In other news

The article discusses the recent trend of African governments investing in skyscraper construction, marking a shift from the continent's traditionally low-rise landscape. Despite having only 26 buildings taller than 150 meters, 12 of these have been built in the past five years, indicating a mini-boom. The article highlights Africa's potential for growth and development through such infrastructure projects.

A synthetic drug surge is affecting Africa, with cheap and addictive substances like 'kush' becoming increasingly prevalent. The article focuses on Nyema, a 25-year-old former student in Freetown, Sierra Leone, who seeks help at a support center to overcome her kush addiction. The drug is a potent mix of synthetic opioids and cannabinoids, and its rise poses significant challenges for law enforcement and public health officials.

The 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers is effectively dead, with the US withdrawing in 2018 and Iran ceasing to meet its commitments. Despite this, diplomatic efforts continue, and the situation remains ambiguous. The article discusses the prospects for a new deal and the potential consequences of its failure, including the impact on regional stability and the potential for conflict. The author notes that other options are limited and that a new agreement is needed to prevent further escalation.

Ethiopia is set to inaugurate the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile, Africa's largest hydropower source. The dam has been a source of both pride and concern, with Ethiopians having invested heavily in it and regional neighbors worried about its potential impact. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed views the dam as a symbol of Ethiopia's growing geopolitical significance. However, the dam's filling and operation have been contentious, raising concerns about its potential to plunge the region into conflict.

The article discusses ongoing talks in Cairo regarding Hamas's potential transformation from a militant group to a political party, following its 22-month war in Gaza against Israel. The talks could lead to Hamas abandoning its armed resistance and reinventing itself. The article provides context on Hamas's history, its current situation, and the implications of such a transformation.

The article discusses the unexpected economic boom in Baghdad, Iraq, driven by foreign investment and a perceived stability in the region. Since the US invasion, Iraq's population has grown by 20 million. The city is experiencing a construction boom with cranes and electric saws reshaping the skyline. The stability in Iraq is attracting foreign investors, transforming the capital city.

The article discusses a recent paper by Arvind Narayanan and Sayash Kapoor, two computer scientists at Princeton University, which presents a sober view of artificial intelligence (AI) as 'normal technology'. The authors argue that AI's rise might follow the path of previous technological revolutions, rather than being revolutionary in itself. The article highlights the wide spectrum of opinions about AI, ranging from utopian views of rapid economic growth and scientific acceleration to dystopian views of widespread job losses and economic disruption. The paper's perspective has sparked debate among AI researchers and economists, offering a more nuanced understanding of AI's potential impact.

The article discusses the potential risks associated with the rapid growth of the AI stock market. Since the release of ChatGPT in 2022, the US stock market has risen by $21 trillion, with 55% of the rise attributed to just ten firms, including Amazon, Broadcom, Meta, and Nvidia, which are heavily invested in artificial intelligence. The article highlights the alarming increase in the potential cost of an AI stock market bubble bursting and notes that an IT investment boom has accounted for all of America's GDP growth in the first half of the year. The article raises questions about the long-term implications of AI on the economy and whether its rise will follow the path of previous technological revolutions.

The article discusses how commodity markets appear straightforward but can be complex. It explains that commodity prices are influenced by supply and demand, with shrinking supply leading to higher prices and expanding supply leading to lower prices. The article uses lithium as a case study to illustrate the potential pitfalls for commodity investors, particularly in the context of supply shocks. It highlights that inventories act as buffers against shocks, with low inventories leading to greater price movements. The article aims to educate readers on the intricacies of commodity markets and the importance of understanding supply and demand dynamics.

China is introducing new rules to promote the use of standard Chinese among minority groups as part of a drive for ethnic integration. The proposed 'Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress' aims to foster a unified national identity and enhance national cohesion. The law covers various aspects, including cultural identity, social integration, and economic development. The move is part of the Communist Party's efforts to strengthen its leadership and promote a common ideological foundation among ethnic groups. The draft law was discussed at a Politburo meeting chaired by President Xi Jinping, who emphasized the need to follow the 'correct Chinese path' to solving ethnic issues.

China's largest government-backed research funder, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, is offering grants to study stablecoins and their cross-border monitoring systems. The move indicates Beijing's growing interest and wariness towards the emerging digital asset. Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies with value pegged to another asset, mostly the US dollar. China's central bank has promoted an official digital currency, the e-CNY, while taking a firm stance against decentralized cryptocurrencies like bitcoin. The research aims to address the challenges brought by global stablecoins and provide policy suggestions for China's digital finance governance.

China's consumer prices fell by 0.4% in August, indicating persistent deflationary pressures due to weak domestic demand and industrial oversupply. The decline was worse than market expectations, and it follows a flat reading in July. Despite this, the core CPI's year-on-year increase expanded for a fourth consecutive month, thanks to policies aimed at boosting domestic demand. The National Bureau of Statistics attributed the fall in CPI to a high base from the previous year and weaker food prices. China's economy is struggling with entrenched deflationary pressures, and trade uncertainty is hampering suppliers' efforts to clear their stock. However, a narrower drop in factory-gate prices suggests that Beijing's 'anti-involution' campaign may be starting to take hold.

Hong Kong is set to sign nine agreements with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and seal business deals worth nearly US$1 billion, according to Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu. The agreements will cover areas such as dispute avoidance and resolution, customs, anti-corruption, and investment promotion. The BRI is a China-led initiative to link economies in Asia, Europe, and Africa into a China-centred trade network. Hong Kong's external trade with BRI countries has seen significant growth, exceeding US$276 billion last year, an 80% increase since 2013. The city’s direct investment in BRI countries also reached US$133 billion in 2023, a 3.6-fold increase from 2013. The deals were announced at the 10th edition of the Belt and Road Summit, co-organised by the Hong Kong government and the Trade Development Council.

North Korea is on the verge of a significant breakthrough in its missile program, with analysts warning of an imminent test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of carrying multiple warheads to the US mainland. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un oversaw the trial of a new solid-fuel ICBM engine, touted as a 'strategic' breakthrough by state media. The development is seen as a potential watershed in North Korea's missile program, with the possible debut of a new ICBM, possibly the Hwasong-20. The test was described as a success by Kim, who declared that it heralds a significant change in expanding and strengthening North Korea's nuclear strategic forces.

A survey by the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai found that American companies doing business in China are more pessimistic about their future prospects than ever before due to rising geopolitical tensions, fierce competition, and a chronic economic slowdown. Only 41% of surveyed firms expressed optimism about their five-year business outlook, a record low for the fourth consecutive year. The uncertain US-China relationship is the leading driver of this pessimism, along with cutthroat competition and the economy's slowdown. The survey's findings are part of a broader pullback by global investors, with China's actual use of foreign direct investment falling 13.4% year on year in the first seven months of the year.

Taiwan has accused China of military intimidation after People's Liberation Army (PLA) warplanes approached a Taiwanese medical evacuation aircraft near Quemoy in June. The incident is seen as part of a new pattern of 'aerial grey-zone harassment' designed to test Taiwan's military responses. Taiwanese officials condemned the manoeuvre as 'irrational' and a threat to flight safety, demanding Beijing halt such provocations. The encounter is believed to be an attempt by Beijing to assert its jurisdiction over the Taiwan Strait's airspace.

The article highlights seven recent science developments reported by the South China Morning Post. Key stories include Harvard professor Liu Jun's move to Tsinghua University in China, a breakthrough in converting plastic waste into petrol with over 95% efficiency, and China's advancements in semiconductor technology potentially creating a weapons generation gap with the US.

A 500-pound World War II bomb was discovered in Bratislava, Slovakia's capital, during construction work, prompting evacuations and traffic disruptions. Experts were planning to defuse the bomb by midday. The bomb was discovered on Monday evening near an oil refinery that was a target of Allied bombardment during the war. Several blocks in downtown Bratislava were evacuated, including a major bridge across the Danube River. The discovery highlights the ongoing issue of unexploded WWII bombs causing disruptions and evacuations globally.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, a group sending aid boats to Gaza, reported that one of its vessels was attacked by a drone while docked in Tunisia. The boat, which had climate activist Greta Thunberg on board earlier, was carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza. The incident occurred overnight, and all six passengers on the boat were safe. Tunisia's National Guard initially denied the drone strike, attributing the fire to a lighter or cigarette butt. However, after seeing the group's security camera video, they decided to create a special committee to investigate. Israel maintains a blockade on Gaza, and the flotilla's mission is to challenge this blockade and raise awareness about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

A man named Jey Gonzalez-Diaz jumped off a Royal Caribbean cruise ship near Puerto Rico to allegedly avoid paying a $16,000 gambling debt. He was later found and charged with a federal crime for attempting to avoid monetary reporting requirements. Gonzalez-Diaz had been carrying $14,600 in cash and multiple IDs. He claimed he jumped to avoid being taxed on the currency, but investigators found he owed the cruise line $16,710.24, mostly from casino and gaming expenses.

A female casque-headed iguana at the Exotic Zoo in Telford, UK, has given birth to eight healthy hatchlings without mating with a male, a rare phenomenon known as parthenogenesis. The zoo's director, Scott Adams, hailed the event as 'one of the rarest events in the animal kingdom.' The hatchlings are genetic clones of their mother and are currently thriving in the zoo's reptile nursery. This event provides an opportunity for the zoo to educate visitors about genetics, evolution, and conservation.

Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned after protests over a repealed social media ban turned violent, resulting in 19 deaths. The protests, led by young people, began on Monday and continued on Tuesday despite a curfew, with demonstrators setting fire to government buildings and the prime minister's house. The social media ban, imposed on Friday, was lifted, but the protests continued, fueled by anger over corruption and government accountability. Oli, 73, had ordered a probe into the violence and planned to head all-party talks to resolve the crisis before resigning.

French police are investigating the discovery of pig heads outside several mosques in the Paris region, with at least nine found so far. The acts have been condemned by Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau and Chems-Eddine Hafiz, the rector of the Grand Mosque of Paris, who denounced them as 'Islamaphobic acts' and a rise in anti-Muslim hatred. The incident is the latest in a series of reported spikes in anti-Muslim hatred and antisemitism in several European Union nations since the Gaza war started in October 2023. France is home to the largest Muslim community in the EU and the largest Jewish population outside Israel and the US. The police chief, Laurent Nunez, has assured that every effort is being made to find the perpetrators of these 'despicable acts'.

Princeton University doctoral student Elizabeth Tsurkov, who was kidnapped by the Iran-backed Kata'ib Hezbollah militia group in Iraq in 2023 and held for over 900 days, has been released. President Trump announced her release on Truth Social, stating she was safe at the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. Tsurkov's family, including her sister Emma, expressed joy and relief at her release. Princeton University's President Christopher L. Eisgruber thanked Trump for securing her release and acknowledged the efforts of those who worked to bring an end to her ordeal. Tsurkov has over a decade of experience working with human rights organizations in the Middle East and was a fellow at several think tanks before her kidnapping.

Asian markets rose on Wednesday, tracking gains on Wall Street, as hopes for a Federal Reserve rate cut increased. South Korea's Kospi hit a record high, while China's consumer price index fell more than expected in August. The Hang Seng Index advanced to its highest level since late 2021. Shares of Asian tech firms part of Apple's supply chain traded higher after the company launched new iPhones, watches, and AirPods.

The European Union's 2035 ban on new diesel and gasoline cars and vans is being debated at the IAA Mobility auto show in Munich. The electric car industry is calling for the European Commission to "stand firm" on the 2035 zero-emission target, while other industry groups are saying it's no longer feasible. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has also weighed in, saying "one-sided political commitments to specific technologies are the fundamentally wrong economic policy path." Industry players will hold strategic talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday.

Qualcomm and BMW have jointly developed an automated driving system called Snapdragon Ride Pilot, which will debut on the BMW iX3 and be available for licensing to other automakers. Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon expects a 'domino effect' of other carmakers wanting to use the technology once it's demonstrated on BMW's car. The system allows hands-free driving on certain roads and lane changing, but is not fully driverless. Qualcomm is diversifying its business into new areas, including automotive, which is one of its fastest-growing divisions.

The stock market saw a positive trend on Tuesday, with all three major indexes - S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite, and Dow Jones Industrial Average - notching new closing highs. Oracle's shares surged 26% in extended trading hours after the company reported a significant growth in multicloud database revenue. The market is now looking ahead to the release of new inflation data, including the producer price index and consumer price index, which will provide insight into the state of inflation in the U.S. economy. Economists expect the reports to show monthly increases of 0.3% across the board. A positive inflation report could pave the way for the Federal Reserve to deliver another rate cut at its September meeting.

Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk is cutting around 9,000 jobs, or 11.5% of its global workforce, as part of a company-wide transformation to simplify its organization and improve decision-making. The move is expected to incur a one-off cost of $1.26 billion and will result in a reduced operating profit growth forecast. The restructuring is the first major move by new CEO Maziar Mike Doustdar, who took over last month following the ouster of Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen. Novo Nordisk has been struggling to maintain market share in weight-loss drugs amid increased competition from Eli Lilly and supply chain issues. The company aims to prioritize investment in its leading therapy areas and instill a performance-based culture.

A chlamydia vaccine has been approved for use on koalas in Australia, with the aim of reducing deaths from the sexually-transmitted disease by at least 65%. The vaccine, developed by scientists at the University of the Sunshine Coast, offers three levels of protection: reducing infection, preventing progression to clinical disease, and reversing existing symptoms. Chlamydia is a major threat to koalas, causing urinary tract infections, blindness, infertility, and death, and is estimated to account for up to half of all wild koala deaths. The koala population is also threatened by habitat loss due to climate change and bushfires, and the Australian government has invested £37m into saving them from extinction.

Green Party leader Zack Polanski has called for the arrest of Israeli President Isaac Herzog during his UK visit, accusing him of being part of an 'ongoing genocide' in Gaza. The UK government has denied that Israel is committing genocide, but there is confusion over their position, with some ministers making contradictory statements. The visit has sparked controversy, with over 60 parliamentarians signing a letter questioning the government's stance on Herzog's visit and whether it contravenes the Genocide Convention. Israel has strongly denied committing genocide, but faces a case at the International Court of Justice. The conflict in Gaza has resulted in high civilian casualties and destruction, with Israel's actions being criticized by human rights organizations and genocide scholars.

Hamas has claimed responsibility for a deadly shooting in Jerusalem that killed six people and injured 15 others. Two gunmen boarded a bus and opened fire, before being shot dead by police. A third suspect was later arrested. Israel has responded by ordering the demolition of the attackers' homes and revoking work permits for their relatives and fellow villagers. The attack has exacerbated already high tensions in the region, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing to continue the fight against terror.

The article reports on the deaths of 16 election candidates in Germany, including seven from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AFD) party, ahead of a local election in North Rhine-Westphalia. Online conspiracy theories have been circulating, but officials and the AFD have sought to calm speculation, stating that there is currently no indication of unnatural deaths. The election commission has also tried to dispel intense online speculation, saying that the number of deaths is not significantly higher than in previous campaigns.

A UK internet user anonymously reported a potential attack to the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit, which was then passed to Europol and Ukrainian authorities. This led to the arrest of a 15-year-old boy in Ukraine who was planning to attack his school. The boy was found with a knife in his backpack while livestreaming the incident online. The swift action by the UK and Ukrainian authorities potentially saved lives and averted a devastating attack.

The city of El Fasher in Sudan is under siege by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), trapping hundreds of thousands of civilians amid a brutal civil war. The conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has resulted in significant displacement and humanitarian crisis, with estimates suggesting 13-15 million people displaced and 150,000 killed since April 2023. The RSF has been accused of committing crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, and sexual violence, and is attempting to starve El Fasher's residents. The international community, including the US, is concerned about the situation, with the State Department hardening its stance on Sudan's warring parties. Regional powers such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are backing different sides in the conflict, complicating efforts to achieve peace.

Protests in Nepal turned violent as demonstrators, mainly young people from Generation Z, torched parliament and homes of government officials, stormed prisons, and forced the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. At least 19 people were killed and hundreds more wounded. The protests began after the government banned major social media platforms, which was later revoked, but demonstrators continued, unhappy with the current political parties and blaming them for corruption. The situation escalated with the army chief warning of potential military intervention if violence continued.

The Trump administration is considering new restrictions on delegations from several countries, including Iran, Sudan, Zimbabwe, and Brazil, ahead of the UN General Assembly. One proposal would bar Iranian diplomats from shopping at wholesale stores like Costco and Sam's Club without State Department approval. Iranian diplomats have long used these stores to buy bulk goods unavailable at home and ship them back at relatively low cost. The measures are still under consideration and come as the Trump administration continues its broader visa crackdown.

The Tunisian government has denied claims by the Global Sumud Flotilla that one of its vessels was attacked by a drone while delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. The flotilla reported that the drone strike caused damage to the vessel but no injuries. The incident is currently under investigation by the Tunisian authorities. The Global Sumud Flotilla is part of a movement consisting of dozens of boats from 44 countries carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza. The group's mission is to break the Israeli naval blockade on Gaza, which has been in place since 2007. Swedish activist Greta Thunberg is a member of the group. The incident has sparked a debate about the Israeli blockade and the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli-Russian researcher and Princeton student, has been released by her Iraqi militia abductors after being held captive for several months. US President Donald Trump announced her release, stating she was safely in the American embassy in Iraq. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed the release, attributing it to extensive efforts by their security services. Tsurkov had gone missing in March 2023 during a research trip focused on the Levant region and the Syrian uprising. She was being held by Kataib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Iraqi Shia militia designated as a terrorist organization by the US in 2009. Trump's announcement also referenced the hostages held by Hamas, calling for their release.

Rebels linked to the Islamic State (IS) group have killed more than 50 people at a funeral ceremony in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The attack, carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), occurred in the village of Ntoyo in North Kivu province. The ADF, which emerged in Uganda in the 1990s, is now based in DR Congo and has been carrying out attacks in both countries. The attack is the latest in a string of violence linked to the ADF, raising fears that its insurgency is growing in strength. The Islamic State's Central African Province has confirmed the attack, claiming more than 100 people were killed.

Ivory Coast's former First Lady Simone Gbagbo has been cleared to contest the upcoming presidential election, running against President Alassane Ouattara. Gbagbo's candidacy is significant as she is one of only two women approved to run and has the potential to become the country's first female president. Her inclusion comes after several other prominent candidates, including her ex-husband Laurent Gbagbo and ex-Prime Minister Pascal Affi N'Guessan, were barred from contesting the election, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the vote. Simone Gbagbo has a history of involvement in Ivorian politics and was previously sentenced to 20 years in prison for her role in the violence following the 2010 election, but was later granted amnesty. The election is set to take place on October 25, with the official campaign beginning on October 10.

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles won the Democratic Party mayoral primary despite criticism over her response to the stabbing death of a Ukrainian refugee on a city train. The killing, which was captured on security video, sparked national attention and reignited debates about crime. Lyles faced criticism from Republicans, including President Donald Trump, who claimed that Democrats are too soft on crime. Lyles will now face Republican nominee Terrie Donovan in the general election.

The family of Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, is demanding justice after she was stabbed to death on a light rail train in Charlotte by Decarlos Brown Jr., a 34-year-old repeat offender with a history of mental health issues. The family is calling for Brown to be locked up and for the city to address systemic failures in public safety. Brown has been charged with murder and faces federal charges for committing an act causing death on a mass transportation system. The family is also asking the public not to repost graphic footage of the murder.

A Manhattan judge, Mary Rosado, has ruled against Mayor Eric Adams' executive order to reopen an ICE office on Rikers Island, citing an 'impermissible appearance of a conflict of interest.' The article criticizes the judge's decision as 'lawless' and 'junk justice,' arguing that she relied on flimsy evidence and ignored claims of lawfare by the Biden White House against Adams. The city plans to appeal the decision.

The article discusses the controversy surrounding President Donald Trump's response to a letter allegedly written by him to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's 50th birthday in 2003. Trump has denied writing the letter, but his denials have been inconsistent and raised more questions. The article highlights several aspects of the controversy, including Trump's changing explanations for the letter, the unexplained transfer of Epstein's accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell to a minimum-security prison, and Trump's slow disclosure about his relationship with Epstein's victim Virginia Giuffre. The article suggests that Trump's responses have prolonged the controversy and raised legitimate questions about his handling of the matter.

The Trump administration is taking steps to restrict the advertising of prescription drugs on television, a move that is likely to be opposed by the pharmaceutical industry. The proposal, which would reverse a 1997 policy change, would require drug companies to include detailed safety information in their advertisements. The administration is also cracking down on misleading drug advertisements, with the FDA sending out around 100 enforcement letters. The move is part of a broader effort to improve the health of American children and reduce the influence of pharmaceutical advertising.

The article discusses the experiences of people who lived through the India-Pakistan Partition in 1947 and its lasting impact on their lives. It highlights the stories of two individuals, Vikram Kalra and Reena Varma, who were forced to flee their homes in present-day Pakistan and relocate to India. The article also provides historical context about the Partition, including the violence and displacement that accompanied it, and its ongoing impact on the region.