In other news

El Salvador has seized 1.4 tons of cocaine floating in the Pacific Ocean, valued at $35 million, as part of a crackdown on international drug trafficking. The seizure was made approximately 1,000 miles off the coast of El Salvador and is part of a larger effort by the country to combat drug trafficking. Between 2024 and 2025, El Salvador seized 37.2 tons of cocaine with an estimated value of $932.4 million. The operation has been praised by the U.S. embassy in El Salvador, which noted that it demonstrates a growing partnership between the two countries in combating criminal networks. The seizure comes as the U.S. has declared war on Latin American drug traffickers and designated cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

Three 1,200-year-old Viking ships, the Oseberg, Gokstad, and Tune, are being relocated from the old Viking Ship Museum in Oslo, Norway to a new climate-controlled facility. The Oseberg ship has begun its journey, which is expected to take over 10 hours and is being done with extreme care to prevent damage. The ships are fragile and have been subjected to humidity and vibrations, causing strain on their structures. The new facility will provide optimal conditions to conserve the ships for at least another century. The relocation process is considered high-risk, but experts are taking precautions to minimize the risk of damage.

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 was carrying $14,600 in cash and multiple IDs, and Royal Caribbean reported that he owed $16,710.24 in gaming expenses. He was released on bail and faces up to $250,000 in fines or a five-year prison sentence if convicted.

Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk is cutting 9,000 jobs (11% of its workforce) due to increased competition in the obesity medication market. The company, which produces weight-loss drug Wegovy and diabetes drug Ozempic, aims to save $1.25 billion by the end of 2026 and redirect these savings to diabetes and obesity research and development. The job cuts will begin immediately, with affected employees notified over the next few months. Novo Nordisk's CEO, Mike Doustdar, stated that the company must adapt to a more competitive and consumer-driven market. The company's shares rose 1.1% in pre-market trading following the announcement.

Princeton University doctoral student Elizabeth Tsurkov, who was kidnapped by the Iran-backed Kata'ib Hezbollah militia group in Iraq in 2023, has been released, according to an announcement by President Trump on Truth Social. Tsurkov, an Israeli and Russian citizen with an American citizen sister, was held captive for over 900 days before being freed and taken to the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. Her family and Princeton University expressed relief and gratitude upon hearing the news. Tsurkov has extensive experience working with human rights organizations in the Middle East and was a fellow at several think tanks before her kidnapping.

Protesters in France, led by the 'Block Everything' movement, caused widespread disruptions on Wednesday, attempting to pressure President Emmanuel Macron by giving his new prime minister, Sébastien Lecornu, a difficult start. The protests, which began online and gained momentum over the summer, involved blocking roads, setting fires, and clashing with police, resulting in nearly 200 arrests. The movement is angry at Macron's leadership and austerity policies, and has a broad array of demands, including opposition to belt-tightening budget plans. The protests were accompanied by calls for strikes, boycotts, and other forms of protest, with some protesters attempting to create a 'climate of insurrection.' The 'Block Everything' movement is reminiscent of the 'Yellow Vest' protest movement that rocked Macron's first term as president.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, an activist group sending aid boats to Gaza, reported that a second vessel was attacked by a drone while docked in Tunisia. The group shared a video showing the attack and stated that the incident was part of an orchestrated attempt to derail their mission. The flotilla is attempting to break Israel's blockade of Gaza, which Israel maintains to prevent smuggling of weapons and materials into the territory. Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg is among those traveling with the flotilla.

A zookeeper was mauled to death by lions at Safari World Bangkok, a safari park in Thailand, after stepping out of his car. The incident has raised concerns about safety and the legitimacy of the park's lion ownership. The park has announced an investigation and plans to strengthen safety measures. The incident is at least the second fatal animal attack at a park in Thailand this year, and has sparked calls for the park to relocate its lions to a sanctuary. Lion ownership is legal in Thailand, where the captive lion population has grown significantly in recent years.

China has launched the world's longest cable-stayed bridge over the Yangtze River in Jiangsu province, connecting the cities of Changzhou and Taizhou. The Changtai Yangtze River Bridge is 10.3km long with a main span of 1,208 metres and carries an expressway, regular road, and intercity railway on the same structure. The bridge took six years to complete and features a number of world-first techniques, including an asymmetrical lower deck with a 200km/h railway on one side and a regular road on the other. Officials say the bridge will boost regional growth and tighten links across the Yangtze River Delta.

The People's Liberation Army Rocket Force has banned nearly 200 suppliers and evaluators due to corruption investigations that uncovered errors, collusive bidding, and forgery dating back to 2016. The move is part of a broader crackdown on corruption within the military, which began after the downfall of former defence minister Li Shangfu in 2023. The Rocket Force, established in 2015 as part of President Xi Jinping's military reforms, oversees China's strategic nuclear missiles and other critical assets.

A recent Morgan Stanley report indicates that 90% of US investors are planning to increase their exposure to Chinese stocks, marking the highest level of interest in five years. The report attributes this shift to China's leadership in specific sectors, efforts to stabilize the economy, and a desire for diversification from US assets. US investors are particularly interested in areas such as humanoid robotics, biotech, and new consumer companies, and are looking beyond US-listed Chinese equities to the onshore market. Despite the high level of interest, investors are proceeding cautiously, with many needing time to reassess individual stocks after years of reduced investment in the China market. Morgan Stanley's chief China equity strategist, Laura Wang, notes that while US investors' return to China's market is 'just starting,' more capital inflows are likely to follow as allocations from global and emerging-market mandates increase over time.

The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod is suing the Hong Kong International School for allegedly breaching an operational agreement and serving only the 'rich and privileged few'. The church, which co-founded the school in 1966, accuses the institution of accumulating excessive financial reserves of over HK$2.8 billion. The school's operator has rejected the allegations, calling them 'unfounded and disingenuous'. If the school management fails to comply with the church's demands, the church will create a new private primary institution called the Hong Kong Pacific School, which will charge lower fees and welcome current students and staff to join.

China has invested nearly 450 billion yuan in a strategic mineral-exploration initiative over the past five years, achieving significant breakthroughs in oil, gas, copper, lithium, and uranium. The country has discovered over 500 large and medium-sized oil, gas, and mineral deposits, enhancing its energy security and reducing reliance on imports. The discoveries include 10 large oilfields, 19 major gas fields, and significant deep coal bed methane reserves, primarily from deep basins and offshore waters. China's efforts are driven by supply-chain-security considerations and booming demand from new tech development amid geopolitical tensions.

The Hong Kong Legislative Council has passed the Betting Duty (Amendment) Bill 2025, legalizing betting on basketball matches to tackle illegal gambling. The bill was approved with 77 votes in favor, two abstentions, and two opposed. The Hong Kong Jockey Club is expected to be the sole operator of basketball betting. Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen stated that providing legal channels for betting would satisfy public demand and prevent people from turning to illegal operators.

The JL-1 long-range missile has debuted as part of China's nuclear deterrent, marking a significant development in the country's military capabilities. The JL-1 is a nuclear-capable air-launched ballistic missile that can be carried on modified H-6N strategic bombers. With a range of up to 8,000km and hypersonic speed, the JL-1 enhances China's nuclear triad, comprising air, sea, and land-based deterrents. Analysts believe that this development will improve with the next generation of strategic bombers. The JL-1's debut was showcased during Beijing's military parade, highlighting China's growing military modernization.

The article discusses the disappearance of Pamela Ling, a 42-year-old woman who was kidnapped in Malaysia on April 9. Ling was on her way to give a statement as a witness in a corruption investigation involving her and her tycoon husband when she was taken by three people believed to have impersonated police. Despite the government's efforts, including taking statements from 48 witnesses, there have been no updates on Ling's whereabouts. Human rights activists have called for a wider investigation, citing a 'chilling' lack of progress in the case.

The article discusses the growing influence of Europe's hard right and its potential threat to the economy. The hard right is gaining ground in several major European countries, including Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Poland. By 2027, they could be in office in economies accounting for nearly half of European GDP. The article warns that this shift could lead to economic stagnation or even a bond-market rout.

The article discusses the rise of new synthetic opioids, specifically Nitazenes, as a consequence of the ongoing 'war on drugs'. It highlights that despite efforts to crack down on fentanyl, a new synthetic opioid has emerged, contributing to a dangerous drug market in Britain. The National Crime Agency reported increased use of cocaine and cannabis, alongside the spread of this new opioid. The article argues that this situation exemplifies the failure of drug prohibition policies.

The article argues that schools should ban smartphones from the classroom as they are a significant distraction and hinder students' learning. The author claims that allowing smartphones in classrooms provides students with a 'bottomless source of apps designed to be as compelling—and distracting—as possible.' The article suggests that banning smartphones will lead to improved grades and happier pupils. The author draws a comparison with the past when students were bored and had to resort to simpler forms of distraction like flicking rubber bands or doodling. The article concludes that removing smartphones from the classroom environment will help students focus and potentially improve their academic performance.

The US administration's raid on a Hyundai electric-car manufacturing plant in Georgia, arresting 475 foreign workers, is seen as a counterproductive move. The plant is located in a rural Republican area that had been wooed by the state for years. The raid is part of the administration's policy of targeting areas that welcome immigrants, a move that is perceived as being driven by the president's fixation on Democratic cities. The article questions the wisdom of this approach, given the potential economic and political backlash.

Researchers are studying the 'dark DNA' of peacock spiders to understand their extraordinary diversity, with over 100 different species found in Australia. The team, led by Jonah Walker and Dr. Joana Meier, is analyzing the spiders' genetic code and behavior to identify the factors responsible for their variation. The study may provide insights into the natural world's diversity and help scientists understand how species evolve. The research is part of the Earth BioGenome Project, which aims to decode the genetic code of all 1.8 million living species in the next decade.

The article investigates the role of SOS Children's Villages International in the disappearance of children during the Assad regime in Syria. It reveals that the charity, which operates in over 130 countries, may have unknowingly taken in children of detained parents and failed to properly document their identities. The article is based on a database of 323 children hidden by the Syrian regime and built with the help of investigative media organization Lighthouse Reports and other outlets. Mothers and staff members have come forward to share their experiences, highlighting the charity's potential complicity in the regime's actions.

Weleda, a natural cosmetics company, has launched an inquiry into its links to a Nazi concentration camp following claims that an anti-freeze cream it produced was tested on prisoners at Dachau. Historian Anne Sudrow's report alleges that Weleda ordered raw materials from a garden in the camp and made a cream to protect against hypothermia, which was allegedly used in human experiments by an SS doctor. Weleda condemned the Nazi regime's atrocities and acknowledged that previous research may not have fully explored the company's links to the camp. The company has commissioned a new investigation to be published in 2027.

The Indian auto market is being disrupted by the entry of electric vehicles (EVs), with global players like Tesla, BYD, and VinFast making moves in the country. While Tesla's high price point has limited its appeal, BYD has been more successful, and VinFast's local manufacturing has allowed it to price its models more competitively. Indian companies, such as Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra, are also major players in the EV market. However, the industry faces challenges, including high duties on imported cars and a lack of public charging infrastructure. Despite these challenges, the EV industry is expected to grow, with many companies planning to launch new models.

European stocks are expected to open in mixed territory on Thursday as investors await the European Central Bank's (ECB) rate decision and update. The ECB is not expected to change its key deposit facility rate, but investors will be watching for the bank's latest macroeconomic projections. Meanwhile, US markets are awaiting August consumer price index data, with economists expecting a 0.3% monthly increase and a 2.9% annual gain. Asian markets saw Japan's Nikkei 225 reach a record high overnight.

Qatar has threatened to retaliate against Israel after an airstrike in Doha targeted Hamas leaders. The Qatari Prime Minister described the strike as "state terrorism" and a "decisive moment" for the Middle East. The White House revealed that President Trump had directed his envoy to inform Qatar of the impending attack, but Qatari officials denied being informed in advance.

The UK government is facing criticism for its response to a massive antisemitism protest in London, where an estimated 70,000 people marched against rising antisemitism and violence against Jews. The Campaign Against Antisemitism slammed the government for not sending a senior representative to the event, while the opposition and Reform UK sent senior officials. The protest came amid a surge in antisemitism in the UK, with 21% of British adults affirming four or more antisemitic statements. The UK government's decision to appoint Shabana Mahmood, accused of anti-Israel activism, as Home Secretary has also been criticized. The Jewish community is increasingly concerned about its safety, with half of British Jews considering leaving the UK due to antisemitism.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth held his first conversation with Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun, stressing that the US does not seek conflict with China but will protect its vital interests in the Asia-Pacific region. The call was described as 'candid and constructive' by the Pentagon. The talks come amid rising tensions between the two nations, with China being Washington's main geopolitical rival. The US is re-evaluating its situation with China after a recent military parade where Chinese leader Xi Jinping hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

The article discusses the last generation of people who experienced the India-Pakistan Partition in 1947 and their memories of their homeland. It highlights the stories of two individuals, Vikram Kalra and Reena Varma, who were forced to flee their homes in Lahore and Rawalpindi, respectively, and have been unable to return. The article also provides historical context about the Partition, including the violent migration of over 15 million people and the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. The author notes that as the last generation of Partition survivors passes away, their memories and experiences are at risk of being lost.

A Banksy mural depicting a judge beating a protester was removed from the Royal Courts of Justice in London due to the building's historical significance. The artwork was seen as a commentary on the U.K. government's policies, particularly the ban on Palestine Action. The removal was ordered by court administrators, and Metropolitan Police are investigating the work as potential criminal damage. The artist, known for criticizing government policies, posted a photo of the mural on Instagram before it was covered up.

Members of parliament from 16 countries have urged their leaders to follow Donald Trump's call for the release of Jimmy Lai, a jailed Hong Kong media tycoon and British citizen, as he awaits a verdict in his national security trial. Lai has been imprisoned since December 2020 and faces charges of conspiring to collude with foreign forces and sedition. The MPs, including British MPs and Lords, are members of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) and have written to their prime ministers and presidents to 'form a united coalition' in support of Lai. They argue that without a globally coordinated intervention, Lai will be convicted and die in prison.

The United States marked the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks with solemn ceremonies, volunteer work, and tributes honoring the victims. Loved ones of the nearly 3,000 people killed joined dignitaries and politicians at commemorations in New York, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The remembrances were held during a time of increased political tensions, with additional security measures in place due to recent events. The 9/11 anniversary is a day of national unity, but it also highlights ongoing issues related to the attacks, such as the unresolved legal case against Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and the health effects on those exposed to toxic dust.

A recent report by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) has found that global press freedom has suffered its sharpest fall in 50 years, with democracy declining in 94 countries over the last five years. The report, which covers 174 countries, noted that the freedom of the press had worsened in a quarter of the countries, with Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, and Myanmar experiencing the largest declines. The report also highlighted some positive developments, including improvements in Chile, Africa, Botswana, and South Africa. However, the report expressed concern over the decline of democracy in the US, which has reduced its diplomatic engagement and financial support for international democracy assistance.