In other news

The article discusses the sudden collapse of First Brands, a small Ohio-based manufacturer of auto parts, which borrowed over $10 billion before its chief executive resigned and the Department of Justice began investigating its accounts. The firm's rapid downfall has sent shockwaves through Wall Street, serving as a warning about the dangers of unchecked borrowing and financial mismanagement. The article draws parallels between First Brands' collapse and broader economic concerns, such as inflation and the impact of government policies.

Grid operators in the Baltic states and Poland are taking measures to protect their electricity grids from potential Russian attacks, following the damage inflicted on Ukraine's grid. The countries have requested EU funding for a €382m plan to enhance grid security, with additional spending likely. Measures include installing blast walls, drone fences, and special combat units. The move is driven by recent incidents, including Russian drones being shot down over Poland.

The Indian microfinance sector is facing trouble due to rising defaults, threatening a model that has lifted millions out of poverty. Shobha Devi, a tailor in Vapi, Gujarat, is among those who have benefited from microfinance lenders like IIFL Samasta, borrowing 65,000 rupees to expand her business. However, with increasing defaults, the sustainability of microfinance institutions is under question.

The article discusses the intense drone warfare on Ukraine's front line in the Donbas region, where Ukrainian forces are facing a bloody Kremlin push. It highlights the story of a Ukrainian drone pilot, Timon, whose drone, Antoshka, was shot down by a Russian drone. The article also touches on the broader context of the conflict, including Russia's latest big Ukraine offensive, which has gained little ground, and the high costs of the war. Additionally, it mentions Ukraine's military units being run like businesses and the preparations of grid operators in the Baltics and Poland for potential Russian attacks.

The Economist is hiring a Senior Producer to help launch a video spin-off of their award-winning weekly business and finance podcast, Money Talks. The successful candidate will manage production end-to-end, work collaboratively with editors and hosts, and publish and promote the vodcast. The ideal candidate will have a strong journalistic background, experience producing best-in-class podcasts, and proficiency in editing tools such as Pro Tools, Audition, and Premiere Pro. The job is based in London and requires the legal right to work in the United Kingdom. The deadline to apply is October 27th, 2025.

Spain has made significant strides in its energy transition, with wind and solar power now accounting for over 40% of its electricity supply. The country, which has historically been reliant on imported oil and gas, has become a world leader in renewables. This shift has driven down energy costs and contributed to the country's strong economic growth, with officials touting cheap energy as a key factor. The government is now attracting electricity-guzzling data centres, further boosting the economy. However, the article hints at potential challenges and costs associated with this rapid transition.

The article discusses the changing economics of having children in America, using the town of Payson in Utah County as an example. The town is known for having a high birth rate and a youthful population. The article explores the factors contributing to this trend and its implications for the local economy and society. It touches on the contrast between Payson and other parts of America, where declining birth rates are a concern. The article is part of the Economist's Finance & Economics section, suggesting that it will examine the economic aspects of demographic trends.

The article discusses how Ukraine's most prestigious military units, such as the Azov brigade, are adopting business-like practices, including marketing and human resources departments, to attract and retain personnel. This shift is driven by the need to compete for talent in a challenging labor market. The article highlights how these units are using modern recruitment strategies to appeal to potential recruits and their families, emphasizing the prestige and benefits of serving in these elite units.

A devastating fire broke out at Bangladesh's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Saturday, causing an estimated $1 billion in damages. The fire, which took 27 hours to extinguish, destroyed clothes, raw materials, and other goods, potentially putting some businesses at risk. The country's garment sector, which generates $40 billion annually, is particularly affected. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, with conspiracy theories circulating online linking it to two earlier major fires in the country. The interim government has promised to take action if credible evidence of sabotage or arson is found. The incident highlights Bangladesh's frequent large fires, often blamed on poor infrastructure and weak safety enforcement.

Millions of Indians are celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights, despite concerns over air pollution caused by lamps and firecrackers. The Supreme Court has allowed the sale and use of 'green crackers' in Delhi, which claim to emit 20-30% less pollution. However, critics doubt their effectiveness. Diwali is not just about fireworks; it's also a time for families to come together, share traditional sweets, and worship Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth. The festival has a significant impact on the economy and brings people from different communities and faiths together.

Former Kenyan Prime Minister and opposition leader Raila Odinga was buried after a series of memorial events that drew thousands of mourners. Odinga died at 80 in an Indian hospital, and his burial in Bondo was attended by politicians, relatives, and supporters. The events were marked by chaos, with at least five mourners dying and dozens injured during a public viewing in Kisumu. Tributes poured in, with Kenyan President William Ruto praising Odinga's courage and vision. Odinga was remembered as a champion of democracy and a key figure in Kenyan politics.

The family of Harper Lee is praising her newly discovered short stories, saying they show her 'genius' as a writer. The stories, written before her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel 'To Kill a Mockingbird', were discovered in one of Lee's New York City apartments after her death. Lee's nephew and niece, Ed Lee Conner and Molly Lee, shared their memories of their aunt and discussed the newly published book, 'The Land of Sweet Forever', which includes the short stories, essays, and magazine pieces. The stories provide insight into Lee's writing evolution and her influences, including British novelist Daphne Du Maurier. Some stories feature familiar characters and settings from 'To Kill a Mockingbird', while others tackle issues like segregation and racism. The publication of the book has sparked discussion about Lee's approach to civil rights and the controversy surrounding her later work, 'Go Set a Watchman'.

The Israeli Premier League derby between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was cancelled due to violent riots and public disorder outside Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv. Israeli police reported dozens of smoke grenades and pyrotechnic devices being thrown, resulting in 12 civilians and 3 officers injured, 9 arrests, and 16 detentions. Hapoel Tel Aviv criticized the police for 'preparing for a war, not a sporting event,' while Maccabi Tel Aviv has not commented. The incident has drawn parallels with a recent UK decision to ban Maccabi fans from an upcoming Europa League match at Aston Villa due to safety concerns.

Millions of people participated in 'No Kings' protests across the US on Saturday, demonstrating against President Donald Trump's policies. The protests, which took place in cities including New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles, were largely peaceful. Trump allies had accused the protesters of being linked to the far-left Antifa movement, but organizers denied this. The protests were a response to Trump's expansion of presidential power and his administration's policies, which critics say are unconstitutional and a threat to American democracy. The demonstrations were not limited to the US, with solidarity protests taking place in Europe and Canada.

The Taliban and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire after more than a week of deadly fighting along their shared border. The clashes began after the Taliban accused Pakistan of carrying out attacks on the Afghan capital Kabul. Qatar, which mediated talks alongside Turkey, said both sides had agreed to establish mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability. The Taliban said it would not support groups carrying out attacks against the Government of Pakistan, while both sides agreed to refrain from targeting each other's security forces, civilians, or critical infrastructure. Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said the ceasefire meant terrorism from Afghanistan on Pakistan's soil would be stopped immediately. The two sides are set to meet in Istanbul for further talks next week.

A healthcare executive, Sara Sommers Wilks, and her husband, Brian Wilks, were arrested and charged with child neglect after allegedly leaving their 6-month-old daughter alone in a tent on a beach in Florida while they went for a walk with their three older children. The baby was found by a good Samaritan and taken care of until authorities arrived. The parents claimed they 'lost track of time' and were unreachable as they had left their cellphones behind with the infant. The baby was later remanded into the custody of the Florida Department of Children and Families, while the parents were released on a $1,000 bond.

The article discusses Jane Fonda's attendance at NYC's annual animal blessing event at The Cathedral of St. John the Divine, followed by her visit to Melba's in Harlem for fried chicken and collard greens. The event, celebrating the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, featured a procession of various animals and was attended by approximately 2,000 New Yorkers. The article also includes various other celebrity sightings and news snippets.

Former Biden White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has written in her new memoir, 'Independent,' that she can no longer be a Democrat due to the party's 'horrible' treatment of President Joe Biden. Jean-Pierre expressed her anger and sadness over Biden's decision to drop out of the presidential race, which she felt was a result of pressure from within his own party. She had previously defended Biden's physical and mental viability but ultimately felt betrayed by the party's actions. Jean-Pierre announced that she would be leaving the Democratic Party in June and has since become an independent. The memoir details her experiences working with Biden and her disappointment with the party's handling of his withdrawal from the race.

The article by Miranda Devine discusses Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist candidate running for mayor of New York City, who is leading in the polls. Devine criticizes Mamdani for his association with radical Imam Siraj Wahhaj, who has links to terrorists and advocates for Shariah law in the US. Mamdani's background and political stances are scrutinized, including his Islamo-Marxist ideology and support for Palestinian causes. The article also features the perspective of Mark Lucas, a veteran who served in Afghanistan post-9/11 and is now concerned about Mamdani's potential victory. Devine argues that Mamdani's embrace of radical Islam and his divisive policies pose a threat to New York City.

Thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews protested around the Israeli consulate in New York City to call for a change in Israel's military draft rules, specifically to maintain an exemption for religious students from compulsory service. The protest was organized by the Central Rabbinical Congress of the U.S.A. and Canada, a consortium of Orthodox Jewish groups, in response to Israel's Supreme Court ordering the government to draft ultra-Orthodox Jewish men into the military. The protesters worry that mandatory enlistment will impact their faith, while many Jewish Israelis argue that the exemption is unfair. The issue has deepened rifts since the start of the war in Gaza.

The article, written by Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the Conservative Party and HM Leader of the Opposition in Britain, argues that the United States under President Donald Trump's leadership has the kind of strong and decisive leadership that Britain desperately needs. Badenoch praises Trump's approach to issues such as illegal immigration, energy policy, and national security, and suggests that Britain can learn from America's example. She criticizes the current British government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, for being timid and ineffective, particularly in dealing with issues such as illegal immigration and China's growing influence. Badenoch calls for Britain to adopt a more robust and assertive approach to governance, similar to that of the Trump administration.

The Hong Kong Observatory is set to issue the No 3 typhoon warning at 5:20 pm due to Tropical Storm Fengshen and a northeast monsoon, skipping the No 1 standby signal. Temperatures are expected to drop to 19 degrees Celsius, and flooding may occur in low-lying coastal areas during high tides. The decision to directly issue the No 3 signal was made due to strong onshore winds already affecting the territory.

The launch of the iPhone Air, the first eSIM-supported smartphone sold in China, has reshaped the country's telecoms landscape. China's three major mobile carriers - China Unicom, China Mobile, and China Telecom - have adopted different approaches to eSIM technology. The iPhone Air sold out within minutes of its release, and domestic brands like Oppo and Huawei quickly followed suit with their own eSIM-supported devices. eSIMs allow users to store multiple profiles and switch between carriers or plans without changing physical SIM cards. The development marks a significant shift in China's telecoms history, with state-owned carriers competing for dominance in a changing landscape.

The Malaysian government has raised concerns about the potential misuse of subsidized petrol in states bordering Thailand, with data indicating that some motorists are rapidly exhausting their monthly quotas, fueling suspicions of smuggling. The Budi95 scheme, introduced on September 27, allows eligible Malaysians to purchase RON95 petrol at a subsidized rate of 1.99 ringgit per liter, capped at 300 liters per month. However, early usage patterns suggest irregularities, particularly in regions bordering Thailand, with some individuals utilizing their entire quota within the first two weeks of October. Treasury Secretary General Johan Mahmood Merican stated that the 300-liter limit was designed to accommodate normal consumption levels, but the data implies that some individuals are exploiting the scheme to feed smuggling networks. Fuel smuggling has long been a problem along the 130km stretch between Kelantan and southern Thailand, where subsidized petrol can be resold at a significant markup.

The Philippines and China are working on a coastguard cooperation pact to manage tensions in the disputed South China Sea. The proposed agreement aims to boost cooperation and reduce confrontation between the two nations. However, analysts are cautiously optimistic, warning that past efforts to lower tensions have had limited success. The pact is a response to recurring incidents, including a recent collision between a Philippine fisheries bureau vessel and a Chinese coastguard ship near Thitu Island.

A PLA Navy tanker was spotted resupplying a China Coast Guard vessel near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, highlighting growing coordination between China's naval and coastguard forces amid heightened tensions with the Philippines. The Qinghaihu, a PLA Navy replenishment ship, was part of a multi-vessel manoeuvre involving two Chinese navy warships, four coastguard vessels, and several Chinese maritime militia vessels. The incident underscores the ongoing tensions in the contested South China Sea, where China controls the disputed Scarborough Shoal, which it refers to as Huangyan Island.

A North Korean soldier defected to South Korea across the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on Sunday, marking the first reported defection by a North Korean soldier since August 2024. The soldier expressed a desire to resettle in South Korea. The DMZ is a heavily fortified border, guarded by land mines, tank traps, and combat troops. Most North Koreans who defect to South Korea do so via China, but this soldier crossed the central portion of the land border. Relations between North and South Korea remain strained, with North Korea rejecting outreach by South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently showcased his military's powerful weapons at a military parade.

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde discussed the global economy on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan' on October 19, 2025. Lagarde described the economy as 'in transformation' due to tariffs and artificial intelligence. She expressed concerns about the impact of Trump's tariffs, stating that the pain is yet to be felt, and that the costs will likely be passed on to consumers. Lagarde also discussed the ongoing trade tensions between the US and China, suggesting that both sides will need to come to the table to negotiate. She noted that China has leverage over rare earth exports, and that Europe and the US should join forces to counter this. Lagarde also touched on the dollar's status as a safe-haven currency, citing signs of erosion in its attraction, and discussed the potential use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.

Senator Katie Britt discusses the government shutdown and healthcare issues on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan'. She emphasizes the need to reopen the government and criticizes the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), suggesting it's broken and needs reform. Britt also talks about a recent decision by an Alabama court ruling frozen embryos are children and how President Trump's policies will make IVF more accessible and affordable for millions more people.

The Bollywood film 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' (DDLJ), released in 1995, continues to captivate Indian audiences 30 years later. The movie tells the story of two young Indians who fall in love while traveling in Europe, but face opposition from the woman's conservative father. The film's enduring popularity is attributed to its cultural resonance with India's liberalization and globalization in the 1990s. The movie's themes of love, family, and tradition continue to resonate with young Indians today. The film's success catapulted its lead actors, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, to stardom and cemented their status as an iconic on-screen couple. The article explores the film's impact on Indian culture and its continued relevance today.

The US Navy is facing a shipbuilding crisis, with programs chronically behind schedule and over budget. South Korean shipyards, such as HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean, have achieved success in building warships on time and within budget. They attribute their efficiency to their experienced workforce, logistics, and the ability to switch between military and commercial projects. US experts believe that South Korean shipbuilders could help improve US shipbuilding, but laws preventing the Navy from buying foreign-built ships or building ships in foreign countries need to be changed.

The Louvre Museum in Paris was robbed of 'priceless' jewels from its Apollo Gallery in a seven-minute heist. Christopher Marinello, CEO of Art Recovery International, weighed in on the incident, stating that the thieves' primary goal is to convert the stolen items into cash as quickly as possible. The stolen jewels are part of France's Crown Jewels collection.

Experts are questioning claims of famine in Gaza due to concerns over data accuracy and potential bias in the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), which claimed famine conditions existed in one Gaza governorate. David Adesnik, vice president of research at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, argues that mortality rates and food prices do not support the famine claims. The IPC's organizational ties and funding have also been questioned, with some sources suggesting potential bias. The United Nations has faced criticism for its aid distribution in Gaza, with reports of looting and interception of aid trucks.

The global euthanasia lobby is expanding its efforts to legalize assisted suicide for minors, sparking concerns among disability rights groups and families of children who have died under the current law. A Canadian teenager, Markus Schouten, died in 2022 after opposing efforts to expand the law to children under 18. His parents are now part of a global network fighting against the expansion. The euthanasia lobby, comprising at least 96 organizations worldwide, uses language of civil rights and human rights to promote their cause. The 'mature minor doctrine' is being leveraged to argue that children should have the autonomy to choose death. Countries like the Netherlands, Belgium, and Colombia have already allowed 'mature minors' to die by physician-assisted suicide.

The article discusses the surge in jihadist attacks in the Sahel region of Africa following the withdrawal of US and European troops and their replacement by Russian mercenaries. The Sahel region has seen a significant increase in terrorism-related fatalities, with 3,885 deaths in 2024, accounting for 51% of global terrorism-related fatalities. The article cites analysts who claim that the Russian mercenaries, formerly known as the Wagner Group, are more interested in extracting minerals than helping to stop the spread of jihadism. The situation has deteriorated since the US and French forces withdrew from countries such as Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, where military juntas have taken power and expelled Western military forces. The article highlights the human cost of the jihadist attacks, including the killing of 22 people in an attack on a village in western Niger.

The article discusses a proposal for a tunnel connecting Russia and the US, which has been met with mixed reactions. Russia's investment envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, announced that a feasibility study for the tunnel had begun six months ago. The idea was discussed during a press conference between Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with Trump calling it 'interesting' and Zelenskyy expressing his disapproval. The proposed tunnel, dubbed the 'Putin-Trump Tunnel', aims to connect the two countries under the Bering Strait.

The article discusses the rising popularity of micro-dramas in China, which are serialized productions split into episodes of roughly a minute, viewed solely on smartphones. These dramas have become a cultural sensation, with hundreds of millions of views and downloads. The industry has grown rapidly, with revenues reaching $6.9 billion in 2023, exceeding the Chinese box office for the first time. The Chinese government has taken notice, with regulations being introduced to control content and encourage productions that promote certain values. The format is now being exported abroad, with production houses creating English-language content and expanding into new markets. The article explores the behind-the-scenes of this industry, including a visit to a massive production facility in Quzhou.

A football derby between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Maccabi Tel Aviv was cancelled due to violent riots at Bloomfield Stadium, resulting in 13 civilians and three police officers being injured. Hapoel Tel Aviv football club claimed 'brutal police violence' and 'officers indiscriminately beating fans', while Israeli police stated that dozens of smoke grenades and pyrotechnic devices were thrown. The incident has sparked controversy, with Maccabi supporters being banned from attending a Europa League game against Aston Villa in Birmingham due to a high risk of violence. The UK government is working to ensure fans of both teams can attend the game safely.

Japan is facing a succession crisis among family-owned businesses due to an aging population and high inheritance taxes, leading to a boom in private equity investments. Many business owners are selling their companies to private equity firms as they lack successors and face significant tax burdens. The private equity market in Japan has grown significantly, with deal values exceeding $20 billion annually for four consecutive years. Experts attribute the growth to the succession crisis, regulatory reforms, and macroeconomic factors such as a weak yen. However, some caution that the market may be overheating, referencing the 2006-07 private equity boom that resulted in underperforming investments.

The article discusses the potential impact of U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to impose a 100% tariff on movies produced outside the U.S. on Britain's film industry. The industry is already facing challenges from weak Box Office sales, competition from streaming platforms, and Hollywood actor strikes. The tariff could upend the global industry and deliver a heavy blow to Britain's fragile sector, which relies heavily on U.S. partnerships and investments. Industry experts and leaders are concerned about the potential consequences and are urging the U.K. government to take action.

The Australian government has condemned the Chinese military's 'unsafe and unprofessional' behavior after a Chinese fighter jet released flares near a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) surveillance aircraft over the South China Sea. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, is at least the third such encounter in the past 18 months. Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles stated that the behavior was 'dangerous' and 'could have been a different outcome.' Australia's defence forces expressed concerns about the incident, saying it posed a risk to RAAF personnel and their aircraft. The Australian government expects all countries, including China, to operate their militaries in a safe and professional manner.

Sanae Takaichi is poised to become Japan's first female prime minister after her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) agreed to form a coalition with the right-wing Nippon Ishin party. The coalition will give Takaichi a stronger position to win the prime minister vote on Tuesday, despite being two seats short of a majority in the lower house. Takaichi, a hardline conservative, has been a vocal advocate for a hawkish stance on China, opposition to mass migration, and revising Japan's post-war constitution. Her appointment is expected to be formalized just before US President Donald Trump's visit to Japan and her attendance at the APEC summit in South Korea.

Qatar's diplomatic efforts have led to a ceasefire in Gaza, enhancing its image as a global mediator. The country's willingness to engage with unsavory actors has been vindicated, with the US and other countries utilizing its services. Qatar has been involved in at least nine diplomatic efforts worldwide, including negotiations between the US and Venezuela, and prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine. Despite criticisms of playing both sides, Qatar's relationships with the US and Israel have been strengthened through its mediation efforts. The country's leadership is expected to continue supporting ceasefire talks and humanitarian aid in Gaza.

Ukrainian forces have been using land drones packed with explosives to force Russian troops to surrender. In one instance, Russian troops held in a foxhole in the Kharkiv region displayed a cardboard sign saying 'WE WANT TO SURRENDER' after being confronted by a small, wheeled robot carrying 138 pounds of explosives. This new tactic has been effective in breaking Russian resistance.

Malaysia's train travel is experiencing a resurgence, with improved services and infrastructure drawing commuters, adventurers, and nostalgia seekers. The Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) train service has seen a significant increase in ridership, with the intercity rail service more than doubling to over 8.75 million in the past decade. The Komuter Utara service, launched in 2015, has benefited many Malaysians, including workers like Nuhairi Ismail who commute from rural areas to industrial parks. The Jungle Railway, a scenic route through Malaysia's rugged interior, is a popular tourist attraction and a vital transportation link for rural communities. The government has announced plans to improve infrastructure and public connectivity under the 13th Malaysia Plan, including the East Coast Rail Link and Penang Light Rail Transit.