In other news

The Taliban government in Afghanistan has accused Pakistan of violating its sovereign territory after two loud blasts were heard in Kabul on Thursday night. The Taliban Defence Ministry claimed that Pakistan had bombed a civilian market in the border province of Paktika, destroying several shops. Pakistan has neither confirmed nor denied the allegations but a top general alleged that Afghanistan was being used as a base for terrorism against Pakistan. The Taliban government has warned of consequences if the situation worsens, but the Taliban's foreign minister expressed a desire to maintain good relations with Pakistan.

Burkina Faso's military government has refused to accept deportees from the US, prompting Washington to suspend issuing visas in the West African nation. The US had proposed that Burkina Faso accept migrants from third countries, but the country's foreign minister, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, rejected the offer, calling it 'indecent' and 'contrary to the principle of dignity'. The US State Department said it was committed to ending illegal and mass migration and bolstering US border security. Several African countries have accepted US deportees in recent months, but Nigeria has also refused to take any. Burkina Faso's leader, Capt Ibrahim Traoré, has styled himself as a pan-African champion, standing up to Western imperialism since seizing power in a coup three years ago.

Denmark has announced a significant increase in defence spending to boost security in the Arctic and North Atlantic regions, including Greenland. The $4.2 billion investment will be used to purchase new ships, jets, and equipment, as well as establish a new Arctic command headquarters in Nuuk, Greenland. The move is seen as a response to the growing strategic importance of the Arctic region, with Denmark working closely with the governments of Greenland and the Faroe Islands. The region's natural resources, including rare earth minerals, uranium, and iron, have attracted increased interest in recent years, and the US has also shown significant interest in Greenland's strategic location.

Zimbabwean opposition lawmaker and poet Desire Moyo died after his car hit an elephant on the Bulawayo-Gweru highway. Moyo, a member of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), was traveling with four other MPs when the accident occurred. He died instantly, while the others were injured. Tributes have poured in for Moyo, who was known for his contributions to the arts and was a day shy of his 46th birthday. The accident happened in an area where elephants are known to roam.

Peru's President Dina Boluarte has been removed from office by Congress amid rising crime and ongoing protests. Boluarte, who had an approval rating of 2-4%, faced impeachment due to 'permanent moral incapacity'. She was criticized for her handling of gang violence, scandals, and investigations, including allegations of accepting bribes. Boluarte became president after her predecessor Pedro Castillo was impeached and imprisoned. The removal follows a series of protests and attempts to impeach her. Congress leader Jose Jeri was sworn in as interim president.

The Atacama desert in Chile has been transformed by a rare and vibrant bloom of wildflowers due to significant rainfall during the southern hemisphere's winter months. The bloom, which consists of over 200 different species, is a rare event that occurs every few years when above-average rainfall causes dormant seeds to spring to life. The display is expected to be at its peak for another few weeks.

The US has finalized an agreement allowing Qatar to build an air force facility at the Mountain Home Airbase in Idaho. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the deal during a meeting with his Qatari counterpart, Saoud bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, at the Pentagon. The facility will train Qatari pilots to fly F-15 fighter jets, enhancing combined training and interoperability between the two countries. The agreement is seen as another example of the partnership between the US and Qatar, which has been a key Arab ally for the US. Qatar hosts the US's largest military base in the Middle East, al-Udeid, and has played a significant role in mediating a Gaza ceasefire and hostage return deal.

The article discusses the resurgence of authoritarian leaders and the erosion of democracy globally, citing examples from Africa, Russia, Turkey, America, and India. It warns that the longer autocrats stay in power, the worse they become, and highlights the temptation of charismatic authoritarian populists in Europe. The article emphasizes the dangers of personalized leadership and the importance of checking the power of leaders to prevent the deterioration of democratic institutions.

The article discusses the growing issue of cybercrime affecting large businesses, citing examples of Jaguar Land Rover, Asahi, and Marks & Spencer, which faced significant disruptions after being hacked. The author argues that banning the payment of ransoms could be a starting point to mitigate the problem. The article highlights the far-reaching consequences of such attacks, including the impact on suppliers and the need for government intervention. It emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to address the issue.

The article discusses how Finland and other countries neighboring Russia are adapting to the economic challenges posed by the ongoing war in Ukraine. Finland's economy is under strain due to the closure of its border with Russia, forcing it to trade via the Baltic Sea. The article highlights Finland's potential high-tech exports, such as icebreakers, and the need for the country to be resilient in the face of economic uncertainty. The article also touches on the broader implications of the war on global trade and the economies of countries in the region.

The article discusses the recent selection of Takaichi Sanae as the leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), marking a significant shift in Japanese politics. Takaichi, a former heavy-metal drummer, is poised to become Japan's first female prime minister. The article characterizes her as brash, nationalistic, and polarizing, fitting a global trend in politics. The author reflects on the implications of her leadership style and the potential impact on Japan's politics.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a target for the country's economy to reach $10 trillion by 2047, the 100th anniversary of India's independence. This target is considered paltry by some, as it represents a significant downgrade from earlier ambitions of reaching a $30 trillion economy. The article argues that Modi should be bolder in his economic goals and that achieving developed status by 2047 will require more ambitious targets. The article discusses the implications of India's economic growth and the challenges it faces in achieving its goals.

The article discusses the role of debt in the economy, arguing that it is often villainized despite being a crucial component of capitalism. The author suggests that debt is not the most dangerous aspect of a balance sheet, and that other factors should be considered. The article is part of the Economist's Finance & Economics section, specifically the Buttonwood column.

The new term of the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) is set to reshape America's constitution, particularly if the justices fail to check an overmighty president. The concept of 'checks and balances' is crucial to understanding how the branches of government interact, with ambition counteracting ambition. The article questions how much ambition the justices have and highlights the significance of the unwritten constitution that resides in beliefs, behavior, and legal precedents alongside the written constitution. The piece emphasizes the importance of the Supreme Court's role in maintaining the balance of power in the U.S. government.

China, the US, and Thailand collaborated to seize a record 4,973.4kg of methamphetamine near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. The operation, which took place on February 24, resulted in the arrest of seven suspects. This marks the largest maritime drug bust in the Asia-Pacific region in recent years. Representatives from the three countries met in Guangzhou to discuss the case and strengthen cooperation to dismantle drug trafficking networks.

China is advancing its 'health silk road' in Africa by initiating major offshore projects to manufacture essential medicines such as insulin and antiretrovirals. Nigeria is set to produce Chinese-made insulin, while Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical is building a €50 million facility in the Ivory Coast to manufacture antimalarial and antibacterial drugs. Chinese firms are filling Africa's medicine manufacturing gaps driven by high demand for generic medications and chronic illness treatments. Africa imports nearly all its vaccines and 70% of its essential medicines, and China sees potential in making Nigeria a 'hub for African medical biotechnology'.

The article discusses the AI race between Chinese and US tech giants, highlighting Alibaba's strategic upgrade towards becoming a 'full-stack AI service provider' with a goal of achieving artificial superintelligence (ASI). Alibaba's CEO Eddie Wu Yongming outlined a clear roadmap for the company's AI development, which was referenced by Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang, underscoring the importance of significant investment in AI. The article suggests that winning the AI race requires more than just hardware, such as chips, but a comprehensive approach that includes software, hardware, and applications.

Chinese local governments have been issued new guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in decision-making processes. While AI can be used to improve efficiency and benefit the public, governments are warned not to leak sensitive data or state secrets. The guidelines, published by the Cyberspace Administration of China and the National Development and Reform Commission, outline areas where AI can be applied, such as online consultations, infrastructure monitoring, and document drafting. However, they also emphasize the need for caution in selecting AI models, protecting data, and ensuring safety evaluations are conducted before implementation.

A recent study by Chinese researchers found a mismatch between China's fertility incentives and local birth rates. Despite having one of the country's highest birth rates, Guangdong province ranked second to last in a fertility-friendliness index due to its poor environment for childbirth. The study suggests that financial incentives and other means of support may not be influencing the decision to have children as expected.

Veteran Hong Kong lawmakers Tommy Cheung Yu-yan and Chan Kin-por have announced that they will not run in the upcoming Legislative Council election in December, ending their long-standing tenures in the legislature. Cheung, 76, who has represented the catering sector since 2000, cited the development of 'one country, two systems' and the needs of the catering industry as factors in his decision. Chan, 71, also announced his retirement, joining a growing number of Legco veterans who have declared they will not seek another term. Both lawmakers expressed their gratitude to their constituents and indicated they would continue to contribute to Hong Kong's development in other ways.

China is drafting its 15th five-year plan, a blueprint for the country's development. The plan is expected to prioritize high-quality foreign investment in strategic sectors such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and artificial intelligence. Foreign investors are adapting to a new mindset among Chinese officials, who are shifting from seeking quantity to quality in foreign investment. This change is reflected in stricter requirements for investment projects and a focus on developing local supply chains. The article examines how the five-year plan informs and reflects high-level policy priorities and what this means for foreign investors.

An Indian migrant who entered the US illegally in 2023 was arrested in Oklahoma after being stopped by highway patrol during a routine inspection. Anmol Anmol was found to be driving with a New York State-issued commercial driver's license that had 'No Name Given' in place of his first and middle names. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) slammed New York officials for issuing commercial driver's licenses to illegal immigrants, citing public safety concerns. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt praised the highway patrol for apprehending 125 illegal immigrants during a three-day enforcement action.

New York Attorney General Letitia James has been indicted on bank fraud charges related to her purchase of a Virginia home in 2020. James listed the property as an 'investment' in her financial disclosure forms but allegedly misrepresented to a bank that she would use it as a secondary residence, not a rental property, to obtain a more favorable mortgage rate. The indictment claims she made 'ill-gotten gains' of approximately $18,933 from the lower rate. James faces up to 60 years in prison and a $2 million fine if convicted. Her legal defense is expected to cost between $5 to $10 million.

Three activists, led by local activist Nick Blanchard, staged a protest at a Maine school board meeting by stripping to their underwear to demonstrate their opposition to the district's policy allowing trans athletes to compete in women's sports. The protest drew a range of responses from the school board members, and Blanchard stated that the goal was to get attention and potentially influence policy. The school board ultimately voted in favor of their current policy, which adheres to the Maine Human Rights Act.

The US State Department has issued a revised travel advisory for the Maldives, warning travelers to 'exercise increased caution' due to the risk of terrorism. The advisory notes that terrorist groups may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, and government facilities. The Maldives, a popular tourist destination with over 2 million visitors in 2024, is comprised of 1,192 islands in the Indian Ocean. Travelers are advised to stay aware of their surroundings, avoid demonstrations and crowds, and monitor local news.

The New York Yankees are running out of chances to win a World Series with star player Aaron Judge, who is entering the final stages of his prime. Despite having an exceptional postseason, Judge's team fell short in the ALDS. Judge's impressive performance included a .500 batting average, seven RBIs, and a 1.273 OPS. However, his supporting cast struggled, and the team's title drought now stands at 16 years. Judge expressed his determination to put in more work and help the team win in the future.

North Korea celebrated the 80th anniversary of its ruling Workers' Party with a military parade showcasing new hypersonic and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). The event highlighted the country's advancing military capabilities, including the Hwasong-11Ma hypersonic glide vehicle and the Hwasong-20 ICBM. The parade came after Kim Jong Un's diplomatic visit to Beijing, where he strengthened ties with China and Russia. The new weapons displayed were seen as a demonstration of North Korea's growing military prowess and its ability to evade missile defenses. The parade also featured upgraded tanks and troops who fought in Ukraine. The event was attended by foreign dignitaries, including former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

The Nobel Peace Prize Chair responds to White House criticism after President Trump fails to win the award. The chairman explains to CNN's Erin Burnett why Trump was not awarded the prize, as the president laments over why he should have won.

Sanae Takaichi, a 64-year-old heavy metal fan and staunch conservative, has become the first woman to lead Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Despite her unconventional rise, Takaichi faces challenges in becoming Japan's next prime minister due to a scandal-weakened party and doubts over her coalition prospects. She has championed conservative policies, including revising Japan's pacifist constitution, and has been a vocal China hawk. Takaichi's leadership will be tested by Japan's economic and demographic woes, as well as tricky trade relations with the US.

The United Nations Human Rights Council has elected two experts from Iran and China to its advisory committee, sparking widespread outrage. Critics argue that these countries have poor human rights records and are not fit to advise on human rights issues. The election has been seen as a stain on the United Nations and a sign that the Human Rights Council has become a mechanism for distracting from the world's worst human rights abusers. The US had withdrawn from the council in February under the Trump administration, citing its failure to address human rights abuses.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un showcased a new long-range intercontinental ballistic missile, the Hwasong-20, at a military parade in Pyongyang attended by foreign dignitaries. The event marked 80 years since the founding of the Worker's Party. Kim emphasized the need for the military to continue evolving into an invincible force. The parade also featured shorter-range ballistic, cruise, and supersonic missiles. Kim met with Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev, discussing strengthening ties and common goals. The display and Kim's statements come amid heightened tensions with the U.S. over denuclearization talks.

The UK government has introduced a mandatory Digital ID system, dubbed 'Brit Card', sparking concerns over mass surveillance and digital control. Over 2.8 million Britons have signed a petition to reverse the decision. Critics argue that the system's impact on illegal immigration will be minimal and that it poses significant privacy risks. However, security expert Eric Starr claims that a decentralized digital ID system can mitigate these concerns. The White House has stated that the US is not currently considering a similar system.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has released its annual Red List of Threatened Species, highlighting the decline of arctic seals and bird species worldwide due to climate change, deforestation, and agricultural expansion. However, the list also notes the recovery of green sea turtles thanks to conservation efforts. The report emphasizes the need for urgent action to protect biodiversity and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Interpol has identified a woman whose body was found in a Dutch nature reserve in 2004, nicknamed 'The Woman with the German keys.' The woman, Eva Maria Pommer, a 35-year-old German citizen, was identified through Interpol's 'Identify Me' campaign, which aims to identify women found dead across Europe. The identification was made possible by a tip to the police in the Netherlands, DNA analysis, and a Dutch foundation's investigation. The cause of Pommer's death remains unknown, and Interpol is still investigating. This is the fourth case to be solved by the 'Identify Me' campaign, which is still working to identify 43 other unidentified women.

Laura Modiano, OpenAI's head of startups in EMEA, compared American and European founders at the Sifted Summit, stating that American founders are more demanding and vocal about their needs when working with OpenAI. She encouraged European founders to be more assertive in providing feedback to AI companies to influence product development and avoid missing out on opportunities. Modiano's comments reignited a debate about European entrepreneurs being less intense and vigorous than their American counterparts, a topic that has been discussed by venture capitalists and politicians.

CNBC's Jim Cramer warns investors to sell speculative stocks with little earnings, citing the dotcom era as a reminder of the risks. He notes that many of these companies need capital and will eventually run out of money, leading to a potential crash. Cramer advises investors to take out their cost basis and be cautious of making too many risky investments. He points to IonQ's $2 billion equity offering as an example of the kind of move that could lead to a decline in stock value.

The article discusses the experiences of Ofir Amir and Omri Sasi, co-founders of the Nova Music Festival, which was attacked by Hamas on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of around 400 people. The two survivors recall their harrowing escape and the losses they suffered. They have since created a memorial exhibition to honor the victims, which has been met with some opposition but also with opportunities for dialogue with those who hold different views. The exhibition aims to promote peace and counter the rise of antisemitism. Despite their traumatic experiences, Omri and Ofir remain committed to their message of resilience and peace, encapsulated in their statement, 'Terror cannot beat us.'

The article discusses a recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, questioning its longevity. It references a bonus episode of The World podcast where Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim analyze the deal and its potential outcomes, including Hamas disarming and the recovery of hostages' bodies in Gaza.

China is rapidly expanding its ultrahigh-voltage power grid to support its growing demand for clean energy, with 41 ultrahigh-voltage power lines already built or planned. The country's aggressive adoption of electric vehicles and high-speed rail has led to an increased need for electricity, which is being met by renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. China's power grid is more advanced than that of the United States, with the ability to transmit electricity over long distances with minimal loss. The development of the power grid has been driven by the government's ambitious energy policies and investments in clean energy technologies. China's progress in clean energy has implications for the global effort to combat climate change.

A federal judge in Maryland has expressed strong doubts about the Trump administration's authority to continue detaining Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who was wrongfully deported and then brought back to the US. The judge is likely to order Abrego Garcia's release soon due to the administration's failure to demonstrate lawful plans to deport him. The administration had previously floated several countries as potential destinations, but none have agreed to take him. Abrego Garcia has expressed willingness to be deported to Costa Rica, which has offered him legal residency, but the administration has refused to consider this option.

Malaysia is experiencing a resurgence in train travel, with the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) train service seeing increased ridership and new infrastructure developments. The KTM provides both intercity and local train services across Peninsular Malaysia, with various rail arteries operated by KTM, including the Komuter Utara (Northern Shuttle) service and the high-speed Electric Train Service (ETS). The article highlights the benefits of train travel, including the scenic routes, reliability, and convenience, as well as the importance of the service for rural communities. The ETS is set to be extended to Johor Bahru by end-2025, and other developments such as the East Coast Rail Link and Penang Light Rail Transit are also underway.

The article discusses the remaining comfort women survivors in Asia, 80 years after being forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II. It highlights the story of 97-year-old Park Pil-geun, one of the last surviving comfort women in South Korea, and the ongoing struggles of these survivors to seek closure and justice. The issue remains a contentious topic between South Korea and Japan, with tensions rising and falling over the years. The article also touches on the different approaches taken by China and the Philippines in dealing with the comfort women issue.

The United States has agreed to host a Qatari air force training facility at an Idaho air base, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The announcement sparked online backlash from those who mistakenly believed that the decision would result in a foreign military base on US soil. Hegseth later clarified that the air base would remain under US jurisdiction.