In other news

A 60-year-old man was arrested in Sydney, Australia, after firing up to 50 bullets into a busy street, wounding 16 people. The incident occurred on Sunday evening in the city's Inner West, where the alleged gunman was firing randomly from his property at passing cars and police. A large police contingent responded, locked down the street, and arrested the man, seizing a rifle. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and surreal, with one office worker recounting hearing what sounded like fireworks or rocks being thrown, followed by the shattering of a windscreen and bus stop glass.

China's manufacturing industry is maintaining its competitive edge despite a declining population, thanks to the increasing use of industrial robots. The country has welcomed 295,000 new industrial robots, bringing the total to a record 2.027 million, and is leading the world in this field. Analysts say that the robot boom is helping to offset the challenges of a declining workforce and that humanoid technology will further sharpen China's manufacturing edge. Experts believe that while robots will take over simple and repetitive tasks, human ingenuity will still be required for more complex tasks. China's manufacturing industry is expected to continue to thrive despite the demographic shift.

The Israel-Gaza war, triggered by Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack, has entered its third year with 48 hostages still unreleased, 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Eli Sharabi, a 53-year-old former hostage, recounts his 16-month captivity in filthy tunnels, where he was chained and survived on mouldy pita. Sharabi was released in February but still awaits the return of his closest companion, Alon Ohel, and the body of his older brother, Yossi. A new US-backed peace plan has raised hopes of bringing the remaining hostages home. Sharabi has documented his experiences in a book titled 'Hostage', which will be released in English on October 7.

China is developing large language models and wearable technology to break down language barriers, making cross-language communication seamless. Chinese firms are fusing AI and AR hardware to create translation glasses and earbuds, bringing the concept of universal translation closer to reality. This development is likened to the biblical story of the Tower of Babel, where God introduced different languages to disrupt human collaboration. The advancements in AI tools are seen as a potential solution to this age-old problem.

Hong Kong has launched a task force to support mainland Chinese firms in their global expansion. The task force, led by Commerce Secretary Algernon Yau, will provide one-stop professional services to mainland enterprises, helping them navigate overseas markets, particularly in the Global South and Belt and Road countries. The initiative is part of Hong Kong's efforts to integrate into national development strategies, such as the Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative. The task force comprises members from various sectors, including business, law, accounting, and investment, to offer tailored support to mainland firms. This move follows Chief Executive John Lee's announcement in his policy address to establish the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global.

The Zambian government is facing a dilemma due to an $80 billion lawsuit filed by local farmers against two Chinese mining companies, alleging a toxic acid spill that contaminated crops, livestock, and caused health problems. The lawsuit poses a challenge for Zambia's relations with China, a key partner in infrastructure projects and copper/cobalt production. The government must balance its long-standing ties with Beijing against the needs of local communities affected by the spill.

A Malaysian government-sanctioned gala dinner that served alcohol with Muslim guests in attendance has triggered calls for the Tourism Minister, Tiong King Sing, to resign. The incident has reignited the culture wars in Malaysia, with conservative party Umno warning against 'normalising alcohol'. Critics accuse Tiong of disrespecting Malay sensibilities and Islam's position as the country's official religion. The controversy comes as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's administration seeks support from the Malay-Muslim majority, having taken a conservative tilt in recent years. Anwar's government has been accused of aligning with the right to avoid alienating a resurgent voting bloc. The incident has sparked indignation in the Muslim-majority country, with critics from both sides of the divide condemning Tiong's actions.

North Korea is expected to showcase its growing arsenal of strategic missiles and advanced weapons systems at a massive military parade, potentially featuring a new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and hypersonic weapons designed to threaten US and South Korean targets. Analysts believe the display is an attempt to project Pyongyang's growing military capabilities. Supreme leader Kim Jong-un recently stated that he had assigned special assets to target American and South Korean military forces, amid heightened tensions and accusations of preparations for a nuclear attack.

The article discusses how imperial China's political ideas have influenced Western societies, as explored by Martin Powers, an American art historian and sinologist. Powers' work, 'China and England: The Preindustrial Struggle for Justice in Word and Image,' examines the English Enlightenment's response to imperial China's institutions through visual and verbal evidence. In an interview, Powers explains how art can be used to understand historical social justice and political ideas, highlighting that images can convey messages that texts may not. He discusses how art participates in political debate and reflects intergroup relations, using examples from Chinese art to illustrate concepts like authority and privilege in aristocracies.

The article 'Tourists throng Hong Kong park, China’s nuclear dilemma: 5 weekend reads you missed' from South China Morning Post summarizes five significant news stories from the previous weekend. The stories include India claiming to have destroyed Pakistani fighter jets, including those made by China and the US, during clashes; the surge in tourism at Hong Kong's Unesco-listed park causing problems; and a Saudi-Pakistan defence pact that poses a nuclear dilemma for China. The article aims to keep readers informed about key news across Asia and beyond.

Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) have signed a significant defence deal that will see the two Pacific neighbours come to each other's aid in the event of an attack. The agreement, known as the Pukpuk Treaty, allows for greater collaboration between the two countries' militaries, including joint exercises and the potential for PNG troops to serve in the Australian military. The deal is seen as a move to counter China's growing influence in the region, with experts suggesting it will limit China's access to PNG's infrastructure. PNG Prime Minister James Marape stressed that the agreement was not driven by geopolitics, while Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it demonstrated the two countries' commitment to regional stability.

The BBC has tracked down a sextortion scammer targeting teenage boys, revealing a growing online crime that has led to tragic consequences, including the death of 16-year-old Evan Boettler. The scammer, identified as part of a network of 'Yahoo Boys' in Nigeria, used fake profiles to trick victims into sending intimate photos, which were then used for blackmail. The investigation uncovered organized operations, known as 'Hustle Kingdoms,' where young men were groomed into crime and exploited for financial gain. The article highlights the need for social media companies to take more aggressive action to prevent such crimes.

The article discusses the rapid melting of glaciers worldwide, particularly in Switzerland, due to global warming. It highlights the significant loss of ice mass, with 450 billion tonnes lost in 2024 alone, and the consequences of this melting, including rising sea levels and impacts on mountain communities that rely on glaciers for freshwater. The article features before-and-after images showing the drastic changes in glaciers over the years and quotes experts in glaciology who emphasize the role of human-caused climate change in the accelerated melting. Despite the dire situation, the article concludes on a note of empowerment, suggesting that reducing carbon emissions could preserve some of the remaining ice.

Fiji is experiencing a severe HIV epidemic, with cases surging from 500 in 2014 to approximately 5,900 in 2024. The rise is attributed to intravenous drug use, needle-sharing, and 'bluetoothing', a practice where users share blood after injecting drugs. Experts warn that the situation is a 'national crisis' and that Fiji lacks the resources to deal with it. The government has declared an HIV outbreak and is working to improve surveillance and response.

The US is lagging behind other countries in electric car sales despite recent gains. Sales of battery cars topped 1.2 million last year, but analysts say the boom was caused by a dash to buy before the end of a government subsidy. With the tax credit gone, carmakers expect momentum to shift into reverse. The US has been slow to adopt electric cars compared to other countries like China, the UK, and Norway, due to comparatively weak government support and high tariffs on Chinese cars. Carmakers are now expecting a drop in demand and are scaling back investments in electric cars.

The article discusses the reaction of Palestinians in Gaza to US President Donald Trump's peace plan and Hamas's response to it. Hamas accepted some terms of the plan, including the release of Israeli hostages and handing over Gaza's governance to Palestinian technocrats, but did not give a clear response to other elements. Trump's subsequent statement welcoming Hamas's response and calling on Israel to stop bombing Gaza has caused a mix of hope and suspicion among Palestinians. Some fear Hamas has walked into a trap, while others see it as a historic opportunity to end the two-year conflict. The article highlights the uncertainty and cautious optimism among Palestinians as they wait to see if the words on paper can lead to a lasting peace.

Syria is holding its first parliamentary elections since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, but the process is marred by concerns over inclusivity, delays, and the influence of Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The elections will not be direct, with 'electoral colleges' selecting representatives for two-thirds of the 210 seats, and the president appointing the rest. The polls have been postponed in three provinces due to security concerns, and critics argue that the process is not democratic and will be dominated by the executive authority.

A recent opinion poll shows that 72% of Israelis support Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan, presented on September 29th. The plan has been met with enthusiasm by the Israeli people, with the Tel Aviv stockmarket and shekel rising in response. Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu hopes to use this support to maintain his position in office. The plan's reception is seen as a significant development in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with Hamas yet to fully commit to the proposal.

Eritrea, Africa's most secretive dictatorship, is facing an existential crisis due to the threat posed by an expansionist Ethiopia. The country's dictator, Isaias Afwerki, who has been in power since 1991, continues to hold onto outdated views, denouncing the policies of former American secretary of state John Foster Dulles. The article paints a picture of a country frozen in time, with the capital Asmara's architecture reflecting its colonial past. The situation is dire, with Eritrea's sovereignty under threat.

The article discusses how Europe's labor laws, devised in the 20th century, hinder innovation in the 21st century. It compares the American and European methods of mass layoffs, highlighting the complexity and time-consuming nature of the European process. The article argues that this process, involving consultations with unions, politicians, and labor courts, can take years to resolve and restricts companies from hiring new employees. The author suggests that these outdated labor rules are stifling Europe's ability to innovate and adapt to changing economic conditions.

Italy's regions are taking matters into their own hands on the issue of the right to die, with Sardinia and Tuscany passing regional laws regulating medically assisted suicide. The moves come after a 2019 ruling by Italy's constitutional court that effectively legalized doctor-assisted suicide under certain conditions, but parliament has failed to pass legislation. The national government is attempting to reassert control by introducing a bill to the Senate. Polls suggest that Italians generally support reform, with 11 people having been helped to commit suicide since the 2019 ruling.

The article discusses the decline of French President Emmanuel Macron's centrist project, despite his continued influence in foreign affairs. Macron's speeches at the United Nations highlighted his commitment to multilateralism and recognition of a Palestinian state. However, his efforts abroad cannot mask the challenges he faces at home, where his centrist venture is unravelling. The article suggests that power may fall into the hands of extremist groups, and compares Macron's situation to other European political developments.

A bitter power struggle between two cousins from a prominent Kurdish family in Iraqi Kurdistan has resulted in violent clashes, leaving at least five dead and the city of Sulaymaniyah shaken. The conflict has exposed deep-seated corruption and factionalism within the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), one of the region's main parties. The violence has raised concerns about the stability of the semi-autonomous Kurdish region, which was once considered the most stable part of Iraq.

Thousands have taken to the streets of Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, in anti-government protests driven by frustration over poverty and corruption. The protests reflect deep-seated issues in the country, highlighted by the malfunctioning of a recently completed cable car system financed by France, which rarely works due to power cuts. The article discusses the underlying causes of the protests and the broader context of unrest in Madagascar.

Brazil's Health Ministry has warned citizens to avoid cocktails due to a nationwide panic caused by methanol-contaminated liquor, resulting in at least one death, multiple cases of blindness, and comas. The government has reported 127 suspected cases across five states and the capital, Brasília, with 11 confirmed and 116 under review. Health Minister Alexandre Padilha has urged Brazilians to avoid 'colorless spirits' and announced emergency measures, including the purchase of antidotes. Federal police are investigating a potential link to organized crime groups distributing counterfeit liquor. The incident is expected to impact Brazil's peak tourism season and nightlife industry.

Iran executed six prisoners on Saturday who were accused of carrying out deadly attacks in the country's oil-rich southwest on behalf of Israel. The executions follow a recent surge in executions in Iran, with over 1,000 people executed so far in 2025, according to Amnesty International. Human rights groups have criticized the executions, claiming that the prisoners were tortured and forced into giving televised confessions under duress. The Iranian government has faced international scrutiny over its increasing use of capital punishment, with independent U.N. human rights experts calling it 'a dramatic escalation that violates international human rights law.'

The Israeli government has denied allegations made by climate activist Greta Thunberg that she was mistreated while in Israeli custody. Thunberg claimed she was subjected to harsh conditions, including being forced to sit on hard surfaces in a bedbug-infested jail and being denied adequate food and water. However, the Israeli Foreign Ministry called these claims 'brazen lies' and stated that Thunberg's legal rights were fully upheld during her detention. Court documents from an October 5 hearing appear to support the Israeli government's account, showing that Thunberg requested deportation to Sweden but made no formal complaint of mistreatment. The incident occurred after the Israeli navy intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla, a Gaza-bound aid expedition in which Thunberg was participating.

An Israeli woman, Hadas Levy, has given birth to a son using the sperm of her deceased fiancé, Capt. Netanel Silberg, who was killed in combat in Gaza during Israel's war against Hamas. The procedure of collecting sperm from deceased soldiers has become more common since the Oct. 7 massacre, with the Israeli army improving its efficiency in transporting bodies quickly to preserve the sperm. Levy, who was not married to Silberg, received the sperm samples after requesting his mother to ask for the procedure to be performed. She underwent insemination and gave birth to her son via C-section in June. Levy has spoken about the challenges of navigating her pregnancy alone and the support offered by the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization.

US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz believes that President Trump's new Gaza peace plan is a significant opportunity for Middle East peace. Waltz plans to reform the UN by reducing bureaucracy and implementing America First policies. He highlighted issues with UN aid delivery in Gaza, where nearly 90% of aid trucks were intercepted by armed groups or crowds. Waltz emphasized the need for the US to remain engaged globally to protect its interests and prevent bad actors from filling the void.

The article reports on President Donald Trump's announcement that Israel has agreed to a Gaza withdrawal ceasefire and hostage plan. The plan involves an initial withdrawal line, an immediate ceasefire, and an exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel is 'on the verge of a very great achievement' and that Hamas has been pressured into agreeing to Israel's proposed plan. The plan has two stages: the first involves Hamas releasing all Israeli hostages while the IDF redeploys but maintains control over key strategic areas, and the second involves disarming Hamas and demilitarizing the Gaza Strip.

The UK government and police urged the cancellation of an anti-Israel protest following a deadly synagogue attack in Manchester during Yom Kippur, resulting in two deaths and four injuries. Despite the pleas, the protest took place in London's Trafalgar Square, with over 300 arrests made for supporting a banned group, Palestine Action. The attacker, Jihad Al Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian descent, was shot and killed by police. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for greater action against antisemitism.

The New York Yankees' decision to use pitcher Will Warren in a high-pressure situation during Game 2 of the division series against the Toronto Blue Jays backfired, leading to a 13-7 loss. Warren allowed a grand slam to Vladimir Guerrero Jr., contributing to a six-run inning that proved decisive. Manager Aaron Boone had chosen Warren over more experienced relievers, hoping he could successfully navigate the situation. Warren's appearance lasted 4 ²/₃ innings, during which he gave up six runs and four home runs. The Yankees' relief corps will now be fully utilized in Game 3, as most of them were given a day off during this game.

A California biotech tycoon, Serhat Gumrukcu, has been found guilty of orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot that led to the killing of Gregory Davis, a father of six and former business partner, after their oil deal collapsed. Gumrukcu, 42, faces a mandatory life sentence for the 2018 abduction and murder of Davis. Prosecutors alleged that Gumrukcu recruited his friend, Berk Eratay, who then hired a hitman, Jerry Banks, to kill Davis. The murder was linked to a failed oil deal and a high-stakes biotech merger involving Gumrukcu's company, Enochian Biosciences. Gumrukcu's co-conspirators were previously sentenced to prison terms. The victim's widow, Melissa Davis, slammed Gumrukcu in court, stating that he shattered the lives of her and her seven children.

The article criticizes David Hogg, a young Democratic activist and gun-control advocate, for allegedly misusing his political action committee (PAC) 'Leaders We Deserve' to enrich himself and DC consultants rather than supporting progressive candidates. Despite vowing to spend $20 million to primary incumbent Democrats, the PAC spent only $455,000 on three candidates, with most of its funds going to consultants, digital ads, and other expenses. The article argues that Hogg's actions are a warning about self-proclaimed 'reformers' who end up perpetuating the status quo in Washington.

Cardinals running back Emari Demercado's fumble near the goal line led to a Titans comeback, ultimately costing the Cardinals the game. The Cardinals were up 21-6 with 12:41 left in the game, but Demercado's error and subsequent events allowed the Titans to win 22-21. This was the second consecutive week an NFL running back made a costly mistake. The Titans' rookie quarterback Cam Ward threw an interception, but the Cardinals defender fumbled, allowing a Titans player to recover for a touchdown. Joey Slye then kicked a game-winning field goal.

The article criticizes Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic mayoral candidate, for wanting to eliminate gifted and talented programs in New York City public schools. The author, Miranda Devine, argues that Mamdani's stance is hypocritical given his own privileged educational background. The article highlights the failures of the US public school system, particularly for underprivileged minority children, citing investigative reporter Chris Papst's book 'The Failure Factory' on Baltimore's education system. Papst's findings reveal a system prioritizing adult employment over education, with high spending and poor outcomes. The article suggests that the teacher unions and Democratic politicians are complicit in this failure, using taxpayer money to fund their own interests.

A California college student, Krysta Tsukahara, was burned alive in a Tesla Cybertruck crash last November after the vehicle's electronic door release system failed, according to a lawsuit filed by her parents. The lawsuit alleges that Tesla's door design is flawed and entraps people in emergency situations. The crash, which killed three other students, was attributed to impaired driving and speeding. The Tsukaharas' attorney believes they have a strong case against Tesla, despite potential blame on the driver. Tesla has not responded to requests for comment. The Cybertruck has been plagued by recalls and plummeting sales since its launch.

The article discusses the ongoing government shutdown and the controversy surrounding Democrats providing health-care benefits to illegal immigrants. The author argues that Democrats are indeed trying to restore benefits for illegal immigrants, and that the real issue is not the benefits themselves, but the large number of illegal immigrants consuming public health benefits through various pathways. The author suggests that the ultimate solution is to reduce the size of the illegal immigrant population through enforcement policies, rather than just restricting access to benefits. The article highlights the complexities of the issue, including the Temporary Protected Status program and state-level programs that provide health benefits to illegal immigrants.

Munich Airport in Germany was shut down for the second time in less than 24 hours due to drone sightings, impacting at least 6,500 passengers. Lithuania's main airport also briefly closed due to a possible sighting of balloons. The incidents are part of a series of mysterious drone sightings over European airports and critical infrastructure sites, with European authorities expressing concerns about potential Russian involvement. Germany's interior minister announced plans to discuss a 'drone detection and defense plan' with European counterparts.

A 60-year-old man was arrested in Sydney, Australia, after firing up to 100 bullets at passersby on a busy street, injuring 20 people. The gunman was arrested on Monday after a large police contingent swarmed the area and locked down the street. The motive behind the shooting is unclear, but police have stated that there are no known links to terrorism or gang activity. The incident has been described as 'serious and terrifying' by the New South Wales Police Commissioner.

Iran executed six death-row inmates on Saturday, allegedly for carrying out attacks on behalf of Israel. The executions follow a recent wave of capital punishment in Iran, which human rights groups say is the highest in decades. The men were accused of killing police officers and security forces, as well as orchestrating bombings in the Khuzestan province. Human rights activists criticized the executions, citing concerns over coerced confessions and closed-door trials. The executions are part of a larger trend of increased capital punishment in Iran, with over 1,000 people executed in 2025 so far.

The tomb of Pharaoh Amenhotep III in Egypt's Valley of the Kings has reopened to the public after a two-decade renovation. The tomb, discovered in 1799, was looted and its contents removed, including the sarcophagus. A Japanese-led restoration project renovated the paintings on the tomb walls and restored the site. The tomb features a 118-foot-long passageway and contains a main burial chamber for the king and two other chambers for his wives. The reopening is part of Egypt's efforts to revive the tourism sector, which suffered after the 2011 uprising. The tomb's restoration and reopening coincide with the upcoming inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza Pyramids.

One year after her inauguration, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum remains highly popular, with a 70% approval rating. Her success is attributed to her expansion of social support programs, diplomatic handling of relations with the US and President Donald Trump, efforts to combat corruption, and preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Sheinbaum has maintained a 'cool head' with Trump, balancing cooperation on security and migration issues while defending Mexico's sovereignty. Despite challenges, including a spike in violence in some regions and ongoing security concerns, Sheinbaum's government has seen a decrease in certain high-impact crimes and made significant strides in fighting corruption, particularly in cases involving fuel theft. The upcoming World Cup is seen as an opportunity to boost tourism and the economy, but also poses challenges related to infrastructure and potential protests.

The article discusses Russ Vought, the Office of Management and Budget Director, and his role in the government shutdown during the Trump administration. Vought has transformed his role into a primary instrument to dismantle federal agencies and spending plans. The article also touches on other news related to the Trump administration, including a judge blocking Trump's move to send the Oregon National Guard to Portland and Trump's text exchange with CNN's Jake Tapper.

The article discusses the reaction of Palestinians in Gaza to Hamas' partial acceptance of US President Donald Trump's peace proposal. The reaction is mixed, with some Palestinians expressing optimism and others skepticism. The Gaza death toll has passed 67,000, and Hamas has agreed to enter negotiations for the release of all hostages. The article also touches on the preparations for the first phase of the ceasefire plan and the involvement of Israel's government and military.

Police investigating the Manchester synagogue attack have stated that one of the victims who died and another who was injured were likely shot by armed officers aiming for the attacker. The victims were huddled behind a door trying to prevent the attacker from entering when they were shot. The incident has raised concerns about the response of the armed officers during the attack.

Jim Gavin, Fianna Fail's candidate in the Irish presidential race, has withdrawn from the contest after admitting to a 'mistake' related to allegedly owing a former tenant €3,000 in overpaid rent 16 years ago. His departure leaves two candidates remaining: Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys and left-wing independent Catherine Connolly. Gavin's decision poses questions for his backers in Fianna Fail, including party leader and Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin. Gavin, known for managing the record-breaking Dublin side that won five successive All-Ireland Championships, was put forward by Martin despite not being a career politician. The withdrawal is seen as clarifying the nature of the campaign, now a straight choice between Humphreys and Connolly.

Robbie Williams has cancelled his concert in Istanbul, Turkey, citing public safety concerns. The former Take That singer expressed his disappointment on Instagram, stating that it was his 'dream' to perform at Atakoy Marina. The decision to cancel the show was made by city authorities and was beyond Williams' control. Williams' Britpop world tour has taken him to various cities across Europe, with over 1.2 million people attending his shows. Despite the cancellation, Williams is still set to perform a small gig at Camden's Dingwalls venue in London.

A Sky News correspondent reports from Gaza City, describing the devastation and destruction in the Tel al-Hawa suburb. Despite Hamas's tentative acceptance of parts of President Trump's peace deal, the situation on the ground remains dire. The correspondent accompanies Israeli soldiers and witnesses the extent of the destruction, including buildings reduced to rubble and the presence of booby traps and snipers. Israeli officials claim that Hamas fighters are using civilians as human shields and that tunnels under hospitals are being used to manufacture weapons. The report highlights the humanitarian crisis and the complexities of the conflict.

Indonesia has reinstated TikTok's local operating license after the company shared data requested by the government related to nationwide protests between late August and September. The government had temporarily stripped TikTok of its status as a registered electronic system operator after it failed to submit complete data. The data shared by TikTok included information on 'traffic escalation and TikTok Live monetization activities' during the protests, which were sparked by rising living costs, lawmakers' privileges, and police brutality. The government needs the data to trace accounts tied to online gambling that monetized TikTok's live stream feature during the protests. The suspension of TikTok's local operating license had raised concerns about government control over free speech under President Prabowo Subianto's administration.

Mongolia is establishing its first sovereign wealth fund, the Chinggis Khaan Sovereign Wealth Fund, with $1.4 billion in assets. The fund aims to invest in data centers powered by renewable energy and 'mega-scaled' renewable energy power grids to boost green energy exports. The fund's investment strategy is pending government approval. Mongolia plans to develop special economic zones for data centers and increase the share of renewable energy in its electricity capacity to 30% by 2030. The fund will also focus on countering risks associated with commodity price fluctuations and improving transparency and equity in wealth distribution. The CEO of the sovereign fund, Temuulen Bayaraa, stated that the fund will help rebuild trust in the mining sector and contribute to the global agenda.

Malaysia is experiencing a resurgence in train travel, with the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) train service seeing increased ridership and new infrastructure developments. The KTM provides both intercity and local train services across Peninsular Malaysia, with various rail arteries operated by KTM, including the Komuter Utara (Northern Shuttle) service. The train service is not only used by commuters but also by adventurers and nostalgia seekers who enjoy the scenic routes and cultural experiences. The article highlights the benefits of train travel, including reduced travel time, reliability, and the opportunity to see rural areas and experience Malaysian culture. New developments, such as the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) and the JB-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, are expected to further enhance the transport grid and boost economic growth.

The article discusses the remaining comfort women survivors in Asia, 80 years after World War II. These women, mostly in their 90s, were forced into providing sexual services to Japanese Imperial Army troops during the war. The number of survivors is dwindling, with only six known survivors in South Korea, seven in China, and about 40 in the Philippines. The issue remains a point of contention between South Korea and Japan, with South Korea being the most vocal in demanding justice and closure. The article highlights the emotional scars still carried by the survivors and the ongoing efforts to seek recognition and compensation.

The article reports on the detention of activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, a coalition of vessels carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, after Israeli forces intercepted the boats in international waters. Passengers, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and three New Zealanders, allege poor conditions in detention, including lack of access to clean water and legal representation. Israel's foreign ministry denies accusations of mistreatment, while families of the detainees express concern for their safety and wellbeing. The New Zealand government is urged to take action to secure the release of its citizens.

US President Donald Trump announced that the US military struck another boat carrying drugs off the coast of Venezuela. Trump made the statement during a speech at a US Navy ceremony celebrating its 250th anniversary. The US has been conducting strikes against alleged drug traffickers in international waters, which have been condemned by the United Nations as extrajudicial executions. Trump also pledged to rebuild the navy's shipbuilding capacity and address drug trafficking on land.

A series of cyberattacks has disrupted British daily life, affecting major companies such as Jaguar Land Rover, Marks & Spencer, and Co-op. The attacks have halted car production, interrupted grocery deliveries, and resulted in significant financial losses. Experts warn that these attacks highlight the vulnerability of British businesses to cybercrime and the need for improved defenses and response plans. The attacks are believed to be extortion-based, with hackers stealing data or blocking systems until a ransom is paid. The UK government has provided support to affected companies, but concerns remain about the potential for future attacks and the risk of cyberwarfare.

New Zealand's government has agreed to pay $3.6 million in compensation to Samoa's government for a navy ship wreck that occurred a year ago. The HMNZS Manawanui sank off the coast of Samoa's second-largest island, Upolu, after being driven aground by New Zealand sailors. All 75 people on board were evacuated safely, but the ship caught fire and sank. The wreck remains at the site, and a decision on whether it will remain there has not been made.