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The Belgian government is urgently acquiring drone defenses after a sighting forced its main airport near Brussels to close temporarily. The incident has affected 3,000 passengers of Brussels Airlines, with the carrier facing considerable costs from cancelling or diverting dozens of flights. Defence Minister Theo Francken said several European allies have offered assistance, and he has accepted help from the German military. The incident has raised suspicions of 'hybrid warfare' by Russia, although there is currently no public proof. The disruptions are part of a larger trend of drone sightings causing flight disruptions across Europe.

European Union naval forces have rescued 24 sailors from a Maltese-flagged oil tanker, the Hellas Aphrodite, that was attacked by Somali pirates off the coast of Somalia. The pirates seized the tanker on Thursday, but the crew locked themselves in a fortified citadel and remained in contact with the EU's anti-piracy mission Operation Atalanta. A Spanish warship, the ESPS Victoria, reached the tanker on Friday and special forces boarded the vessel, finding the crew unharmed. The pirates abandoned the ship after a 'show of force' by the EU forces. The incident is the latest in a series of attacks that have raised concerns about a resurgence of piracy in the area, which had declined in recent years due to international naval patrols and security measures. However, the diversion of ships through East Africa's Indian Ocean due to attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels has created new opportunities for Somali pirate gangs.

More than 50 people were injured in a blast at a mosque within a school complex in Jakarta, Indonesia. A 17-year-old student is suspected to be the perpetrator. The incident occurred during Friday prayers, and the victims, mostly pupils, sustained various injuries, including severe burns. The suspect was also hurt and is under investigation. The police found objects resembling firearms at the scene, but a minister later stated that they were toy guns. The incident is under investigation, and authorities are working to determine the cause and motivations behind the attack.

The 2026 Grammy nominations have been announced, with Kendrick Lamar and Lady Gaga leading the nominees. Kendrick Lamar has nine nominations, including album of the year for his album 'GNX', while Lady Gaga has seven nominations, including album of the year for 'Mayhem'. K-Pop has broken into the song of the year category for the first time with two nominations: Rosé and Bruno Mars' 'APT' and Hunter/x's 'Golden'. The Grammys have also recognized various other artists, including Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter, and Yungblud. The ceremony is set to take place on February 1, 2026, in Los Angeles.

France has advised its citizens to urgently leave Mali due to a jihadist fuel blockade imposed by the al-Qaeda-affiliated group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM). The blockade, which has been in place for two months, has disrupted daily life in the capital Bamako and other regions, causing fuel shortages and affecting electricity supply. The crisis has prompted the world's largest shipping company, MSC, to halt its operations in Mali. The US embassy has also evacuated non-essential diplomatic staff and their families. Mali, a former French colony, is currently ruled by a military junta led by Gen Assimi Goïta, who seized power in a coup in 2020. The jihadist insurgency has continued despite the junta's promises to deal with the security crisis, and large parts of the north and east remain outside government control.

A former Israeli hostage, Rom Braslavski, has come forward alleging that he was sexually assaulted during his two-year captivity in Gaza by members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). Braslavski, 21, was released last month as part of a US-brokered ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. He described being stripped naked, tied up, and subjected to sexual violence, which he said was intended to humiliate him. Braslavski's allegations are the first public account of sexual assault by a male hostage. The PIJ has denied the allegations. The incident is part of a larger context of alleged human rights abuses and sexual violence committed during the Israel-Gaza conflict.

The article discusses the forgotten Kenyan soldiers who fought in World War I and II as part of the British army. Thousands of Kenyans were recruited to fight in the wars, but many of their stories and sacrifices were not recognized or commemorated. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) is working to uncover the records of these soldiers and provide closure to their families. The CWGC has discovered rare colonial military records that have helped to recover the names and stories of over 3,000 soldiers who served in World War I. The article highlights the story of Mutuku Ing'ati, a Kenyan soldier who was killed in action in 1943, and whose family was not notified of his death. The CWGC is working to build memorials to commemorate the soldiers and to inform Kenya's school curriculum about the role Africans played in the world wars.

The Serbian parliament has passed a law clearing the way for a controversial property development project led by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, in Belgrade. The project involves building a luxury hotel and apartment complex on the site of the former Yugoslav Army headquarters, which was bombed by NATO forces in 1999. Despite protests and legal challenges, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic backed the plans, citing the need to improve relations with the US. The decision has been criticized by opposition politicians, architectural experts, and anti-corruption organizations, who argue that it is unconstitutional and sacrifices the country's history to please Trump.

Typhoon Kalmaegi has caused widespread destruction and loss of life in the Philippines and Vietnam, killing at least 188 people in the Philippines and five in Vietnam. The storm brought heavy rainfall and strong winds, resulting in flash flooding, landslides, and widespread damage to infrastructure and homes. The Philippines government has declared a state of calamity, and Vietnam's military has deployed personnel and equipment for relief efforts. The typhoon is now headed towards Cambodia and Laos.

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Archaeologists in Israel have discovered a 5,000-year-old wine press and evidence of ancient religious rituals during a highway construction project at Tel Megiddo. The wine press, carved from stone, is one of the oldest ever found in Israel and provides conclusive proof of early wine production in the region. The excavation also uncovered a model of a small temple, ceremonial utensils, residential buildings, ritual vessels, and pottery imported from Cyprus, shedding light on the culture and rituals of the ancient Canaanite population. The findings date back to the early and late Bronze Age, spanning from around 3300 to 1400 B.C.E. The discoveries were presented at the annual conference on innovations and research in Israeli excavations.

The Supreme Court of Canada has dismissed an appeal by Universal Ostrich Farm in British Columbia to save its flock of over 300 ostriches from being culled due to an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1). The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) ordered the cull last year, citing the risk of the virus spreading to other birds and potentially to humans. Despite pleas from the farm owners and interventions from US officials, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Mehmet Oz, the court ruled unanimously against the farm. The CFIA will proceed with the cull, compensating the farm owners up to $2,200 per bird. The decision has been met with emotional distress from the farm owners, who argue that the birds are healthy and pose no threat.

Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced that 36 historical artifacts illegally removed from the country have been recovered from the United States. The artifacts were handed over by U.S. authorities to the Egyptian Embassy in the U.S. and arrived in Egypt two weeks prior to the announcement. The recovered items include a mummy burial mask, a vessel in the shape of the god Bes, and a limestone funerary stelae from the Roman era, as well as rare manuscripts in ancient Coptic and Syriac languages and a colored plaster panel from the 18th Dynasty. Egyptian officials emphasized the importance of preserving the country's archaeological heritage and collaborating with global authorities to retrieve smuggled artifacts.

Multiple explosions occurred at a mosque within a high school in Jakarta, Indonesia, during Friday prayers, injuring at least 54 people, mostly students. The cause of the blasts is unknown, but they appeared to originate near the mosque's loudspeaker. The Jakarta Police Chief has urged against speculation that the incident was an attack before the investigation is completed. Some victims were hospitalized, with three suffering serious injuries. The police have deployed an anti-bomb squad and are investigating the scene.

A man in France discovered a gold treasure worth $800,000 while digging a swimming pool in his garden. The treasure consisted of five gold bars and numerous coins buried in plastic bags. Authorities allowed him to keep the gold as it was not from an archaeological site. The gold was found to have been acquired legally and melted down 15-20 years ago at a nearby refinery. The origin of the gold remains a mystery as the previous owner of the garden has died.

Ukrainian forces successfully rescued a wounded soldier trapped behind Russian lines for 33 days using a remotely operated robot called the MAUL ground drone. The robot navigated through minefields and mortar strikes to reach the soldier and bring him back to safety. The mission was carried out by the 1st Medical Battalion of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, who developed the MAUL robot for troop extraction. The soldier was provided with medical aid and is now undergoing treatment and rehabilitation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the troops for their innovative use of technology in the rescue mission.

A 24-year-old convicted sex offender, Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, was mistakenly released from Wandsworth Prison in London and re-arrested after a manhunt. The release was one of two accidental releases from the prison in two weeks, causing a political headache for the UK government. The incident has highlighted the issue of overcrowding and understaffing in UK prisons, with 262 prisoners released in error in the year ending March 2025. The government has launched an official review into the issue, with Justice Secretary David Lammy stating that the prison system is 'in crisis'.

A New Zealand wildlife sanctuary, Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary, has euthanized two elderly lions due to financial difficulties and is considering the same for the remaining five lions. The lions, aged between 18 and 21, had serious health conditions and rehoming them was deemed not viable. The sanctuary is seeking a solution for the remaining lions and has received interest from potential buyers, providing a glimmer of hope. The decision to euthanize the lions has received both supportive condolences and threatening messages.

The article discusses the emergence of a new industry of AI companions, specifically chatbots designed to simulate romantic partners. A 22-year-old woman from Guangzhou, China, is cited as an example, who has created a chatbot in the likeness of her ideal man using OpenAI's ChatGPT. The chatbot is tailored to her preferences and responds in a way that is perceived as more desirable than a real-life partner. The article touches on the potential societal implications of this technology and what it means to be human.

The article discusses a trend in the rich world where fewer people are engaging in casual relationships or cohabiting. It highlights how social media, dating apps, and political polarization are contributing factors. The article features Nancy Anteby, a 30-year-old New Yorker who is selective about her dating choices, prioritizing politics, career stability, and shared values. The trend is observed across various countries, and the article touches upon the implications of this shift in societal behavior.

China's clean-energy revolution is transforming the global landscape, with the country installing massive amounts of solar and wind power capacity. The scale of this revolution is vast, with China having installed 887 gigawatts of solar-power capacity by the end of last year, nearly double the combined total of Europe and America. The article discusses the implications of China's clean-energy revolution on global markets and politics, highlighting its potential to reshape the world. China's significant investment in renewable energy has generated 1,826 terawatt-hours of wind and solar electricity, a substantial amount that underscores its commitment to decarbonization. As the world's biggest manufacturer, China now has a vested interest in the world decarbonizing, which could have far-reaching consequences for global politics and economies.

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The article discusses the rise of singlehood and its impact on society. Historically, being in a couple was a necessity due to the lack of reliable contraception and economic constraints. However, with advancements in contraception and increased financial independence, the norm is shifting. The article explores the implications of this shift, both positive and negative, and how it is reshaping the world.

The article discusses how drug traffickers are adapting to evade law enforcement by using new technologies and decentralized networks, making it harder to disrupt their operations. A recent example is given of a shipment of cocaine hidden in a consignment of passion fruit pulp that was chemically masked to avoid detection. The article highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in keeping up with these new tactics and the need for innovative solutions to combat the evolving drug trade.

The article discusses the Trump administration's approach to global health, arguing that while it is flawed, it can be fixed. The author references PEPFAR, a program launched by George W. Bush that has saved millions of lives in Africa through HIV treatment. The article suggests that the current era of global health efforts is receding, and America should not abandon its commitment to stopping disease in poor countries. The author believes that the Trump administration's 'America First' policy need not put Africans last and that a more effective approach to global health is possible.

The article discusses the growing popularity of pickleball in Singapore, particularly among retirees, and the concerns it raises among neighbors due to noise complaints. The sport has become a social activity for many, with players gathering in improvised venues such as street football pitches in housing estates. However, the lack of dedicated courts has led to noise issues, prompting some players to be mindful of quiet hours.

A study led by researchers from Tsinghua University found that recycling sand and gravel aggregates from construction and demolition waste could meet half of China's demand for these materials by 2050. By adopting a circular economy strategy, some provinces could achieve aggregate recycling rates as high as 65%. The study suggests that recycled aggregate production could meet a significant share of future demand, easing China's annual aggregate demand, which is projected to halve by mid-century.

Hong Kong travel agencies are capitalizing on the National Games by offering package tours for mainland Chinese visitors to attend sporting events in the city. The event is expected to bring around 100,000 visitors to Hong Kong, with golf and rugby proving to be the most popular sports. Local travel agencies are launching package tours that include attending sporting events and other activities in the city, targeting mainland Chinese visitors with greater spending power.

The Chinese government has agreed to hold talks with Dutch officials regarding the Nexperia crisis, which has caused uncertainty in the global automotive chip supply chain. The crisis began when the Dutch government indicated that it would restrict Nexperia, a Dutch chip company with a significant presence in China, from shipping chips made in China to its customers. The Netherlands' Economy Minister Vincent Karremans stated that shipments could resume in the coming days, and the Dutch government was prepared to relinquish control of Nexperia if China resumed shipments. China has expressed hope that the Dutch side will take concrete actions to restore stability to the global semiconductor supply chain.

Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is facing pressure from nationalist conservatives to visit the controversial Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, a move that could embolden the country's far-right and strain relations with neighboring countries. Takaichi has previously championed visits to the shrine, which honors Japan's war dead, including 14 convicted Class A war criminals. Analysts warn that a visit would be seen as a declaration of intent to confront perceived injustice and could lead to criticism both domestically and internationally. While Takaichi has so far opted to send a ritual offering during the autumn festival instead of visiting in person, her ascent to the top of the country's politics has raised expectations among right-wing figures that she may now take bolder ideological steps.

The article discusses Jonah Goldberg's analysis of the political challenge that high prices pose to President Trump. Goldberg, Editor-in-Chief of The Dispatch, argues that people do not feel like the economy is improving, particularly at the lower end, because it is not. He talks about the difficulties President Trump faces in convincing Americans that prices are coming down.

Scientists have captured rare footage of sucker fish, also known as remoras, riding on humpback whales off the coast of Australia. The remoras use an adhesive plate on their head to create a vacuum seal, allowing them to cling to the whales as they migrate. The footage shows the fish peeling away from the whales just before they breach the surface and then returning to the same spot, demonstrating their impressive timing and precision. Researchers are studying the behavior of the remoras and their relationship with the whales, which is thought to be mutually beneficial. However, the exact duration of the remoras' journey with the whales remains a mystery.

Rep. Nancy Mace, a Republican from South Carolina, is facing backlash after an incident at an airport where she allegedly confronted security personnel. According to a police report, Mace was 'loudly cursing' during the incident. Mace has admitted to confronting security but has not commented on the specifics of the incident. The incident has sparked widespread criticism and pushback against Mace.

A Chinese space crew, Shenzhou-20, is stranded at the Tiangong space station due to damage from space debris. The crew, consisting of Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie, was scheduled to return to Earth on Wednesday but their mission has been extended indefinitely. The damage was caused by tiny fragments of space junk, and engineers are conducting impact analysis and risk assessments. If the spacecraft cannot be repaired, the crew will use the Shenzhou-21 team's capsule to return to Earth. The Shenzhou-21 crew, consisting of Zhang Hongzhang, Wu Fei, and Zhang Lu, successfully docked with the station on Saturday.

A mural in Milan, Italy, honoring Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, who were murdered by Hamas, was vandalized and defaced, with the Star of David removed and Shiri's face rendered unrecognizable. The artist, AleXsandro Palombo, condemned the act as antisemitic and an attempt to erase history. The vandalism is the second time the mural has been targeted, with the first incident occurring during a memorial service for the victims of the October 7, 2023, attacks.

The parents of Kayla Mueller, an American aid worker killed by ISIS in 2015, have written an open letter to President Trump asking him to press Syria's new interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, to help bring their daughter's remains home during his upcoming meeting in Washington. The Muellers praised Trump's past actions against ISIS, including the operation that led to the death of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, and expressed hope that the new leadership in Syria could bring closure to their decade-long quest. They cited growing regional cooperation to locate missing Americans and the efforts of Rep. Abe Hamadeh, who has visited Damascus to advocate for Kayla's return.

Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, 72, was allegedly attacked by his 34-year-old ex-boyfriend, Daniel Curran, outside his home. The couple had been in a relationship since March 2025 and got engaged in July. Trantalis filed for a domestic violence injunction against Curran in September, accusing him of throwing things, pulling knives, and kicking furniture. On November 1, Curran allegedly pushed Trantalis, who fought back, and the two got into a brawl. Curran dragged Trantalis 15 feet across the street, causing injuries to his wrist, leg, and knee. Curran was arrested on Wednesday and charged with battery on a person 65 or older and contempt of court. Trantalis testified in court, stating that he had tried to reconnect with Curran but realized there was no hope for the relationship. A judge granted a no-contact order, and Curran was released on a $6,000 bond.

The Mega Millions jackpot has grown to $900 million after no ticket matched all six numbers in the Friday night drawing. The winning numbers for the $843 million jackpot were 16, 21, 23, 48, 70 with the Mega ball 5. This is the 38th consecutive drawing since a player matched all six numbers on June 27. The jackpot carried a cash option of $391.7 million. The odds of winning the top prize are 1 in 290,472,336. The last jackpot winner was on June 27 in Burgess, Virginia, who won $348 million and chose the one-time $155.6 million cash option.

The article discusses Nancy Pelosi's efforts to help those affected by the AIDS epidemic in the late 1980s and her continued support for LGBTQ+ rights throughout her congressional career. Pelosi, who represented San Francisco in Congress, visited AIDS patients at San Francisco General Hospital, fought for funding for AIDS research and treatment, and helped display the AIDS Memorial Quilt on the National Mall. Her actions were seen as courageous and revolutionary, as she identified herself with a stigmatized disease and community. The article highlights Pelosi's commitment to her constituents and her willingness to challenge the status quo, even when it was unpopular.

China is investing heavily in longevity research and anti-aging technologies, driven by the government's desire to catch up with and surpass the West in biotech and other advanced technologies. Chinese companies are developing anti-aging pills, cryogenic therapy, and other treatments, with some claiming to be on the verge of breakthroughs that could extend human lifespan to 150 years or more. While some scientists are skeptical about the claims, others see China's rapid progress in longevity research as a sign of its growing capabilities in the field.

The article discusses the impact of AI-driven layoffs on workers and provides guidance on what to do next. In 2025, thousands of workers have lost their jobs due to companies investing in AI. Experts suggest that workers should be skeptical about the reasons behind their layoffs and assess whether their skills are still relevant. They recommend upskilling, tapping into adjacent skillsets, and developing AI literacy to remain competitive. The article highlights the importance of understanding the reasons behind layoffs and adapting to the changing job market.

Countries attending a conference in Geneva agreed to phase out the use of mercury-based dental amalgams in tooth fillings by 2034. The decision was made at a conference of signatories to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, an international treaty aimed at protecting human health and the environment from mercury pollution. The World Health Organisation considers mercury one of the top 10 chemicals of major public health concern. Some countries had already banned its use in dental amalgam, and the conference adopted 21 decisions aimed at reducing mercury pollution, including measures to eliminate skin-lightening cosmetics containing mercury and to move away from the use of mercury in small-scale gold mining.