In other news

A bombing in Delhi on November 10th, 2025, killed at least eight people and injured 20 others, raising tensions in the region. The attack occurred outside the Red Fort in old Delhi. Despite India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's previous warning of 'automatic retaliation' against terrorist attacks, the country's restrained response suggests a low immediate risk of hostilities with Pakistan.

The article discusses the perilous sea crossings of Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh and Myanmar to Malaysia, facilitated by criminal networks during the 'sailing season' in the Andaman Sea. The journey is risky, with some boats sinking before reaching the shore, resulting in loss of life. The smugglers charge 15,000 Malaysian ringgit ($3,600) per person for the passage.

The cryptocurrency industry has achieved mainstream acceptance and regulatory clarity in recent years, with bitcoin's market value peaking at $2.5 trillion in October. However, the article suggests that this success may be followed by a decline, potentially rippling across financial markets. The crypto industry has gone from being mocked and hostilely regulated to being encouraged and adopted by banks and asset managers. The article questions the sustainability of this growth and the potential consequences of a downturn.

The article discusses how AI is changing the way cover letters are written and potentially affecting job applicants' chances of getting hired. It highlights that a good cover letter is crucial in helping employers identify promising candidates, especially those with non-traditional career paths. However, with AI making it easier to generate cover letters, the article suggests that this could lead to lower pay as employers may not be able to distinguish between genuine and AI-generated applications. The article touches on the concept of signalling in job applications and how AI is breaking this signal, potentially leading to a less effective hiring process.

The article 'In defence of personal finance' discusses the benefits and potential drawbacks of individuals actively managing their personal finances. The author, a self-proclaimed enthusiast of personal finance, spends considerable time tracking their financial accounts, investments, and mortgage. While acknowledging that personal finance may widen inequality, the article argues that it has several advantages. The piece touches upon the intricacies of managing personal finances, including investment decisions and mortgage management, and suggests that despite potential risks, such as exacerbating market crashes, personal finance can be a valuable practice for individuals.

The article discusses the growing presence of women in sumo wrestling in Japan, a traditionally male-dominated sport. It highlights a recent women's sumo tournament in Kyoto, where young female wrestlers competed, challenging the long-standing taboo against women entering the sumo ring. Despite this progress, the article notes that it is unlikely that a female prime minister would break this taboo, indicating the deep-seated cultural barriers that remain.

The article discusses Kerala, a state in southwestern India, which has achieved the distinction of eliminating extreme poverty, making it the only state in India to do so. Kerala's unique cultural identity and social welfare policies are highlighted as factors contributing to its success. The article suggests that Kerala can serve as a model for other Indian states in terms of social welfare, but notes that it still has lessons to learn about economic dynamism.

South Korea's new president, Lee Jae Myung, is working to improve relations with America, Japan, and China after a period of tension. The president's efforts are seen as a refreshing burst of pragmatism. A promotional video for the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) forum, which South Korea recently hosted, showcases the country's growing importance on the global stage. The article highlights the president's diplomatic efforts and the country's renewed focus on international cooperation.

The article discusses a dispute between two wealthy individuals, Amelia Bond and Lisa Gorman, over trees on their adjacent properties in Camden, Maine. Bond poisoned Gorman's 70-foot oak trees to improve her view of Camden Bay, leading to a public spectacle and legal action. The article uses this incident to explore the economics of crime, particularly among the wealthy.

The article discusses India's economic growth and which state is leading the way. Prime Minister Narendra Modi aims for India to achieve 'rich-country' status by 2047. To accomplish this, the economy needs to grow by around 8% annually, a feat only a few large states have achieved. The article compares the economic performance of different states, highlighting their growth rates and factors contributing to their success.

The 10-year Treasury yield remained stable as investors awaited the release of October trade balance data and other delayed economic reports that could influence the Federal Reserve's December rate decision. The yield on the 10-year Treasury was at 4.117%, with the 2-year note yield at 3.573% and the 30-year bond yield at 4.74%. Fed Governor Christopher Waller emphasized the importance of labor-market conditions in supporting another rate cut in December. Investors are also looking forward to Thursday's release of September's nonfarm payrolls and the Federal Open Market Committee minutes for further insight into potential December policy moves.

A recent Bank of America survey of 172 fund managers revealed concerns about companies overinvesting in AI, with 20% of respondents saying there is too much capital expenditure. This is the first time in 20 years that a majority of fund managers have expressed such concerns. The survey also found that 45% of global fund managers named an AI bubble as the biggest risk, and 53% said AI stocks are already in a bubble. Despite this, most fund managers expect the S&P 500 to rise by 6-14% by the end of 2026. The survey also showed a shift in allocation, with increased investment in healthcare, consumer staples, and banking stocks, and decreased investment in tech stocks.

The article discusses the current state of AI companies and their stocks. Despite AI firms receiving significant investments, their stock values are declining. Microsoft and Nvidia are investing $15 billion in Anthropic, valuing it at $350 billion. Google has unveiled its latest AI model, Gemini 3, which is expected to be rolled out in the coming weeks. However, investors remain skeptical about AI, with major names like Nvidia, Amazon, and Microsoft experiencing a decline. The S&P 500 has fallen for four consecutive days, and the slide may continue if Nvidia fails to meet investor expectations when it reports earnings.

The UK's Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to announce her Budget next week, amidst unprecedented speculation and pressure from various stakeholders. The build-up to the Budget has been characterized by 'kite flying' and leaks, with Reeves initially suggesting she would break Labour's commitment not to raise income tax rates, only to later U-turn on this decision. The government faces a significant fiscal hole of £25-30 billion, which needs to be plugged through either tax increases or spending cuts. Various think tanks and business leaders have offered advice, with some calling for radical measures to tame public spending, while others urge tax reforms to support growth. The Chancellor is likely to face challenges in balancing competing demands and making difficult decisions.

The UK's FTSE 100 index is nearing a historic milestone of 10,000 points, driven by the performance of its blue-chip companies, diversification away from US-heavy equity portfolios, and a strong presence of utilities and mining firms. The index has outperformed the S&P 500 this year with a 17% year-to-date gain. Market watchers believe that surpassing 10,000 points could be a symbolic moment for Chancellor Rachel Reeves ahead of her Autumn Budget announcement, potentially providing a positive narrative to offset expected unpopular fiscal decisions. Experts caution that while the milestone is psychologically significant, investors should be cautious and selective, particularly in light of potential budget impacts on the British pound and the attractiveness of FTSE 100 constituents' earnings.

The Hong Kong IPO boom has provided a much-needed lifeline for private equity firms looking to exit their China investments. After years of muted dealmaking and frozen exits, the opportunity to list in Hong Kong at attractive valuations has lifted sentiment, with companies raising $18.2 billion via IPOs this year. Global private equity firms are cautiously turning bullish on China, drawn by cheaper valuations and hopes of recovering domestic consumer confidence. Experts warn that a backlog of IPO applications could delay exit plans, but believe that Hong Kong's market recovery will accelerate growth and opportunities for private equity returns.

The stock market experienced a downturn on Tuesday, with major U.S. indexes extending their losses driven by pressure in tech shares. Nvidia's upcoming earnings report is highly anticipated and may impact the AI trade. Investors are also awaiting earnings reports from major retailers. The Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK) closed 1.6% lower, and tech stocks such as Nvidia, Palantir, Microsoft, and Advanced Micro Devices closed in the red. Fund managers are holding unusually small amounts of cash, which is seen as a bearish signal. Stocks like La-Z-Boy and ON Semiconductor saw significant movements in after-hours trading due to strong earnings and a stock buyback program, respectively.

The UK's inflation rate cooled to 3.6% in October, down from 3.8% in September, driven mainly by lower gas and electricity prices. The data boosts the chance of a December rate cut by the Bank of England. Chancellor Rachel Reeves stated that the fall in inflation is good news but more needs to be done to bring prices down. Economists expect the Autumn Budget to be crucial in determining the future of inflation and interest rates.

The article discusses two storms expected to impact millions of travelers during the Thanksgiving holiday week. The first storm is forecasted to bring rain to the southern Plains and potentially the mid-Atlantic or Northeast, causing delays at airports. The second storm will bring rain and colder conditions to the Pacific Northwest and potentially snow in areas from Missouri to Texas on Thanksgiving Day. The article highlights the potential for congestion on roads and at airports, with AAA predicting one of the most congested periods on the roads next Tuesday afternoon.

The parents of Braun Levi, an 18-year-old California high school tennis star, have filed a $200 million wrongful death lawsuit against Jenia Resha Belt, the alleged drunk driver who fatally hit him while he was walking with friends. Belt had a blood alcohol level nearly two times the legal limit and was driving with a suspended license following a prior DUI arrest. The lawsuit claims Belt consumed excessive quantities of alcohol before driving and willfully chose to operate the vehicle while intoxicated, striking Levi and causing his death. The family founded the 'Live Like Braun Foundation' to support public tennis centers and raise awareness about impaired driving.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are interested in signing free agent slugger Kyle Schwarber, according to a report by ESPN's Jeff Passan. Schwarber, who hit 56 home runs and 132 RBIs last season, is expected to have multiple suitors this offseason. The Pirates have gained financial flexibility after trading Ke'Bryan Hayes and David Bednar at the trade deadline. General manager Ben Cherington has stated that the team will pursue free agency and trades to bolster their offense. Schwarber has expressed interest in returning to Philadelphia, but is not expected to rush into a decision. The Pirates are also looking to build around their young pitcher Paul Skenes, who won the NL Cy Young Award this year.

A thief stole nearly $1000 from a Portland liquor store, Bins & Barrels, while an employee, Jason Hay, was suffering a fatal heart attack. The thief, wearing a black jacket and red hoodie, pretended to check on Hay while others helped him, then stole from the store's safe. Hay died a week later in the ICU after his condition deteriorated. The incident has shocked the community, with Hay's family and colleagues expressing their grief and outrage.

The stepsibling of Anna Kepner, an 18-year-old Florida cheerleader found dead on a Carnival cruise ship, is being investigated by federal authorities. Anna's body was discovered wrapped in a blanket and stuffed under a bed in her cabin on November 7. The FBI is leading the investigation, and a court filing revealed that a criminal case may be initiated against one of Anna's minor siblings. Anna's stepmom, Shauntel Hudson, requested a postponement of her divorce proceedings, citing the ongoing investigation and potential prejudice to her and her child.

The article discusses the potential erosion of Donald Trump's support among Hispanic voters, a demographic he surprisingly gained significant traction with in the 2024 presidential election. Recent off-year elections in New Jersey, Virginia, and California suggest a shift back towards Democratic candidates among Hispanic communities. The author attributes this shift partly to Trump's immigration policies, which, while core to his base, may be alienating Hispanic voters. The article suggests that Trump and the GOP must balance firm immigration control with outreach to Hispanic voters, emphasizing that his policies are not solely directed against Latin American immigrants and highlighting support for Hispanic business owners. The tone is cautionary and advisory, urging the GOP to maintain its Hispanic support by being sensitive to their concerns.

The King and Queen of Thailand, Maha Vajiralongkorn and Suthida, made history by becoming the first visiting heads of state to greet Chinese astronauts in orbit during their five-day state visit to China. This visit marks the first official trip to the Chinese mainland by a Thai monarch in 800 years and comes 50 years after the two countries established modern diplomatic ties. The encounter took place at the Beijing Aerospace Flight Control Centre, where the royal couple interacted with the astronauts on board China's Tiangong space station. The visit is seen as a sign of deepening engagement between Bangkok and Beijing, particularly in hi-tech cooperation and space exploration. Thailand has already contributed an instrument to China's Chang'e-7 lunar mission, and the two countries are collaborating in the space sector, including satellite data use and technical training.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has pledged to invest over HK$7 billion in the city's third medical school project. The university plans to build a HK$2 billion complex at its Clear Water Bay campus by 2028, which will serve as a temporary teaching facility before a more permanent site is established in the Northern Metropolis by 2034. HKUST has already recruited six clinical professors, including a former head of an Australian institution. The government's Health Secretary, Lo Chung-mau, stated that HKUST's financial commitment is roughly matched by government funding on a one-to-one ratio.

The Hong Kong government has strongly condemned a US legislative committee's report that called for more sanctions on the city, citing 'groundless attacks, slanders and smears' against Hong Kong's political and business environment. The government spokesman defended the city's compliance with international law and highlighted the substantial commercial interests and economic benefits America enjoys in its ties with Hong Kong. The US-China Economic and Security Review Commission's annual report suggested passing a law to impose greater scrutiny on Hong Kong's US-dollar backed international transactions and exports, and turning an existing executive order targeting the city into law. The Hong Kong government demanded that the US 'discern facts from fallacies', respect international law and norms, and stop interfering with China's internal affairs in the city.

India is developing a state-backed stablecoin called the Asset Reserve Certificate (ARC), which uses government debt as collateral. Proponents argue that ARC could lower India's borrowing costs, strengthen the rupee, and reduce outflows to dollar-backed cryptocurrencies, potentially challenging US dollar dominance. The token is being developed by international blockchain giant Polygon and India-based fintech Anq.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang is visiting Zambia, where he is expected to discuss a $1.4 billion railway modernization deal and face questions over a toxic spill at a copper mine that has been described as an 'ecological catastrophe'. The spill, caused by acidic waste from a tailings dam run by Chinese state-owned firms, has contaminated the Kafue River and prompted a lawsuit from nearly 200 Zambian farmers seeking $80 billion in compensation. Li's visit is the first by a top Chinese leader to Zambia since 2007 and comes ahead of the G20 summit in South Africa.

The article highlights seven recent science-related stories from South China Morning Post's coverage. Two major stories include the return of Shenzhou-20 astronauts to Earth after a space station mission and the return of mathematician Qian Hong to China after 40 years in the US. Other stories touch on historical revisions, scientific advancements, and China's scientific community.

A Stockholm court has jailed four men for hate crimes after they assaulted three immigrants in a case that highlights the growing movement of white supremacist 'Active Clubs' in Sweden. The men, aged 20-23, are members of Aktivklubb Sverige (AKS), a far-right organization with racist elements. They were given prison sentences ranging from three to three-and-a-half years for aggravated assault. The court heard that the group attacked a Black man with an umbrella, a Syrian man, and another man on a subway train, shouting racial slurs and performing Hitler salutes. The victims were traumatized, and the court found that the crimes were motivated by hate. The case has shone a spotlight on the growing threat of white supremacist groups in Sweden, with experts warning of the radicalization of young men attracted to violence and far-right ideology.

Archaeologists have unearthed an expansive ancient city in central Asia, known as Semiyarka or the 'City of Seven Ravines,' which dates back over 3,500 years to the Bronze Age. The city, located on the Kazakh Steppe, is the largest known ancient settlement in the region and features bronze-producing capabilities. Researchers believe that Semiyarka was a crucial trading post and a center for metal production, challenging previous assumptions about the existence of settled societies in the area during that time. The discovery is considered one of the most significant archaeological findings in the region in decades.

An Argentine judge, Julieta Makintach, was fired and disqualified from holding any judicial position in the future after causing a mistrial in the negligence case against Diego Maradona's medical team due to her involvement in a documentary about the case. Makintach was one of three judges in the trial that followed Maradona's death in 2020. The medical team is accused of gross negligence in Maradona's care, which led to his death. The case has focused on the decision to allow Maradona to recuperate at home with minimal supervision and medical equipment.

A Turkish-German family of four died from suspected poisoning while on holiday in Istanbul, Turkey. The family, consisting of a mother, father, and two young children, fell ill after eating street food and staying at a hotel. Eleven people have been detained in connection with the deaths, including food sellers, hotel staff, and pest control workers. The investigation is ongoing, with toxicology reports and food samples being analyzed. The cause of death is still unclear, but evidence suggests possible pesticide exposure in the hotel room.

Spanish police arrested 20 people linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), a powerful Mexican drug cartel designated a terrorist organization by President Trump. The operation, carried out jointly with the DEA and Dutch authorities, seized 1.8 tons of cocaine, cash, cryptocurrency, weapons, and vehicles. The CJNG smuggled large shipments of cocaine and methamphetamine from South America for distribution in Spain and other European countries. The investigation started when police detected drugs hidden in heavy industrial machinery. Two 'priority targets' of the DEA were among those arrested, along with suspected members of the Italian Camorra mafia. Spain is a major gateway to Europe for North African hashish and South American cocaine, making it a hub for international criminal gangs. The CJNG has been accused of using fake job advertisements to lure new members and torturing and killing recruits who resist.

The article analyzes President Donald Trump's comments on human rights, particularly in relation to the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Trump downplayed Khashoggi's murder and vouched for the crown prince, stating he 'knew nothing about it.' The article highlights Trump's history of flippant comments on human rights abuses, including his praise for leaders like Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong Un, and Rodrigo Duterte, who have been accused of human rights violations. Trump's comments are contrasted with his predecessors, who, despite maintaining relations with Saudi Arabia, at least pretended to consider human rights. The article concludes that Trump's lack of concern for human rights is consistent with his decade-long public record.

Curaçao has made history by becoming the smallest nation by population to qualify for a World Cup, finishing as the only undefeated nation in the tournament and topping Group B with 12 points. The team achieved this feat despite their coach, Dick Advocaat, being absent from the crucial match against Jamaica due to family reasons. Other CONCACAF sides, Panama and Haiti, also qualified for the World Cup, with Panama finishing top of Group A and Haiti winning Group C. Curaçao's population is approximately 156,115 persons, surpassing Iceland's record as the smallest country to reach the World Cup in 2018.

Iran is willing to resume nuclear talks with the US if conducted respectfully and on equal footing, according to Kamal Kharrazi, foreign policy adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran insists on its original terms, including continuing uranium enrichment for civilian purposes and excluding its ballistic missile program from negotiations. The US and Iran were in talks before Israel attacked Iran's nuclear facilities in June, prompting US strikes. Kharrazi expressed readiness for potential negotiations but emphasized that the US must make the first move and refrain from using force.

A rare Gustav Klimt painting, 'Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer,' sold at Sotheby's auction for $236.4 million, setting a new record for the most expensive work of modern art ever sold at auction. The painting was part of the Estée Lauder heir Leonard A. Lauder's collection and was spared from destruction during World War II. The sale was part of Sotheby's first sale out of its new US headquarters in New York, which fetched a total of $527.5 million, exceeding its estimate of $400 million. The sale was seen as a triumphant night for the top end of the art market, which has been experiencing a slowdown for over two years. Other notable sales included a Jean-Michel Basquiat work for $48.3 million, while some top lots, including works by Kerry James Marshall and Barkley L. Hendricks, failed to sell.

A new report by the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has found that 40% of British youth are hesitant to have children due to climate anxiety. The report suggests that eco-anxiety is a significant mental health issue among young people in the UK, with many feeling guilty about having children due to concerns over their future quality of life. The UKHSA recommends activities such as yoga and visiting 'climate cafés' to help build emotional resilience and alleviate eco-anxiety. However, the report has been criticized by some, who argue that it institutionalizes climate hysteria and that eco-anxiety is not a legitimate medical condition.

Thai authorities arrested two men suspected of being part of an international wildlife smuggling ring, seizing 81 monkeys and methamphetamine near the Cambodia border. The suspects allegedly admitted to trafficking macaques from Thailand to Cambodia. Thailand is a significant transit point for wildlife smugglers catering to markets in China and Southeast Asia.

Miss Israel, Melanie Shiraz, has received death and rape threats after a video of her allegedly glaring at Miss Palestine, Nadeen Ayoub, during the Miss Universe competition in Bangkok went viral. Shiraz claims the video was edited and cropped to make her appear hostile. She had hoped to use the pageant as an opportunity for a productive dialogue with Miss Palestine and to represent Israel positively. Despite the harassment, Shiraz remains determined to continue advocating for Israel and using her platform for good causes.

Pope Leo XIV has expressed strong support for the U.S. bishops' condemnation of the Trump administration's immigration sweeps, calling for migrants to be treated humanely and with dignity. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops had adopted a 'special message' during their general assembly in Baltimore, criticizing President Donald Trump's mass deportation agenda and the 'vilification' of migrants. Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, emphasized that migrants should be treated with respect, even if they are in the country illegally, and encouraged Catholics and all people of goodwill to listen to them.

The Louvre Museum has temporarily closed its Campana gallery due to structural weaknesses, just weeks after a major jewel heist at the Paris landmark. The gallery, which houses ancient Greek ceramics, was closed after a technical report revealed weakness in the beams under the second floor of the Sully wing. The closure has resulted in the relocation of 65 museum staff. The heist, which occurred on October 19, saw thieves make off with £77.5m worth of jewels. The museum's administration had previously warned about the condition of the building, and staff representatives have been raising concerns about the infrastructure for years. A state auditor's report criticized the museum's management for neglecting security and infrastructure in favor of artwork acquisitions and post-pandemic relaunch projects.

The UK's MI5 security service has issued a warning to British parliamentarians about Chinese spying attempts, aiming to reestablish deterrence after a collapsed spying case last month. The government is trying to send a signal to China that it 'won't stand for' its espionage efforts. China's aggressive pursuit of Western secrets is considered a patriotic duty, and its technological progress has been built on stolen intellectual property. The UK government remains ambivalent about labeling China an enemy, which Beijing exploits.

The UN humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, has described Sudan as the 'epicentre of suffering in the world' due to the ongoing civil war between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict has resulted in 12 million displaced people and at least 40,000 killed, with aid groups suggesting the true death toll could be far greater. The war has spread across the country, inflicting immense misery on a nation already suffering a humanitarian crisis. Famine has been declared in some areas, and reports of mass executions, rape, and sexual violence have surfaced. Fletcher is urging the international community to boost funding and engage in more vigorous diplomacy to end the fighting.

The Kessler Twins, famous German dance stars in the 1950s and 1960s, have died together through assisted means at their home in Grunwald, Germany, at the age of 89. The sisters, Alice and Ellen Kessler, had expressed their wish to die together on the same day in an interview last year. They were members of the German Society for Humane Dying and had been considering assisted dying for some time. The twins had a successful entertainment career, performing with famous singers and representing Germany at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1959.

Harvard University has launched a new investigation into the ties between former Harvard president Lawrence H. Summers and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following the release of a batch of Mr. Epstein's emails that suggest a closer relationship between the two than previously known. The investigation comes after Harvard released a report in 2020 about Mr. Epstein's ties to the university. Mr. Summers has announced that he will be stepping back from public commitments, but will continue to teach economics at Harvard.

A federal judge has ruled in favor of Meta in an antitrust lawsuit, citing the rise of TikTok and YouTube as evidence that Meta does not have a monopoly in social media. The decision is seen as a victory for the tech industry, with experts saying it will be harder to win antitrust cases in the future due to the rapidly changing tech landscape. The ruling is part of a larger trend of tech companies using the argument that the industry is moving too fast for government regulation to be effective.

The article discusses how Chinese talent continues to drive American research in artificial intelligence (A.I.) despite growing tensions between the two countries. Two new studies show that researchers born and educated in China play major roles in leading U.S. A.I. labs and continue to drive important research in industry and academia. The findings highlight the reliance of the American tech industry on Chinese engineers, particularly in A.I., and the ongoing collaboration between researchers in the two countries. However, fears of espionage and growing anti-China sentiment in Silicon Valley have led to concerns about the impact of the Trump administration's crackdown on Chinese talent in the United States.

The Brazilian government has created 10 new Indigenous territories during COP30, a climate summit hosted in Belém, Brazil. The designation will protect the culture and environment of the areas under Brazilian law. The move follows similar actions from President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's government, which recognized Indigenous possession of 11 territories last year. The new territories span hundreds of thousands of hectares and are inhabited by thousands of people from various Indigenous groups. The creation of these territories is expected to prevent deforestation and reduce carbon emissions. The announcement came on Indigenous Peoples' Day at COP30, which has been marked by protests and increased security measures.

The article discusses the ongoing conflict in Ethiopia's Amhara region, where thousands of women have been raped and sexually assaulted since August 2023. The conflict began when the government attempted to disband regional military groups, including Fano militias, which led to a rebellion. The Ethiopian army's crackdown on Fano has resulted in numerous human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, and widespread cases of sexual violence. The article highlights the stories of three women, Enat, Tigist, and Lemlem, who were raped by soldiers, and the trauma they have experienced. The BBC collected data from 43 health facilities in Amhara, which showed 2,697 reports of rape between July 2023 and May 2025, with children under 18 accounting for 45% of cases. The article concludes that the true number of victims is likely much higher due to underreporting.

Ukrainian families are calling for the return of their children who were deported to Russia during the ongoing conflict. Liubov Burina and Darina Riepina, family members of the deported children, made a public appeal in Paris for their return. Russia has deported thousands of Ukrainian children, often under the guise of 're-education' or adoption, and has refused to provide Ukraine with a list of the deported minors. The families face significant challenges in locating and reuniting with their children due to the complexities of international negotiations and Russia's denial of their requests.

The article discusses the growing Chinese influence in Laos, particularly with the Laos-China Railway (LCR) project, a key part of China's Belt and Road Initiative. The LCR has brought significant changes to Laos, including an influx of Chinese tourists, businesses, and investments. While the project has boosted tourism and trade, it has also raised concerns about the distribution of benefits, cultural heritage, and the impact on local businesses. The article highlights the dominance of Chinese culture and businesses in towns like Boten and Luang Prabang, with many Chinese tourists staying within self-contained ecosystems that cater to their needs. Local businesses and residents have expressed concerns about being left out of the economic benefits and the erosion of Laotian culture.

The United Nations has agreed to hear a complaint filed by prominent Māori leader Lady Tureiti Moxon alleging that the New Zealand government's policies have resulted in significant and persistent discrimination against Māori people. The complaint, filed with the UN's Committee for the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, claims that the government's actions have harmed Indigenous people and dismantled measures taken to reverse historical injustices. The complaint is considered under the 'early warning and urgent action procedure', which is reserved for serious violations of the convention. The New Zealand government has been accused of attempting to redefine the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, limiting the use of Māori language, and disestablishing the Māori Health Authority. The UN's consideration of the complaint may result in a request for response from the New Zealand government and potentially trigger further action.