In other news

The article 'A short history of the Koreas, in eight maps' published by The Economist provides a historical overview of Korea from its mythical origins to the present day, highlighting the shared history and cultural heritage of North and South Korea despite their current division. It explains that Koreans are taught that they are a single people, known as hanminjok, and uses eight maps to trace the country's history. The article touches upon the mythological founding of Korea, involving bears and tigers, and contrasts this unified past with the current state of division marked by barbed wire and landmines.

The article 'America is falling out of love with Israel' discusses how the war in Gaza has strained the historically close alliance between the United States and Israel. The author uses a rhetorical question to highlight the emotional toll of the conflict on civilians and the perceived lack of international sympathy for Israel's plight, drawing a parallel with how Americans might feel under similar circumstances. The article suggests that Israelis are beginning to confront the reality of their estrangement from America, a relationship that has been a cornerstone of Israeli foreign policy. The piece is part of a broader analysis that includes other geopolitical issues and trends.

The article 'Credit markets look increasingly dangerous' published in The Economist on October 2nd, 2025, discusses the growing risks in credit markets as highlighted by recent bankruptcies. It draws parallels with the 2007 financial crisis, suggesting that current market conditions are becoming increasingly precarious. The article emphasizes the potential for strains in credit markets to escalate into a broader financial crisis, referencing the end of the 'great moderation' period that began in the 1980s.

The Economist's finance and economics section features various articles discussing global economic issues, investment strategies, and the impact of policies on economies. Topics include the potential effects of closed borders on America's economy, the flaws in taxing wealth, risks in credit markets, and the transformation of America's international assistance under the Trump administration. Other articles explore investment strategies, China's stock market rally, the economics of self-driving taxis, and the AI talent war. The section also includes editor's picks on investing like the ultra-rich and finding hidden talent.

The Trump administration has unexpectedly become a proponent of foreign aid, particularly in the case of Argentina, where it has promised a $20 billion swap line to stabilize the country's currency. This move is seen as a transformation of America's international assistance rather than its destruction. Treasury officials are also considering using the Exchange Stabilization Fund to aid Argentina, a stash of dollars last used to assist a foreign country in 2002. The article highlights the unexpected shift in the Trump administration's stance on foreign aid, particularly in the context of its ideological alliance with Argentina's President Javier Milei.

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The article discusses the challenges faced by veteran money managers in balancing client expectations with the risks associated with investment strategies. It highlights the importance of research and the unpredictability of outcomes, even with careful planning. The article introduces the concept of a 25/25/25/25 portfolio as an eccentric investment strategy that has been successful. The tone is informative and neutral, providing insights into the complexities of investment management.

The article discusses the growing presence of autonomous taxis in San Francisco, led by Waymo, which has captured over a fifth of the city's ride-share market since its launch in 2023. Other companies like Tesla and Zoox, owned by Amazon, are also entering the market. The article examines the economics of self-driving taxis and their potential impact on the transportation industry.

The article discusses the potential shift towards 'Zero Migration America' where net immigration falls to zero or becomes negative in 2025, a trend that could have significant economic implications. Historically, since the 1950s, more people have arrived in America than left. However, net immigration has drastically decreased from over 2.5m a year during Joe Biden's presidency to potentially zero or negative this year. The article argues that closed borders will make the country smaller, poorer, and less innovative.

The article discusses the recent development in the ownership saga of TikTok, a popular short-video app. After years of uncertainty and threats of bans, Donald Trump signed an executive order allowing TikTok to continue operating in America, provided that its Chinese owner, ByteDance, sells most of its stake in TikTok's American operations. The deal, which is expected to close within 120 days, will see ByteDance owning less than 20% of the app, with American investors buying the majority stake. The article uses charts to illustrate the demographics and content on the platform, highlighting its dedicated young user base and surprising number of baby videos.

The article discusses the affordability of living alone in various American cities in 2025, using the 'Carrie Bradshaw index' to rank 100 major cities. The index reveals that many southern cities that were once affordable for solo renters are becoming increasingly expensive due to soaring rents. The article highlights the importance of location in determining affordability, as average rents vary more than average wages across different cities.

The article discusses the current US government shutdown and how Americans perceive the blame. According to a poll of 1,600 people conducted by YouGov, the party perceived as provoking the shutdown tends to be blamed by the public. Historically, prolonged shutdowns have not gone well for the instigating party, with Republicans being blamed in previous instances. However, in the current shutdown, Republicans accuse Democrats of holding federal services hostage, and so far, Democrats do not appear to be paying a political price. In fact, they may have gained a slight edge in the messaging battle.

Indonesia is seeking more investment from China in its transportation infrastructure, following the successful completion of a high-speed railway on Java. The China Railway Construction Corporation is already building a subway in Bali, with the first line expected to open in 2031. However, locals are worried about the debt incurred from the Java high-speed railway and the potential impact on ticket prices. The article discusses the confidence of Indonesians in China's ability to deliver infrastructure projects, but also highlights concerns about the financial implications of these projects.

The fourth plenum of China's Communist Party, scheduled for later this month, is expected to bring significant changes to the party's top policymaking Central Committee, with at least nine members set to be replaced due to corruption investigations or deaths. This reshuffle marks the highest turnover in the Central Committee since 2017. The plenum will focus on outlining the next five-year plan and is closely watched for potential leadership changes.

A 53-year-old Hong Kong woman was found dead with a neck wound in Tin Shui Wai Park. Police discovered a knife and cutter nearby and classified the case as suicide after a preliminary investigation. The woman was certified dead at the scene, and no suicide note was found.

Scientists from China and Canada have successfully transplanted a human kidney after converting its blood type from A to the universal type O using special enzymes. This breakthrough could improve access to organs and reduce wait list times by overcoming the barrier of matching donor and recipient blood types. The enzyme-converted kidney functioned for at least two days without signs of hyperacute rejection after being transplanted into a recipient diagnosed with brain death. The team, led by researchers from the University of British Columbia and West China Hospital of Sichuan University, published their findings in Nature Biomedical Engineering. This development could help address the shortage of donated organs and the challenges associated with organ allocation.

The Urban Renewal Authority (URA) in Hong Kong is reviewing its policy on compensating homeowners affected by redevelopments. Analysts suggest that the URA should tie compensation to the physical condition of buildings to encourage maintenance efforts. Currently, owner-occupiers receive payouts equivalent to the market price of a comparable seven-year-old home in the same district, regardless of the condition of their property. The URA has recorded a deficit for three consecutive years and is expected to complete its review of the acquisition regime next year. Observers, including lawmaker Andrew Lam and Ryan Ip Man-ki from the Our Hong Kong Foundation think tank, believe that the compensation mechanism should be revised to take into account the condition of the buildings and provide incentives for homeowners to maintain their properties.

The article discusses the severe heat issue in India's capital, New Delhi, which is exacerbated by its urban infrastructure. The city's dark surfaces, such as asphalt and concrete, absorb heat, making it an 'urban furnace.' Climate strategist Kiff Gallagher suggests that simple solutions like increasing greenery, using 'cool roofs,' and reducing air pollutants could provide relief. The article highlights the urgent need to address the rising temperatures in urban hotspots like Delhi.

Malaysian activists who participated in the Global Sumud Flotilla to break Israel's sea blockade of Gaza have returned home with allegations of mistreatment by Israeli authorities, including confiscation of hijabs and being forced to drink toilet water. The group of 34 Malaysians was part of a larger flotilla of 500 activists from 44 countries that was intercepted by Israeli forces on October 3. They spent two days in custody before being deported to Turkey. The incident has sparked outrage from the Malaysian government, led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

US President Donald Trump has called off diplomatic talks with Venezuela, favoring a more hardline approach advocated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This decision may lead to further military escalation, particularly against drug cartel targets on land. Trump has already ordered strikes on drug trafficking vessels at sea and is considering expanding these attacks to land-based targets, potentially involving Venezuelan military assets. The move is part of a broader US strategy to combat drug trafficking, with the White House recently declaring a 'non-international armed conflict' with drug cartels.

The US Congress is urged to preserve stability in the Indo-Pacific region and counter China's strategy towards Taiwan. Witnesses testified that China is exploiting US weaknesses to expand its reach in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea, but also faces its own vulnerabilities that Washington can exploit. There was bipartisan agreement on the need to better support East Asian allies and partners. Experts suggested that the US can push back against China's actions without undermining the livelihood of the Chinese people.

A judge in Albania was shot dead during a trial at the Court of Appeal in Tirana. The suspect, identified as Elvis Shkëmbi, opened fire on the judge, Astrit Kalaja, and two others involved in a property dispute hearing. The judge died en route to hospital, while the other two sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect and his uncle were arrested, along with a security guard who allegedly allowed the gunman to enter the building despite setting off a metal detector. The incident has sparked calls for stricter security within Albania's courts and harsher punishments for illegal possession of weapons.

The Chadian government has terminated its 15-year agreement with the conservation charity African Parks, which has Prince Harry on its board of directors, citing the organization's failure to curb poaching and its arrogant attitude towards the government. The charity managed two protected sites in Chad, including the Ennedi Natural and Cultural Reserve and the Greater Zakouma Ecosystem. African Parks has faced controversy in the past, including admitting to employee abuse of local community members in a park in the Republic of Congo. The decision is a blow to Prince Harry's charitable endeavors, following his recent resignation from Sentebale, an organization he founded.

A supermoon, known as the Hunter's Moon, was visible around the world this week, appearing brighter and larger in the evening sky. The supermoon occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth, and it was also visible on Monday night during China's Mid-Autumn festival. The event was captured in various locations, including Paris, Spain, Taiwan, Washington DC, London, and New York City. The supermoon is expected to appear again in November and December.

A senior official of the Japan Football Association (JFA), Masanaga Kageyama, has been sentenced to an 18-month suspended jail term in France for viewing child sex abuse images on a plane. Kageyama, the JFA's technical director, was detained at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris and later admitted to viewing the images. The JFA has terminated his contract with immediate effect and apologized for the incident. Kageyama was also fined 5,000 euros and banned from working with minors or returning to France for 10 years.

At least 24 people were killed and 47 wounded when a motorized paraglider dropped two bombs on a crowd gathered for a Buddhist festival in central Myanmar, protesting the military government. The attack occurred in Chaung U township, Sagaing region, a key battleground in the ongoing civil war since the 2021 coup. The military has been making gains through airstrikes and heavy bombardment, and the use of paramotors is a new tactic amid international sanctions limiting their access to aircraft and helicopters. The protest was against military conscription and the upcoming national election, deemed unlikely to be free and fair.

Dolly Parton's sister, Freida Parton, has asked fans to pray for the 79-year-old country singer after she postponed her Las Vegas residency due to unspecified health issues. Dolly Parton had been scheduled to perform six shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in December but has delayed them until September next year. Freida Parton wrote on Facebook that Dolly 'hasn't been feeling her best lately' and asked fans to be 'prayer warriors' for her. Dolly Parton recently pulled out of a Dollywood event due to a kidney stone and earlier this year lost her husband Carl Dean after nearly 60 years of marriage.

Two Austrian women, Doris Grünwald and Jessica Baumgartner, who were accidentally switched at birth in a Graz hospital in 1990, met for the first time 35 years later after discovering the mix-up through blood type discrepancies. The women, raised by different families, connected via Facebook and eventually met in person, along with their families, in a meeting captured by an Austrian TV crew. The hospital has apologized for the mistake and both families are seeking adoption and compensation.

The article discusses the escalating tensions between the US and Venezuela and its impact on fishermen in Trinidad and Tobago. The US has carried out military strikes on suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean, prompting Venezuela to place its military on high alert. Fishermen in Trinidad and Tobago fear for their lives and livelihoods as they are caught in the middle of the geopolitical face-off. They worry about being mistaken for drug smugglers and killed in US military strikes. The situation is affecting their fishing industry, with some fishermen forced to fish in shallower waters, resulting in fewer catches. Caribbean leaders have appealed for dialogue to avoid war between the US and Venezuela.

Marineland, a Canadian theme park, has warned that it will be forced to euthanize 30 beluga whales if it does not receive emergency funding from the federal government by October 7. The park, which has been under scrutiny for its treatment of captive animals, has been trying to sell its assets since closing to the public last year. Canada's fisheries minister, Joanne Thompson, has denied the park's request for funding, stating that the government is not responsible for covering the park's expenses. The park is home to the last captive whales in Canada, and experts have warned that releasing them into the wild would require extensive planning due to their lack of hunting and social interaction skills.

A Canadian military aircraft, a CP-140 Aurora, was on a mission to track North Korean vessels engaged in illicit trade in the East China Sea as part of Operation NEON, a multinational effort to enforce UN sanctions against North Korea. The mission was intercepted by Chinese fighter jets on multiple occasions, with the jets coming as close as 200 feet to the Canadian plane. The Canadian crew remained professional and continued their mission, despite the increased risks. The article highlights the ongoing tensions between North Korea and the international community, with China playing a crucial role in supporting the North Korean regime.

Egyptian authorities are investigating the theft of a rare 4,000-year-old limestone relief from a tomb in the Saqqara Necropolis. The relief, which depicted the three ancient Egyptian seasons, was discovered missing from a Fifth Dynasty tomb belonging to a high-ranking official named Khenti Ka. The theft is the second major apparent theft of an antiquity in recent weeks, following the discovery that a golden bracelet had been stolen from the Egyptian Museum and melted down. Experts believe the thief may have known the relief's true value and significance.

A French appeals court revisits the Gisèle Pelicot rape case, in which her ex-husband Dominique Pelicot and 50 other men were convicted of sexually assaulting her while she was under chemical submission. The case drew international attention due to its shocking nature and Pelicot's determination to have the trial held publicly. One of the convicted men, Husamettin Dogan, is appealing his nine-year sentence, claiming he was deceived by Dominique Pelicot. The trial is expected to last four days, with a verdict on Thursday.

Sanae Takaichi is set to become Japan's first female prime minister as the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). She faces immediate challenges, including regaining public support, addressing inflation, and navigating diplomatic issues with the US, particularly with President Trump. Takaichi's ultra-conservative politics have put the LDP's coalition with the Komeito party at risk, and she must decide whether to stick to her ideology or shift to the center. She is expected to strengthen the Japan-US alliance and expand trilateral partnerships with other countries. Takaichi's leadership is likely to be formally confirmed in a parliamentary election in mid-October.

Heavy rainfall caused floodwaters in Jeffersontown, Kentucky, with videos showing vehicles submerged in water. The article also touches on various other news stories, including a government shutdown impacting air traffic control, a country star's new song criticizing ICE, and an assassination attempt on Ecuador's president.

The article analyzes how President Donald Trump uses federal funds as a personal slush fund to pursue his goals and punish his opponents. Trump has threatened to withhold back pay to furloughed workers during the government shutdown and has frozen funding for various projects in Democratic states. The administration has also announced plans to use tariff money to fund a federal food assistance program. The article argues that Trump's actions are a blatant politicization of federal cash and a misuse of his presidential powers.

The article profiles Frida Escobedo, a 45-year-old Mexico City-born architect who is making history by designing a new $550-million wing for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Escobedo is the first female architect to design a wing in the museum's 155-year history. The new Tang Wing for Modern and Contemporary Art is set to open in 2030 and will feature airy, park- and skyline-facing galleries. Escobedo's design approach is characterized by her experimental and open attitude, and her ability to work across scales and mediums. The article highlights Escobedo's background, her design philosophy, and her collaboration with the Met's curator, David Breslin.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem met with Portland Mayor Keith Wilson during a tense visit to Oregon's largest city, where she threatened to send 'four times the amount of federal officers' if security measures for government officers were not followed. The meeting comes amid a backdrop of government shutdown and heightened tensions between federal and local authorities. The article also touches on various other news stories, including airport delays, a typhoon in Vietnam, and protests in Portland.

The article discusses a shortage of Asahi's Super Dry beer in Japan due to a cyberattack. It also covers various other news stories, including an assassination attempt on Ecuador's president, the resignation of France's prime minister, and several other global news events.

The US law firm Williams & Connolly, known for representing powerful politicians and corporate clients, has been hacked by suspected Chinese government-backed hackers as part of a larger spying campaign against multiple law firms. The hackers used a previously unknown software flaw to access the firm's computer network, and the breach is believed to be focused on espionage rather than extortion. The firm has taken steps to block the threat actor, and there is no evidence of unauthorized traffic on their network. The hack is part of a broader effort by Chinese hackers to gather intelligence and support China's competition with the US on issues ranging from national security to trade.

Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon has been fined $100,000 by the team for his altercation with running back Emari Demercado during a loss to the Titans. The incident occurred when Demercado dropped the ball at the goal line, costing the Cardinals a potential touchdown. Gannon confronted Demercado on the sideline, slapping him in the chest and hitting him in the pads. The NFL will not take further action, but the NFL Players Association is investigating. Gannon apologized for his outburst, stating that he let the moment get the better of him and that it was not his usual behavior.

New research suggests that GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Ozempic may interfere with PET-CT scans, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses and treatments for serious diseases like cancer. The drugs, which mimic a natural hormone to regulate blood sugar and appetite, have become increasingly popular, with 12% of US adults having tried them. Experts warn that the altered patterns on PET-CT scans caused by GLP-1 medications can lead to unnecessary tests, incorrect cancer staging, and delayed care. While formal guidelines are being developed, doctors are advised to carefully document patients' medication histories to help interpret scan results.

The article discusses the growing backlash against Netflix among conservative parents who are concerned about the streaming service's inclusion of progressive social themes and LGBTQ+ content in its children's programming. The controversy has led to a 'Cancel Netflix' campaign, with many parents expressing outrage on social media and calling for a boycott. The article highlights the company's internal culture and its vice president of 'inclusion strategy,' Wade Davis, as particular targets of criticism. The author argues that Netflix has broken the trust of parents by injecting progressive sexual politics into its children's content, and that this has contributed to a broader cultural fatigue among families.

The White House has responded to former Vice President Kamala Harris' comments at a Los Angeles event where she called the Trump administration 'crazy' and used profanity. White House spokesperson Kush Desai mocked Harris' 'cackle' laugh, suggesting she should listen to a recording of it before calling others crazy. Harris was promoting her memoir, '107 Days,' about her failed presidential campaign. The exchange highlights the ongoing political tensions between the current administration and former officials.

The US Senate confirmed Dr. Anjani Sinha as the new US ambassador to Singapore in an 'en bloc' vote on October 7, 2025. Dr. Sinha, an orthopaedic surgeon from Florida and believed to be close to the Trump family, was among over 100 nominees confirmed with a simple majority after the Republicans changed Senate rules. Other key nominees for Asia diplomacy roles were also confirmed, including Michael DeSombre as Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs and Sergio Gor as ambassador to India. Some Democratic senators objected to the fast-tracking of nominees, citing concerns over their qualifications and loyalty to President Trump. Dr. Sinha has a background in medicine, having practised in New York and Florida, and has been praised for his business expertise, particularly in life sciences and healthcare.

A recent report by Harvard University's Classroom Social Compact Committee has found that many students are skipping classes and still achieving high grades due to rampant grade inflation. The report also noted that students are often distracted by their devices and reluctant to engage in class discussions, fearing social ostracism or disagreeing with their peers. Faculty members are now trying to shift the undergraduate experience by taking attendance, encouraging handwritten notes, and promoting open-mindedness. The issue has sparked debate about the purpose of a Harvard education and the impact of liberal bias on campus culture.

Malaysia is experiencing a resurgence in train travel, with the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) rail network providing essential connectivity to rural areas and industrial parks. The Komuter Utara service, launched in 2015, has benefited many Malaysians, including commuters like Nuhairi Ismail who travel from Alor Setar to Penang for work. The KTM network, which stretches from Singapore to the Thai border, offers scenic routes like the Jungle Railway, attracting adventurers and nostalgia seekers. Infrastructure developments, such as the East Coast Rail Link and Penang Light Rail Transit, are set to enhance the transport grid and boost economic growth. Ridership for intercity rail services has more than doubled in the past decade, while urban commuter ridership has declined due to maintenance and upgrading work.

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 experiences of Afghans deported from Iran, highlighting their brutal treatment and the difficulties they face upon returning to Afghanistan. Many were forced to flee Afghanistan due to poverty and lack of opportunities, but were caught by Iranian authorities and subjected to violent arrests and detention. The deportees, including children, recount stories of being beaten, kicked, and held in solitary confinement. Despite the harsh treatment, many are desperate to return to Iran to support their families, who are struggling to survive in Afghanistan. The article also touches on the broader context, including the Taliban's restrictions on women's education and the impact of mass deportations on Afghanistan's economy.

A ceremony was held to mark the two-year anniversary of the October 7 attack. Families of the victims shared memories and wore T-shirts with pictures of their loved ones. The story of Maya Bitton and Eliran Mizrahi, a couple who were killed together, was shared. An elderly father also shared videos of his son, Sergeant Major Alon Barad, who was killed on duty while helping to evacuate people from the Nova music festival.

For the first time, renewable energy has produced more electricity than coal globally, driven by the growth of solar and wind energy. According to a new analysis by Ember, in the first half of 2025, renewable energy outstripped coal in electricity production, and led to a reduction in fossil fuel use. The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts a doubling of global clean energy capacity by 2030. However, the trend is not uniform, with the US and Europe still relying heavily on fossil fuels due to high electricity demand and lower output from wind and hydroelectric plants. The shift to renewables is seen as a crucial turning point, but challenges remain in meeting rising global demand and reducing emissions.

Senator Ted Cruz has vowed to hold Nigerian government officials accountable for the reported killings of tens of thousands of Christians in Nigeria, introducing the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act to target officials with sanctions. Nigerian officials have denied Cruz's claims, stating that there is religious harmony in the country, despite evidence from Christian advocacy groups suggesting that Christians are disproportionately targeted by extremist groups.

A caravan of 1,200 Cuban migrants is heading to Mexico City instead of the US border, signaling a shift in regional migration trends due to President Donald Trump's strict immigration policies. The migrants hope to find better economic opportunities in Mexico City. Experts say that while it's too soon to tell if this is a lasting trend, increased US border enforcement and deportations are influencing migrants' choices. The article also highlights concerns about labor shortages in both Mexico and the US and the need for comprehensive immigration reform.

A new report by the New Zealand Ministry of the Environment and Stats NZ has found that the country's oceans are warming 34% faster than the global average, putting NZ$180bn worth of housing and $26bn worth of infrastructure at risk of flooding and damage. The report, Our Marine Environment 2025, highlights the impacts of climate change on New Zealand's marine environment, including intensifying marine heatwaves, ocean acidification, and rising sea levels. The report warns of significant risks to communities, the economy, and indigenous marine species, and notes that some regions will experience a rise of 20cm to 30cm in sea levels by 2050. The report also highlights the need for further research and monitoring to understand the impacts of climate change on the marine environment.

The UK's exports of plastic waste to developing countries have increased by 84% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year, with the majority going to Malaysia and Indonesia. Campaigners have criticized this rise as 'unethical and irresponsible waste imperialism', calling for the UK to follow the EU's lead in banning exports to non-OECD countries. The UK government had previously stated its intention to ban such exports but has yet to implement this. Experts warn that the trade is likely to shift to other countries as some implement import restrictions, and highlight the need for the UK to take responsibility for its own plastic waste.

SoftBank Group has agreed to acquire ABB's robotics division for $5.4 billion, marking a significant move in its push into artificial intelligence. The deal, pending regulatory approval, will see ABB abandon plans to spin off its robotics business as a separate listed company. SoftBank's founder, Masayoshi Son, aims to unite 'world-class technology and talent' under his vision for 'Physical AI' and 'Artificial Super Intelligence.' This acquisition is part of SoftBank's broader strategy to position itself at the forefront of the AI boom, complementing its existing investments in chip design through Arm and a stake in OpenAI. The deal is expected to create immediate value for ABB shareholders, who will receive approximately $5.3 billion in cash proceeds. The acquisition underscores SoftBank's renewed focus on robotics, an area it has previously explored, including a failed bet on a humanoid robot called Pepper in 2014.

The Chinese government is cracking down on social media influencers and bloggers who spread 'pessimistic sentiment' and 'defeatist ideas' online. The authorities have punished several high-profile accounts for promoting a 'lying flat' lifestyle, criticizing the government's handling of economic issues, and highlighting social inequality. The campaign is seen as a response to growing discontent among young people and concerns about the spread of malaise as China grapples with economic uncertainty and a volatile rivalry with the US. Critics argue that the government's efforts to curb online negativity will not be effective in addressing the underlying economic and social issues.