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An investigation into allegations that Sheffield Hallam University faced pressure from China to stop human rights research has been referred to counter-terrorism police. Documents show China waged a two-year campaign of intimidation and harassment against the university to stop research into forced labor in Xinjiang. The university initially stopped the research but later reversed its decision after Professor Laura Murphy started legal action.

Guinea's coup leader, Mamady Doumbouya, has entered the presidential race despite previously promising to hand power to a civilian government. The election is being held under a new constitution that allowed Doumbouya to run. Concerns have been raised about the election's credibility due to the exclusion of two major opposition parties and a high deposit requirement for candidates. Doumbouya's rule has been marked by crackdowns on peaceful dissent and human rights abuses. The election will take place in the absence of several prominent figures, including ex-President Alpha Condé.

Oscar-nominated actress Dianne Ladd has died at 89. Her daughter, Laura Dern, confirmed her death, stating that she passed away at home in California. Ladd had a long career in film and television, earning three Academy Award nominations. She appeared in films such as 'Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore' and 'Wild at Heart', and worked alongside her daughter Laura Dern in several projects, including 'Rambling Rose'. The two were the first mother-daughter pair to be nominated for an Academy Award for the same film. Ladd and Dern also co-authored a book together in 2023, 'Honey, Baby, Mine: A Mother and Daughter Talk Life, Death, Love'.

A recent study has shed light on the rapid retreat of Antarctica's Hektoria Glacier in 2022, with scientists debating the cause of this unprecedented event. The glacier retreated by over 8km in two months, sparking concerns about the potential for similar rapid ice loss elsewhere in Antarctica. Researchers suggest that the glacier's front, which was resting on the seabed, may have destabilized due to an 'ice plain' - a relatively flat area of bedrock - allowing ocean water to lift the thinning ice and causing it to break off. However, other scientists argue that the glacier's front was actually floating, making the changes less unusual. The study's findings have implications for understanding the impact of climate change on Antarctica's ice sheets and sea-level rise.

The Trump administration plans to tap into an emergency fund to provide partial food stamp benefits to over 42 million Americans amidst the ongoing government shutdown. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) will distribute half of the normal monthly allotment after federal judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island ruled that the administration must use $5.25bn in emergency funds to make at least partial payments to Americans receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Snap) benefits. The shutdown has left the programme unfunded since October 1, and individual states administer the benefits but rely on federal funding. Some states had sued the administration over the food-aid freeze, arguing they had a legal obligation to keep the programme running.

US President Donald Trump has downplayed the possibility of a US war with Venezuela, despite a significant military buildup in the Caribbean. Trump suggested that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's days are numbered, but stated that he doubts the US will go to war. The US has been conducting strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean, killing at least 64 people since early September. Trump also discussed nuclear testing, the US government shutdown, and immigration during the interview.

Multiple landslides struck the mountainous border region of Kenya and Uganda, resulting in over 40 deaths. The disaster has left many people missing, with search and rescue teams deployed to find them. The Kenyan Interior Minister warned of further landslides due to heavy rainfall, and residents in affected areas were urged to be cautious. In Uganda, at least 18 people died, and 20 remain unaccounted for. The Ugandan government has announced compensation for bereaved families and survivors, while the Kenyan government has yet to do so. Experts have warned against building homes in areas prone to landslides, citing a 2010 disaster in Uganda that killed 300 people.

A landslide in western Kenya has resulted in at least 26 deaths, with 25 people still missing. The search for survivors was suspended due to a flash flood, but the government has intensified the search mission with the military deploying four aircraft to aid in the efforts. Heavy rains continue across Kenya, causing floods that have displaced thousands of people. The government has urged those living in flood or landslide-prone areas to relocate and is airlifting supplies to those affected.

King Charles III is set to strip his younger brother, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor (formerly Prince Andrew), of his last honorary military title, honorary Vice Admiral in the Royal Navy, due to his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The decision comes after years of controversy surrounding Prince Andrew's ties to Epstein and his subsequent denial of allegations made by Virginia Giuffre. The royal family has been distancing themselves from Andrew, who has lost many of his titles and privileges. Defense Secretary John Healey confirmed that the process to remove the title is underway, as indicated by the King.

The Maldives has implemented a generational smoking ban, prohibiting anyone born on or after January 1, 2007, from purchasing, using, or being sold tobacco products. The ban, initiated by President Mohamed Muizzu, aims to protect public health and promote a tobacco-free generation. The measure applies to both citizens and visitors, with penalties for retailers who sell tobacco products to underage individuals. The Maldives becomes the only nation with such a ban, while similar proposals are being considered in other countries, including Britain.

The Netherlands has announced that it will return a 3,500-year-old sculpture to Egypt after the Grand Egyptian Museum's opening ceremony. The sculpture, a bust of a high-ranking official from Pharaoh Thutmose III's dynasty, was confiscated by Dutch authorities in 2022 after being discovered at an art fair. The Dutch government confirmed that the sculpture was obtained through looting and was unlawfully exported. The return is expected to be made by the end of the year, marking the first artifact returned to Egypt since the Grand Egyptian Museum's grand opening. The museum, a $1 billion project, is one of the largest in the world and is dedicated to ancient Egyptian civilization. Egyptian officials hope it will boost tourism and the economy, predicting 5 million visitors annually.

A survey of over 10,000 teachers in the UK found that young British children are increasingly adopting American phrases in their speech. The survey, conducted by Teacher Tapp for The Times of London, revealed that more than 50% of elementary level teachers reported hearing their students use American terms like 'trash' and 'candy' instead of their British equivalents. The trend is more prevalent among younger children, with high school teachers reporting fewer instances of American vocabulary. Linguist Professor Lynne Murphy reassured parents that children's language trends change quickly, and that the influence is not one-way, with British terms also being adopted in the US.

Researchers have observed orcas in the Gulf of California hunting and eating the livers of young great white sharks. The orcas use a sophisticated hunting technique, flipping the sharks onto their backs to induce a state of paralysis called tonic immobility, allowing them to extract the sharks' nutrient-rich livers. This behavior has been observed on two separate occasions, in 2020 and 2022, and is believed to be a specialized hunting strategy used by this particular pod of orcas. The research suggests that orcas are apex predators and play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem.

The article tells the story behind Kinmemai Premium, the world's most expensive rice, produced by Toyo Rice Corporation in Japan. The rice is a blend of high-quality varieties, carefully selected and aged to enhance its flavor and nutritional value. Keiji Saika, the 91-year-old president of Toyo Rice Corporation, introduced Kinmemai Premium in 2016 to promote Japanese rice globally and encourage farmers to cultivate higher-quality strains. Despite being sold at a high price, the rice is not profitable, but it has raised the profile of Japanese rice and created a sense of pride among farmers. The article explores the production process, the story behind Saika's devotion to rice, and the cultural significance of rice in Japan.

Kim Yong Nam, North Korea's ceremonial head of state for two decades, has died at 97 due to multiple organ failure. He was known for his loyalty to the Kim dynasty and played a significant role in North Korea's diplomacy, particularly with third-world countries. Kim Yong Nam served as the president of the Presidium of North Korea's Supreme People's Assembly from 1998 to 2019 and was a frequent participant in international gatherings. His death was announced by state media, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed condolences.

NYC Democratic Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani reacts to President Trump's endorsement of his opponent, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, stating that Trump's endorsement is a clear indication of Cuomo's policies. Mamdani spoke to Erin Burnett on CNN, expressing his views on the endorsement.

Starbucks has agreed to sell a controlling stake in its Chinese operations to Boyu Capital in a $4 billion deal. The joint venture will be majority-owned by Boyu, with Starbucks retaining a 40% stake. The move comes as Starbucks faces increased competition from local coffee chains in China, leading to a decline in its market share from 34% in 2019 to 14% last year. The deal is one of the most valuable divestments of a China unit by a global consumer company in recent years.

A long-time Trump supporter is reevaluating her vote after she and her 26-year-old daughter with type 1 diabetes lost $300/month in SNAP benefits, which they relied on to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. The article highlights the personal impact of policy decisions on individuals and families.

US President Donald Trump, after watching a Fox News segment on the treatment of Christians in Nigeria, became 'laser-focused' on the issue within an hour and began posting about it on Truth Social. He claimed that Christianity was facing an 'existential threat' in Nigeria and announced that he was making Nigeria a 'Country of Particular Concern' under the International Religious Freedom Act. Trump directed the Pentagon to 'prepare for possible action' to stop the killing of Christians, which caught many in the military by surprise. The situation in Nigeria is complex, with both Christians and Muslims being victims of attacks by radical Islamists. The Nigerian government has denied accusations of not doing enough to prevent attacks on Christians.

China's global exports continue to grow despite President Trump's tariffs on Chinese goods. While the US is buying less from China, other countries are making up the difference, with China's exports to countries like Japan, Vietnam, and the UK increasing significantly. China's manufacturing dominance and low prices have allowed it to find new markets, particularly in developing economies in Africa and South America. The article highlights the complexities of global trade and the challenges faced by countries caught between the US and China.

Prominent Republican lawmakers and influencers are distancing themselves from Tucker Carlson after his interview with white supremacist Nick Fuentes, sparking a wider debate within the party about antisemitism. While some Republicans have condemned Carlson's actions, others have defended him, highlighting a growing divide within the party. Key figures such as Senator Ted Cruz and Senator Lindsey Graham have spoken out against antisemitism, while others like Kevin Roberts of the Heritage Foundation have defended Carlson. The controversy has led to the resignation of a Heritage Foundation aide who had backed Roberts' defense of Carlson.

Federal prosecutors have urged a judge to reject James Comey's bid to dismiss his criminal case, arguing that the indictment was not born out of animus but rather addressed 'the societal interests' of bringing charges against a former F.B.I. director who lied to Congress. The prosecutors disclosed evidence, including private emails, showing that Comey used a confidant, Daniel Richman, to provide information to reporters. Comey is accused of lying to and obstructing Congress during a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2020. His lawyers have argued that the case is a vindictive prosecution by the Trump administration, pointing to Trump's social media message ordering his attorney general to 'go after' Comey. The prosecutors countered that the message was 'hardly evidence at all' and part of a 'mix of news reports, social-media posts and speculation'.

The article discusses a Virginia woman, Barbara Wien, who protested outside the home of White House official Stephen Miller by distributing leaflets with his home address. The incident has sparked a secret court fight over the balance between personal safety and free speech, with federal and state authorities investigating Wien. The investigation has raised concerns about the involvement of multiple law enforcement agencies and the tactics used, with Wien's lawyer arguing that the authorities are misusing their power to suppress free speech. The case highlights the tensions between political activism and personal safety in the context of rising political violence.

Poland's economy has thrived since the fall of the Berlin Wall, becoming a trillion-dollar economy. However, the global economic system that enabled its success is crumbling due to President Trump's protectionist policies and rising tensions with China. Polish businesses are worried about the impact of tariffs, increasing competition, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Despite these challenges, Poland has taken advantage of some economic opportunities, such as the influx of Ukrainian refugees and changes in government regulations. The country's economy remains diversified, with a strong tech sector and a large consumer market.

The article reports that over 20 Chinese companies have been featured on Time magazine's 'Best Inventions of 2025' list, with a focus on innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. DeepSeek's advanced reasoning model, R1, and Unitree Robotics' affordable humanoid robot are among the highlighted Chinese innovations. The article highlights the growing recognition of Chinese advancements in AI, marking a significant shift in the global AI landscape.

A former Hong Kong university professor, Cheung Kie-chung, has been sentenced to 7 years and 4 months in prison for manslaughter after his murder conviction was reduced due to severe depression. Cheung had strangled his wife, Tina Chan Wai-man, in 2018 and covered up her death. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced after the court accepted that his depression reduced his criminal culpability. Cheung has been detained for 7 years and 2 months and is expected to be released soon. The case shocked the academic community in Hong Kong.

Chinese AI start-up Zhipu AI, also known as Z.ai internationally, has seen a tenfold surge in paid overseas users over the past two months. The company's Beijing-based operations have resulted in around 100,000 monthly API users and 3 million free chatbot users abroad following the launch of its GLM-4.6 model. Zhipu AI's affordable 'good enough' open model is gaining traction in the fast-growing AI coding market, with its GLM-4.6 model being integrated into popular AI coding tools like Claude Code. The model's low cost compared to US counterparts has led to rapid adoption, with token usage increasing 94 times in 12 days on the Kilo Code platform.

South Korea's former President Yoon Suk-yeol is on trial for attempting to impose martial law and allegedly ordering the capture and killing of political opponents. A former special forces commander, Kwak Jong-keun, testified that Yoon directed him to bring key political opponents so that Yoon could 'shoot and kill them all' himself. The testimony has shocked the nation and deepened concerns about Yoon's authoritarian impulses. The trial is testing the resilience of South Korea's democratic institutions and has significant implications for the country's politics.

The South China Morning Post highlights seven Asia stories that resonated with readers, including Sweden's security cooperation with the Philippines amid China's growing assertiveness in the region, Malaysia's Bukit Bintang upgrade, and Singapore's former PM Lee Hsien Loong's comments on China's security threat. The article touches on various topical issues in Asia, showcasing the region's diverse dynamics and concerns.

Antler CEO Magnus Grimeland discusses the importance of AI startups thinking globally, the role of Asia in AI development, and why he believes AI is not a bubble like the dotcom era. In an interview with CNBC's 'Beyond the Valley' at the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH), Grimeland shares his insights on backing great teams over trends and the future of AI startups.

BP reported a third-quarter net profit of $2.21 billion, beating analyst expectations despite weaker oil prices. The oil and gas major's higher crude and gas production outweighed a weak oil trading result. BP's CEO, Murray Auchincloss, stated that the company is looking to accelerate delivery of its plans, including a thorough review of its portfolio to drive simplification and improve cost performance and efficiency. The results come eight months after BP launched a fundamental strategic reset, prioritizing its traditional oil and gas business over renewable spending. Investors have welcomed the change, with BP's share prices up 13% year-to-date. The company also announced $750 million in share buybacks and expects divestment proceeds to be above $4 billion in 2025.

Nintendo has raised its sales forecast for the Switch 2 console to 19 million units for the fiscal year ending March 2026, up from a previous forecast of 15 million units. The company reported a significant increase in revenue and profit, with revenue rising over 90% year-on-year and profit increasing more than 270%. The Switch 2 has been well-received since its launch in June, with 10.36 million units sold so far. Nintendo's optimism around the Switch 2 has led to the company raising its financial forecasts, including net sales and net profit. The company is looking to maintain momentum with new game releases, including 'Pokémon Legends: Z-A', 'Kirby Air Riders', and 'Metroid Prime 4: Beyond'.

UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to address speculation about tax rises in a surprise speech, ahead of her Autumn Budget on November 26. Critics have branded the speech an 'emergency press conference' due to its sudden announcement. Reeves is expected to emphasize 'fairness and opportunity' in her budget, which is likely to include tax rises despite Labour's pre-election pledge not to raise income tax, VAT, or national insurance contributions. The chancellor faces difficult choices in balancing her 'fiscal rules' with the need to fund government spending, and analysts believe she may opt for a 'go big' strategy with significant tax hikes.

Former Governor Andrew Cuomo has received the backing of leaders from the Satmar Hasidic community in his independent bid for New York City mayor. The endorsement comes after a rabbi from the community issued an 'unauthorized' endorsement of socialist frontrunner Zohran Mamdani. Cuomo's campaign welcomed the support from Cheskel Berkowitz, Avrum Brach, and Shulem Yitzchok Jacobowitz, leaders of the Satmar Ahronim community, stating that their voices carry significant weight in standing up for family, faith, and common sense. The community leaders emphasized that 'everything we value and what we stand for is at stake' in the election. Cuomo's campaign highlighted his commitment to unity and balance, contrasting with what they described as 'ideological extremes.' The endorsement is significant given the Satmar Hasidic community's bloc-voting tendency and its influence in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

A Missouri couple, Chris and Cassie Evins, are being hailed as heroes for saving a young girl's life on a roller coaster at the Worlds of Fun amusement park in Kansas City. The girl's seatbelt came undone while riding the Mamba roller coaster, and she let out a 'blood-curdling scream.' The Evins, who were sitting in front of her, quickly reacted by securing her to her seat, potentially saving her life. The ride was immediately shut down after the incident and thoroughly inspected. The couple never got to speak with the girl or her family but are grateful she is safe.

The article criticizes Tucker Carlson for hosting Nick Fuentes, a Holocaust denier and white nationalist, on his podcast, arguing that Carlson is promoting antisemitic and racist ideologies. The author contends that Carlson's actions are part of a larger effort to normalize anti-Zionism and hostility to Judaism within the conservative movement. However, the article also notes that Donald Trump's influence over the MAGA movement may counterbalance Carlson's efforts, as Trump has been supportive of Israel and has a Jewish son-in-law.

A complaint has been filed with the New York City Campaign Finance Board (CFB) accusing Zohran Mamdani's mayoral campaign of coordinating with Super PACs, violating campaign finance laws. The complaint alleges that Mamdani's team steered $1.8 million in outside spending, citing overlapping vendors, time frames, and ZIP-code targeting. Mamdani is the frontrunner in the 2025 New York City mayoral election.

The Australian government has deported two more men to Nauru, a Pacific island nation, as part of a $2.5 billion deal that allows Australia to send asylum seekers and refugees to the island. The deportations have been criticized by human rights advocates, who say the process is shrouded in secrecy and amounts to 'indefinite detention on Nauru'. The men, one of whom is a Sudanese national, join another man believed to be a Vietnamese national on the island. The deal between Australia and Nauru is expected to last 30 years and allows Australia to apply for 30-year long-term visas on behalf of the cohort to enable their deportation from the country.

The New Zealand government has scrapped a legal requirement for schools to incorporate local Māori culture in classrooms, sparking backlash from teachers, principals, and school boards. The education minister, Erica Stanford, claims the treaty obligation was unfair to school boards, while critics argue it will sideline Indigenous education and damage social cohesion. The move is part of the government's efforts to end 'race-based policies' and has been criticized by the Labour leader, Chris Hipkins, as a 'step backwards'.

Sheffield Hallam University halted research by Professor Laura Murphy on human rights abuses in China, specifically regarding Uyghur forced labor, allegedly due to pressure from Chinese authorities. The university later apologized and lifted the ban on the research. Counter-terrorism police are now investigating the allegations under the National Security Act.

Peru has severed diplomatic relations with Mexico after former Peruvian Prime Minister Betssy Chávez claimed asylum at Mexico's embassy in Lima. Chávez is under investigation for rebellion related to the 2022 failed coup attempt by then-President Pedro Castillo. Peru's government views Mexico's decision to grant asylum as an 'unfriendly act' that interferes with Peru's internal affairs. The situation has heightened tensions between the two countries.

The article discusses how Jamaica will receive a $150m payout from a catastrophe bond issued in 2024 to help with relief efforts following Hurricane Melissa, the worst storm to hit the Caribbean island. Catastrophe bonds are debt instruments designed to spread the financial risk of natural disasters between affected countries and investors. The payout is expected to aid Jamaica's recovery from the devastating hurricane.

The article discusses the paradox of globalization in the age of Donald Trump, where national autonomy requires deeper integration. Using Brazil as an example, it highlights how external pressures, such as Trump's tariffs, can impact a nation's politics and economy. The article suggests that Brazil's experience provides a lesson on how to conduct trade policy in Trump's world.

The article discusses the rise and fall of Stacey Abrams's political machine, specifically her get-out-the-vote group, The New Georgia Project. Abrams was credited with helping Joe Biden win Georgia in the 2020 presidential election and flipping the Senate by rallying voters. However, her organization has since folded. The article reflects on Abrams's influence and the impact of her efforts on Georgia's politics.

Prince William is on a tour to Brazil for his annual Earthshot Awards and COP30, the UN's climate conference. On the first day, he participated in football and volleyball activities, showcasing his less serious side. He met with Brazilian football legend Cafu and young environmental campaigners, emphasizing the need for good leaders and his legacy goals. William received the keys to the city from the mayor of Rio and visited iconic locations such as Sugarloaf Mountain and the Maracana Stadium.

A Sky News investigation with Sudan War Monitor and Lighthouse Reports reveals that thousands of civilians and soldiers who fled Al Fashir in Sudan were targeted in 'killing fields' around the city by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group. Over 60,000 people are still missing, and humanitarians fear that Al Fashir's remaining 200,000 residents are being held hostage. The RSF encircled and shelled Al Fashir for 18 months before capturing it on October 26. Senior military commanders secured their own safe passage, leaving behind civilians and soldiers who were then targeted by the RSF. Witnesses describe executions, captivity, and harassment. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) commander-in-chief claims the withdrawal was to spare the city from further destruction.

The article provides an in-depth guide to COP30, a major climate conference taking place in Belem, Brazil, from November 10-21, 2025. The conference is expected to be attended by world leaders and scientists from over 190 countries. Despite its strategic location near the Amazon rainforest, the choice of Belem has been controversial due to the city's poverty and lack of infrastructure. The conference aims to address the global climate crisis, with discussions on cash for vulnerable nations, forest protection, and implementing existing climate promises. The article highlights the challenges facing the conference, including the absence of US President Donald Trump and the Brazilian government's decision to ramp up oil drilling licensing.

A stabbing incident occurred on a train in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, UK, leaving at least 11 people wounded and 2 in critical condition. Two suspects, a 32-year-old black British national and a 35-year-old British national of Caribbean descent, were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. The incident is being investigated by British Transport Police, with initial support from Counter Terrorism Policing, but there is currently no evidence to suggest it is a terrorist attack.

The US government shutdown, now nearing its 36th day, has led to the Trump administration announcing that it will provide reduced food aid to 42 million Americans who rely on food stamps. Despite court rulings requiring the use of a $4.65 billion emergency fund for November's payments, the administration will only disburse 50% of eligible households' current allotments. The shutdown has crippled public services and left millions uncertain about their ability to buy groceries. Democrats have criticized the administration for not covering the full SNAP payments, while Republicans remain deadlocked over funding for health insurance subsidies under the Affordable Care Act.