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Apple's iPhone Air has sold out in China shortly after its pre-sales began on Friday, following a visit by CEO Tim Cook earlier in the week. The device, which is Apple's newest and thinnest model, received regulatory approval to launch in China just recently, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions between China and the US. The strong demand reflects the positive reception of the iPhone Air among Chinese consumers, despite competition from local Android brands such as Huawei and Xiaomi. Pre-sales began at 9am local time on Friday, and the model was sold out at all bricks-and-mortar stores in major cities within minutes. Online shipments were delayed by one to two weeks.

World powers, including France, Britain, and the United States, are planning to establish an international force to stabilize security in Gaza following a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The proposed force is unlikely to be a formal UN peacekeeping mission but may be modeled on previous actions, such as in Haiti. A UN Security Council resolution is being drafted to provide a mandate for the international force.

A new study warns that Shanghai is sinking while the sea level along China's coastline is rising at its fastest rate in 4,000 years, posing a significant threat to China's financial hub and the global supply chain. The study found that many of China's largest cities, including Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong, are located in delta regions that are prone to flooding and sinking due to their soft sediment foundations. The researchers attributed 94% of rapid modern urban subsidence to man-made activities.

Indonesia is attempting to export durians directly to China, bypassing intermediary countries, to increase profits. However, this effort hinges on Indonesia's ability to master sanitary standards and cold-chain storage. Currently, countries like Malaysia and Thailand help Indonesia with phytosanitary approvals and refrigeration, but Indonesia is working to improve its certification processes to access the Chinese market directly. Analysts believe that perfecting sanitation standards and cold-chain storage is crucial for Indonesia to succeed in this lucrative industry.

Recent cases of rape and murder in Malaysian schools have sparked widespread concern and calls for the government to increase funding to improve student safety and transparency. The education ministry has admitted to a culture of cover-ups in schools, with the director general stating that numerous cases of sexual abuse and bullying had been hidden. Student activists are urging the government to take action to address the issue.

China is making significant strides in nuclear fusion technology, with private companies and state-backed enterprises racing to build a commercial fusion reactor by 2035. At a laboratory in Langfang, Hebei province, scientists are working on the EXL-50U, a compact tokamak that uses magnetic fields to confine plasma and achieve fusion. The goal is to heat the plasma to 100 million degrees Celsius, potentially releasing vast amounts of clean electricity. China's coordinated strategy of aggressive funding, talent repatriation, and rapid prototyping is challenging Western dominance in the field.

The US and China have imposed new port fees on each other's ships, causing global carriers to scramble to adapt. The fees are part of a broader push by the US to curtail China's dominance in global shipbuilding. European shipping giants Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have diverted vessels away from Chinese ports and adjusted their corporate structures to minimize exposure to the fees. The new fees have resulted in significant charges, with one vessel reportedly hit with a 4.5 million yuan charge.

Top biomedical scientist Hu 'Tony' Ye has left the United States for China after facing cuts to $8.3 million in grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Hu, who held a prestigious chair professor position at Tulane University, has become the founding dean at the new school of biomedical engineering at Tsinghua University, his alma mater. Hu's research focuses on the rapid detection of viruses, and he has published numerous papers, applied for over 30 patents, and co-founded four biotech start-ups in the US. The NIH funding cuts affected grants allocated for projects such as the early detection of tuberculosis and HIV in children.

Japan's unstable politics may hinder its diplomatic efforts with China and South Korea, analysts warn. The recently elected Liberal Democratic Party leader, Sanae Takaichi, faces challenges in becoming the prime minister due to a fragmented political landscape. No single party can maintain a stable government, which may undermine Japan's effectiveness in major diplomatic events and stall progress in its trilateral summit with China and South Korea.

Bears have killed a record number of people in Japan this year, with seven deaths reported in the current fiscal year, surpassing the previous high of five fatalities recorded in the 2023-24 fiscal year. The increase in bear attacks is attributed to climate change, which has affected the bears' food sources and hibernation patterns, causing them to encroach more into towns where the human population is aging and dwindling. Experts say that warmer weather is also affecting the hibernation patterns of the animals, leading to more encounters between humans and bears.

A drone attack hit the prosecutor's office in Tijuana, Mexico, a city near the US border and a key hub for drug trafficking. Three explosive-laden drones caused damage but no casualties. The attack targeted the anti-kidnapping unit, and the state attorney general vowed to continue investigative work. This incident is part of a larger trend of cartels using drones in attacks against authorities and rival groups. The US consulate in Tijuana reported explosions and advised citizens to stay away. The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents against judicial officials in Mexico, including a recent killing of a prosecution official in Playas de Rosarito.

Former U.S. Marine Corps pilot Daniel Duggan has appealed his extradition from Australia to the United States over allegations that he trained Chinese military pilots in 2012. Duggan, who has been held in maximum security prisons since his arrest in 2022, denies the allegations, claiming they are politically motivated. His lawyers argue that there were legal flaws in the extradition process. The case has sparked concerns among Duggan's supporters, who believe he is being used as a pawn in an ideological war between the U.S. and China. The Australian government has not commented on the case, citing that it is still in court.

The Grand Sumo Tournament has come to London's Royal Albert Hall for the second time in its 1,500-year history, featuring 44 professional sumo wrestlers from around the world competing in 100 bouts over five days. The tournament is a significant cultural event, deeply rooted in Japanese tradition and Shinto religion, requiring careful attention to detail to ensure authenticity. The event includes unique elements such as a specially constructed sumo ring, or dohyo, and the presence of two yokozuna, the highest-ranking sumo wrestlers. The tournament's cultural significance and nuances are being made accessible to a Western audience through in-ear English commentary and video replay screens.

Thousands of people in the United Kingdom have filed a joint legal claim against Johnson & Johnson, alleging that the company's talcum powder products contained asbestos, leading to various forms of cancer and other diseases. The claim, worth over £1 billion, is based on internal Johnson & Johnson memos and scientific reports that allegedly show the company knew about the contamination for decades. Johnson & Johnson has denied the allegations, stating that the safety of its baby powder was backed by testing by independent laboratories and health authorities.

A 21-year-old German-Iranian man, known as 'White Tiger,' has been charged with murder and hundreds of other crimes related to a global online child abuse network. He allegedly coerced a 13-year-old American boy into livestreaming his own suicide in 2022. The suspect was part of a network known as '764,' which was dismantled in April when its leaders were arrested. The case has sparked outrage and raised questions about whether authorities could have acted sooner to prevent some of the abuse. The suspect denies all charges.

Uruguay's senate has voted to legalize euthanasia, making it the first country in South America to do so. The law allows patients with incurable illnesses to seek assisted death, without requiring a waiting period or a specific life expectancy. The decision was met with opposition from the Catholic Church, but was supported by the governing leftist coalition. Uruguay has a history of being a socially liberal nation, having previously legalized marijuana, same-sex marriage, and abortion. The new law permits euthanasia performed by a healthcare professional, but not assisted dying through self-administering medication. Patients seeking euthanasia must be mentally competent and have two doctors certify their psychological fitness.

A U.S. tourist was killed and another injured in a knife attack in Cascais, Portugal. A 23-year-old suspect was arrested after a verbal altercation escalated into a stabbing. The victims were not immediately identified, but the deceased was 35 years old, and the injured, 33, was hospitalized in Lisbon.

The European Union (EU) has set a target of 2027 to develop an anti-drone system to defend against Russia, as part of a broader effort to strengthen its defenses and prepare for potential conflict by 2030. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized the need for the EU to toughen its defenses against Russia, citing the ongoing war in Ukraine and fears of Russian aggression. The EU's 'defence roadmap' includes strengthening eastern borders, building air and space 'shields', and closing critical capability gaps in areas such as air and missile defense. Several EU member states have already backed plans for a multi-layered 'drone wall' to detect and destroy Russian drones.

The British Library has reissued a reader's card in the name of Oscar Wilde, 130 years after it was revoked due to his conviction for 'gross indecency'. Wilde's grandson, Merlin Holland, will collect the new card at a ceremony on what would have been Wilde's 171st birthday. The library is acknowledging the injustices and immense suffering Wilde faced as a result of his conviction. Wilde was convicted in 1895 for having homosexual relationships, which were a criminal offence at the time, and was sentenced to two years in prison with hard labour. The British Library holds many of Wilde's handwritten drafts and letters, including De Profundis, which he wrote to his lover, Lord Alfred Douglas, from prison.

At least three people died and several were injured after Kenya police fired gunshots and tear gas to disperse mourners gathered to pay their respects to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, whose body was taken to a Nairobi stadium. The incident occurred as crowds surged towards the coffin, breaching a gate and prompting police to intervene. Odinga, a key figure in Kenyan politics, died in India on Wednesday, and his body was flown back to Kenya on Thursday. The government has declared a seven-day mourning period, and a state funeral will be held on Friday.

Reese Witherspoon has co-written her debut novel 'Gone Before Goodbye' with bestselling author Harlan Coben. The thriller follows a talented surgeon, Maggie, who is trapped in a deadly conspiracy. Witherspoon's inspiration for the book came from her childhood, watching James Bond films with her father and questioning the portrayal of women in bikinis. She wanted to create a strong female character with a unique skillset, rather than one defined by her sex appeal. The book is set to be published on October 23rd in the UK, and Coben believes it will be adapted into a screen production in the future. Witherspoon has been celebrating strong female characters through her production company, Hello Sunshine, and has been involved in various successful projects, including 'The Morning Show' and 'Big Little Lies'.

The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a report concluding that the Titan submersible implosion was caused by poor engineering and multiple failures to test the vessel. The submersible, operated by OceanGate, imploded on its journey to the Titanic wreck in June 2023, killing all five passengers on board. The NTSB found that OceanGate's engineering process was 'inadequate', resulting in faults that meant the vessel failed to meet strength and durability requirements. The report also highlighted a 'critically flawed' safety culture at OceanGate, with employees reporting that safety issues were ignored. The incident has led to calls for updated regulations on the assessment of pressure vessels carrying people.

The article discusses Uganda's Special Forces Command (SFC), an elite military unit seen as a private army for President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986. The SFC is accused of abducting, torturing, and killing opposition activists and is viewed as a tool for Museveni to maintain his grip on power. The unit is led by Museveni's son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is also the army chief and has been accused of being contemptuous of senior generals. The SFC's influence has grown significantly, and it is now estimated to have over 10,000 members, rivaling the regular army. Critics fear that the SFC's power could lead to a clash with the regular army in the future, similar to the conflict in Sudan between the army and the Rapid Support Forces.

The article discusses Dan Gilbert's efforts to revitalize downtown Detroit through various development projects. It highlights the history of Hudson's department store, which was once a thriving hub in downtown Detroit but was demolished in 1998. The article questions whether Gilbert's project might eventually lose momentum.

California has passed a significant housing reform bill, SB 79, despite opposition from various individuals, including former reality-TV star Spencer Pratt. The bill is seen as a major victory for the YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) movement, which advocates for increased housing development. The reform aims to address California's housing crisis by promoting construction and development.

The article discusses Ken Burns's new documentary on the American Revolution, suggesting that despite its depiction of the revolution's brutality, it is a film that Donald Trump might appreciate. The documentary is described as a bloody epic that includes cruelty, rape, betrayal, and dispossession, alongside heroic deeds and the emergence of idealism. The article argues that the film can remind Americans of what unites them and make them proud. It touches on the complexity of the American Revolution and its relevance to contemporary American identity.

The article discusses the issue of gerrymandering in Utah, specifically the division of Salt Lake City between the 1st and 2nd congressional districts. Utahns are fighting for fair maps as other states enact partisan gerrymanders. The article highlights the impact of gerrymandering on the community and the need for fair representation.

The article discusses Donald Trump's 'revenge agenda' and how American voters perceive it. Trump promised retribution to those who have been wronged and betrayed during his presidency. The article highlights that a third of Republicans support deporting citizens who disagree with Trump, indicating a divisive and vengeful tone to his agenda. It also touches upon various other topics related to Trump's presidency and its impact on America.

Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and founding member of the glam rock band Kiss, has died at the age of 74. Frehley was known for his elaborate galactic makeup and smoking guitar, and was a key part of Kiss' theatrical stage shows. He was a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and had a significant influence on the glam metal genre. Frehley left Kiss in 1982 but rejoined in the mid-1990s for a reunion tour. He had a complicated relationship with other band members, particularly Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, with whom he frequently feuded. The band paid tribute to Frehley, saying he was an 'essential and irreplaceable rock soldier' and that he would always be part of Kiss' legacy.

Chef José Andrés from World Central Kitchen joins CNN's Anderson Cooper to discuss the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the organization's efforts to provide hot meals to Palestinians. Andrés states that the 600,000 meals cooked so far are 'not enough' to address the crisis. The article highlights the severity of the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the need for continued support.

A newborn baby girl was found buried alive in northern India, prompting an ongoing police investigation into the circumstances surrounding her abandonment. CNN's Hanako Montgomery reports on the case, breaking down the investigation and its implications.

Susan Stamberg, a pioneering journalist and the first woman to host a national news program, has died at the age of 87. Stamberg was a 'founding mother' of National Public Radio (NPR) and played a crucial role in shaping the network's sound and style. She hosted 'All Things Considered' for 14 years and went on to host other NPR programs, including 'Weekend Edition Sunday' and 'Morning Edition'. Stamberg was known for her conversational style, intelligence, and ability to find interesting stories. She interviewed thousands of people, including prominent politicians and artists, and was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame.

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a 3D-printed concrete bridge called Diamanti that absorbs more carbon dioxide than conventional concrete mixes. The innovative design, inspired by the structures found in certain porous bones, uses a sustainable concrete mixture and lattice-like patterns to reduce material usage while maintaining strength and durability. The Diamanti project has the potential to reduce the carbon footprint of the concrete industry, which accounts for around 8% of global greenhouse emissions. The team has built a 10-meter prototype bridge, currently on display in Venice, and is gearing up to build its first full-size prototype in France.

A 28-year-old Norwegian former security guard at the U.S. Embassy in Norway was sentenced to three years and seven months for spying on behalf of Russia and Iran. The guard handed over details about the embassy's diplomats, floor plans, and security routines. He was found guilty of five espionage-related charges and acquitted of gross corruption. The defense attorneys argued that the information shared was worthless and did not harm any state's security interests.

The State Department is aware of reports that two American tourists were attacked in Cascais, Portugal, resulting in one death and one injury. The incident occurred during an attempted robbery, with three suspects fleeing the scene in a vehicle. The agency is committed to protecting U.S. citizens abroad and stands ready to provide consular assistance. Further details about the incident and the identities of the victims are not immediately available.

An 18-year-old street musician, Diana Loginova, also known as Naoko, has been jailed for 13 days in St. Petersburg, Russia, for leading a crowd in singing an anti-Putin rock song. Loginova was charged with organizing an unauthorized public gathering and will face an additional administrative offense of 'discrediting' the Russian military after serving her sentence. The song, 'Swan Lake Cooperative' by Noize MC, was banned in St. Petersburg in May due to its perceived promotion of hostile attitudes towards people and violent changes to the constitutional order.

The article discusses President Donald Trump's praise for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his role in helping to deliver a Gaza ceasefire agreement. Trump expressed his admiration for Erdogan, calling him a 'tough cookie' and a friend. However, experts raised concerns about Erdogan's ambitions in the region, including Turkey's potential role in rebuilding Gaza and serving as a guarantor for the Palestinians. The article also highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play, with various stakeholders, including Israel, the US, Qatar, and Iran, having different interests and agendas. Some experts warn that Turkey's growing influence in the region could be a challenge for Israel and the US.

Turkey has been accused of deporting hundreds of peaceful Christians under the guise of 'national security,' including dozens last year, in a move legal advocates warn is an 'attack' on the freedom of religion. The Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) International reported that over 350 foreign Christian workers and their family members have been expelled from Turkey since 2020. Turkey's Ministry of Interior has assigned 'security codes' to the targeted individuals, effectively barring them from re-entering the country. The case of Kenneth Wiest, a U.S. citizen and Protestant, is currently before the European Court of Human Rights and is expected to set a crucial precedent for the protection of religious freedom in Europe and beyond. The Turkish government has denied the claims, calling them 'completely unfounded and part of a deliberate disinformation campaign.'

Peru is set to declare a state of emergency after widespread protests against newly installed President José Jerí resulted in one death and dozens of injuries. The protests, sparked by public anger at the country's crime crisis, saw thousands demonstrate across the country, with hundreds clashing with police outside the congress building in Lima. The government has promised to tackle rising insecurity and is preparing a package of measures, including potential prison reform and comprehensive reform to the national police. Jerí, who assumed power just days ago, has faced scandals including corruption allegations and a now-shelved investigation for sexual assault, which he has denied.

Cambodia has accused Thailand of engaging in psychological warfare along their disputed border by broadcasting 'intense, high-pitched noises' and 'haunting sounds resembling wailing ghosts through loudspeakers'. The Cambodian human rights commission has complained to the UN, citing a grave violation of human rights and potential escalation of tensions between the two countries. The accusation comes after both countries agreed to a ceasefire in July following clashes that killed at least 38 people and displaced over 300,000.

The article discusses the impact of renewed U.S.-China trade tensions on the copper market, particularly in the context of the AI boom and increasing demand for the metal. London Metal Exchange CEO Matt Chamberlain highlights the 'fragility' of supply chains and the need for diversity in supply. The demand for copper is expected to surge over the next decade due to the AI boom, increased defense spending, and the energy transition. Experts warn that copper is becoming a 'strategic bottleneck' in the global energy transition, and that supply chain disruptions could lead to price volatility.

A Vatican report from the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors has criticized the Catholic Church for not doing enough to help victims of sexual abuse, calling for tougher action against abusers and reparations for victims. The report states that the Church has a 'moral and spiritual obligation' to heal the wounds inflicted on victims and that financial settlements and tangible sanctions are needed. The report was compiled with input from dozens of survivors and is the second annual report issued by the commission, which was founded over a decade ago. Pope Leo XIV has acknowledged that the abuse scandal remains a 'crisis' for the Church.

Tomiichi Murayama, Japan's prime minister in 1995, has died at 101. He is remembered for delivering a historic apology for Japan's wartime atrocities, known as the Murayama Statement. The apology was a significant moment in Japan's post-war history, acknowledging the country's responsibility for the suffering of millions during World War II. Despite being constrained by conservative coalition partners, Murayama's apology has endured as a benchmark for subsequent Japanese leaders. He also initiated the Asian Women's Fund to aid 'comfort women' forced into brothels during the war. Murayama's legacy is complex, with some criticizing the apology as insufficient, while others see it as a crucial step towards reconciliation.

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 reduced travel time, increased connectivity, and scenic routes that showcase Malaysia's natural beauty and cultural heritage. The Jungle Railway, a stretch of the East Coast Line, is particularly popular among tourists and locals alike, offering a unique and nostalgic travel experience.

The head of the US Southern Command, Adm. Alvin Holsey, is stepping down from his position ahead of schedule. This unexpected departure comes as President Donald Trump is showing interest in expanding the administration's campaign against drug cartels in Central and South America.