In other news

Asean's attempt to engage with Myanmar's military junta over the country's election plan has been met with resistance, leading to a postponement of a planned delegation trip. The junta, backed by China and India, appears determined to proceed with its plans without Asean's input, highlighting the bloc's limited leverage in the region. The postponement has sparked concerns about Asean's ability to influence Myanmar's political crisis.

A leading South China Sea analyst suggests that China might build a science laboratory at the disputed Scarborough Shoal and invite international experts to conduct research. The proposal comes after Beijing announced the creation of a nature reserve at the shoal, which the Philippines claims is within its exclusive economic zone. The analyst, Wu Shicun, calls for further measures to assert China's claims, including boarding inspections and penalties for illegal fishing.

China is dominating the global search for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earths due to its advanced electromagnetic technology, including the world's largest antenna. This high-powered device, hidden in central China, is being used to detect ore and energy resources buried deep underground, leading to significant discoveries including the world's largest gold deposit and ultra-large lithium reserves. China's technological superiority in this area is leaving competitors behind.

A Hong Kong Airlines plane's emergency exit door and inflatable evacuation slide were accidentally triggered after landing in Osaka, causing no injuries but delaying the return flight for 70 passengers. The incident occurred on flight HX612, an Airbus A321 aircraft, as passengers disembarked. The airline reported the incident to the relevant authorities and will cooperate with the investigation. Initial indications suggest that the incident may have been caused by the inadvertent activation of the door's operating handle. The flight crew notified Kansai Airport authorities and carried out necessary safety checks before confirming the aircraft could operate its return service safely.

The article explains China's five-year plan, a top-level roadmap guiding social and economic development over a five-year period. The plan sets quantitative development goals and strategic priorities, and has been used by China since 1953, apart from a brief hiatus. The next five-year plan, the 15th, will be discussed at the Communist Party's Central Committee meeting next month, offering insights into Beijing's plans to navigate uncertainties amid rising tensions with the US. The plan has been instrumental in China's transformation from extreme poverty to a technological powerhouse and the world's second-largest economy.

The GJ-11 'Sharp Sword' unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) led China's Victory Day military parade in Beijing, showcasing its advanced capabilities. The drone's design has been modified with visible folding hinges, suggesting its potential deployment on aircraft carriers or amphibious assault ships. The GJ-11 is considered one of the most advanced uncrewed systems in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and may be the world's first operational ship-based stealth combat drone. It evolved from the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation's 'Sharp Sword' stealth drone project and is produced by Hongdu Aviation Industry Group, both subsidiaries of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). The GJ-11's development hints at a new era for carrier operations and intelligent warfare.

Dong Yu, executive vice-president of the China Institute for Development Planning at Tsinghua University, discusses China's five-year plans in an interview. He highlights the evolution of these plans since 1953 and their role in China's economic development. Yu notes that while early plans sometimes fell short, China has largely succeeded in meeting the goals set out in each plan since the launch of reform and opening-up in 1978. The article explores the significance of these plans and what might be included in the next five-year plan.

Israeli strikes in Gaza City and a refugee camp have killed over 40 people, including 19 women and children, as several European countries and US allies move to recognize a Palestinian state. The Israeli military operation, which began this week, has escalated the conflict in the Middle East and pushed a ceasefire further out of reach. The strikes hit a residential block and a group of people in front of a clinic, killing and wounding many. Israel has not commented on the strikes, but said the operation aims to pressure Hamas into freeing hostages and surrendering.

Berkshire Hathaway, led by Warren Buffett, has ended its 17-year investment in Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD, selling off its remaining shares. The decision comes as China's EV industry faces slowing sales and shrinking profits due to oversupply concerns. Berkshire Hathaway's investment in BYD generated a more than 30-fold increase. BYD's shares dropped following the news, but the company noted that Berkshire Hathaway's stake had fallen below 5% as of June last year, removing the requirement to disclose changes in holdings.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has expressed willingness to meet US President Donald Trump again, citing 'good memory' of their previous interactions. However, significant differences remain between the two nations over denuclearization, with Kim insisting that North Korea will not abandon its nuclear arsenal. Analysts believe that while Kim's comments are positive, the prospects for another summit are slim due to the wide differences between the two leaders.

A 1,000-pound U.S.-made bomb from World War II was discovered at a construction site in Quarry Bay, Hong Kong, prompting the evacuation of approximately 6,000 individuals from 1,900 households. The bomb was defused on Saturday after a disposal operation that began late Friday. The discovery highlights the ongoing issue of unexploded WWII ordnance in Hong Kong and other parts of the world, with recent incidents reported in Europe and other regions. The bomb's discovery and defusal were carried out without any injuries.

Brazilians protested against a bill that could pardon former President Jair Bolsonaro and his allies convicted of attempting a coup. The protests were held in all 26 states and the Federal District, with prominent artists such as Caetano Veloso, Chico Buarque, and Gilberto Gil participating. The bill is backed by right-wing opposition lawmakers and could grant amnesty to Bolsonaro and hundreds of supporters convicted for their roles in the January 2023 uprising. Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison for attempting to stay in power after losing a 2022 reelection bid. The protests demonstrate the ongoing divisions in Brazilian society over Bolsonaro's legacy and the rule of law.

A cyberattack on the check-in and boarding systems of several major European airports caused disruptions and delays on Saturday. The attack, which targeted Collins Aerospace's MUSE software, affected airports in Brussels, Berlin, and London. While the impact was initially significant, it appeared to be contained by the end of the day, with some flights canceled or delayed. Experts said the attack highlighted the vulnerability of the airline industry to cyber threats due to its reliance on third-party platforms. Collins Aerospace is working to resolve the issue and restore full functionality.

South African police discovered a large illicit methamphetamine lab on a farm in Mpumalanga province, arresting five North American citizens and a South African farm caretaker. The lab contained $20 million worth of crystal meth, precursor chemicals, and manufacturing equipment. Two other suspects, believed to be from West African countries, escaped capture. The operation is part of a larger effort to combat drug trafficking in South Africa, which has been identified as one of the largest crystal meth consumer markets in the world.

The Dominican Republic's National Directorate for Drug Control (DNCD) has confiscated 377 packages of cocaine, weighing over 1,000 kilograms, from a speedboat destroyed by the U.S. Navy. The operation was a joint effort between the Dominican Republic and U.S. authorities to combat narco-terrorism in the Caribbean. The speedboat was allegedly carrying cocaine from Venezuela to the United States. The U.S. Navy has been conducting a series of operations in the region, resulting in the destruction of at least three boats carrying drugs and the deaths of over a dozen people. Human rights groups have criticized the strikes as extrajudicial killings, while the Trump administration maintains they are necessary to fight drug trafficking. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has denied allegations of involvement in drug trafficking and condemned the U.S. naval buildup in the Caribbean as a threat to his country.

US President Trump called for the retaking of Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, which was controlled by the US for nearly 20 years before being taken over by the Taliban in 2021. The Taliban rejected Trump's bid, with spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stating that Afghanistan's independence and territorial integrity were paramount. The Taliban also referenced the Doha Agreement, in which the US pledged not to use force against Afghanistan's territorial integrity. Trump had suggested that the Taliban might be willing to allow the US to retake the base because they need US assistance.

Gary Cohn, former director of the U.S. National Economic Council and current IBM vice chairman, discusses the U.S. economy on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.' Cohn notes that the Federal Reserve's decision to lower interest rates was expected and that the labor market is cooling off. He attributes this to companies cutting back on labor costs due to increased input costs and tariffs. Cohn also comments on the administration's executive order imposing a $100,000 fee for H-1B visas, stating that it may be a good idea as it will prioritize highly skilled workers.

China's economic future is heavily reliant on approximately 200 million precarious workers who face common struggles despite working in various industries such as manufacturing and delivery services. The article highlights the story of Chu Xin, a migrant worker who traveled extensively within China for work, illustrating the challenges faced by these workers. The Economist emphasizes the significance of this workforce in China's economy and the need to address their struggles.

The article discusses Europe's stock market inversion, where peripheral countries are becoming more attractive to investors. It highlights France's deteriorating fiscal position, where the yield on its ten-year government bonds is higher than that of Greece, which defaulted on the IMF in 2015. Additionally, French government bonds pay higher interest than some French firms, such as LVMH and L'Oréal. The article suggests that this inversion is a sign of France's fiscal woes and the relative attractiveness of peripheral economies.

The article discusses the recent deployment of federal agents and National Guard to Washington, DC, by the US President, who claimed that the capital is now a 'CRIME FREE ZONE'. The President made a public appearance at an upscale seafood restaurant near the White House to promote his crime crackdown. The article questions the accuracy of the President's claim that crime has virtually disappeared in Washington, DC, but notes that the deployment of hundreds of federal agents has likely had some impact on crime rates.

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Rail travel in the United States is experiencing a surge in popularity, with Amtrak, the national railway firm, playing a significant role in this trend. Amtrak has been successful in engaging audiences on TikTok, with its posts garnering hundreds of thousands of views. The company has recently launched a new 'next-gen' Acela train, which travels between Boston and Washington, DC, and is being marketed as a European-style train. This development is seen as a positive step for rail travel in America, with Amtrak's efforts contributing to its growing popularity.

The article discusses the Trump administration's agreement with Columbia University, which aims to ensure equal treatment of all students on campus regardless of their characteristics such as race. The agreement prohibits the university from providing benefits or advantages to individuals based on protected characteristics. The article analyzes the implications of this agreement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives on campus and how it may affect the treatment of students.

Ukraine is facing a significant budget deficit of $19 billion due to the ongoing conflict with Russia. The country has been relying on financial support from friendly governments and the IMF to bridge the gap between its revenues and expenditures. This year, Ukraine is expected to receive $38 billion in funding, equivalent to a fifth of its GDP. Without this support, Ukraine would be left vulnerable to the ongoing conflict.

Outdoor clothing brand Arc'teryx has apologized for a fireworks display in Tibet, which sparked widespread criticism due to its potential impact on the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. The display, designed by Chinese artist Cai Guo Qiang, was part of a promotional campaign and was held at an altitude of over 5,000 meters in Tibet's Shigatse region. Critics argued that the fireworks contradicted Arc'teryx's conservation-focused image and called for a boycott of its products. The company has promised to work with an external agency to assess the project's impact and has stated that it used entirely biodegradable materials. Cai Guo Qiang has also apologized for his role in the display and has offered to work with authorities to help in the area's recovery.

The bodies of three transgender people were found on a roadside in Karachi, Pakistan, after being shot dead by unidentified assailants. This incident highlights the ongoing violence and social exclusion faced by the transgender community in Pakistan, despite legislative efforts to protect their rights. Estimates suggest that there are around half a million transgender citizens in Pakistan, with 90% facing physical assaults. The provincial chief minister of Sindh has called for dignity and respect for transgender persons, while authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the killings.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bill banning most law enforcement, including US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), from wearing face masks while on duty. The ban, effective January 1, 2026, aims to protect residents from 'secret police' and is in response to federal agents wearing masks during Los Angeles immigration raids. The law makes exceptions for undercover agents and masks used for protection. US Attorney Bill Essayli has stated that the law has 'no effect on our operations.' The legislation is part of a series of bills aimed at protecting residents' rights and is seen as a challenge to the Trump administration's immigration policies.

Vietnamese singer Duc Phuc has won Russia's Intervision song contest, held in Moscow on Saturday. The contest, revived by President Vladimir Putin three years after Russia was banned from Eurovision due to its invasion of Ukraine, was attended by several countries including Vietnam. Ukraine's foreign ministry criticized the event, calling it 'an instrument of hostile propaganda and a means of whitewashing the aggressive policy of the Russian Federation.' The BBC's Steve Rosenberg was present at the event. Putin had expressed confidence that Intervision would become 'one of the most recognisable and beloved events in the world.' The win marks a significant moment for Vietnamese music internationally.

A German shop owner in Flensburg posted a sign banning Jews from his store, sparking widespread condemnation from state officials and investigations into incitement of hatred. The owner, Hans-Velten Reisch, defended his actions as a protest against Israel's actions in Gaza. The incident highlights growing antisemitism in the region, with 588 antisemitic incidents documented in Schleswig-Holstein in 2024, a 390% increase from 2023.

The article reports on a recent military strike ordered by President Donald Trump on a vessel allegedly linked to a designated terrorist organization conducting narco-trafficking in international waters. The strike, carried out by the U.S. military, resulted in the deaths of three narco-terrorists. Trump announced the strike on his Truth Social account, stating that the vessel was trafficking illicit narcotics and was headed towards the United States to poison Americans. The strike is part of the Trump administration's continued crackdown on Venezuelan cartels, with previous strikes having taken place earlier this month and in February. The administration has designated several drug cartel groups, including Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel, as foreign terrorist organizations.

A watchdog organization, UN Watch, has released a report accusing Hamas of hijacking UNRWA schools in Gaza and Lebanon, turning them into extremist hubs. The report claims Hamas has controlled UNRWA's education system through domination of local staff unions, preventing de-radicalization of the curriculum and placing Hamas operatives in senior positions. The US State Department has determined UNRWA is 'irredeemably compromised' and seeks its dismantlement. UNRWA has dismissed the report as a 'disinformation campaign'.

Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid and tight end Travis Kelce had a heated exchange on the sideline during the team's 22-9 win over the New York Giants on Sunday Night Football. The incident occurred after Harrison Butker missed a 40-yard field goal late in the second quarter, prompting Reid to shout at and bump into Kelce. Despite the confrontation, Reid downplayed the incident after the game, praising Kelce's passion and emotional investment in the game. The exchange was a reversal of a similar incident during last year's Super Bowl, where Kelce yelled at and bumped into Reid on the sideline. Kelce finished the game with four catches for 26 yards, and the Chiefs secured their first win of the season.

Ryan Easley, a tiger handler associated with 'Tiger King' star Joe Exotic, was fatally mauled by a tiger at the Growler Pines Tiger Preserve in Oklahoma. The incident occurred during an 'accident' on Saturday, and the preserve has cancelled all tours and encounters until further notice. Easley had acquired tigers from Joe Exotic for his business, ShowMe Tigers, and was remembered by colleagues as a 'passionate advocate for wildlife conservation.' PETA criticized Easley's practices, alleging he forced tigers to perform in cruel circuses.

Ryan Easley, a tiger trainer linked to 'Tiger King' Joe Exotic, was killed by a tiger at the Growler Pines Tiger Preserve in Oklahoma on September 20, 2025. The incident has sparked reactions from animal rights groups, who are calling for an end to the use of wild animals in performances. Easley was known for his work with big cats and was described as a 'passionate advocate for wildlife conservation.' The incident is a reminder of the risks associated with working with wild animals, and there have been several similar incidents in recent years.

Russia and Ukraine exchanged blame for deadly strikes on Monday, with each side accusing the other of carrying out attacks that resulted in multiple casualties. A Ukrainian drone strike on the Crimean resort town of Foros reportedly killed three and wounded 16, according to Sergey Aksyonov, the head of the Kremlin-backed regional government. In response, Ukraine accused Russia of carrying out overnight air strikes in the southern city of Zaporizhzhia, killing three and injuring two. The escalating violence comes amid stalled progress towards a truce following high-profile talks between US President Donald Trump, Russian leader Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers, led by Rep. Adam Smith, visited China and met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, pushing for more military-to-military dialogue amid strained U.S.-China relations due to trade tensions and territorial disputes. The delegation, which included members of the House Armed Services Committee, emphasized the importance of communication between the two countries' militaries and discussed ways to strengthen ties. The visit comes as U.S.-China relations have deteriorated since President Donald Trump's first term, with issues such as tariffs, Taiwan's status, and China's claims in the South China Sea contributing to the strain.

The article discusses the last generation of people who experienced the India-Pakistan Partition in 1947 and their memories of their homeland. It highlights the stories of two individuals, Vikram Kalra and Reena Varma, who were forced to flee their homes in Lahore and Rawalpindi, respectively, and have been unable to return. The article also provides historical context about the Partition, including the violent migration of over 15 million people and the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. The author notes that as the last generation of Partition survivors passes away, their memories and experiences are at risk of being lost.