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Australia has implemented a landmark social media ban for kids under 16, resulting in Meta blocking around 550,000 accounts. The ban aims to protect children from harmful content and algorithms. While Meta agrees that more needs to be done to keep young people safe online, they argue that blanket bans are not the solution and instead suggest industry-wide measures such as age verification at the app store level. The policy is popular with parents but has raised concerns among experts and children, who argue it may rob young people of connection and leave them less equipped to tackle online realities.

A Swiss judge has extended the detention of Jacques Moretti, co-owner of Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, for 90 days following a deadly fire on New Year's Eve that killed 40 people and injured 116. Moretti and his wife Jessica are suspected of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. The fire is believed to have been caused by sparklers in champagne bottles igniting sound-insulating foam on the ceiling. The bar had not undergone safety checks for five years, sparking outrage among the victims' families. The couple's detention and investigation are ongoing, with Jacques Moretti remaining in custody and Jessica under house arrest.

A BBC investigation has uncovered how a 40-year-old former teacher, Polina Alexandrovna Azarnykh, is luring foreign men to fight on Russia's front line in Ukraine through a Telegram channel. Azarnykh promises lucrative work and Russian citizenship, but recruits have reported being misled and exploited, with some killed or missing in action. The BBC has identified nearly 500 cases where Azarnykh has provided documents to allow men to enter Russia and join the military, mainly from Syria, Egypt, and Yemen. Recruits and their families have reported being threatened and coerced into continuing to fight.

Josh Cavallo, the first openly gay male professional footballer, has accused his former club Adelaide United of homophobia, alleging that they sidelined him due to his sexuality after he came out in 2021. Cavallo, who has joined semi-professional English club Stamford AFC, made the claims on Instagram, stating that internal homophobia and 'politics' limited his career opportunities. Adelaide United has categorically rejected the allegations, stating that team selection is based solely on footballing grounds and that they are committed to fostering an inclusive environment.

Marine Le Pen's political fate is being decided in an appeal trial in France, where she is challenging a ruling that banned her from running for public office for five years due to embezzling EU funds. The outcome of the trial could impact her ability to run in the 2027 presidential election. Le Pen's National Rally party is backing her, with party president Jordan Bardella stating that barring her from the election would be 'deeply worrying for democracy'. The trial is expected to last until February 12, but a ruling is not expected before the summer.

A landfill collapse in Cebu City, Philippines, has resulted in 11 deaths, with over 20 people still missing. The incident has sparked calls for an investigation into the cause of the collapse and a review of the country's waste management system. Authorities have suspended the landfill's operations and ordered the operator to submit a compliance plan within 90 days. Lawmakers have demanded clear answers and real reforms, citing previous similar tragedies. The cause of the collapse is still under investigation, but a preliminary report points to continuous rainfall and engineering factors.

Rosita Mabuiango, known as the 'miracle baby' born in a tree above Mozambique floodwaters in 2000, has died at the age of 25 after a long illness. Rosita's mother, Carolina Cecilia Chirindza, had climbed the tree to escape the flooding caused by the Limpopo river bursting its banks. Rosita and her mother were rescued by a South African military helicopter and became symbols of the disaster. Rosita grew up, graduated from high school, and had a daughter of her own. Her death has been met with condolences from Mozambican President Daniel Chapo, who described her as a symbol for girls in Mozambique. Analysts have used her death to highlight the need for improvements in Mozambique's healthcare system, which is reportedly overstretched and lacking in basic drugs and equipment.

Thousands of tourists are stranded in Finland's Lapland due to a severe cold spell that has grounded flights out of Kittila airport. Temperatures have dropped below -35C, making it difficult to de-ice planes and causing maintenance and refuelling equipment to freeze. The issue is expected to continue on Monday, with a low of -39C forecast. The extreme cold has also made roads hazardous, with a bus carrying Ukrainian passengers driving into a ditch on Sunday. The cold snap is part of a larger weather pattern bringing wintry conditions to northern Europe.

The article discusses Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's plans to win the trust of Israelis and improve the country's global image as he leads the Likud Party in a general election for the 12th time. Netanyahu has been Israel's longest-serving prime minister, having spent over 18 years in office, and could become the longest-serving leader of any democracy since World War II if he wins the election. The article highlights Netanyahu's determination to regain his nation's trust and restore Israel's image abroad.

The article discusses how Iran's regime has hidden its brutal crackdown on protesters by cutting off internet and phone services, making it difficult for Iranians to communicate with each other and for news of the uprising to reach the outside world. The current internet blackout is worse than previous ones in 2019 and 2022, with connectivity falling to 1% of its normal levels on January 8th. The regime's actions are making it challenging for outsiders to understand the situation on the ground.

The article discusses the debate over whether it is better to rent or buy a home, with a focus on the impact of long-term interest rates. The author notes that the sentiment in favor of homeownership is deeply ingrained in American culture, citing President Herbert Hoover's advocacy for mass homeownership in the 1930s. However, the decision to rent or buy depends on various factors, including interest rates. The article highlights that the answer to this question is not straightforward and is influenced by economic conditions.

The article discusses Israel's stance on the ongoing protests in Iran, with a focus on Israel's concerns regarding Iran's ballistic missiles and nuclear program. Israel's intelligence services are monitoring the situation closely, with a particular emphasis on remote locations in Iran where ballistic-missile launchers are hidden. The article highlights the increased activity around these launchers, which has prompted Israel to put its forces on high alert. The protests in Iran have garnered international attention, with various countries and organizations watching closely to assess the likelihood of regime change. The article also touches upon the broader implications of the protests and the potential responses from various actors, including the United States under Donald Trump.

The article argues that pessimism is the world's main economic problem, citing the views of leaders such as Jimmy Carter, Abe Shinzo, and Xi Jinping, who have all recognized the self-fulfilling nature of gloomy expectations. The article suggests that negative expectations are starting to matter more than economic data, and that a 'crisis of confidence' or 'deflationary mindset' can corrode public institutions and private enterprise. It highlights the efforts of these leaders to promote positive thinking and 'positive energy' to counteract this trend. The article is part of a larger discussion in the field of economics about the role of sentiment and expectations in shaping economic outcomes.

The article discusses the upcoming presidential election in Uganda on January 15th, 2026, and how it may mark the end of Yoweri Museveni's long-standing rule. The opposition candidate, Bobi Wine, is gaining popularity and has been campaigning aggressively, but faces repression from the government. Museveni has responded with threats, warning his supporters not to listen to Wine's defiance. The article highlights the tense atmosphere surrounding the election and the potential for change in Ugandan politics.

Vietnam's economy is growing rapidly, but its growth is fragile due to its reliance on a few large conglomerates. The government has embarked on ambitious infrastructure projects, such as the $35bn sports-themed megaproject, which includes the Dong Son Bronze Drum Stadium. However, this reliance on a handful of conglomerates poses risks to the economy.

The article discusses the Apple TV show 'Pluribus' and its relevance to economics. The show's plot, where a virus creates a hive mind among humans, allowing for truthful interactions, is used to explore various economic concepts and ideas. The article highlights how the show's portrayal of a world where people cannot lie offers insights into human behavior and decision-making, and how it relates to economic theories.

Aaron Rodgers' season with the Pittsburgh Steelers ended in a 30-6 loss to the Houston Texans in the wild-card playoff game. Rodgers had a rough night, completing 17 passes for 146 yards and no touchdowns, while being sacked four times for a loss of 36 total yards. The loss marked the seventh straight playoff loss for the Steelers and the Texans' first road playoff win in franchise history. With the Steelers' season over, the focus is now on Rodgers' future, with questions about whether he will retire or return to the NFL next season. Rodgers declined to address whether he would want to stay in Pittsburgh if he comes back next season, saying he will 'get away' and 'then have the right conversations' to decide his future.

Scott Adams, the creator of the popular comic strip 'Dilbert', is reportedly in hospice care at his home in Northern California with only days left to live due to his battle with prostate cancer. Adams, 68, was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer in May 2025, and his health has been declining rapidly. His first ex-wife, Shelly Miles, revealed that he began receiving 'end-of-life care' at his home last week. Adams had previously shared a harrowing health update on his podcast, stating that the odds of him recovering were 'essentially zero' and that he was experiencing heart failure and difficulty breathing. Despite his poor health, Adams continued to work on new comics and host his podcast until recently. The news comes after Adams was involved in a controversy in 2023 when over 80 newspapers stopped printing 'Dilbert' due to his racist remarks.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul's 2026 'State of the State' agenda includes policies targeting ICE activity, expanding child care, freezing tuition for CUNY and SUNY schools, and promoting technological innovation. The agenda aims to balance support for Democratic socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani's vision with appealing to moderate voters for her reelection. Key proposals include barring ICE at 'sensitive locations,' expanding child care for 2-year-olds in New York City, cracking down on insurance scams, and setting up quantum computing hubs.

Former Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Dave Giusti, who helped the team win the 1971 World Series, has died at 86. Giusti spent 15 years in the majors, playing for five clubs from 1962-77. He was a reliable reliever and had his greatest success with the Pirates, leading the National League with 30 saves in 1971 and adding 10 2/3 scoreless innings in the playoffs that year. Giusti made his lone All-Star appearance in 1973 and registered 133 saves for Pittsburgh, which ranks third in franchise history. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and four grandchildren.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani joined striking private-hospital nurses on the picket line, despite being the city's chief executive and part of the management the union is fighting. The union's demands for 10%-a-year pay increases over three years could have significant implications for city taxpayers and Mamdani's other spending plans. The article criticizes Mamdani for taking a contradictory stance and prioritizing his activist roots over his mayoral responsibilities.

A mother, Mely Skoglund, faced online backlash after posting a photo on Threads showing her crouched on the floor of a Delta Air Lines economy flight with her baby and young child. The photo sparked debate, with some users criticizing Skoglund for not purchasing a separate seat for her infant, while others defended her, citing Delta's lap child policy. The airline allows children under 2 to fly free or at a reduced cost when seated on an adult's lap. The incident highlights the challenges faced by parents traveling with infants and the varying opinions on airline policies.

A 19-year-old man, Sha Reh, who was the sole survivor of a murder-suicide rampage by his father that killed his three younger siblings and parents, has died unexpectedly at his extended family's home in Utah. Sha Reh was 17 when the incident occurred and was left permanently blinded after being shot in the head. Despite this, he persevered, learned Braille, and was accepted to the University of Utah as a Presidential Scholar. He had just started his freshman year before his death. His family found comfort in their faith, believing he had reunited with his family in the afterlife.

The article criticizes Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) for her inconsistent stance on antisemitism, particularly in relation to pro-Hamas protests. While AOC recently condemned anti-Israel protesters chanting 'we support Hamas here' outside a Queens synagogue, the article argues she has a history of supporting similar protests, including at Columbia University. The author questions AOC's sincerity, suggesting her condemnation is hypocritical given her past defense of such protests.

China's top health official, Lei Haichao, has urged Hong Kong to take a leading role in globalizing traditional Chinese medicine. Lei made the call at the launch ceremony of the Chinese Medicine Hospital and a nearby testing institute, suggesting that Hong Kong leverage its technical strengths in testing and quality control to become a key support pillar for the global expansion of Chinese medicine. Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has pledged to align local policies with national development strategies in the field. Lei also advised the Chinese Medicine Hospital to develop integrated Chinese-Western treatment models and collaborate with research institutions on clinical research and technology transfer.

China is planning to build dozens of plants that use coal instead of oil to produce plastics and synthetic rubber, in an effort to reduce its reliance on imported oil. The country has approved over 30 projects, with 20 already operational, and a total annual capacity exceeding 24 million tonnes. The process is expected to be profitable as long as the oil price stays above $35 a barrel, with production costs being around $900 per tonne, significantly lower than using oil. This move is seen as a strategic response to the potential expansion of US control over global oil supplies under Donald Trump.

China's central bank has strengthened the yuan's daily fixing rate for the third consecutive session, setting it at 7.0103 to the US dollar, the strongest point in nearly 16 months. Analysts note that Beijing's policy goals, such as internationalizing China's currency and curbing overcapacity, are aligning with a firmer exchange rate. The yuan has remained resilient despite the US dollar's broad strength following the United States' military action in Venezuela. Deutsche Bank analysts believe that a stronger yuan is in line with Beijing's policy objectives, including reducing overcapacity and boosting consumption-driven growth.

China's weight-loss drug market is experiencing intense competition as foreign and local firms fight for market share amidst a worsening obesity crisis. The number of overweight or obese adults in China is projected to reach 630 million by 2050, up from 400 million in 2021. Global pharmaceutical giants Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have dominated the market, but the landscape is set to shift with the expiration of Novo Nordisk's semaglutide patent in March. Price cuts of up to 80% have been observed, with Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly slashing prices to maintain market share. Local Chinese firms are expected to challenge their dominance with generics.

The article discusses how North China farmers, particularly in Hebei province, are struggling with the high cost of heating their homes after being required to switch from coal-fired heating in 2017 as part of Beijing's efforts to improve air quality. The cost of alternative heating methods is prohibitively expensive for many rural residents, forcing them to endure cold temperatures. Meanwhile, Beijing has seen significant improvements in air quality, with only one heavy pollution day recorded last year. The article highlights the trade-off between environmental policies and the economic burden on rural communities.

Thai political parties are making lavish cash giveaway pledges to win votes in the February 8 election, including US$2,000 payments for newborns and debt write-offs. However, economists warn that these promises are unlikely to revive the slowing economy, which is saddled with high debt and stagnant growth. Many Thais, like 34-year-old Ton, a hotel worker, feel that these handouts are a distraction from the deeper economic problems and that the parties are not addressing the root causes of their financial struggles.

The Adelaide Writers' Week, part of the Adelaide Festival, has been canceled after over 180 writers, including high-profile authors like Zadie Smith and Jacinda Ardern, pulled out in protest over the disinvitation of Palestinian Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah. The festival's board had withdrawn Abdel-Fattah's invitation due to 'cultural sensitivities' following the Bondi Beach terror attack, citing her past statements. The decision sparked widespread backlash, with many criticizing the move as racist and an erosion of democratic rights. Abdel-Fattah rejected the apology offered by the festival organizers, stating that the decision specifically targeted her as a Palestinian Australian Muslim woman.

CNN's Elex Michaelson interviews Shabana Azeez, star of the Golden Globe-winning show 'The Pitt', discussing her breakout character and the show's success.

London's homicide rate has reached a decades-low, with 97 homicides recorded in 2025, according to the Metropolitan Police force. Mayor Sadiq Khan attributes the decline to targeted policing and a violence reduction unit. The figures contradict claims by US President Donald Trump and others on the political right that crime is out of control in London. Khan says the low homicide rate disproves Trump's 'dystopian' claims about the city. While overall crime rose by 7% in the year to March 2025, Khan and city officials argue that London remains a safe and successful city. However, some Londoners have experienced minor crimes like phone-snatching, and social media misinformation has contributed to a negative perception of the city.

The article discusses the escalating tensions between the US and Venezuela, with Venezuela's acting president responding to President Trump's claim of being the country's 'acting president'. Trump's former national security advisor, John Bolton, discusses the situation with CNN's Erin Burnett, highlighting the rising tensions and Trump's actions, including posting a fake Wikipedia page.

The article discusses how Corporate America is not publicly speaking out against the Trump administration's attacks on the Federal Reserve, despite privately being 'very alarmed'. The Fed's independence is crucial for the US economy, but the Trump administration has been pressuring Fed Chair Jay Powell to lower interest rates. A survey of 200 CEOs found that 71% believe the administration has eroded the Fed's independence, and 80% said the president was not acting in America's best interest. The article suggests that CEOs are hesitant to speak out due to fear of retribution from the president.

The article discusses how climate change has affected the lives of people in Bangladesh, particularly in the southern coastal regions, leading to increased migration to other countries, including Singapore. The story follows Mr. Md Emran Hosain, a 24-year-old Bangladeshi migrant who left his village in Gabura Union due to the devastating impact of climate change on his family's livelihood. Emran is now working in a shipyard in Tuas, Singapore, to support his family and build a better future. The article highlights the vulnerability of Bangladesh to climate change, with rising sea levels, storms, and floods affecting the country's agriculture and fishing industries. It also notes that the number of people displaced by disasters in Bangladesh has risen to 2.4 million in 2024, with predictions that one in seven Bangladeshis will be displaced by 2050.

The French government has introduced a price hike for non-European tourists visiting certain museums and tourist attractions, sparking controversy and debate. The Louvre Museum will increase its entry fee by 45% to €32 for non-EU visitors, while the Palace of Versailles will raise its prices by €3. The move has been criticized by trade unions and some art critics, who argue that it is discriminatory and will deter tourists. The government has justified the increase on financial grounds, citing the need to raise revenue and fund the renovation of national heritage sites, including the Louvre. The policy has drawn parallels with the nationalist policies of US President Donald Trump, who increased the cost for foreign tourists visiting US National Parks. The debate highlights the tension between making art and culture accessible to all and generating revenue from tourism.

Finance ministers from the G-7 and other major economies met in Washington to discuss reducing dependence on Chinese rare earths. The meeting, convened by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, included officials from Japan, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, the US, Australia, Mexico, South Korea, and India. Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama stated that there was broad agreement on the need to swiftly reduce reliance on China for rare earths. The ministers discussed setting a price floor and new partnerships to build up alternative supplies. The gathering's participating countries and the EU account for 60% of global demand for critical minerals, but China dominates the supply chain.

The article reports on the global impact of natural disasters in 2025, citing a report by Munich Re. The year saw $224 billion in overall losses and 17,200 deaths worldwide, with weather disasters accounting for 92% of all losses. The Asia-Pacific region was particularly affected, with losses totaling $73 billion. The article highlights the growing insurance protection gap in South-east Asia, where only 8% of losses were insured. Climate change is identified as a major driver of the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters.

The article discusses how Trump's trade war and tariffs imposed on Chinese imports have affected America's toy industry, particularly small businesses. Jennifer Bergman, owner of West Side Kids toy store in Manhattan, struggled to keep her store open due to increased costs from tariffs. Despite assurances from suppliers that prices would remain low, they were forced to raise prices as tariffs on Chinese goods climbed to 145%. Bergman's store ultimately closed in July 2025. The article highlights the uneven impact of tariffs on the toy industry, with big-box retailers like Walmart and Target able to absorb costs and maintain low prices, while small businesses were severely affected. The trade war has resulted in a 'Christmas economy split in two', with the giants thriving and small shopkeepers struggling.

European defense spending is on the rise due to geopolitical tensions and doubts over U.S. security commitments to NATO. The trend is driven by EU, national, and private capital funding and is expected to continue into the next decade. Defense stocks have seen significant gains, with some rising by nearly 20% in early 2026. Experts attribute the trend to the ongoing threat from Russia, the end of the U.S. defense umbrella in Europe, and the need for European countries to rebuild their military capacity. Investors are piling into European defense stocks, which remain at a discount to U.S. peers.

Hedge funds achieved their best annual performance since 2009 in 2025, with a 12.6% return across all strategies, driven primarily by equity strategies and macroeconomic funds. The success was fueled by gains in healthcare, energy, and commodities markets, as well as the ability of fund managers to navigate tariff turbulence and crypto corrections. Top performers included Citadel, Bridgewater, and High Ground Investment Management, with returns ranging from 10.2% to 45.1%. The industry's success was attributed to its ability to adapt to diverse market conditions and deliver uncorrelated performance gains.

South Korean memory chip maker SK Hynix is investing $12.9 billion in a new advanced packaging plant in Cheongju to meet growing demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) driven by artificial intelligence. The new facility will focus on combining multiple memory chips into a single unit to improve performance and energy efficiency. The investment is part of a broader trend of memory giants ramping up production to meet AI-driven demand, which has led to price hikes and supply chain concerns. The HBM market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 33% between 2025 and 2030.

Venezuela's stock market has surged to a record high after the US captured former President Nicolás Maduro, with the benchmark Indice Bursatil de Capitalizacion gaining over 130%. Investors are optimistic that the economy could stabilize after years of mismanagement and sanctions, and are betting on a potential turnaround. However, analysts caution that the rally is largely driven by headlines and that Venezuela's external liabilities and illiquid stock exchange pose significant challenges to a sustained recovery.

Thousands of tourists are stranded in northern Finland due to severe cold weather, with temperatures dropping to -37C at Kittila Airport, causing flight cancellations. Stranded Brits may get a chance to fly home on Monday afternoon, despite temperatures still being around -28C. The extreme cold has also affected other parts of Europe, including Germany, where train services were suspended, and the Baltic countries, where drivers were advised to postpone non-essential travel.

A troop of vervet monkeys has escaped in St Louis, Missouri, and authorities are struggling to catch them. The monkeys, native to sub-Saharan Africa, are believed to be between several and an unknown larger number. Artificial intelligence is complicating efforts to catch the monkeys as residents post fake AI-generated images claiming to have captured them. Animal control is working with primate experts from St Louis Zoo to recapture the monkeys. Residents have been urged to stay away from the monkeys and call for assistance if they see them.

Australian footballer Josh Cavallo, who came out as gay in 2021, has accused his former club Adelaide United of homophobia, claiming 'internal homophobia' led to him being sidelined. The club has categorically rejected the allegations, stating that team selection is based solely on footballing grounds. Cavallo, who recently moved to the UK to play for Stamford AFC, expressed his feelings on Instagram, stating that leaving the club had nothing to do with football but was due to the club's internal homophobia, which affected his wellbeing. The club responded by affirming their commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and promoting inclusion across football.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has begun hearings in a landmark case accusing Myanmar of committing genocide against the Rohingya minority. The case, brought by Gambia in 2019, alleges that Myanmar's military engaged in a 'clearance operation' in 2017 that violated the 1948 Genocide Convention, resulting in mass rapes, killings, and the displacement of over 700,000 Rohingya refugees. Myanmar has denied the allegations, but the ICJ has rejected its argument that Gambia was not directly involved in the conflict and therefore could not initiate the case. The trial's outcome could have significant repercussions for future allegations of genocide, including South Africa's case against Israel. Several Rohingya members attended the hearings, which are expected to last three weeks.

A Syrian hiking club, 'Me the Syrian', is rediscovering the country after the civil war ended a year ago. The group, founded in the late 1980s, has resumed its activities, exploring new places and fostering a sense of belonging among its members. The hikers, mostly young Syrians who came of age during the war, are eager to visit all 14 provinces and get to know their country. Despite the dangers that still lurk, such as landmines and remnants of the Islamic State, the group is optimistic about the future and hopes to ignite a domestic curiosity among Syrians.

A Venezuelan employee of the New York City Council was detained by U.S. immigration authorities during a routine immigration appointment on Long Island. The employee, a data analyst, had worked for the Council for about a year and had legal authorization to work and remain in the United States until October. The detention was denounced by City Council Speaker Julie Menin and other Democratic officials, who called it an 'egregious government overreach' and an 'assault on our democracy.' The Trump administration has been arresting thousands of immigrants showing up for check-ins at ICE offices and routine hearings at immigration courthouses, a tactic that has been criticized by Democrats and immigration activists.

The Pentagon used a secret aircraft disguised as a civilian plane to attack a boat suspected of smuggling drugs, killing 11 people. The aircraft's non-military appearance raises concerns about 'perfidy', a war crime that involves feigning civilian status to deceive adversaries. Legal specialists argue that the attack may have been unlawful, as the laws of armed conflict prohibit combatants from disguising themselves as civilians. The Trump administration defended the strike, claiming it was consistent with the law of armed conflict. The incident has sparked debate about the legitimacy of the US military's actions and the administration's claims of being in a 'non-international armed conflict' with drug cartels.

The article discusses how Chinese commentators are using the term 'kill line,' borrowed from video game culture, to describe the state of poverty in the United States. The term is used to depict the point at which individuals become so impoverished that they cannot recover. Chinese state media and propaganda outlets are using this narrative to contrast with China's own economic system, highlighting the supposed superiority of China's approach. The article argues that this narrative is being used to deflect criticism of China's own economic issues and to promote a sense of relief among Chinese citizens by comparing their situation to that of Americans. The article also notes that while poverty is a significant issue in both countries, it is experienced and perceived differently in China and the US.

A gas cylinder explosion occurred at a wedding reception in Islamabad, Pakistan, killing at least eight people, including the bride and groom, and injuring seven others. The blast happened while guests were sleeping at the house, causing part of it to collapse. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief and ordered a full investigation, directing health authorities to ensure the injured receive proper treatment and his administration to educate citizens on gas cylinder safety. The incident highlights the risks associated with the use of liquefied petroleum gas cylinders in Pakistani households.

A new arrest has been made in connection to the 2023 gold heist at Toronto Pearson Airport, where millions of dollars' worth of gold bars were stolen. 43-year-old Arsalan Chaudhary was arrested and charged with theft, possession of property obtained by crime, and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence. The heist, dubbed 'Project 24K' by the Peel Regional Police, is considered the largest gold heist in Canadian history. Chaudhary is believed to be one of the masterminds behind the theft, described as the 'Top Dog' by police. To date, 10 people have been charged or are wanted in connection to the heist.

Spanish police have made their largest-ever seizure of cocaine at sea, confiscating nearly 10 tons of the drug from a container ship in the Atlantic Ocean. The operation, dubbed 'White Tide', was aided by U.S. authorities and involved the arrest of 13 crew members. The seizure is part of a larger effort to combat international drug trafficking, with Spain being a key entry point for drugs into Europe due to its proximity to Latin America and Morocco.

The article reports that the number of American hostages held in Iran may be higher than the publicly known count of 5. Sources indicate that there could be more than 8 American citizens and residents in Iranian captivity. The article highlights several cases of Americans arrested and detained in Iran, including Kamran Hekmati, Afarin Mohajer, Reza Valizadeh, and Shahab Dalili, who were arrested on various charges, some related to their connections with Israel or their work with media outlets. The article also mentions the harsh conditions faced by these detainees and the Iranian regime's repression of dissent amid ongoing protests.

A dog chewing on a lithium-ion battery-powered heated glove sparked a house fire in Orléans, Ottawa, Canada. Firefighters responded quickly and rescued the dog, who was unharmed. The fire was brought under control within 10 minutes, but one adult and one child were displaced. The incident highlights the potential fire risks associated with damaged lithium-ion batteries.

The UK government is intensifying its crackdown on AI-generated sexual abuse, with a possible ban on Elon Musk's social media platform X amid a widening probe into the platform's AI chatbot, Grok. The chatbot has been used to generate and share sexualized deepfake images of women and children. Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Liz Kendall has warned that social media companies will be held accountable if they fail to act. Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, has launched a formal investigation into whether X breached its legal duties under the UK's Online Safety Act. Kendall has stated that Ofcom has the authority to issue fines worth millions of dollars or penalties of up to 10% of a company's qualifying worldwide revenue.

China is pressuring European countries to deny visas to Taiwanese politicians, warning that allowing them to enter would threaten their international relations with China. Chinese officials have been making diplomatic approaches to European embassies and governments, citing EU laws and regulations, including the Schengen Borders Code. The move is seen as part of Beijing's long-running strategy to deter closer cooperation between Taiwan and European countries. Taiwan's foreign ministry has condemned China's actions, saying they undermine global and Indo-Pacific peace and stability. European countries have responded by stating that their visa regulations are determined by relevant Schengen bodies or their own laws and immigration rules.

Coal power generation fell in China and India for the first time since the 1970s last year, driven by a record rollout of clean energy projects. The decline in coal-powered electricity in the world's biggest coal-consuming countries could bring a peak in global coal consumption and emissions. China added over 300GW of solar power and 100GW of wind power, while India added 35GW of solar, 6GW of wind, and 3.5GW of hydropower. The reduction in coal use was partly driven by clean energy growth, but also by milder weather and slower demand growth in India.

Charlie Dalin, a 41-year-old sailor, competed in the Vendée Globe, a grueling 24,000-mile solo sailing race around the world, while battling gastrointestinal cancer. Diagnosed with a 15-centimeter-long tumor on his small intestine a year prior, Dalin kept his condition secret from his competitors, fans, and team, and instead relied on immunotherapy medication to shrink the tumor while at sea. Despite the challenges, Dalin performed exceptionally well, passing competitors and eventually winning the race. His determination and resilience in the face of adversity are a testament to his strength and courage.

The Trump administration's first deadly strike on an alleged drug smuggling boat in early September was conducted by a secretive military aircraft painted to look like a civilian plane. Multiple officials confirmed this to The Washington Post. The use of such tactics has been widely criticized by readers, who describe it as a war crime and an act of 'perfidy' under international law. The incident has sparked outrage at the Trump administration, with accusations of lawlessness and deceit.

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen is appealing a graft conviction that could disqualify her from running in the 2027 presidential election. Le Pen, who has been accused of using fake jobs to channel funds to her party, risks seeing her life's work upended if she loses her appeal. She has denied the allegations, claiming she is being targeted for political reasons. With her own ambitions hanging in the balance, Le Pen has backed her protege Jordan Bardella to run in her place if needed. A poll predicted that Bardella would win the second round of the 2027 elections. Le Pen's conviction is a potentially insurmountable hurdle to her long-sought goal of becoming France's president.

The Pentagon is embracing Elon Musk's Grok AI chatbot, despite global outcry over its potential misuse. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that Grok will be integrated into the Pentagon's network, alongside Google's generative AI engine. The decision comes as the chatbot faces scrutiny for generating highly sexualized deepfake images and antisemitic comments. Hegseth emphasized the need for innovation and speed in adopting AI technology, while also claiming that the Pentagon's AI systems will operate 'without ideological constraints' and 'not be woke'.