraging progress for Indian employment-based green card applicants, while family-based categories remain largely unchanged. This update offered renewed hope for skilled Indian workers awaiting their green cards.

The US State Department’s December 2025 Visa Bulletin delivers a rare month of forward movement for Indian employment-based green card applicants, even as family-based categories remain locked in place.

The bulletin’s cutoff dates determine which applications the US government will now process. Anyone whose priority date, the day their petition was first filed, is earlier than the published cutoff moves ahead. Anyone with a later date remains stuck in the queue.

For India, every major employment line sees an advance:

• EB-1 moves to 15 March 2022
• EB-2 shifts to 15 May 2013
• EB-3 progresses to 22 September 2013
• EB-4 jumps to 1 September 2020, and the Religious Workers category returns after being unavailable in November
• EB-5 cutoff date leaps five months to 1 July 2021, offering the strongest relief of the month

The forward movement means a larger set of Indian professionals and investors now fall before the updated cutoff dates and can inch closer to a final green card.

The story is different on the family side. Final Action Dates for F1, F2A, F2B, F3 and F4 show no change. The only minor shift: F2A applicants are allowed to file one month earlier. For most family-based categories, the backlog remains unchanged.

USCIS will continue using Dates for Filing for both family and employment streams, allowing eligible applicants to submit adjustment-of-status paperwork earlier, lock in priority dates, and obtain work and travel documents even when a green card number is not yet available.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/world/us-news/story/green-card-boost-for-indians-as-eb-1-eb-2-dates-advance-in-december-visa-bulletin-2820493-2025-11-15

US President Donald Trump said that he will file a lawsuit against the BBC, seeking damages ranging from $1 billion to $5 billion, “probably” sometime next week. This comes despite an apology from the BBC.

US President Donald Trump on Friday said he would sue the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) for up to $5 billion (€ 4.3 billion), after the broadcaster apologized for a misleading edit of one of his speeches but refused to pay compensation.

“We’ll sue them for anywhere between a billion and five billion dollars, probably some time next week. I think I have to do it. They’ve even admitted that they cheated,” the president told reporters aboard Air Force One.

Trump said he would raise the BBC issue with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. “I’m going to call him over the weekend. He actually put a call into me. He’s very embarrassed,” he said.

What is the BBC controversy?

The BBC is under fire from Trump over a misleading edit of a “Panorama” documentary which was broadcasted days before the 2024 US Presidential elections.

The program spliced together two excerpts from one of Trump’s speeches that were more than 50 minutes apart, creating the impression that he was inciting the Capitol riot.

The documentary had also removed a section where Trump said he wanted supporters to demonstrate peacefully.

The controversy has already led to the resignations of BBC Director General Tim Davie and Chief Executive of News Deborah Turness.

Source : https://www.dw.com/en/trump-threatens-up-to-5-billion-lawsuit-against-bbc-over-edited-video/a-74756026

TRUMP is set to ban obese foreigners from entry to the United States, as he cracks down on immigration visas.

Overweight immigrants will be denied US visas if embassies follow Donald Trump‘s latest immigration directive, which instructs consular officials to consider banning people who suffer from certain health conditions.

Obesity is among several chronic afflictions which could see immigrants rejected by the US, along with sleep apnea, high blood pressure and asthma.

In an attempt to avoid immigrants relying on public benefits paid by taxpayers, the directive issued by the state department last week urges embassy officials to consider applicant’s health and financial status when granting visas.

Consular officials will now have more authority to veto applicants experts say, widening criteria on health screenings that have long been part of visa applications.

The directive, obtained by KFF Health News, states: “Certain medical conditions — including, but not limited to, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, cancers, diabetes, metabolic diseases, neurological diseases and mental-health conditions — can require hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of care.”

It goes on to pose the question: “Does the applicant have adequate financial resources to cover the costs of such care over his entire expected lifespan without seeking public cash assistance or long-term institutionalisation at government expense?”

Avoiding immigrants ending up in nursing-home stays, or other long-term institutions, which costs “hundreds of thousands of dollars per year” is also part of the crackdown.

Preventing strain on public resources appears to be at the core of the new guidance, with people of retirement age also having to prove they can support themselves.

“Self-sufficiency has been a long-standing principle of US immigration policy,” the directive read.

“And the public-charge ground of inadmissibility has been a part of our immigration law for more than 100 years.”

The fat ban directive came the same day President Trump announced a deal to cut the cost of weight-loss drugs.

Last week’s agreement will make oral and injectable versions of GLP-1s from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk cheaper and more readily available.

Source : https://www.the-sun.com/news/15476620/trump-bans-overweight-immigrants/

DONALD Trump welcomed the Syrian President and ex-Jihadi fighter at the White House today as the pair pledged to fight ISIS.

President Ahmad al-Sharaa will join the international coalition after a historic meeting during which the US leader sang the former terrorist’s praises.

The US-led group, formed after ISIS invaded the Iraqi city of Mosul, counts France and the UK among its members.

Together, they share military intelligence to fight ISIS.

Officials said the exact terms of Syria‘s role in the coalition were yet to be determined but insisted the move will significantly bolster the war against the terror group.

The Syrian information minister confirmed the development on X, saying Syria recently signed a political cooperation declaration with the U.S.-led “Global Coalition to Defeat Islamic State.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the visit was part of the President’s ongoing efforts to broker peace across the world.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office after the meeting, Trump said that “we want to see Syria become a country that’s very successful”.

“And I think this leader can do it. I really do,” he added.

The President teased more “announcements” would be made in due course but didn’t indicate when.

While it’s the third meeting between the two leaders, the White House visit has been described as a “turning page” in US policy.

Trump expressed strong support for the Syrian leader, who until last week, was a proscribed terrorist in the US due to his ties with Al-Qaeda.

Trump said: “He has had a rough past. And I think, frankly, if you didn’t have a rough past, you wouldn’t have a chance.”

In an interview with Fox earlier this evening, al-Sharaa insisted his association with the militant group was “a matter of the past and was not discussed in Monday’s meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.”

Until this year, the Syrian head led the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an offshoot of the terror group behind 9/11, and had a $10 million bounty on his head.

It was only four months ago that the US removed the group’s terrorist designation.

As well as ramping up the fight against ISIS, the announcement marks a huge shift in relations between the two countries – and pulls Syria closer into the US’s geopolitical orbit.

Since al-Sharaa cemented his leadership earlier this year he’s worked quickly to distance the country from ex-President Bashar al-Assad‘s allies including Iran, Russia and Turkey.

By contrast, cosying up with the likes of Washington has been top of the agenda.

The US also has hundreds of troops stationed in Syria and this is not set to change.

Trump and al-Sharaa even discussed a pathway to reopen embassies in each other’s capitals, a U.S. official said.

Meanwhile, Dareen Khalifa, a senior adviser at the International Crisis Group, noted that even receiving the ex-Al Qaeda operative in the White House was “unimaginable”.

She told the Wall Street Journal: “I think it is turning a page on a U.S. policy that just hasn’t been working for decades.”

It comes as Trump lifted sanctions against the country in June, which he vowed would help support Syria’s “path to stability and peace”.

The pair first met in May in Saudi Arabia, after which Trump described al-Sharaa as a “young, attractive guy. Tough guy. Strong past, very strong past. Fighter.”

Source : https://www.the-sun.com/news/15469784/donald-trump-syria-leader/

A SUPER typhoon is on course to rip through the Philippines with over one million people already been forced to evacuate their homes.

Typhoon Fung-wong has already claimed two victims in deadly floods before the Category 4 storm even made landfall on the east coast.

The terrifying storm is feared to have a radius spanning nearly the whole of the Philippines.

High winds and heavy rain are already being experienced across large swathes of the Southeast Asian nation.

Some parts of the country have already recorded gusts of up to 140mph.

This has prompted mass evacuation orders as well as extra safety precautions across the archipelago nation.

In Aurora, where the eye of the storm is expected to blast through, government worker Aries Ora has been boarding up his home in Dipaculao town.

Steel sheets and wooden boards can be seen on dozens of homes in the area as they prepare for the worse in the coming hours.

Elsewhere, residents tied down their houses with ropes and placed heavy weights on their roofs.

Pictures show the devastation already forming due to the floods.

Homes collapsed under the weight of the lashing rain with trees being uprooted due to the blistering winds.

Dozens of villages were transformed into swamps as the mixture of the floodwater and mud created a horror deluge.

Images even showed residents being forced to transport their livestock, mainly pigs, to safety on boats.

It comes as two people have already died due to the horror weather conditions.

The body of a 64-year-old woman attempting to evacuate had been pulled from under debris and fallen trees overnight.

Rescuer Juniel Tagarino in Catbalogan City said: “The wind was so strong and the rain was heavy.

“According to her family members, she might have forgotten something and went back inside her house.”

A second local drowned in a flash flood on Catanduanes island.

Schools and government offices have been ordered to close on Monday across the main island of Luzon, including the capital Manila.

Airports have also been placed on lockdown with nearly 300 flights already being cancelled.

Typhoon Fung-wong comes as the country continues to reel from a previous deadly typhoon which made landfall earlier this week.

Storm Kalmaegi sent floodwaters rushing through the towns and cities of Cebu and Negros islands.

It killed at least 224 people and left 109 missing, according to government figures.

Search and rescue efforts in Cebu were suspended on Saturday due to safety concerns over the Fung-wong super typhoon.

More than 30 million people could be exposed to hazards posed by Fung-wong, the Office of Civil Defence said.

It comes just weeks a monster super typhoon with 137mph winds slammed into the Philippines.

Source : https://www.the-sun.com/news/15463165/typhoon-philippines-evacuate/

Canada’s crackdown on student visa fraud has led to a record 74% rejection rate for Indian applicants in August 2025, sharply reducing student applications. Stricter financial and document checks have intensified scrutiny.

Canada used to be one of the most popular places for Indian students to study, but now applications are dropping fast as visa rejections are at an all-time high. According to a CTV News report that cited Reuters, nearly 74% of the study permit applications from India were rejected this August 2025. This is a big change from the same month last year, when only 32% were turned down.

Stricter visa policies and fraud concerns

The sharp increase in rejections follows Canada’s decision to reduce the number of international study permits for the second year in a row. The move is part of Ottawa’s broader effort to limit temporary migration and curb student visa fraud, which authorities say has grown significantly in recent years.

In 2023, immigration officials in Canada discovered more than 1,550 fraudulent study permit applications, many of them tied to phony college acceptance letters issued in India. To date, the government has tightened its vetting process, adding stricter document requirements and raising the financial proof threshold for foreign applicants. Officials also said Canada’s enhanced verification system flagged 14,000 potentially fraudulent documents last year across all visa categories.

Application numbers fall sharply

More than 1,400 flights to, from, or within the US were cancelled on Saturday after airlines were told this week to cut traffic during the federal government shutdown.

Nearly 6,000 flights were also delayed, down from over 7,000 delays on Friday, according to flight tracker FlightAware.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced earlier in the week that it would be reducing air travel capacity by up to10% at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports as air traffic controllers, who are working without pay during the shutdown, report fatigue.

Republicans and Democrats remain divided over how to end the impasse in Congress as the shutdown, which began 1 October, continues.

Saturday marked the 39th day of the longest shutdown in history as Republicans and Democrats still have not agreed on a funding resolution to reopen the government.

Senators are in Washington over the weekend for bipartisan negotitations aimed at ending the shutdown, which is beginning to be felt by more and more Americans amid cuts to food aid payments and the flight disruptions.

In a statement on Saturday, American Airlines urged “leaders in Washington, D.C., to reach an immediate resolution to end the shutdown”.

New Jersey’s Newark Liberty International Airport was experiencing some of the longest wait times. As of Saturday afternoon, arrivals to the airport were delayed by an average of more than four hours, while departures from the airport were delayed by an average of 1.5 hours, according to the FAA.

The airports with the most cancelled flights on Saturday, both to and from the location, were Charlotte/Douglas International, Newark Liberty International, and Chicago O’Hare International, according to FlightAware.

Departures to John F Kennedy International, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, and La Guardia were delayed by nearly three hours, over 2.5 hours, and about an hour, respectively, the FAA reported as of Saturday afternoon.

With the Thanksgiving holiday approaching on 27 November, it’s one of the busiest travel seasons of the year in the US.

It’s not just commercial flights that have been affected. Restrictions on private jets are also in place, Secretary Duffy said in a Saturday post on X.

“We’ve reduced their volume at high traffic airports — instead having private jets utilize smaller airports or airfields so busy controllers can focus on commercial aviation,” Duffy wrote. “That’s only fair.”

And things will likely get worse in the coming days as the FAA increases the percentage of cancelled flights.

On Thursday, the agency announced that the flight reductions would be gradual, starting at 4% of flights on Friday before rising to 6% by 11 November, 8% by 13 November, and the full 10% by 14 November.

The FAA said the cuts were necessary to maintain safety as air traffic controllers have been overworked during the shutdown.

As essential workers, the controllers are required to continue working without pay, and as a result, many have called out sick or taken on second jobs to afford necessities, unions say.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj410k00yw8o

Peace talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan collapsed after Islamabad demanded Kabul take responsibility for Pakistan’s internal security, a condition the Taliban called “beyond capacity.”

Peace talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan have collapsed, though a ceasefire between the two neighbours remains in place, the Taliban confirmed on Saturday.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said negotiations broke down because Islamabad demanded that Kabul take responsibility for Pakistan’s internal security, a condition he described as beyond Afghanistan’s “capacity.”

“The ceasefire that has been established has not been violated by us so far, and it will continue to be observed,” Mujahid added.

Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Friday said that the peace talks, held in Istanbul to prevent renewed border clashes, had failed. He noted that the ceasefire would continue as long as no attacks originated from Afghan territory.

The collapse of talks came a day after Afghan and Pakistani troops exchanged fire along their shared border, coinciding with the resumption of negotiations in Istanbul.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan met Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Baku on Saturday and expressed hope that the discussions would “yield results toward lasting stability.” He reiterated Turkey’s commitment to facilitating dialogue between the two sides, according to a statement from his office.

Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have escalated in recent months. Their militaries clashed last month, resulting in dozens of deaths, the worst violence since the Taliban took power in 2021.

The two countries signed a ceasefire in Doha in October, but the second round of talks in Istanbul ended without a long-term agreement. The deadlock reportedly stemmed from differences over militant groups operating inside Afghanistan that are hostile to Pakistan.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/afghanistan-pakistan-peace-talks-collapse-islamabad-beyond-capacity-demand-taliban-2815994-2025-11-09

The fast-fashion retailer sparked outrage in France over a listing including “childlike” sex dolls. Legal proceedings against the company are still ongoing.

Singapore-based online retailer Shein is not to be subject to a ban in France during a probe into the sale of illegal items, France’s government announced on Friday.

“The government has succeeded in getting Shein to remove all illegal products that were being sold on its platform,” Paris said in a statement.

The French government said that the firm remained “under close observation by state authorities.”

It stressed that legal proceedings initiated against the company are to continue.

The government’s assessment found that no illegal products such as child pornography, stabbing weapons or certain medicines were being sold on the platform.

The company was founded in Nanjing, China, in 2008 and moved its headquarters to Singapore in 2022.

Shein sparks outrage over ‘childlike’ sex doll
The platform caused an uproar in France after it was found to have been advertising “childlike” sex dolls. In response, Shein said it had sanctioned the seller and banned the sale of sex dolls on its platform, while also temporarily suspending all third-party listings.

France had also called upon the European Union to sanction the retailer over the listing of the dolls.

On Wednesday, France’s government took steps to ban Shein unless it complies with existing regulations.

On the same day, Shein opened its first permanent brick-and-morter shop in Paris’ iconic BHV Marais department store, which was met with a petition against the opening that garnered over 120,000 signatures.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/shein-avoids-ban-in-france-government/a-74669998

Israel said Mexican authorities intervened to foil the alleged plot to kill Ambassador Einat Kranz Neiger.

Israel said that Mexican authorities intervened to stop the attempt to kill the ambassador, Einat Kranz-Neiger.

“We thank the security and law enforcement services in Mexico for thwarting a terrorist network directed by Iran that sought to attack Israel’s ambassador in Mexico,” an Israeli Foreign Ministry statement said.

Iran rejected the allegation, calling it a “great big lie” aimed at souring its relations with Mexico.

“It is a media invention, a great big lie, whose objective is to damage the friendly and historic relations between both countries (Mexico and Iran), which we categorically reject,” Tehran’s embassy in Mexico said in a post on X.

US says threat contained
Reuters news agency cited an anonymous US official as saying that the plot was initiated in late 2024 by the Quds Force, an elite unit of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard (IRGC).

The US official said the plot had been “contained” and that there was no longer any threat.

Iran and Israel are bitter regional adversaries and have waged a proxy conflict spanning multiple decades.

A 12-day conflict between the two countries earlier this year ended with a ceasefire on June 25.

Iran has traditionally backed Palestinian militant groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad, as well as Lebanon’s Hezbollah and the Houthi rebel group in Yemen, all of which have engaged in conflict with Israel.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/israel-accuses-iran-of-plot-to-kill-ambassador-to-mexico/a-74667712

Tensions between Islamabad and the Taliban regime in Kabul have reached a critical new inflection point, moving beyond diplomatic rhetoric to open military threats. The Afghan Minister of Tribal and Border Affairs, Noorullah Noori, issued a direct and aggressive warning to Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, underscoring Kabul’s rising frustration with Pakistan’s cross-border strikes targeting Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) positions inside Afghan territory.

Top intelligence sources confirmed to CNN-News18 that the open belligerence from the Taliban leadership signals a significant shift, suggesting that the ministries in Kabul are now willing to openly threaten Pakistan militarily. This shift is interpreted as a sign that the Taliban regime now feels increasingly independent of Pakistan’s influence and is ready to assert its sovereignty—a freedom that Islamabad is rapidly losing control over.

The core of the minister’s warning was a stark historical reminder and a geographical threat. By explicitly referencing the downfall of the Soviet Union and the United States in Afghanistan, the minister aimed to remind Pakistan that challenging Afghan resolve has historically led to catastrophic defeats for foreign powers. The message was clear: Afghanistan is the “graveyard of empires” and Pakistan should heed those historical lessons.

Crucially, the minister leveraged Afghanistan’s shared geography as a point of advantage, arguing that, unlike the distant superpowers, Pakistan does not enjoy the benefit of geographical separation. This focus on their shared border carries a potent implication of potential border militarisation and proxy escalation should tensions continue. The minister warned Pakistan against being “arrogant” about its military strength or attempting to “test the patience” of the Afghan nation.

Source: https://www.news18.com/world/taliban-minister-delivers-direct-military-threat-to-pakistan-over-ttp-sanctuary-exclusive-details-9692274.html

Kalmaegi is the 13th storm to hit Vietnam this year.

Typhoon Kalmaegi slammed into Vietnam on Thursday (Nov 6), forcing authorities to cancel hundreds of flights and order people to stay indoors, two days after the storm started sweeping across the Philippines, killing at least 140 people.

Kalmaegi – packing winds of up to 149kmh, according to the national weather forecaster – blew roofs off houses and downed trees and telegraph poles. It whipped up waves as high as 10m as it hit the central region’s coast, the agency added.

Officials closed six airports, and the government said more than 260,000 people in Gia Lai province had been moved to safety. Kalmaegi is the 13th storm to hit Vietnam this year, and among the most powerful.

The government said it had placed more than 268,000 soldiers on standby for search and rescue operations. It warned of floods in low-lying areas and impacts on agriculture, including in the Central Highlands, the main coffee-growing region.

FARMERS FEAR FOR CROPS
As the storm approached, hotels and homes along Cua Dai beach near the ancient UNESCO-listed town of Hoi An were shuttered.

Near the coastal city of Hue, farmers were still recovering from floods this week that killed 47 people.

Rice farmer Nguyen Van Rin, 42, said the last floods had drowned his livestock and poultry.

“Kalmaegi will flood us for the fourth time, and I am afraid it will be quite bad,” he said after guiding his boat across a road as vehicles moved slowly through the water.

HOMES FLATTENED, VEHICLES OVERTURNED
In the Philippines, the scale of the Kalmaegi’s destruction became clearer on Thursday as floodwaters receded in its hardest-hit province of Cebu, revealing flattened homes, overturned vehicles and streets choked with debris.

There were 127 people still reported missing as of late on Thursday, and attempts to distribute aid and find bodies were hampered by the scale of the damage left by Kalmaegi, the 20th storm to hit the Philippines this year.

“The challenge now is debris clearing … These need to be cleared immediately, not only to account for the missing who may be among the debris or may have reached safe areas but also to allow relief operations to move forward,” Raffy Alejandro, a senior civil defence official, told DZBB radio.

The typhoon’s devastation in Cebu comes just over a month after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck the holiday island, killing dozens and displacing thousands.

Forecasters were also tracking a brewing storm east of the Philippine island of Mindanao that could strengthen into a typhoon and hit the country early next week.

Source: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/typhoon-kalmaegi-hits-vietnam-after-140-deaths-philippines-5451266

The event, which featured top pharmaceutical executives and administration officials, was intended to spotlight the administration’s new Most Favored Nations drug pricing initiative, a plan to make GLP-1 medications more affordable for millions of Americans.

A pharmaceutical executive collapsed beside US President Donald Trump during his Oval Office announcement on new obesity drug price cuts, abruptly halting the live event.

The incident occurred just moments after Trump unveiled a landmark deal with drugmakers Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to dramatically lower the price of popular GLP-1 weight-loss medications like Wegovy and Zepbound.

According to the Associated Press, the man — identified by witnesses as Novo Nordisk executive Gordon Findlay — lost his balance and fell to the ground. Dr. Mehmet Oz, who now heads the Centres for Medicare & Medicaid Services, rushed forward to assist, preventing the man from hitting his head.

“The room went silent. Secret Service and medics moved in instantly,” one reporter posted on social media. “Trump looked visibly concerned.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later confirmed the incident, saying, “During the Most Favored Nations Oval Office Announcement, a representative with one of the companies fainted. The White House Medical Unit quickly jumped into action, and the gentleman is okay. The Press Conference will resume shortly.”

Source:https://www.indiatoday.in/world/us-news/story/pharma-executive-collapses-behind-trump-during-drug-price-announcement-glbs-2814980-2025-11-07

Shein is in the thick of controversy, as French authorities announced they would suspend the online platform a couple of hours after the clothing company opened the doors to its first-ever physical store in Paris.

Shein, the clothing company that has built a massive reputation online for fast fashion, opened its first physical store in Paris on Wednesday. But not without controversy.

The French Finance Ministry announced shortly afterward that it was moving to suspend Shein’s online platform until it complies with French laws and regulations.

Days earlier, Shein came under fire from French authorities for listing a “childlike” sex doll for sale.

“On the Prime Minister’s instructions, the government is initiating proceedings to suspend Shein for as long as necessary for the platform to demonstrate to the authorities that all of its content is finally in compliance with our laws and regulations,” the ministry said in a statement.

“An initial review will be conducted by ministers within the next 48 hours.”

Shein removes third-party listings in France
Shein said in a statement it was temporarily suspending listings by third-party sellers in France — a move the the company said it planned before the finance ministry’s statement.

“We acknowledge the announcement made today by the government. The safety of our customers and the integrity of our marketplace [a platform for third-party sellers] are our top priorities,” the company said.

The company said it wished “to engage in dialogue with French authorities as soon as possible.”

Why is Shein under scrutiny?
Earlier this week, the French consumer watchdog flagged the listing of “childlike” sex dolls for sale on Shein’s website. It said the product descriptions and categorization left little doubt as to their child-like pornographic nature of the sex dolls.

French Economy Minister Robert Lescure said at the time that “boundaries have been crossed” and authorities launched an investigation.

In response, Shein said it was banning all sex dolls from its website and was temporarily removing its adult products category as it reviews procedures.

The company is set to be questioned by lawmakers on the issue within two weeks, with the French economy minister having said earlier this week he would seek to ban Shein’s online store in France if such incidents were to occur again.

Protests outside Shein store in Paris

Shein set up shop in one of the city’s most iconic department stores, BHV Marais department store, which also sits right across from Paris City Hall.

The company has been a hit online but its move to a brick-and-mortar store to expand sales in the heart of the world’s fashion capital has not sat well with politicians and retailers alike.

Shein has long been criticized for  poor environmental, labor and human rights practices.

Most of the deaths were reported in the central province of Cebu, which was pummelled by Kalmaegi on Tuesday, setting off flash floods and causing a river and other waterways to overflow.

CEBU: Typhoon Kalmaegi killed at least 140 people, with 127 missing, after unleashing devastating flooding across the central Philippines, official figures showed on Thursday (Nov 6), as the storm headed towards Vietnam.

The national civil defence office confirmed 114 reported deaths, though that tally did not include an additional 28 recorded by Cebu provincial authorities.

Most of the deaths were reported in the central province of Cebu, which was pummelled by Kalmaegi on Tuesday, setting off flash floods and causing a river and other waterways to overflow, said Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV, deputy administrator of the Office of Civil Defense.

Kalmaegi moved away from western Palawan province into the South China Sea before noon Wednesday and was barreling toward Vietnam, according to forecasters.

Among the dead were six people who were killed when a Philippine air force helicopter crashed in the southern province of Agusan del Sur on Tuesday. The crew was on its way to provide humanitarian help to provinces battered by Kalmaegi, the military said. It did not give the cause of the crash.

CENTRAL PROVINCE HIT HARDEST
Provincial officials said Kalmaegi set off flash floods and caused a river and other waterways to swell. The resulting flooding engulfed residential communities, forcing residents to climb on their roofs, where they desperately pleaded to be rescued as the floodwaters rose, officials said.

At least 71 people died in Cebu, mostly due to drownings, 65 others were reported missing and 69 were injured, the Office of Civil Defense said.

It added that 62 others were reported missing in the central province of Negros Occidental, which is located near Cebu.

“We did everything we can for the typhoon but, you know, there are really some unexpected things like flash floods,” Cebu governor Pamela Baricuatro told The Associated Press by telephone.

Caloy Ramirez, a volunteer rescuer, said the massive flooding set off by the typhoon turned an upscale riverside residential community in Cebu city on Tuesday into an unrecognisable scene of tumbled SUVs and houses in disarray.

Residents said floodwater engulfed the first floors of their houses in just a few minutes, sending them scrambling to upper floors or roofs in panic.

“We always expect the worst and what I saw yesterday was the worst,” Ramirez told The AP. He described how the faces of desperate residents would light up when they realised they were being rescued.

CONCERNS OVER FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS
The problems may have been made worse by years of quarrying that caused clogging of nearby rivers, which overflowed, and substandard flood control projects in Cebu province, Baricuatro said.

A corruption scandal involving substandard or non-existent flood control projects across the Philippines has sparked public outrage and street protests in recent months.

Cebu, a bustling province of more than 2.4 million people, declared a state of calamity to allow authorities to disburse emergency funds more rapidly.

Cebu was still recovering from a 6.9 magnitude earthquake on Sep 30 that left at least 79 people dead and displaced thousands when houses collapsed or were severely damaged.

Thousands of northern Cebu residents who were displaced by the earthquake were moved to sturdier evacuation shelters from flimsy tents before the typhoon struck, Baricuatro said. Northern towns devastated by the earthquake were mostly not hit by floods generated by Kalmaegi, she added.

Before Kalmaegi’s landfall, officials said more than 387,000 people had evacuated to safer ground in eastern and central Philippine provinces.

Ferries and fishing boats were prohibited from venturing out to increasingly rough seas, stranding more than 3,500 passengers and cargo truck drivers in nearly 100 seaports, the coast guard said. At least 186 domestic flights were cancelled.

The Philippines is battered by about 20 typhoons and storms each year. The country is also often hit by earthquakes and has more than a dozen active volcanoes, making it one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries.

Source: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/philippines-typhoon-kalmaegi-cebu-province-death-toll-missing-5449306

The Prince Group syndicate, run by Chinese-Cambodian tycoon Chen Zhi, is accused of operating large-scale online “scam centres” that used trafficked workers to defraud victims around the world.

Hong Kong authorities said on Tuesday (Nov 4) they had frozen assets worth HK$2.75 billion (US$354 million) linked to a criminal syndicate that local media reports identified as the Prince Group run by sanctioned Chinese-Cambodian tycoon Chen Zhi.

In October, Britain and the United States sanctioned the Southeast Asia-based multinational network, which is accused of operating large-scale online “scam centres” that used trafficked workers to defraud victims around the world.

Chen, 38, was indicted by a US court on charges of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy.

Reuters was not able to reach Chen or a representative for comment.

Footage shows the aircraft taking off from with its left wing in flames before it erupts into a fireball

A UPS cargo plane was carrying 38,000 gallons of jet fuel when it crashed into a petrol recycling plant.

Police and fire crews were called to the scene, near the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, at around 5pm.

Footage shows the aircraft taking off from the runway with its left wing in flames before it erupts into a fireball.

At least three people have been killed at least 11 more are injured.

Mayor Craig Greenberg said in a social media post the plane was carrying 280,000 pounds of fuel.

Experts later confirmed at a press conference this equated to 38,000 gallons on board.

“There are multiple injuries and the fire is still burning. There are many road closures in the area please avoid the scene,” Mayor Craig Greenberg said in a social media post shortly before 7 p.m. ET.

The aircraft was travelling such large quantities of fuel due to it’s 12-hour scheduled trip to Hawaii.

Two businesses near the airport, Kentucky Petroleum Recycling and Grade A Auto Parts, were impacted by the plane crash and its debris.

Grade A Auto Parts reported all its employees were accounted for, except two.

“We believe we have at least three fatalities. I believe that number is going to get larger,” Governor Andy Beshear said at a press briefing this evening.

“Anybody who has seen the images in the video know how violent this crash is.”

Fire Chief Brian O’Neill said emergency responders continue to search every building in the area for survivors trapped in rubble.

The authorities have warned local residents to stay away from the surrounding area as fire crews continue to battle the inferno.

Congressman Morgan McGarvey said at a press conference: “My heart breaks for the pilots, crew, and their families, and I’m praying for everyone impacted. I’m grateful for the bravery of our first responders as they continue their work throughout the night tonight to respond quickly and heroically to this horrific incident.”

Mayor Greenberg added: “Please join Rachel and me in praying for the crew of UPS flight 2976. This is an incredible tragedy that our community will never forget.

“We are so thankful for our brave first responders who have flooded the scene to help try and control the fire and provide support for any victims on the ground.”

Senator Mitch McConnell continued: “My team and I are closely monitoring developments around the Louisville airport and are in touch with local, state, and federal authorities. Thank you to the first responders on the scene. I encourage everyone in the area to follow emergency and law enforcement guidance.”

Meanwhile, a source has claimed to ABC News there was an engine issue during the plane’s take off which caused UPS Flight 2976 to crash.

Flames could be seen pouring from the left engine area, with the pilots seemingly unaware before it plummeted.

The plane appeared to tip upwards slightly, suggesting the wheels just leave the tarmac, before a colossal fireball mushroomed into the sky.

UPS said: “At approximately 5:20 PM ET tonight, UPS Flight 2976 from Louisville, KY, to Honolulu, an MD-11 with three crewmembers onboard, was involved in an accident in Louisville.

“At this time, we have not confirmed any injuries/casualties.

“UPS will release more facts as they become available, but the National Transportation Safety Board is in charge of the investigation and will be the primary source of information about the official investigation.”

The Federal Aviation Administration said: “The NTSB will lead the investigation and will provide all updates. This information is preliminary and subject to change.”

An SDF spokesperson confirmed the airfield has been closed an advised any passengers to check their journeys before travelling.

A shelter-in-place remains between Outer Loop and the Ohio River, while areas south of Outer Loop are now cleared.

A separate shelter-in-place is active in Jeffersonville, Indiana, from 10th Street to the Ohio River and east along the river to the Port of Indiana.

Louisville Metro Police said there’s still an active scene with “fire and debris.”

Spokesperson Matt Sanders that injuries have been reported, but there is no update on the condition of any victims.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said: “Kentucky, we are aware of a reported plane crash near Louisville International Airport.

“First responders are onsite, and we will share more information as available.

“Please pray for the pilots, crew and everyone affected. We will share more soon.”

It’s not yet clear what caused the plane to fail so soon into its journey.

FAA records show the plane was 34 years old and Boeing, which shut down the MD-11 program after acquiring it in its merger with McDonnell Douglas, said it would provide technical support to the investigation.

Flightradar24 said the plane had travelled from Louisville to Baltimore earlier on Tuesday before returning to Louisville.

While taking off for the flight to Honolulu the aircraft climbed to an altitude of 175 feet and reached a speed of 184 knots before making a sharp descent, according to data from Flightradar24.

Under a ceasefire deal brokered by Trump, Israel is to turn over 15 Palestinians for every deceased Israeli returned.

Israel returned the bodies of 45 Palestinians to Gaza on Monday (Nov 3), bringing the total number handed over under the ceasefire deal to 270, the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory said.

Under a ceasefire deal brokered by US President Donald Trump, Israel was to turn over the bodies of 15 Palestinians for every deceased Israeli returned.

Following forensic identification, Israel confirmed on Monday that the remains handed over by Hamas the day before belonged to three hostages seized by Palestinian militants during the Oct 7, 2023, attack that sparked the war.

The remains were those of American-Israeli Captain Omer Neutra, 21 years old at the time of his abduction, Corporal Oz Daniel, 19, and Colonel Assaf Hamami, 40, the highest-ranking officer killed by Hamas.

Hamas’ armed wing said it had found the remains earlier on Sunday “along the route of one of the tunnels in the southern Gaza Strip”.

Hamas had been holding 48 hostages in Gaza when the truce came into effect on Oct 10, including 20 who were alive.

Since the start of the truce, Hamas has released the 20 surviving hostages and begun handing over the remains of 28 deceased captives.

Of the latter, it has so far returned 20 – 18 Israelis, one Thai national, and one Nepali.

Israel has accused Hamas of dragging its feet in returning the bodies, while the Palestinian group says the process is slow because many remains are buried beneath Gaza’s rubble.

It has repeatedly called on mediators and the Red Cross to provide it with the necessary equipment and personnel to recover the bodies.

ISRAEL KILLS THREE PALESTINIANS
Israeli fire killed three Palestinians in the Gaza Strip on Monday, north of the southern city of Rafah, which remains under Israeli control, according to local health authorities, further testing the fragile US-backed ceasefire.

In a statement issued earlier on Monday, the Israeli military said forces identified “terrorists” who crossed the yellow line, which marks areas the army still occupies. It said they were advancing towards troops in southern Gaza, posing an immediate threat, before it struck them.

Medics said one of those killed was a woman. The identities of the two others were not immediately clear.

The incident follows days of Israeli strikes on the enclave, provoking mutual accusations between Hamas and Israel over violations of the tenuous ceasefire that halted two years of war.

Residents said Israeli forces continued to demolish houses in the eastern areas of Rafah, Khan Younis, and Gaza City, where forces continue to operate.

The ceasefire, which came into effect on Oct 10, has calmed most fighting, allowing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to return to the ruins of their homes in Gaza. Israel has withdrawn troops from positions in cities, and more aid has been allowed to enter.

Source: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/israel-returns-palestinian-bodies-gaza-5442606

Another worker was rushed to hospital and remains in a critical condition

THIS is the horrifying moment an ancient Roman tower near the Colosseum collapses, trapping a man beneath the rubble.

Shocking footage shows the Torre dei Conti Tower in Rome crumbling to the ground, leaving another person in a critical condition.

The tower, which was undergoing restoration work, collapsed in two stages over an hour apart.

Emergency services were first called to reports at around 11:30 this morning, trapping and injuring several workers.

Then, as emergency responders worked, the tower caved in some more at around 12:45pm – though nobody was further injured.

As of Monday evening, a 66-year-old Romanian man was still trapped beneath the rubble, and another Romanian man was in a critical condition in hospital with a head injury.

Both are believed to have been working at the site.

Lamberto Giannini, from the local fire department, said the team was working tirelessly but the “situation is complex because of the risk of further collapses”.

The trapped worker is conscious and communicating with the emergency responders.

His wife is also at the scene and talking to him.

Two other workers had to be rescued from the rubble but escaped with minor injuries.

USAR firefighters, who specialise in rescuing people from rubble, are on the scene to take charge of the operation.

Trump warned of possible US military action in Nigeria over killings of Christians, while Abuja said it welcomes US help against insurgents if its sovereignty and territorial integrity are respected.

US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States could deploy troops or carry out air strikes in Nigeria to stop what he described as the killing of large numbers of Christians in the West African nation.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday evening as he returned to Washington after a weekend in Florida, Trump said he had instructed the Defense Department, which he referred to as the “Department of War,” to prepare for possible “fast” military action.

“Could be. I mean, other things. I envisage a lot of things,” Trump said when asked whether he envisioned US troops on the ground or air strikes. “They’re killing record numbers of Christians in Nigeria … They’re killing the Christians and killing them in very large numbers. We’re not going to allow that to happen.”

Earlier on Friday, Trump threatened to halt aid to Nigeria and warned that the US could go in “guns-a-blazing” if Africa’s most populous country fails to protect its Christian population. “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria,” he said, blaming “radical Islamists” for widespread violence.

The warning came a day after Washington returned Nigeria to its list of “Countries of Particular Concern,” which identifies nations accused of violating religious freedoms. Others on the list include China, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, and Pakistan.

NIGERIA’S RESPONSE
In Abuja, the Nigerian government said it would welcome US assistance in combating Islamist insurgents — but only if the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are respected.

“We welcome US assistance as long as it recognises our territorial integrity,” said Daniel Bwala, an adviser to President Bola Tinubu.

Bwala sought to ease tensions, downplaying Trump’s remarks even as the US leader described Nigeria as a “disgraced country.”

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/world/us-news/story/donald-trump-threatens-us-military-action-in-nigeria-over-alleged-christian-killings-glbs-2812386-2025-11-03

A strong earthquake has shaken northern Afghanistan near Mazar-i-Sharif. Local authorities are reporting several deaths and dozens of injured.

A powerful magnitude-6.3 earthquake struck northern Afghanistan early on Monday near the city of Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of Balkh province.

Reports of deaths and injuries from the region are now starting to trickle in.

A health department for the neighboring Samagan province said at least seven people had died and 150 were injured in the earthquake, Reuters news agency reported.

Afghanistan’s national disaster management agency said on X, posting in Pashto language, that five had died and reported a similar number of injuries.

Hurriyat Radio Pashto reported a higher death toll in Samagan, saying that 20 people had been killed there. The pro-Taliban radio said that another 19 people have been killed in Khulm district.

The death toll from the earthquake may increase further, as the injured are still being taken to health centers from the affected areas, Hurriyat Radio said in a post on X.

What else do we know about the earthquake?
The earthquake struck early Monday at a depth of 28 kilometers (17 miles) some 22 kilometers from Kholm, near Mazar-i-Sharif, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).

Kholm is home to around 65,000 people, while about 523,000 live in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan’s fifth-largest city.

In Mazar-i-Sharif, many people ran into the street in the middle of the night, fearing their homes might collapse, a correspondent for French news agency AFP reported.

USGS issued an orange alert on its automated PAGER system, which means “significant casualties are likely and the disaster is potentially widespread.”

Monday’s earthquake comes just two months after a magnitude-6.0 quake struck in Afghanistan’s east, killing more than 2,200 people.

Why is Afghanistan so prone to earthquakes?
Earthquakes are common in Afghanistan, particularly along the Hindu Kush mountain range, near where the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates meet.

They kill about 560 people in Afghanistan on average each year, according to Reuters news agency, and cause annual damages estimated at $80 million (€69 million).

Studies indicate at least 355 earthquakes with a magnitude higher than 5.0 have hit Afghanistan since 1990.

In addition, many modest Afghan homes are built of mud bricks. This makes them susceptible to earthquake damage.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/afghanistan-hit-by-magnitude-63-earthquake/a-74592151

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said the two countries have agreed to promote “peace through strength, mutual respect and positive relations”

The US and China have agreed to promote “peace” by establishing “militay-to-military channels”, said US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Sunday.

Hegseth said the aim was to “deconflict and de-escalate any problems that arise” between the United States and China.

His remarks come after he said he had a productive meeting with China’s Minister of National Defense Admiral Dong Jun in Malaysia. It also follows US President Donald Trump’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in South Korea’s Busan on October 30.

“The Department of War will do the same – peace through strength, mutual respect, and positive relations. Admiral Dong and I also agreed that we should set up military-to-military channels to deconflict and deescalate any problems that arise. We have more meetings on that coming soon. God bless both China and the USA!” Hegseth wrote on X.

The US Secretary of War said the two sides have agreed to strengthen communication and maintain stability in bilateral ties.

“I just spoke to President Trump, and we agree – the relationship between the United States and China has never been better. Following President Trump’s historic meeting with Chairman Xi in South Korea, I had an equally positive meeting with my counterpart, China’s Minister of National Defense Admiral Dong Jun in Malaysia. And we spoke again last night,” he said.

He said he and Dong agreed that “peace, stability, and good relations” are vital, adding Trump’s historic “G2 meeting” set the tone for lasting US-China peace and success.

“The Admiral and I agree that peace, stability, and good relations are the best path for our two great and strong countries. As President Trump said, his historic ‘G2 meeting’ set the tone for everlasting peace and success for the US and China,” he said.

Earlier, Trump said his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping was “a great one” and would bring lasting peace and success for both nations.

Source: https://www.news18.com/world/us-china-military-channels-restored-conflict-peace-pete-hegseth-trump-xi-jinping-ws-l-9674598.html

Beijing has unleashed a prototype missile that shapeshifts at speeds faster than Mach 5 – long considered impossible. Is the US watching?

China may have just broken the aerodynamics barrier. The Chinese military has unleashed a prototype missile that can “shapeshift” at speeds faster than Mach 5 – a capability long considered impossible.
A study published in Acta Aeronautica et Astronautica Sinica gives more details about the “morphing” hypersonic missile. As per a report by The South China Morning Post, the missile uses retractable wings that tuck inside the fuselage for maximum speed. These can then be deployed to further boost lift and manoeuverability.

The study, published on October 20, was carried out by a team led by Professor Wang Peng of the National University of Defence Technology (NUDT).

As per the report, the wings of missile don’t just work on an on/off function, but can be adjusted in real time, allowing the missile to alter its aerodynamic profile mid-flight.

The researchers described it as the “holy grail” of hypersonic flight.
“High-speed morphing vehicles represent a cutting-edge direction in next-generation aerospace platforms,” the authors wrote. By dynamically adjusting their structure, such vehicles “demonstrate exceptional adaptability across wide speed and altitude ranges,” allowing “dramatically improving manoeuvrability and mission flexibility”.
How The ‘Shape-Shifting’ System Works
As per the report, the missile uses a complex control method that combines high-order system modelling and “super-twisting sliding mode control”. The algorithm ran successfully on embedded processors – the type used in real missiles – achieving tracking errors under one degree with “smooth, chatter-free actuator responses”.
In other words, the wings can move without shaking the missile apart – which has proved to be a major hurdle in morphing technology.
Dual-Use Tech, But Challenges Remain
China says the tech could be used one day for civil hypersonic travel. But hurdles remain: visible gaps in the prototype raise questions about heat protection, structural stability and radar stealth.
At Mach 5 and above, airframe temperatures can exceed 2,000°C. Mechanisms that move in that environment often come with the risk of failure – or catastrophic plasma intrusion. Preventing “control chattering”, which can destroy the vehicle, remains the toughest task.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/world/asia/china-shapeshifting-hypersonic-missile-mach-5-retractable-wings-breakthrough-article-153087999

Federal immigration officers are using chemical irritants to disperse protesters in ways that violate American policing norms and are testing the boundaries of use-of-force laws, video footage from Chicago shows, in some cases hitting demonstrators directly with the munitions.

Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have deployed tear gas in cities around the country, but its use has been especially prevalent in Chicago, where the Trump administration launched “Operation Midway Blitz” in September as part of the president’s crackdown on illegal immigration.

Since then, federal officers have thrown chemical agents out of vehicles on city streets, creating a hazard for motorists. They have thrown tear-gas canisters near stores and schools, exposing children, pregnant women and older people to the noxious gas. And on numerous occasions federal officers have fired pepper balls directly at protesters — in one case, striking a pastor in the head.

The use of tear gas has persisted in recent days despite a court order forbidding officers from using chemical agents against demonstrators and journalists unless they pose a safety threat. Last week, Gregory Bovino, the Border Patrol official leading the Chicago operation, was videotaped throwing a tear-gas canister into a crowd. In another incident, immigration officers deployed tear gas as families were walking to a Halloween parade.

“Generally, these kinds of crowd-control devices are reserved for truly dangerous situations,” said Kevin Fee, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois, which is part of a legal coalition representing journalists and protesters in a lawsuit. “I cannot think of a good parallel for what the administration is doing right now.”

Department of Homeland Security officials argue chemical agents are a necessary tool to protect law enforcement and prevent clashes with protesters from escalating. A spokeswoman for the agency said Bovino had been struck in the head with a rock and that someone had also fired fireworks toward officers.

In an interview with The Washington Post, Bovino said officers “want a peaceful resolution” and are using “less lethal” devices like chemical agents to “create peace and to save lives.” The alternative, he said, is far darker. “Say God himself came down and took ’em all away,” he said, referring to the irritants. Officers would be left with “lethal devices.”

“Would you like that?” he asked. “I wouldn’t.”

The frequent use of chemical agents raises questions about training and tactics being used by ICE officers and Border Patrol agents. The latter are now heavily involved in immigration arrests far from the U.S.-Mexico border; most federal agents have scant experience dealing with protesters in urban areas. DHS says assaults against officers have risen significantly.

In Chicago, residents and local journalists have captured footage showing clouds of tear gas drifting toward homes, storefronts and schools. Some residents said the tear gas has aggravated their asthma. Others said they’ve experienced emotional distress.

Jennifer Crespo, who was at a protest as a legal observer when federal agents deployed tear gas, said she vomited from the exposure.

“It was like the world had just been flipped upside down,” she said. “Like somebody just takes the rug out from underneath you. It was surreal. I didn’t recognize my city.”

‘Virgin territory’
Chemical irritants like tear gas have been deployed by law enforcement officers to control crowds for decades, but experts said their use to disperse spontaneous protests is new.

Police deployed tear gas in Chicago and elsewhere during the 2020 protests against police brutality. But officers generally warned demonstrators that they were going to be exposed to fumes if they didn’t leave. They also formed lines and secured their flanks to make sure they wouldn’t be surrounded.

The protests emerging in Chicago today tend to be far more unpredictable. Residents and activists find out that ICE and Border Patrol are in their neighborhood and try to get as close as possible. Some start filming. Others yell aggressively. The protesters congregate from any and all directions.

In response, federal agents sometimes disperse tear gas and pepper balls with little or no warning.

“You’re sort of seeing more of a tactical use of tear gas rather than strategic use,” said Ian T. Adams, a former police officer and current assistant professor of criminology and criminal justice at the University of South Carolina.

Immigration officers in Chicago and other cities have been recorded using both pepper balls — small projectiles fired from a gun that upon contact release a pepper mist — and canisters of CS gas, also known as tear gas. Nations including the United States that are signatories to the Chemical Weapons Convention are barred from using tear gas during international war.

Both chemicals can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. The effects typically last a few minutes and can provoke coughing and shortness of breath. Studies have found direct or repeat exposure can aggravate conditions like asthma and put people at risk of developing chronic bronchitis. The canister itself can be dangerous and even fatal if someone is hit, and passersby can be injured by the fumes.

“The nature of tear gas is that you can’t target it toward a single rioter,” said Rohini Haar, an ER doctor and epidemiology professor at the University of California at Berkeley. “You’re going to hit people with respiratory vulnerabilities or asthma, and bystanders who have nothing to do with it.”

Federal law prohibits law enforcement from using excessive force, but U.S. courts are not in lockstep when it comes to interpreting what that means, particularly as police employ an ever-evolving array of less-lethal weapons.

The lawsuit filed by journalists and protesters alleges immigration officers are violating First and Fourth amendment rights protecting free expression, and prohibiting unreasonable searches and seizures. DHS officials have argued that some demonstrators are committing crimes by assaulting, resisting or obstructing officers from executing their responsibilities.

Many American police lack adequate training in how to respond to spontaneous urban protests, said Thor Eells, executive director of the National Tactical Officers Association. He characterized the use of chemical irritants by immigration officers as “unorthodox” and questioned what training they have received. He also noted that courts have not yet established precedent on acceptable uses in circumstances like those immigration agents are encountering.

“It’s virgin territory,” Eells said. “This is a new, very kinetic and dynamic environment that these federal agents are working in.”

A DHS spokesperson declined to describe what training — if any — agents are receiving to handle unexpected protests. But Jason Owens, a former chief of Border Patrol, said agents are taught about tear gas and its effects as part of their basic training. He said Border Patrol mainly uses chemical agents when a crowd is “not complying with the lawful commands of the law enforcement officers” and that images of agents in gas masks show they have gotten training.

“You have to be trained how to don and doff those things. You have to be trained how to clear it and how to deal with contamination procedure in the heat of the moment,” he said. “Those are all things that are taught and reinforced, and the same is true for those munitions.”

But some former DHS officials also expressed concern that effectively managing an unruly crowd in a city goes beyond the mission of immigration agents — in particular for Border Patrol’s forces, who are more accustomed to encountering cartels than protesters.

“They come from an environment where much more aggressive law enforcement tactics are generally appropriate due to the threats they face doing Border Patrol work in the middle of the southwest desert — very isolated areas where you frequently encounter drug smugglers,” said John Sandweg, former acting ICE director under President Barack Obama. “But those tactics aren’t appropriate when you bring them up to civil immigration enforcement in a city like Chicago.”

Source: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/ice-and-border-patrol-s-use-of-tear-gas-injures-sickens-and-tests-the-law/ar-AA1PC8Bu

The UN’s human rights chief has condemned US military strikes on vessels allegedly carrying drugs in the Caribbean and Pacific, saying the lethal attacks violate international law and amount to “extrajudicial killing”.

Volker Türk said on Friday that more than 60 people have reportedly been killed in US strikes since early September.

Calling the attacks “unacceptable”, he said Washington must halt them immediately and conduct prompt, independent and transparent investigations.

President Donald Trump has said the strikes are necessary to stem the flow of drugs into the US and he has the legal authority to continue bombing boats in international waters.

Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth has said strikes are being carried out on vessels operated by drug-trafficking groups designated as terrorist organisations by the US, saying this week that “the Western Hemisphere is no longer a safe haven for narco-terrorists bringing drugs to our shores to poison Americans”.

Türk, while acknowledging the challenges of tackling drug trafficking, said in a statement that the circumstances for the deadly strikes “find no justification in international law”.

“Countering the serious issue of illicit trafficking of drugs across international borders is – as has long been agreed among States – a law-enforcement matter, governed by the careful limits on lethal force set out in international human rights law.”

Under law, the intentional use of lethal force “is only permissible as a last resort against individuals who pose an imminent threat to life”, he said.

He added that based on “very sparse information provided publicly by the US authorities, none of the individuals on the targeted boats appeared to pose an imminent threat to lives of others”.

He called on the US to use law enforcement methods including intercepting boats and detaining suspects, and if necessary, prosecuting individuals.

Most strikes have taken place off the coast of South America in the Caribbean, though attacks in the Pacific this week killed at least 18 people, according to Hegseth.

In the Caribbean, the US has deployed troops, aircraft and naval vessels and last week ordered the world’s largest warship – the USS Gerald R Ford – to the area.

The strikes have drawn condemnation in the region and experts have questioned their legality. Members of US Congress, both Democrats and Republicans, have also raised concerns and questioned the president’s authority to order them.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said her government does not “agree with these attacks” and has called for meetings with the US ambassador, insisting that “all international treaties be respected.”

The US actions have also heightened tensions between Washington and the governments of Colombia and Venezuela.

The US has placed sanctions on Colombian president Gustavo Petro, accusing him of failing to curb drug trafficking and allowing cartels to “flourish”. Petro has responded that he has been fighting drug trafficking “for decades”.

Source : https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2nx95pgz7o

US lawmakers have urged President Donald Trump to withdraw his new H-1B visa order imposing a $100,000 fee, warning it would harm America’s tech leadership and strain ties with India.

A group of US lawmakers have called on President Donald Trump to reconsider his recent proclamation on H-1B visas, warning that the new USD 100,000 fee and other restrictions would damage both America’s AI technological leadership and its strategic partnership with India.

In a letter sent on Thursday, Representatives Jimmy Panetta, Ami Bera, Salud Carbajal, and Julie Johnson urged Trump to suspend his September 19 order, titled “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers.” The proclamation introduced steep new fees and limits on H-1B petitions, a move that lawmakers say undermines America’s innovation ecosystem, the news agency PTI reported.

“As members of a recent delegation to India, we recognise the importance of the H-1B programme not just to the United States economy, national security, and competitive advantage, but also to our relationship with India,” the lawmakers wrote.

The letter warned that the restrictions would discourage high-skilled talent, particularly from India, which accounted for 71 percent of all H-1B visa holders last year.

“Indian nationals, who make up the largest share of H-1B recipients, are central to US leadership in information technology and artificial intelligence,” the lawmakers said. “At a time when China is investing aggressively in AI and advanced technologies, we must continue to attract the world’s best talent.”

They described the H-1B programme as a “cornerstone of US competitiveness” in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), adding that H-1B professionals boost innovation, patent production, and business formation, complementing rather than displacing American workers, PTI reported.

Congressman Jimmy Panetta emphasised that the visa programme’s value goes far beyond labour needs.

“The H-1B visa programme is an important part of why the United States continues to lead in technological innovation, and is needed now more than ever with the recent sharp rise of artificial intelligence,” he said.

The lawmakers cautioned that the new USD 100,000 fee could restrict access to only large corporations, cutting out startups and research institutions that rely on global expertise.

“The programme should be enhanced and increased, not limited to a select number of corporations that can pay exorbitant amounts of money,” Panetta added.

The letter also stressed the broader diplomatic stakes, noting that a weakened visa policy could strain ties with India, one of America’s closest democratic allies in the Indo-Pacific.

“In the case of India, attracting this talent reinforces our strategic partnership with a key democratic partner,” the lawmakers wrote, underscoring that Indian-Americans and other H-1B holders enhance local economies, academic institutions, and civic life.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/world/us-news/story/us-lawmakers-urge-trump-to-withdraw-h1b-visa-fee-order-india-tech-partnership-2811685-2025-11-01

A statement from the Buckingham Palace said that Andrew’s brother and King Charles III has decided to strip him off all his royal titles and honours.

Amid allegations linking him to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein Prince Andrew was stripped off his royal titles on Thursday, and had to leave his residence at the Windsor estate to move to a private establishment.

A statement from the Buckingham Palace said that Andrew’s brother and King Charles III has decided to strip him off all his royal titles and honours.

Read full statement:

His Majesty has today initiated a formal process to remove the Style, Titles and Honours of Prince Andrew.

Prince Andrew will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. His lease on Royal Lodge has, to date, provided him with legal protection to continue in residence. Formal notice has now been served to surrender the lease and he will move to alternative private accommodation. These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him.

Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.

Prince Andrew, who earlier held the Duke of York title, lived at the Royal Lodge with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson. According to BBC report, the two will move to Sandringham Estate in Norfolk County from their Windsor estate residence.

The Sandringham Estate is also reportedly privately owned by King Charles III, and the king will fund his brother’s stay at the estate.

Notably, Prince Andrew had relinquished most of his titles just days earlier amid allegations linking him to Jeffrey Epstein. On October 17, he gave up his Duke of York title, citing the accusations against him, though he has continued to deny any wrongdoing.

“I will therefore no longer use the title or the honours which have been conferred upon me. As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me,” he had said in a statement.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/andrew-no-more-a-prince-leaves-royal-home-full-statement-by-king-charles-iii-101761869245734.html

The Indian government confirmed that 2,790 nationals were deported from the US in 2025 after verification. The announcement comes as illegal crossings by Indians into the US hit a four-year low.

Since the start of this year, 2,790 Indian nationals living illegally in the United States have returned home, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.

Sharing the figures at his weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said these individuals “did not meet the criteria and were illegally staying there.”

“On deportation, since January of this year, we have had around 2,790-plus Indian nationals who did not meet the criteria. They were illegally staying there. We verified their credentials, their nationality. And they have returned,” Jaiswal said. “This is the status till yesterday, that is October 29.”

Jaiswal clarified that each case was verified to confirm the person’s Indian nationality before repatriation. “We verified their credentials and nationality before they returned,” he said, stressing that deportations followed established legal and diplomatic procedures between India and US authorities.

The MEA spokesperson also addressed questions about deportations from the United Kingdom, saying that around 100 Indian nationals had been sent back this year after due verification.

“From the UK side, this year we have had around 100 Indian nationals who have been deported after their nationality was duly verified by us,” Jaiswal said.

The numbers highlight ongoing efforts between India and its international partners to manage migration more effectively amid a global rise in illegal crossings and visa overstays.

HURRICANE Melissa has left a horrifying path of destruction in Jamaica – razing towns to the ground and decimating homes, aerial footage shows.

At least seven people have died on the island after the Category Five storm raged through neighbourhoods – uprooting trees and swamping the streets.

Shocking footage shows the harrowing extent of the damage – with trees scattered across the flattened land and torn-off roofs blasted to bits.

Battered homes can be seen barely standing, some missing tiles and others completely torn to shreds.

Jamaican prime minister Andrew Holness shared the heartbreaking clips on social media.

He said the region of St Elizabeth was hit worst – adding that its Black River town had been “totally destroyed”.

Holness said: “The damage is great, but we are going to devote all our energy to mount a strong recovery.”

The storm has killed more than 30 people across the Caribbean, with the Red Cross branding it a “disaster of unprecedented catastrophe”.

At least 23 people including 10 children died in Haiti during monstrous flash floods – with 17 injured and another 13 missing, authorities confirmed.

Melissa will go down as one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record after dozens drowned amid the horror weather.

The storm first hit Jamaica with the country declaring a “disaster area” after the Category Five hurricane killed three people before it made landfall and then four more after reaching the island.

It then tore through Haiti and Cuba and is expected to arrive in the Bahamas in the early hours of Thursday local time.

Officials fear the death toll will continue to rise with reports of at least another 10 people still missing in Jamaica.

In Cuba more than 735,000 people were evacuated after forecasters said the storm would unleash catastrophic damage.

It has generated a storm surge of up to 12 feet in the region and up to 20 inches of rain.

It was downgraded to a Category Three hurricane as it ripped through Cuba but remained “extremely dangerous” as it crawled towards the Bahamas on Wednesday.

Dubbed “storm of the century”, the 185mph winds caused catastrophic flooding, widespread storm surges and scenes of destruction on Wednesday morning.

A tree fell on a baby in Jamaica, Abka Fitz-Henley, a state minister, told Nationwide News Network.

One person has also died in the Dominican Republic, with at least one other still missing.

Devastating footage showed a collapsed roof at Sangster International Airport after it was hit by the storm.

Landslides, fallen trees and numerous power outages were also reported.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared the island a “disaster area”.

Source: https://www.the-sun.com/news/15411589/hurricane-melissa-jamaica-cuba/

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Oct 30) ordered the US military to immediately resume testing nuclear weapons for the first time in 33 years, minutes before beginning a high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Trump made the surprise announcement on Truth Social while he was aboard his Marine One helicopter flying to meet Xi for a trade negotiating session in Busan, South Korea. He said he was instructing the Pentagon to test the US nuclear arsenal on an “equal basis” with other nuclear powers.

“Because of other countries’ testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis. That process will begin immediately,” Trump posted.

“Russia is second, and China is a distant third, but will be even within 5 years.”

He did not elaborate and did not reply to a reporter’s shouted question about his post after his initial remarks to Xi. It was not immediately clear whether Trump was referring to nuclear-explosive testing, which would be carried out by the National Nuclear Safety Administration, or flight testing of nuclear-capable missiles.

CHINA MORE THAN DOUBLED NUCLEAR ARSENAL IN LAST 5 YEARS
Trump’s decision to restart nuclear weapons testing follows a rapid expansion by China of its nuclear stockpile in recent years, and came just after Russia announced what it called a successful test of a nuclear-powered and nuclear-capable cruise missile as well as a nuclear-powered torpedo.

Trump addressed the Russian moves aboard Air Force One earlier this week, telling reporters that Russian President Vladimir Putin should be working to end the war in Ukraine “instead of testing missiles”.

Beijing has more than doubled the size of its arsenal to an estimated 600 nuclear weapons in 2025 from 300 weapons in 2020, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based think tank.

It said US military officials estimate that China will have over 1,000 nuclear weapons by 2030. A Victory Day parade in September revealed five nuclear capabilities that can all reach the continental United States, CSIS said.

Putin said on Wednesday Russia had successfully tested a Poseidon nuclear-powered super torpedo that military analysts say is capable of devastating coastal regions by triggering vast radioactive ocean swells.

As Trump has toughened both his rhetoric and his stance on Russia, Putin has publicly flexed his nuclear muscles with the test of a new Burevestnik cruise missile on Oct 21 and nuclear launch drills on Oct 22.

In August, Trump said he had discussed nuclear arms control with Putin and wanted China to get involved. Beijing responded by saying it was “unreasonable and unrealistic” to ask the country to join in nuclear disarmament negotiations with the two countries, since its arsenal was much smaller.

Source: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/trump-tells-pentagon-immediately-resume-testing-us-nuclear-weapons-5434151

The missile launches were a message to Pyongyang’s “enemies”, state media reported.

North Korea test-fired cruise missiles off its western coast in a message to Pyongyang’s “enemies”, state media announced on Wednesday (Oct 29) just hours before US President Donald Trump began a visit to South Korea.

The sea-to-surface missiles were launched vertically on Tuesday from the Yellow Sea and flew for more than two hours, state news agency KCNA said.

Top military official Pak Jong Chon oversaw the test and said “important successes” were being achieved in developing the North’s “nuclear forces” as a war deterrent, according to KCNA.

The test was aimed at assessing “the reliability of different strategic offensive means and impress their abilities upon the enemies”, Pak said.

“It is our responsible mission and duty to ceaselessly toughen the nuclear combat posture,” he added.

Notably absent from the test was leader Kim Jong Un, who typically oversees important missile launches.

Trump has said he would “love to meet” Kim this week as he makes his first visit to the Korean peninsula of his second term.

Kim has expressed openness to talks if the United States dropped its “delusional” demand that Pyongyang give up its nuclear weapons.

“The launch underscores Pyongyang’s nuclear deterrence ahead of Trump’s visit to the peninsula and again reinforces its message that denuclearisation is off the table,” Yang Moo-jin, a chair professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, told AFP.

The two leaders last met in 2019 at the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), the Cold War frontier that has separated North and South Korea for decades.

Source: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/north-korea-announces-missile-test-hours-trump-due-in-south-5431166

Heavy floodwaters swept across southwestern Jamaica, winds tore roofs off buildings and boulders tumbled onto roads Tuesday as Hurricane Melissa pummeled the Caribbean island as a catastrophic Category 5 storm, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record.

Landslides, fallen trees and numerous power outages were reported as Melissa hit with 185 mph (295 kph) winds near New Hope, with officials cautioning that the cleanup and damage assessment could be slow.

“There is no infrastructure in the region that can withstand a Category 5,” Prime Minister Andrew Holness said. “The question now is the speed of recovery. That’s the challenge.”

Floodwaters trapped at least three families in their homes in the community of Black River in western Jamaica, and crews were unable to help them because of dangerous conditions, said Desmond McKenzie, deputy chairman of Jamaica’s Disaster Risk Management Council.

“Roofs were flying off,” he said. “We are hoping and praying that the situation will ease so that some attempt can be made to get to those persons.”

He noted that extensive damage was reported in the southwestern parish of St. Elizabeth, which he said “is underwater.”

McKenzie stressed that it was too early to talk about the extent of the damage because the hurricane — the strongest to hit the island since recordkeeping began 174 years ago — was still pummeling the country.

Rohan Brown, with Jamaica’s Meteorological Service, warned that as Melissa moves off the coast, its counterclockwise rotation would bring a heavy storm surge to northern Jamaica through the night. The storm was maintaining Category 4 strength as it moved toward Cuba, where it was expected to cross the eastern part of the island overnight.

Nearly 15,000 people were in shelters in Jamaica and some 540,000 customers, or 77%, were without power, officials said.

Jamaican officials had warned against going outside during Hurricane Melissa, but curiosity got the better of a few Jamaican teens who had never experienced the wrath of a Category 5 system.

“When the wind howls, it feels as if the world is falling apart,” 15-year-old Gavin Fuller said with a grin. “I wanted to know what it feels like to stand in the eye of something so powerful.”

Colin Bogle, a Mercy Corps adviser, said most families were sheltering in place despite the government ordering evacuations in flood-prone communities. He was sheltering with his grandmother in Portmore, where everything went dark after a loud explosion.

“The noise is relentless,” he said. “People are anxious and just trying to hold on until the storm passes.”

Jamaica prepares for the aftermath of a record storm

On Tuesday night, Melissa had top sustained winds of 130 mph (215 kph) and was moving northeast at 9 mph (15 kph) according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami. The hurricane was centered about 110 miles (175 kilometers) southwest of Guantánamo, Cuba.

Its 185 mph (295 kph) winds and 892 millibars of central pressure tied two records for the strongest Atlantic storm at landfall. The pressure — the key measurement meteorologists use — tied 1935’s Labor Day hurricane in Florida. The wind speed tied the 1935 hurricane and 2019’s Hurricane Dorian, said hurricane scientists Phil Klotzbach of Colorado State University and Brian McNoldy of the University of Miami.

“It’s been a remarkable, just a beast of a storm,” Klotzbach told The Associated Press.

With a life-threatening storm surge of up to 13 feet (4 meters) forecast, officials were concerned about hospitals along the coast. McKenzie said four main hospitals were damaged and one of those lost power, forcing officials to evacuate 75 patients.

One man called a radio station seeking urgent help for a woman in labor in western Jamaica as the hurricane neared landfall. The show’s host pleaded with listeners to let him know the safest hospital before an obstetrician called in to provide detailed directions on how to deliver a baby, if necessary.

In Kingston, officials warned people to watch out for crocodiles that might be displaced from their habitats by flooding.

McKenzie said the government was prepared for rescues immediately after the storm passes through: “We have boats, helicopters, you name it.”

The storm already was blamed for seven deaths in the Caribbean, including three in Jamaica, three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, where another person remains missing.

Tuesday evening, officials huddled in meetings to determine how best to clear the debris after the storm and distribute emergency relief supplies to avoid bottlenecks at Jamaica’s ports, said Richard Thompson, acting general director for Jamaica’s emergency management office.

Officials hope to reopen the island’s airports by Thursday.

U.N. agencies and dozens of nonprofits had food, medicine and other essential supplies positioned as they awaited a distribution rush after the storm.

Melissa takes aim at Cuba
Melissa was expected to make landfall in eastern Cuba early Wednesday. Up to 20 inches (51 centimeters) of rain was forecast in areas, along with a significant storm surge along the coast.

In a televised address to the nation Tuesday, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel urged the population to not underestimate the power of the storm, “the strongest ever to hit national territory.”

In the eastern province of Santiago de Cuba, people streamed into the home of 83-year-old Eduviges Figueroa at the foot of the Sierra Maestra mountains to seek shelter after fleeing their homes by bus, truck and even horse-drawn carts.

“We’re helping as best we can,” she said. “Now I’m cooking for everyone.”

People in Santiago de Cuba, the island’s second-largest city with more than 1 million people, spent Tuesday frantically preparing. Few people were on the streets, while state television showed Cubans in rural areas rounding up animals and protecting crops.

Source: https://apnews.com/article/hurricane-melissa-jamaica-landfall-cuba-bahamas-8f71433722c9963554421d9258cd4d6b#

Hourslong peace talks between Pakistan and neighboring Afghanistan entered a third day Monday in Istanbul, officials from both sides said, but they were unable to reach an agreement by the end of the day.

The talks came a day after U.S. President Donald Trump pledged to resolve the crisis between the two neighbors “very quickly” and as tensions along the border remained high following recent exchanges of fire that have killed dozens of soldiers and civilians on the both sides.

The clashes prompted Qatar to host a first round of negotiations that led to a ceasefire agreement on Oct. 19 between Islamabad and Kabul.

Afghan media on Monday quoted Zabihullah Mujahid, the chief spokesman for Afghanistan’s Taliban government, as saying the Istanbul discussions were still in progress, with no outcome announced yet. Pakistani officials also confirmed the talks are underway but the Afghan delegation was repeatedly consulting authorities in Kabul, and Pakistan was not getting an encouraging response.

The officials who have direct knowledge of the negotiations being hosted by Turkey’s government spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media.

Pakistan’s army said Sunday it had killed 25 militants while “repelling two major infiltration attempts” along the border, even as delegations were talking in Istanbul. It also said five Pakistani soldiers had died during exchanges of fire.

It was not possible to verify the casualty figures as the area is remote and off-limits to the media.

Trump, speaking on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Malaysia on Sunday, said he had learned that Pakistan and Afghanistan had begun peace efforts, adding that he would “get that solved very quickly.”

Pakistan this year recommended Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for helping defuse a crisis with neighboring India when the two nuclear-armed rivals were on the brink of a wider conflict. That standoff followed the killing of tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir in April and ended after U.S.-led diplomatic efforts produced a truce, which Trump has repeatedly taken credit for.

The latest Istanbul talks, hosted by the Turkish government and facilitated by Qatar, are aimed at ensuring that the ceasefire remains intact and that the two sides reach a broader agreement.

Pakistan has long accused Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers of allowing militants to use Afghan soil to launch attacks across the border — allegations Kabul strongly denies.

No Pakistani government spokesman was immediately available for comment on the latest round of talks, which were expected to conclude Friday. A joint statement was anticipated before midnight but it didn’t happen, the officials said.

According to two Pakistani security officials, the delegation from Islamabad presented its final position to the Afghan Taliban representatives, emphasizing that “patronage of terrorists is unacceptable” to Pakistan.

The officials said Pakistan also expects Kabul to take “concrete and verifiable” action against the outlawed Pakistani Taliban, or Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has stepped up cross-border attacks and violence since the Taliban seized power in 2021.

The officials said Turkey, as host nation, is striving to keep the discussions “productive, fruitful and result oriented.” They said Pakistan had shared solid evidence with the Afghan side about the cross-border attacks by Pakistani Taliban from the Afghan soil.

Source : https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-afghanistan-istanbul-peace-talks-61df54b7e5759e1ffb7e1febd6f9e68f

Three people have already died in Jamaica as it braces for the world’s strongest storm this year – and possibly the strongest on record for the island – with US meteorologists warning of “catastrophic and life-threatening” conditions.

With wind speeds of up to 175mph (282km/h), Hurricane Melissa is a category five storm – the maximum strength. It is intensifying and expected to make landfall on the Caribbean island early on Tuesday.

It has been blamed for four deaths in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, in addition to the lives lost in Jamaica.

Experts warn that Melissa’s slow pace may mean prolonged torrential rain in some areas, increasing the risk of deadly flooding and landslides.

The latest data from the US-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) shows that in terms of maximum wind and low central pressure, Melissa is the world’s strongest storm so far this year.

At its current strength, it would be the strongest hurricane to hit Jamaica since record-keeping began in 1851, CBS, the BBC’s US news partner, reported.

Tropical storm conditions are already occurring in Jamaica, and “catastrophic and life-threatening hurricane-force wind conditions are expected to begin Tuesday morning,” the latest NHC public advisory update said at 23:00 ET (03:00 GMT) on Monday.

Three “storm-related deaths” were already reported in Jamaica Monday evening ahead of the hurricane’s landfall, Jamaica’s ministry of health and wellness said on X.

The NHC said Melissa was currently about 140 miles (240km) south-west of the capital Kingston, with sustained winds of 175mph, (280km/h). It was moving “north-northeast” at 2mph (4 km/h).

The update warned that within the eyewall – the inner part of the hurricane next to the eye, where wind speeds are typically the highest – “total structural failure is likely”.

It urged extra caution in Jamaica’s “higher elevation areas”, where wind speeds could be as much as 30% stronger.

NHC director Michael Brennan warned Jamaicans: “Do not venture outside with catastrophic life threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides expected through Tuesday.”

He advised not to “go out in the eye as it passes over your area. The forward speed of Melissa is going to increase and the eye is going to start to move very quickly across the island.”

Forty inches of rain (100cm) was possible in parts of Jamaica over the next four days, according to the NHC.

“This extreme rainfall potential, owing to the slow motion, is going to create a catastrophic event here for Jamaica,” said NHC deputy director Jamie Rhome.

The Jamaican government has ordered evacuations for parts of Kingston. In a BBC interview, Jamaican Education Minister Dana Morris Dixon warned of an impending storm “the likes of which we have never seen”.

“We’ve been having rain all of October. So the ground is already very saturated. And then to take that much rain means we’re going to have flooding, extensive flooding and landslides in the mountainous areas,” she told BBC Newshour.

The minister added: “We have 881 shelters. We have activated all our shelters. All of them are free.”

A Hurricane Hunter aircraft, which collects data in severe storms and informs forecasts on the pathway and intensity of hurricanes, was forced to abort a mission after experiencing severe turbulence, a spokesperson for the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration told CBS.

Evadney Campbell, a Londoner currently visiting family on Jamaica’s north coast, told the BBC: “The house that I am in is hurricane proof. It is built with blocks and steel from top to bottom and is filled with concrete.

“We’re checking on neighbours to see if they are OK.

“I am worried about people who live on the lowlands in parts of the south-east. Many do not want to leave their homes as they are worried about looting their houses,” Ms Campbell said.

Damian Anderson, a 47-year-old teacher from the mountainous town of Hagley Gap in the south-east, said impassable roads already had cut off his community.

“We can’t move. We’re scared,” he was quoted as saying by Reuters news agency.

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness has ordered the immediate evacuation of several vulnerable communities across the island.

In a post on X, he urged “every Jamaican to prepare, stay indoors during the storm, and comply with evacuation orders”.

“We will weather this storm and rebuild stronger,” he wrote.

“You have been warned. It’s now up to you to use that information to make the right decision,” he said during a briefing, and told CNN, “I don’t believe there is any infrastructure within this region that could withstand a Category 5 storm, so there could be significant dislocation.”

In some rural areas, school buses were used to ferry vulnerable people to shelters and across the country.

Source : https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2dr0z57nygo

Dozens of cases of bird flu have been reported across the country, especially in north-eastern regions. The virus isn’t particularly dangerous for humans, but could result in higher prices for poultry and eggs.

Over half a million hens, ducks, geese and turkeys have been culled in Germany since the start of September as a virulent strain of bird flu sweeps the country.

According to the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI), the German government agency responsible for monitoring animal pestilence, there have been 30 registered outbreaks in poultry batteries and another 73 among wild birds.

“And we’re expecting more,” a spokesperson told the dpa news agency, explaining that another 23 suspected cases are currently being investigated.

According to the FLI, outbreaks of bird flu usually emerge at the start of November at the height of the migratory season, meaning that the current pestilence could yet to reach its peak.

In the south-western state of Rhineland-Palatinate, local authorities said new suspected cases were reaching them on a daily basis and spoke of an “unusual dynamic.”

Bird flu in Germany: where are the most affected areas?

The worst affected areas are the northern and eastern states of Lower Saxony (20 cases), Thuringia (19), Brandenburg (19) and Mecklenburg-West Pomerania (14). But cases have also been confirmed in the southern state of Bavaria (eight) and the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia (five).

Cranes have reportedly been particularly badly affected, with emergency services in northern Brandenburg, just north of Berlin, having to dispose of thousands of infected, dead animals left strewn across fields.

According to the FLI, the outbreaks are being caused by the highly infectious H5N-1 strain of the HPAIV influenza virus – commonly known as bird flu.

Is bird flu dangerous for humans?

In high doses, the virus is theoretically transmissible to humans, but the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Germany’s federal agency for disease control and prevention, isn’t aware of any such cases.

Rather, the effect on humans could be more likely to be felt in the pocket, with Bavarian Poultry Union chairman Robert Schmack warning of a potential 40% increase in the price of eggs and a smaller choice of poultry products in supermarkets.

The president of the Central German Poultry Union, Hans-Peter Goldknick, however, disagrees, telling public broadcaster ZDF that he is “not expecting price explosions in the short term,” nor in the build-up to Christmas, not least because most geese in Germany are imported from Hungary and Poland.

Source : https://www.dw.com/en/germany-500000-birds-culled-as-flu-spreads/a-74516613

Russia has successfully tested its nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile, a nuclear-capable weapon Moscow says can pierce any defence shield, and will move towards deploying the weapon, President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday.
The test, alongside a nuclear drill last week, sends a message that Russia, in Putin’s words, will never bow to pressure from the West over the war in Ukraine as U.S. President Donald Trump takes a tougher stance against Russia to push for a ceasefire.

Russia’s top general, Valery Gerasimov, chief of the general staff of Russia’s armed forces, told Putin that the missile travelled 14,000 km (8,700 miles) and was in the air for about 15 hours when it was tested on October 21.
Russia says the 9M730 Burevestnik (Storm Petrel) – dubbed the SSC-X-9 Skyfall by NATO – is “invincible” to current and future missile defences, with an almost unlimited range and unpredictable flight path.
“It is a unique ware which nobody else in the world has,” Putin, dressed in camouflage fatigues at a meeting with generals overseeing the war in Ukraine, said in remarks released by the Kremlin on Sunday.

Since first announcing the 9M730 Burevestnik in 2018, Putin has cast the weapon as a response to moves by the United States to build a missile defence shield after Washington in 2001 unilaterally withdrew from the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, and to enlarge the NATO military alliance.
Putin said on Sunday that he had once been told by Russian specialists that the weapon was unlikely to ever be possible, but now, he said, its “crucial testing” had been concluded.
He told Gerasimov, a trusted wartime commander, that Russia needed to understand how to class the weapon and prepare infrastructure for deploying the Burevestnik.
But the timing of the missile test – and its announcement by Putin in fatigues at a meeting at a command point with generals in charge of the Ukraine war – sends a signal to the West and to Trump in particular.

PUTIN SIGNALS TO WASHINGTON

For Trump, who has cast Russia as a “paper tiger” for failing to swiftly subdue Ukraine, the message is that Russia remains a global military competitor, especially on nuclear weapons, and that Moscow’s overtures on nuclear arms control should be acted on.
Putin’s message for the broader West, after the United States moved to provide Ukraine with intelligence on long-range energy infrastructure targets in Russia, is that Moscow can strike back if it wants to.
After The Wall Street Journal reported that the Trump administration has lifted a key restriction on Ukraine’s use of some long-range missiles provided by Western allies, Putin said on Thursday that if Russia was attacked, the response would be “very serious, if not overwhelming.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov repeated that message to Russian state TV in remarks published on Sunday.
Gerasimov said that the Burevestnik missile had flown on nuclear power and that this test had been different because it flew for such a long distance, though the range was essentially unlimited. He said it could defeat any anti-missile defences.
Putin on Wednesday oversaw a test of Russia’s strategic nuclear forces on land, sea and air to rehearse their readiness and command structure. Gerasimov said that training launches of Yars and Sineva intercontinental ballistic missiles had been completed along with two Kh-102 air-launched cruise missiles.

Source : https://www.reuters.com/world/china/russia-tested-new-nuclear-powered-cruise-missile-top-general-says-2025-10-26/

ONE person has been killed and six others injured in a mass shooting that took place at a university in Pennsylvania, on Saturday night.

Lincoln University, located 45 miles southwest of Philadelphia, was hosting a homecoming event for students and alumni who had gathered in celebration when gunfire broke out around 9:30 pm.

Shots were fired in the parking lot of the International Cultural Center (ICC) building where tailgate celebrations were being held after a football game, University police chief Marc Partee told reporters on Sunday.

Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe confirmed that one person died in the incident and at least six others were injured and taken to hospital.

He added that one person, who was carrying a firearm, has been detained.

No charges have been filed.

The campus was immediately placed under lock down which was later lifted when officials ruled no further active threat to the The Historically Black College and University (HBCU).

As the investigation continues into the tragic incident, officials say they are looking into the possibility of a second shooter being involved.

Officials revealed on Sunday morning that there was “viable evidence” of more then one gunman in the parking lot between the ICC and the football stadium.

It is currently unclear what the motive was for the shooting as authorities do not believe it was a planned attack.

“We don’t have a lot of answers about exactly what happened,” de Barrena-Sarobe told reporters.

“Today, we’re operating as if this is not an incident where someone came in with the design to inflict mass damage on a college campus.

“This mass shooting should never have happened. Never have happened.”

“This was to be a joyous occasion,” Partee added.

“Homecoming — when individuals come back, and they give back to their alma mater, and they live the good memories of their time at Lincoln University, which has helped them propel into life.

“This was interrupted by gunfire that should not have occurred.”

“We set this out to be a time to celebrate the legacy of Lincoln University, the first historically Black, HBCU in the country,” he continued.

“So, devastated, if there was another word to describe that, that’s more impactful, I would use it. but devastated is a start.”

Officials revealed that the shots immediately sparked chaos in the crowded area with attendees fleeing in every direction to escape the bullets.

Several people had to be treated for the injuries they sustained after being knocked to the ground and trampled in the rush to flee the area.

No further information has been given regarding the identities or conditions of the victims of the shooting.

Counselling sessions will be available at the campus from 10am today for help students and staff members impacted by the tragedy.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed he has been briefed on the matter and given his full support and resources to the university and local law enforcement.

In a post on X, he urged people to “avoid the area” and “continue to follow the guidance of local law enforcement.”

“Join Lori and me in praying for the Lincoln University community,” he added.

The investigation into the incident is being led by Chester County Detectives who “will not stop” in finding those responsible.

Source : https://www.the-sun.com/news/15399113/dead-injured-homecoming-mass-shooting-lincoln-university-pennsylvania/

Although moving forward, Oleksandr Volobuev’s body is angled slightly away from the camera, as if bracing against the deadly air still swirling with falling debris and smoke.

His face in careful concentration, the Major-General from Ukraine’s Civil Protection Service clings tightly to a precious bundle, wrapped for protection in his coat – and out of which two small pink shoes protrude.

It is a striking image of a dramatic rescue from a nursery school in the eastern city of Kharkiv, following a devastating, direct hit by a Russian drone.

Unsurprisingly it has gone viral, capturing both the Ukrainian and the wider global public’s imagination.

With 48 children trapped in a shelter in the burning building, it was not the only act of bravery that day, not by a long way.

But few photographs better sum up the growing impact of Russia’s full-scale invasion on everyday life, with Ukraine’s most vulnerable now bearing the brunt, including children.

“We got the call that there had been an attack on the kindergarten,” Oleksandr Volobuev told me. “And, of course, knowing there would be children there, we set off in a state of some anxiety.”

Little did he expect that by the end of that day, as a result of carrying that little girl to safety, he would find himself being hailed as a national hero.

In a split-second moment caught on camera, the Ukrainian people saw not only the reality of Russia’s new strategy – its increasing attacks on civilian infrastructure – but also a stark depiction of their own resilience and defiance.

It’s impossible to know why the Honey Academy, based in a sturdy, two-storey brick building in Kharkiv’s Kholodnohirsky district, was hit by a Shahed drone.

The low, menacing hum of those Iranian-designed weapons, which carry a lethal 50kg payload, is now all too familiar, not only to soldiers on the front line, but to Ukrainians everywhere.

While they can be devastatingly accurate, the large volume being fired by Russia – with multiple waves of drones in each attack on cities across the country – means some inevitably malfunction.

Russia has regularly denied targeting residential areas, but maps of the city show no obvious military targets in the immediate vicinity of the kindergarten, and the Ukrainian government certainly spoke of it as deliberate.

“There is no justification for an attack on a kindergarten, nor can there ever be,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said shortly after the strike. “Clearly, Russia is growing more brazen.”

Fedir Uhnenko was also with one of the emergency teams rushing to respond to the strike.

Normally, as a press officer with the Civil Defence Service, he is not so closely involved in frontline work.

But this time, seeing the disaster unfolding in front of him, he knew he had to act.

“There’d been a huge explosion and there was horror in their eyes,” he told me, on finding the children huddled in the building’s basement.

Luckily, following the air raid warning that had sounded before the attack, the children had taken cover in the school’s shelter there.

But with the fire still burning, the roof destroyed and the building filling with smoke and dust, they were still in danger.

His colleagues, as well as members of the public who had come to help, stepped forward one by one to scoop up a child.

Like Oleksandr, his more senior commander, Fedir was pictured carrying a child to safety. In his case it was a young boy, through the rubble and smoke.

“I was reassuring him all the way that everything was fine, there was nothing to worry about,” he explained.

“When we came out of the building, there was a car on fire. Our boys were putting it out. And, you know, I was surprised the kid didn’t cry. There was certainly fear in his eyes.”

“I said to him, go ahead and hold me as tight as you like. I’m quite big myself and, as you can see in the photo, he grabbed me so tightly.”

In the end, he had fulfilled two roles: the rescue work and his day job too. His press officer’s helmet-camera rolled throughout, capturing many of the up-close photographs and videos that have since been beamed around the world.

The children were carried to an emergency reception point in a safe zone, a few hundred metres from the nursery school.

All were unharmed, but there can be little doubt about the danger they faced.

One adult working nearby was killed in the strike and nine others were wounded, one with serious burns and another a traumatic amputation of her leg.

For all the rescuers, Fedir told me, there was the constant awareness not only of the risks of fire, falling masonry and smoke, but of the possibility of another strike.

Russia has been known to hit the same target twice, which Ukrainians see as a deliberate strategy to kill emergency workers.

The day after the nursery school attack, one of these so called “double taps” killed a firefighter and wounded five of his colleagues in a village a short distance from Kharkiv.

Source : https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9q1w9ypl8jo

More than 150 Hamas prisoners were photographed enjoying the good life in a ritzy, five-star hotel in Egypt after being freed as part of the Gaza peace deal — but have now apparently ditched their lush digs.

The Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotel in Cairo had been the upscale landing spot for 154 terrorists recently released from Israeli confinement in the initial stages of President Trump’s historic 20-point Gaza peace deal, the Daily Mail reported.

The killers were photographed sipping cappuccinos, noshing on fine dining, and dabbling in the world-class amenities of the lavish hotel.

But as of Saturday the ex-prisoners had left their luxury stay, Marriott officials confirmed to the Times of Israel.

Many of those militants at the hotel celebrated the wedding of Akram Abu Bakr — who is responsible for dozens of shootings and bombings, according to the Mail.

Some of the freed prisoners were notorious terrorists responsible for heinous acts of violence against Israelis.

Mahmoud Issa, 57, had been imprisoned since 1993 for abducting and murdering border police officer Nissim Toledano. Samir Abu Nima, 64, was jailed in 1983 for a bus bombing in Jerusalem that killed six people including an 11-year-old boy. And Muhammad Zawahara, 52, took part in a deadly 2024 shooting near a Jerusalem check-point area.

When the cadre of bad apples weren’t poolside, they made themselves at home amongst the resort’s other guests who were seemingly unaware that they were brushing shoulders with the Palestinian terrorists.

During Abu Bakr’s wedding, which was reportedly held on Oct. 18, a Christian couple was also getting married in a nearby room at the massive hotel — with ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” playing the background as the terrorists took family photos, the DailyMail reported.

Source : https://nypost.com/2025/10/25/world-news/hundreds-of-freed-hamas-terrorists-reportedly-basking-in-luxury-at-swanky-5-star-egyptian-hotel/

The Pentagon confirmed Friday that it has accepted an anonymous $130 million gift to help pay members of the military during the government shutdown, raising ethical questions after President Donald Trump had announced that a friend had offered the gift to defray any shortfalls.

While large and unusual, the gift amounts to a small contribution toward the billions needed to cover service member paychecks. The Trump administration told Congress last week that it used $6.5 billion to make payroll. The next payday is coming within the week, and it is unclear if the administration will again move money around to ensure the military does not go without compensation.

“That’s what I call a patriot,” Trump said during a White House event Thursday when he disclosed the payment from the donor.

The president declined to name the person, whom he called “a friend of mine,” saying the man didn’t want the recognition.

The Pentagon confirmed it had accepted the donation on Thursday “under its general gift acceptance authority.”

“The donation was made on the condition that it be used to offset the cost of Service members’ salaries and benefits,” said Sean Parnell, chief spokesman for the Pentagon. “We are grateful for this donor’s assistance after Democrats opted to withhold pay from troops.”

Congress is at a stalemate over the government shutdown, now on track to become one of the longest federal closures ever, in its 24th day. Neither Republicans, who have control of the House and Senate, nor Democrats, in the minority, are willing to budge in their broader standoff over health care funding.

Payment for service members is a key concern among lawmakers of both parties as well as a point of political leverage. The Trump administration shifted $8 billion from military research and development funds to make payroll last week, ensuring that military compensation did not lapse.

But it is unclear if the Trump administration will be willing — or able — to shift money again next week as tensions rise over the protracted shutdown.

While the $130 million is a hefty sum, it would cover just a fraction of the billions needed for military paychecks. Trump said the donation was to cover any “shortfall.”

What’s unclear, however, is the regulations around such a donation.

Source : https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-military-payroll-anonymous-donation-trump-e327c306292043755d9d700731039e83

North Korea has begun constructing a memorial for its soldiers killed fighting in Russia’s war with Ukraine, state media reported on Thursday (Oct 23), as leader Kim Jong Un hailed a “historic peak” in ties with Moscow.

The so-called Memorial Museum of Combat Feats will be built in the capital Pyongyang, where Kim and Russia’s ambassador to North Korea attended a groundbreaking ceremony, according to the Korean Central News Agency.

Kim, addressing Thursday’s event, said the museum “is a sacred sanctuary dedicated to the immortality of true patriots.”

North Korea, one of the world’s most insular nations, has become a key Russian ally since Moscow invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

It has sent thousands of soldiers and container loads of weapons to help the Kremlin push Ukrainian forces out of western Russia.

At least 600 North Korean soldiers have been killed and thousands more wounded, according to estimates from South Korea.

In remarks carried by KCNA, Kim praised his country’s troops for helping Russia achieve a “decisive victory”.

“Our heroes destroyed the fiendish neo-Nazi invaders with their staunch spirit not to tolerate any aggression but to annihilate the aggressors,” Kim said.

North Korea and Russia’s relationship was “now rising to its historic peak”, he added.

Kim said the memorial would feature sculptures dedicated to the North Korean soldiers who have fought in Russia, as well as photos and artwork portraying the combat.

Moscow’s ambassador to North Korea, Aleksandr Matsegora, and other Russian embassy officials attended Thursday’s ceremony, KCNA reported.

Several North Korean government and military officials were also present, along with families of soldiers who have died in Russia.

Images released by state media showed Kim embracing visibly emotional soldiers at the ceremony in Pyongyang.

Russia and North Korea last year agreed to a strategic partnership agreement that obligates each side to provide “military and other assistance” should either of them be attacked.

Source : https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/north-korea-building-memorial-troops-killed-ukraine-war-5421821

The U.S. military killed five alleged drug smugglers in strikes against two vessels in the eastern Pacific Ocean, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Wednesday, in an expansion of the Trump administration’s use of the armed forces in its counter-narcotics campaign.

On Wednesday afternoon, Hegseth said the military attacked a vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean and killed two men on Tuesday. It was the first known U.S. military operation in the Pacific since President Donald Trump kicked off a new offensive against the drug trade.

Hours later, Hegseth said the military had struck another vessel in the eastern Pacific on Wednesday, killing three men.

The strikes came on top of at least seven others in the Caribbean in a campaign that has raised U.S. tensions with Venezuela and Colombia.

“The vessel was known by our intelligence to be involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, was transiting along a known narco-trafficking route and was carrying narcotics,” Hegseth said, without providing evidence, after the latest strike.
He posted videos of around 30 seconds in length of the two strikes on X; both appeared to show a vessel traveling in the water before exploding.

The strikes in the Caribbean have killed at least 32 people, but the Trump administration has provided few details, such as how many alleged drugs the targeted vessels were carrying or what specific evidence it had to suggest they were carrying drugs.

News of the Tuesday strike in the eastern Pacific was first reported by CBS News.

“The attack on another boat in the Pacific, we don’t know if it’s Ecuadorean or Colombian, killed people,” said Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who is in the midst of a spat with Trump over the boat strikes and tariffs. “It is murder. Whether in the Caribbean or Pacific, the U.S. government strategy breaks the norms of international law.”

Colombia’s Foreign Ministry said in a separate statement the U.S. must halt the attacks.

Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa, who has declared war on gangs in his country, has expressed support for Trump’s anti-narcotics efforts.

Trump, asked about the strike by reporters in the Oval Office, said his administration had the legal authority to carry it out and that he believed each strike saved American lives.

Trump also reiterated plans to strike targets on the ground in Venezuela, which would be an escalation. He said if he takes this step, his administration likely would inform the U.S. Congress.

“We’ll probably go back to Congress and explain exactly what we’re doing when we come to the land,” Trump said. “We don’t have to do that, but I think … I’d like to do that.”

Legal experts have questioned why the U.S. military is carrying out the strikes, instead of the Coast Guard, which is the main U.S. maritime law enforcement agency, and why other efforts to halt the shipments are not made before resorting to deadly strikes.

Source : https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/us-military-strikes-suspected-drug-vessel-pacific-2025-10-22

President Trump on Wednesday appeared to rule out providing Ukraine with Tomahawk cruise missiles, arguing that the long-range weapons are too complex for Kyiv to deploy without substantial US training.

“The problem with the Tomahawk is – a lot of people don’t know – It’ll take a minimum of six months, usually a year, to learn how to use,” Trump told reporters during an Oval Office meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.

“The only way a Tomahawk is going to be shot is if we shot it,” the president added.

“And we’re not going to do that.”

Trump added there is a “tremendous learning curve” when it comes to using the “highly complex” weapons, and he signaled that he wouldn’t want the US military to train other nations on how to effectively fire the “very accurate” missiles.

“It takes a year of intense training to learn how to use it, and we know how to use it, and we’re not going to be teaching other people.”

With a range of more than 1,500 miles, Tomahawk missiles would enable Ukraine to hit critical military, logistical and energy targets deep inside Russia, severely limiting Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ability to continue the 32-month-long war.

The US has more than 1,000 Tomahawks available, though some experts believe Washington wouldn’t sell more than 50 to Ukraine, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly lobbied Trump for access to the missiles, but returned to Kyiv empty-handed after a White House meeting Oct. 17.

Trump’s interest in providing Ukraine with Tomahawks faded rapidly after a call with Putin the day before his meeting with Zelensky.

Earlier this week, Zelensky argued that US-provided Tomahawks should be viewed as a “major investment in diplomacy,” arguing that Putin’s willingness to end the war fizzled out after it became clear that Trump would not be offering the weapon to Ukraine in the immediate future.

“The frontline can spark diplomacy. Instead, Russia continues to do everything to weasel out: as soon as the issue of long-range capabilities for Ukraine became less immediate, their interest in diplomacy faded,” Zelensky wrote on X Tuesday.

“This signals that deep strike capabilities may hold the key to peace.”

Source : https://nypost.com/2025/10/22/us-news/trump-shoots-down-sending-ukraine-tomahawk-missiles

Israel’s military says the bodies of two hostages returned by Hamas on Tuesday have been identified as Arie Zalmanowicz and Master Sergeant Tamir Adar.

Mr Zalmanovich, 85 at the time of his death, was abducted from his home in kibbutz Nir Oz and killed in captivity on 17 November 2023, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement.

Mr Adar, 38 when he died, was a member of Nir Oz’s community security squad and was killed while fighting Hamas gunmen during the 7 October attack.

The return of their remains means that Hamas has transferred 15 out of 28 deceased Israeli hostages under the first phase of a US-brokered ceasefire deal earlier this month.

Their coffins were handed over to troops in the Palestinian territory by the Red Cross, which had earlier received them from Hamas.

The IDF said the coffins – which were escorted by the military – had crossed into Israel and will be taken to be formally identified in Tel Aviv.

Hamas has handed over a Palestinian body in a previous hostage transfers, which it said was accidental due to difficulties locating the bodies.

All 20 living hostages were released shortly after the agreement was reached.

Before the latest remains were identified, the IDF stressed that “Hamas is required to uphold the agreement and take the necessary steps to return all the deceased hostages”.

There has been outrage in Israel that Hamas has not yet returned all the deceased hostages.

The Palestinian group says it is trying to do this but that it faces difficulty finding bodies under rubble of buildings bombed out by the IDF in Gaza.

Under the ceasefire and hostage release agreement, Israel has freed 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,718 detainees from Gaza, and returned 15 bodies of Palestinians for every Israeli hostage’s remains.

The first phase of the agreement has also seen an increase of aid into Gaza, a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces, and a halt in fighting – though deadly violence flared up over the weekend as both sides accused one another of breaching the terms of the deal.

The IDF launched a military campaign in Gaza in response to the 7 October 2023 attack, in which Hamas-led gunmen killed about 1,200 people in southern Israel and took 251 others hostage.

More than 68,000 people have been killed by Israeli attacks in Gaza since then, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, whose figures are seen by the UN as reliable.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd675jygwp1o