In other news

The article discusses the recent surge in gold prices, warning investors to be cautious of the rally. It explains that the jargon of gold trading is similar to that of poker, with 'strong hands' being loyal investors and 'weak hands' being flaky punters. The article suggests that the price rise is driven by investors convincing others of their story, but warns that if the market softens and the price doesn't rebound, their story collapses. The article is skeptical about the sustainability of the gold rally and advises investors to beware.

The article discusses how OpenAI's dominant position in the tech landscape is showing signs of cracking. The 21st-century tech landscape has been characterized by a winner-takes-all mindset, with companies like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and Meta dominating their respective markets. However, OpenAI's facade is beginning to crack, and the article explores the implications of this development. The article also touches on other business-related topics, such as Nvidia's bullishness and the challenges faced by companies in the tech industry.

The article discusses how the cryptocurrency industry has rapidly gained acceptance and legitimacy in mainstream finance, with banks and asset managers launching their own crypto products and regulators providing clarity on stablecoins. However, the article argues that this newfound acceptance has led to a surge in crypto values, which may now be sinking, potentially spreading across financial markets.

The article discusses Elon Musk's $1 trillion pay deal at Tesla, highlighting the dilemma companies face when trying to retain key talent. The deal, which was approved by over 75% of Tesla's shareholders, requires Musk to meet certain performance targets, including increasing the company's market capitalization to $8.5 trillion. The article explores the implications of such large compensation packages and the challenges companies face in hedging against the loss of their star employees.

The article discusses how AI is being used to analyze cover letters and CVs, leading to a potential issue where applicants rely too heavily on AI-generated content, resulting in lower pay. A good cover letter is supposed to demonstrate an applicant's interest in a position and showcase their relevant skills. However, with AI, the signalling effect of a cover letter is lost, and employers may not be able to identify promising candidates.

The article discusses the growing concern of libellous chatbots and the potential legal headaches they may cause for their developers. It highlights a recent case where Google's AI chatbot, Gemma, made a false and damaging statement about US Senator Marsha Blackburn, accusing her of being involved in a non-consensual relationship with a state trooper. The article notes that companies like Google, Meta, and OpenAI are increasingly being sued for defamation due to the mistakes made by their chatbots. As AI technology advances, the risk of chatbots spreading false information and causing harm to individuals and organizations grows, posing a significant legal challenge for the industry.

The article discusses how CEOs are dealing with Donald Trump a year after his election as President. It highlights the conflicted feelings of corporate America towards Trump and how chief executives are learning to navigate this unique presidency. The article proposes a thought experiment to understand the mixed emotions, imagining falling asleep on November 6th, 2024, and waking up today to assess the current state of affairs under Trump's leadership. It touches upon various business-related topics and challenges faced by companies during Trump's presidency.

Target, an American retailer, has introduced a new customer interaction policy called the '10-4 rule' to improve customer experience in its stores. The policy requires employees to smile and make eye contact when customers are within 10 feet, and to personally greet customers when they are within 4 feet. The article discusses whether this new policy is effective or not, and how it fits into the broader context of customer service in retail.

The article discusses the current state of American capitalism, warning that the recent frenzy of financial innovation may lead to a market downturn. It highlights the confluence of Silicon Valley, Wall Street, and Washington in creating one of the greatest money-making eras in American capitalism, with the value of listed companies relative to the economy at an all-time high. The article draws parallels between great financial manias and the folly of their architects, suggesting that the current exuberance may be unsustainable.

The article discusses a dispute between two wealthy individuals, Amelia Bond and Lisa Gorman, over a stand of oak trees in Camden, Maine. Bond, who owns a property adjacent to Gorman's, poisons the trees using a herbicide, allegedly to improve her view. Gorman, heiress to the L.L. Bean retail fortune, discovers the sabotage and engages in a public feud with Bond, involving lawyers and media coverage. The article uses this incident to explore the economics of crime, particularly among the wealthy.

The Atlanta Braves made two significant moves on Wednesday, re-signing closer Raisel Iglesias to a one-year, $16 million contract and acquiring utilityman Mauricio Dubon from the Houston Astros in exchange for infielder Nick Allen. Iglesias, 35, has been with the Braves since 2022 and has provided consistent relief pitching, posting a 2.35 ERA and 0.94 WHIP across 222 appearances. Dubon, who won his second career Gold Glove award in 2025, brings versatility to the Braves' lineup. The moves come as the team looks to bounce back from a disappointing 76-86 record in the 2025 season, which ended their seven-year postseason streak. The Braves will also have a new manager, Walt Weiss, following Brian Snitker's decision not to return.

Meghan Markle has spoken out after Balenciaga designer Pierpaolo Piccioli revealed she invited herself to Paris Fashion Week. Markle explained that she reached out to Piccioli to support his show and kept it a secret. In an interview with Harper's Bazaar, Markle discussed her approach to balancing work and family life, her relationship with Prince Harry, and her values as a mother and entrepreneur. She emphasized the importance of being authentic, taking risks, and having fun. Markle also promoted her upcoming Netflix holiday special, 'With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration'.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has been criticized for allocating $113 million in taxpayer funds to far-left organizations that promote open borders, defund the police, and advocate for radical climate and social justice agendas. The funds have been distributed to various groups, including those that target minors with LGBTQ ideology, promote anti-Israel extremism, and lobby to decriminalize prostitution. Critics argue that the funds could be better spent on essential services such as education and law enforcement.

Miss Jamaica, Dr. Gabrielle Henry, fell off the stage during the Miss Universe preliminary evening gown round in Thailand and was carried away on a stretcher. She was rushed to Paolo Rangsit Hospital and is not suffering from life-threatening injuries. The incident occurred as Henry was strutting down the dark runway in a glamorous orange gown. The Miss Universe Jamaica organization and pageant owner Raul Rocha reassured fans that Henry is under good care and receiving medical attention. Henry is an ophthalmologist and the founder of the See Me Foundation, a charity advocating for the visually impaired. The incident comes as the 47th annual Miss Universe pageant is embroiled in scandal, with a judge resigning and alleging an 'impromptu jury' had already chosen the winners.

NASA has released high-resolution images of the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS, captured by multiple spacecraft between September and October. The images show a glowing orb encircled by a hazy halo of gas and dust, hurtling through space at 153,000 miles per hour. Scientists are debating whether the object is a natural comet or an artificial craft. The object is expected to make its closest approach to Earth on December 19.

The article argues that medical intervention for gender-confused children is experimental and barbaric, citing a peer-reviewed study commissioned by the Department of Health and Human Services that found little evidence to support hormone therapy for kids. The study, which was affirmed by 10 researchers and groups, recommends that doctors focus on psychotherapy until more is known about medical interventions. The article criticizes the medical industry's capture by trans ideology and activists, who have allegedly silenced dissent and manipulated parents into putting their children on puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones. The author argues that level-headed people must continue to speak out against this practice, citing the incoming New York City mayor's plan to budget $65 million for medical transitions, including for minors, as a concerning example.

Supermodel Kathy Ireland has launched a new career in commercial fishing, obtaining an open-ocean commercial fishing license and joining her husband Dr. Greg Olsen's fishing operation, 4th Watch Seafood. Ireland, who is also the CEO of Kathy Ireland Brands, discussed her new venture with Fox News Digital, highlighting the parallels between her business experience and the skills required for commercial fishing, such as intentionality, precision, and adaptability. She reflected on the challenges and rewards of working on a commercial fishing boat, including the physical demands and the importance of teamwork.

An Australian woman, Annaliese Holland, aged 25, has decided to end her life through medical assistance after battling a rare and terminal neurological disease, autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy, since childhood. The disease has caused chronic pain, nausea, vomiting, and dependence on IV feeding for the past decade. Despite her condition, Holland has chosen to 'die on her own terms' using voluntary assisted dying (VAD), a legal option in Australia for terminally ill patients. Holland's decision comes after years of suffering and watching her friends move on with their lives while she remains stuck in a state of survival rather than living. Her family, while initially resistant, has come to understand her decision.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has accused UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood of 'ethnic stereotyping' after she highlighted 700 Albanian families living in taxpayer-funded accommodation despite failing their asylum claims. Mahmood announced major reforms to the UK's asylum system, including making refugee status temporary and extending the wait for permanent settlement from five to 20 years. Rama criticized Mahmood's comments, stating that singling out Albanian families was not policy but 'demagoguery' and that Albanians are net contributors to the British economy. The UK has deported over 13,000 people to Albania since a returns deal was signed in 2022, which Rama described as 'one of Europe's most successful partnerships on illegal migration.'

The family of Mohammad Akhlaq, a Muslim man lynched by a Hindu mob in India's Uttar Pradesh state in 2015, vows to continue fighting for justice despite the state government's move to drop all charges against the accused. Akhlaq was beaten to death after rumors spread that he had stored and consumed beef, a claim his family denies. The case sparked widespread protests and outrage, with many criticizing the government's handling of the incident. The family's lawyer argues that the witnesses' testimonies are consistent, and the government's decision to drop the charges is an attempt to embolden the perpetrators.

Thirty-five individuals and three institutions are on trial in North Macedonia for a nightclub fire that killed 63 people, mainly young, in Kocani in March. The fire was caused by sparks from pyrotechnic devices that set the flammable ceiling ablaze, and was exacerbated by blocked exits and overcrowding. Prosecutors allege that the disaster was the result of institutional failures and a lack of responsibility, with licences issued unlawfully and inspections not carried out. The trial is expected to be lengthy, with the judge warning it could last 'five months or five years'.

Italy's top appeals court has ruled that Ukrainian national Serhiy Kuznetsov, suspected of involvement in the 2022 Nord Stream gas pipeline blasts, should be extradited to Germany to face charges of anti-constitutional sabotage. Kuznetsov's lawyer claims he is a 'scapegoat' and that the Ukrainian government has not defended him or confirmed his military status at the time of the blasts. The case has implications for Ukraine-Germany relations, with many Ukrainians viewing the perpetrators as heroes for targeting a key Russian revenue source.

A ferry carrying 267 passengers and crew ran aground off the south-east coast of South Korea, resulting in 27 minor injuries. The helmsman and first mate were arrested for gross negligence, with the helmsman admitting to being on his phone when the incident occurred. The incident is under investigation, and authorities are examining the exact cause. The accident recalls the 2014 Sewol ferry sinking, which killed over 300 people.

The COP31 climate meeting is expected to be held in Turkey after Australia dropped its bid to host the event following a compromise reached at COP30 in Brazil. Australia will support Turkey's bid in return for its climate minister, Chris Bowen, chairing the talks. The unusual arrangement has taken observers by surprise as it is normal for a COP president to be from the host country. Australia had pushed hard to host the summit in Adelaide, co-hosting with Pacific island states, while Turkey proposed hosting in Antalya. The compromise includes a pre-COP meeting to be held on a Pacific island, while the main event is held in Turkey.

Two judges, Omar Harfouch and Claude Makélélé, have resigned from the Miss Universe pageant, with Harfouch alleging that the selection process was rigged. The pageant has been marred by controversy, including a recent incident where the Thailand director publicly berated a contestant. The Miss Universe Organisation has denied Harfouch's allegations, stating that no external group was authorised to evaluate delegates or select finalists. The organisation suggested that Harfouch may have been referring to the Beyond the Crown programme, a separate social impact initiative. The controversy has raised questions about the integrity of the pageant and its organisation.

The US-China diplomatic relations have taken a hit after US Ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle, urged Athens to sell the Chinese-operated port of Piraeus, stating that the presence of China's state-owned shipping giant Cosco was 'unfortunate'. China has accused the US of trying to undermine its relations with Greece, with the Chinese embassy in Greece expressing 'firm opposition' to Guilfoyle's remarks, calling them 'full of cold war mentality and hegemonic logic'. The port of Piraeus is considered a significant example of commercial cooperation between Beijing and Athens. The incident has sparked tension between the US and China, highlighting the ongoing rivalry between the two nations.

The US and EU are considering stricter rules of origin in their trade deal, which could target China's exports and impact its economy. Chinese economist Zhang Yuyan warns that China should prepare for these changes, as they could redefine global trade patterns and affect the country's export sector. Zhang notes that China's manufacturing ecosystem gives it powerful tools to retaliate, but the country's exports are vulnerable due to their reliance on intermediate goods processed in third countries.

Chinese state media is calling for more research into the history of the Ryukyu island chain amid a diplomatic row with Japan over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's comments on Taiwan. The Global Times editorial argues that studying the Ryukyu's history is crucial for understanding its geopolitical position and addressing 'pressing real-world concerns' like the US military presence in Japan. The Ryukyu archipelago, which includes Okinawa, was once an independent kingdom and is now home to tens of thousands of American troops. Chinese state media believes that research into the Ryukyu's history can shed light on how to address regional security concerns.

The European Union is hosting its fourth Indo-Pacific forum in Brussels, aiming to convince senior officials and diplomats from Asia, Africa, and the Pacific that it is a more reliable partner than the US and China. The forum, attended by over 70 delegations, including more than 50 ministers or vice-ministers, will discuss issues such as China's stronghold on critical minerals. The EU is trying to present itself as a neutral alternative to the US and China, which have been engaged in a rivalry that has bruised many countries in the region.

A Philippine court has sentenced former mayor Alice Guo to life imprisonment for her role in a human trafficking case linked to a scam hub. Guo was found guilty of qualified human trafficking and was also ordered to pay 2 million pesos (US$34,000) in addition to monetary reparations to the victims. The case is part of a larger crackdown on transnational criminal syndicates in Southeast Asia, with Asean leaders expressing alarm over rising cybercrimes.

The article highlights seven lifestyle stories from the South China Morning Post's recent reporting, focusing on Hong Kong's take on Peking duck and China's ancient Qing dynasty. The selected stories include how top Hong Kong chefs prepare Peking duck, the legacy of China's Qing dynasty, and other lifestyle highlights. The Qing dynasty, which lasted from 1644 to 1912, brought both wealth and humiliation to China, with the Qianlong Emperor being a significant figure during that period. The article also touches on other topics such as Hong Kong romance films and the movie 'Wicked: For Good'.

The Quad nations (India, US, Australia, and Japan) have completed a major naval drill, the Malabar exercise, despite trade tensions and political differences. Analysts view this as a sign of the bloc's cohesion and commitment to defence cooperation, driven by a 'growing convergence of strategic interests' and a shared goal of maintaining a free and open order in the region's maritime waters. The exercise, held off Guam's waters, involved drills on anti-submarine and anti-air warfare, as well as counter-piracy operations, and was seen as a counterweight to China's growing influence in the region.

As US sanctions on Russian oil firms Rosneft and Lukoil are set to take effect, India is preparing to end its three-year buying spree of discounted Russian crude oil. Indian companies have been snapping up Russian oil since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, but the new sanctions will target companies doing business with these firms. India's intake of Russian crude has been a point of contention in its trade negotiations with the US, with President Trump imposing a special tariff on Indian goods in August. Indian oil refiners are expected to obey the new rules and stop buying Russian crude, with some companies already loading up on Russian oil before the deadline.

The article discusses how, 50 years after the death of Spanish dictator Francisco Franco, his legacy remains a contentious issue in Spain. Despite his authoritarian regime being marked by human rights abuses and suppression of free speech, some young conservatives in Spain are reevaluating his image and expressing nostalgia for his rule. The left-wing government has launched a campaign to promote the successes of Spain's post-Franco transition to democracy and to counter the growing trend of nostalgia for authoritarianism. The campaign includes social media training for influencers, a comic book about the Franco regime for elementary-school children, and a game app that simulates the experience of living under a dictatorship. However, the conservative opposition has criticized the campaign as 'absurd necrophilia' and a 'smoke screen' for the left's agenda. The article highlights the ongoing debate over Franco's legacy and the concerns of liberals about the growing nostalgia for authoritarianism among young people.

Lawrence H. Summers, a Harvard University economist and former president, will step back from his teaching duties while the university investigates his ties to the disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Summers will also leave his role as director of the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government at the Harvard Kennedy School. The decision comes after a House committee released emails revealing a cozy relationship between Summers and Epstein, who exchanged messages after Epstein served jail time for sex crimes with minors. Summers has expressed regret for maintaining his connection to Epstein and has also resigned from the board of OpenAI.

The article discusses the increasing number of bear attacks in Japan, particularly in the Akita region, where four people have died and over 50 have been injured this year. The Asiatic black bear, which is considered sacred in Japan, has become increasingly aggressive due to climate change and demographic shifts. The government has responded by deploying troops to help set traps and kill bears, and has amended its gun laws to make it easier for hunters to shoot in residential areas. The public is adapting to the new reality by taking precautions such as carrying bear spray and avoiding walking alone. However, some traditional hunters are troubled by the government's efforts, which they believe disregard traditional practices and the cultural significance of bears.

The article reports that Zohran Mamdani, the incoming mayor of New York City, will meet with President Trump at the White House on Friday. Despite their differences, with Mamdani having run on a promise to stand up to Trump and having been a vocal critic of the president's immigration policies, the two will discuss issues such as public safety, economic security, and affordability. Trump had previously attacked Mamdani during the election, but has privately described him as a talented politician. Mamdani has vowed to defend New Yorkers and stand up to Trump if he tries to hurt them.

The Colombian Navy has seized over 450 pounds of cocaine hidden underneath a ship bound for Europe. The discovery was made during an underwater inspection by divers from the Buenaventura Coast Guard Station, who found seven suspicious bags containing the narcotics. This seizure comes after the Navy announced it had confiscated over seven tons of drugs from two speedboats and a semi-submersible vessel in the Pacific Ocean. The recent bust is part of a larger context of tension between the Colombian President Gustavo Petro and the Trump administration over drug cartels and U.S. migrant deportations.

The Louvre Museum's director, Laurence des Cars, has announced 'emergency measures' to boost security after a brazen crown jewels heist last month. The measures include installing 100 new surveillance cameras by the end of next year and anti-intrusion systems within two weeks. The heist, which occurred on October 19, saw thieves steal an 88 million euro ($102 million) trove of jewels in under eight minutes. The new security measures are part of the Louvre's 'Louvre New Renaissance' plan, a decade-long initiative to modernize infrastructure and improve security. The museum has been criticized for its previous security vulnerabilities, and the recent heist has highlighted the need for improved measures to protect the museum's valuable collections.

NASA released close-up images of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS as it makes a rare flyby through the solar system. The comet was first discovered in July and has been photographed several times, with images showing it from various distances. NASA spacecraft will continue to track the comet as it moves through the solar system, with its closest approach to Earth on December 19. Scientists are excited about the opportunity to study the comet, which is believed to have originated from a star system older than our own.

The Kessler twins, German entertainment duo known for performing with Fred Astaire and Frank Sinatra, died together by assisted suicide at 89. Alice and Ellen Kessler began their career in the 1950s and gained international recognition in the 1960s. They were known for their dancing and singing talents and performed with various famous artists. The twins were found dead in their home in Grünwald, a suburb of Munich, and their deaths were confirmed as a 'joint suicide' by Munich police. The German Society for Humane Dying confirmed it was an assisted suicide. The Kessler twins had expressed their desire to be buried together in the same urn, along with their mother's and dog's ashes.

Chinese authorities have formally arrested 18 leaders of the Zion Church, a major underground Christian church, on politically motivated charges. The arrests were made in mid-October as part of a broader crackdown on Christian churches in China. The church leaders were detained for 'faithfully shepherding a large, legally unregistered church that refused to submit to CCP control and surveillance.' The arrests have been condemned by Christian advocacy groups and US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The German government has introduced a new system of incentives to boost military recruitment amid growing security concerns across Europe, particularly due to the Russia threat. The incentives include free access to driving licenses and an increased pre-tax salary at the starting level to around $3,000 a month. The move is part of Germany's effort to strengthen its armed forces, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz aiming to transform it into 'Europe's strongest conventional army.' If the voluntary model fails to secure sufficient personnel, there are plans to make military service obligatory. Experts see this as a significant step towards Europe taking its defense more seriously, shifting away from reliance on the US.

The US and Iran are at odds over Venezuela, with Iran backing Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro as the Trump administration increases military pressure in the Caribbean. Iran has condemned US actions and publicly tied itself to Maduro, warning of 'dangerous repercussions' from US military activity in the region. The US has launched a crackdown on criminal networks tied to the Maduro regime, including designating the Venezuela-based Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. Experts say Iran's support for Maduro is driven by a desire to maintain its foothold in Latin America and counter US influence.

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 echoed the bishops' concerns, stating that migrants should be treated with respect and dignity, even if they are in the country illegally.

A massive fire broke out in the south-western Japanese city of Oita on Tuesday evening, killing one person and damaging or destroying 170 homes. The fire, which was fueled by strong winds, burned 48,900 square meters of land, forcing 175 residents to evacuate to an emergency shelter. Firefighters, aided by two army helicopters, battled the blaze for nearly 20 hours before bringing it under control. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The disaster response team reported that a man in his 70s was missing and later found dead, possibly the victim of the fire. The fire is considered the largest urban fire in Japan since 1976, excluding incidents caused by earthquakes. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pledged to provide maximum support to those affected.

A power blackout hit parts of Paris on Thursday morning, causing disruptions to metro and suburban train lines and leaving 170,000 homes without power. French electricity operators, including RTE, reported that one of its electrical substations in Issy-les-Moulineaux was damaged, leading to the outage. RTE apologized for the inconvenience and worked to restore power, with 112,000 homes reconnected within five minutes. By 6:50 am, 2,600 homes were still without power.

The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has concluded that a single loose wire on the container ship Dali caused it to lose power before colliding with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, killing six construction workers. The NTSB found that an improperly placed label on the wire prevented it from being fully inserted, causing an inadequate connection. The board has praised the ship's crew for their timely and appropriate actions but has called on the maritime shipping industry to strengthen its safety systems. The incident has had far-reaching consequences, including a significant increase in the projected cost of rebuilding the bridge and a criminal probe by the FBI.

A South Korean ferry, Queen Jenuvia 2, carrying 267 passengers and crew, ran aground off the coast of Jindo Island. All on board were rescued, with three reported minor injuries. The incident occurred while the ferry was traveling from Jeju Island to Mokpo. The cause of the grounding is unclear. The rescue effort was led by the coastguard, with Prime Minister Kim Min-seok ordering all available resources to be used. The incident recalls the 2014 Sewol ferry disaster, which resulted in over 300 deaths.

Alice Guo, a Chinese national who posed as a Filipina to become the mayor of Bamban town in the Philippines, has been sentenced to life in prison for human trafficking. Guo was found guilty of overseeing a Chinese-operated online gambling centre where over 700 people from various nationalities were forced to run scams or face torture. The centre was raided in March 2024, and Guo was arrested in Indonesia in September 2024. The case highlights the growing issue of transnational scam industries in south-east Asia, with thousands of scammers involved and billions of dollars lost. The Philippine government has taken steps to address the issue, including banning offshore gambling operations.

Papua New Guinea's foreign minister has expressed frustration and disappointment after Australia withdrew its bid to co-host the Cop31 climate conference with Pacific island nations in 2026. Australia had been pushing to host the conference alongside its Pacific neighbors, who are increasingly threatened by rising sea levels and climate-related disasters. However, Australia pulled out after Turkey refused to back down from its own hosting bid. Papua New Guinea and other Pacific Island leaders have criticized the Cop summit process for being ineffective and not holding big polluters accountable. The decision has been seen as a missed opportunity to raise awareness about the Pacific region's vulnerability to climate change.

The Prime Minister of Samoa, La'aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt, has temporarily banned the Samoa Observer, the country's only daily newspaper, from attending press conferences due to a dispute over the newspaper's coverage of his eight-week medical stay in New Zealand. The Prime Minister accused the newspaper of inaccurate reporting and failing to uphold ethical standards. The ban has been met with strong criticism from political leaders, press freedom advocates, and media organizations, who argue that it threatens the democratic integrity of the Pacific nation and undermines the role of the media in holding those in power accountable. Critics say the ban is a disproportionate reaction and that the government has clear channels to raise complaints and resolve disputes. The Samoa Observer has rejected the Prime Minister's claims and reaffirmed its commitment to independent, public-interest journalism.

The Australian government has suppressed a translation of an interview with Nauruan President David Adeang discussing the NZYQ deal between Australia and Nauru, citing concerns over damaging bilateral relations. The translation was done informally by Australia's High Commission and was not endorsed by Nauru. The deal, worth $2.5 billion over 30 years, involves sending around 350 members of the NZYQ cohort to Nauru. The suppression order, which will last for a decade, has been criticized by human rights advocates.

The global robotaxi market is heating up as Chinese companies like Baidu, Pony.ai, and WeRide expand abroad, particularly in the Middle East, while US rivals like Waymo and Tesla lag behind. Baidu's Apollo Go claims to be profitable per vehicle in Wuhan, China, and is expanding to Europe. Chinese companies are partnering with Uber to operate robotaxis, which could help them achieve profitability. The market is expected to be worth over $25 billion by 2030.

Singapore's stock exchange (SGX) has partnered with Nasdaq to simplify dual listings in the US and Singapore, introducing a 'Global Listing Board' for companies with a market capitalization of over $1.5 billion. The partnership aims to enable firms to access global capital, investors, and liquidity through a harmonized cross-border listing framework. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has also announced measures to strengthen the competitiveness of Singapore's equities market, including a SG$30 million 'Value Unlock' package to help companies develop corporate strategy and investor relations. The move is seen as a positive step for the Singapore stock market, with analysts noting that it could broaden regional investor access and increase liquidity.

The Arctic region is becoming increasingly important as countries scramble to secure resources, particularly rare earth minerals. The U.S., Canada, and Russia are among the countries jostling for influence in the region. Greenland, with its vast reserves of rare earths, base metals, and precious metals, is a key focus. Companies such as Critical Metals and Amaroq are working to exploit Greenland's resources, with the latter recently discovering high-grade rare earths and commercial levels of germanium and gallium. However, experts warn that developing these resources will be challenging due to logistical hurdles and the harsh Arctic climate. Sweden is also involved, with state-owned mining firm LKAB racing to develop one of Europe's largest known deposits of rare earths.

The African golden cat is a rare and elusive species found in Central and Western Africa's rainforests. Conservationist Mwezi Mugerwa has dedicated his career to studying and protecting the species. Through a camera trap grid project and AI-powered image analysis, Mugerwa aims to estimate the population and understand the cat's behavior. The main threat to the species is hunting and accidental catching in snares. Mugerwa's efforts include community-based anti-poaching conservation projects and collaboration with organizations like Panthera.

Former US Vice President Dick Cheney's funeral will be held at Washington's National Cathedral, with all four living former vice presidents and two former presidents in attendance. Notably, current President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance were not invited. Cheney, who served under George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, was a key figure in pre-MAGA Republican politics and a polarizing figure due to his role in the Iraq War. The funeral will be a bipartisan event with dignitaries from both parties paying their respects.

The 2025 National Book Awards ceremony took place, honoring outstanding literary works across various categories. Rabih Alameddine won the Fiction prize for his novel 'The True True Story of Raja the Gullible (and His Mother)', a story about a philosophy teacher living with his aging mother. Other winners included Omar El Akkad for non-fiction with 'One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This', a critique of the West's involvement in the Gaza war, and Daniel Nayeri for Young People's Literature with 'The Teacher of Nomad Land: A World War II Story', a book about orphans on the run in Iran during World War II. The ceremony balanced celebratory tones with acknowledgments of heavier global concerns.

Turkey has been selected to host the 2026 United Nations climate change conference (COP31) in Antalya, beating Australia in a contest between the two countries. The decision was made after a protracted negotiation between the two nations, with Germany's state secretary for climate, Jochen Flasbarth, announcing that there was no opposition to the agreement within the relevant group of countries. Turkey will host the COP31 talks and hold the presidency of the summit, while Australia will lead the negotiations. The deal is seen as a compromise, with both countries having initially pushed for their own hosting rights. The COP31 summit is significant as it continues a stretch of climate conferences taking place in the Middle East, following sessions in Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Azerbaijan. Critics have raised concerns that Turkey's increasingly authoritarian leadership under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan may curtail environmental and Indigenous activism at the conference.

The article reports on a surge in bear attacks in Japan, resulting in the deaths of over a dozen people. The Japanese government has issued a series of warnings as the number of attacks reaches record levels. The bears have been spotted in various locations, including rural roads, airport runways, and streets, highlighting the severity of the situation.