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Hong Kong's health minister, Lo Chung-mau, has urged parents to vaccinate their children against influenza after 12 children were admitted to intensive care with the flu since September, including a 13-year-old girl who died last week. Two severe paediatric cases involving two-year-olds were reported on consecutive days, prompting Lo to renew calls for flu vaccination. The health minister noted that the summer flu season started unusually late and warned of a possible overlap between the summer and winter flu seasons. As of now, 587 schools have reported flu outbreaks of varying severity.

The article highlights seven recent science-related stories from China, including China's investment in a railway to secure potassium, the death of Nobel Prize-winning physicist Chen-ning Yang, and advancements in space-borne radar technology to track stealth aircraft. These stories showcase China's scientific achievements and their potential implications, particularly in the context of the trade war with the US.

China's wind power industry aims to double its new turbine installations over the next five years, targeting at least 120 gigawatts of new capacity annually from 2026 to 2030. This goal is part of the country's push for carbon neutrality, with the industry having already surpassed its previous target of 50GW per year between 2021 and 2025. The total installed wind power capacity in China is expected to reach 1,300GW by 2030, up from 580GW as of August 2025.

China's youth unemployment rate for those aged 16-24 decreased slightly to 17.7% in September from 18.9% in August, but remains high due to a record number of graduates entering a challenging job market. Many young people are struggling to find work that matches their skills and expectations, with some opting to prepare for the national civil service exam. The job market is strained by deflationary pressures and external uncertainties.

The article discusses the recent slump in gold prices after a record high and why billionaire investor Ray Dalio remains a strong advocate for the precious metal. Dalio believes gold is a good diversifier for investment portfolios and serves as a store of value, likening it to 'money like cash' that cannot be printed or devalued. Despite some analysts warning that gold is in a bubble, Dalio's logic is based on its historical and cultural significance, as well as its ability to settle transactions without creating debt.

The article discusses how US President Donald Trump could potentially be a stabilizing force in US-China relations despite tensions between the two nations. Analysts suggest that Trump's control over his administration and his team of China hawks has made leader-to-leader diplomacy increasingly important. Trump has shown restraint by not antagonizing Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping or challenging Beijing's red lines, such as Taiwan. However, tensions between the two powers remain due to structural competition between a rising and dominant power.

A new Chinese stealth flying-wing drone, possibly a next-generation bomber, has been spotted flying for the first time. The drone, unofficially dubbed GJ-X, has a wingspan of around 42 meters, similar to the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider, an American stealth strategic bomber. The purpose of the drone remains unclear, with some military observers suggesting it is a large unmanned combat air vehicle focused on kinetic operations, while others believe it is an unmanned stealth bomber. The sighting comes after China unveiled several new drones during the Beijing military parade.

Ocean Park in Hong Kong reported a widening deficit of HK$274.7 million for the 12 months ending June 30, despite a 9% increase in revenue and a 10% rise in visitors. The park's financial performance was boosted by the popularity of its giant pandas, but was negatively impacted by higher expenses, including depreciation and losses from its Water World attraction. The park reported a surplus from operations of HK$42.4 million, compared to a deficit of HK$17.2 million in the previous year. Chairman Paulo Pong Kin-yee attributed the park's success to the giant pandas, including the cubs Jia Jia and De De, and their parents Ying Ying and Le Le, as well as the newly gifted pandas An An and Ke Ke.

The article reports on the return of cancer researcher Wang Qianben to China, reuniting him with his father, renowned traditional Chinese medicine researcher Wang Qi, and brother Wang Qianfei, also a distinguished scientist. Both sons were named by their father with ambitious names and have returned to China after studying at top US universities, including Johns Hopkins, Duke, and Harvard. Wang Qianben has joined a major national research institute in China, while his brother Wang Qianfei returned to China in 2009 and serves as deputy director of the Beijing Institute of Genomics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The article discusses the recent calls for Mindanao to secede from the Philippines, led by a sitting lawmaker, Francisco 'Kiko' Barzaga, who released a viral video echoing rhetoric once championed by former president Rodrigo Duterte. Analysts warn that the secession calls exploit real frustrations to promote the political interests of Duterte and his allies, deflecting attention from corruption scandals and an ongoing International Criminal Court investigation into Duterte's bloody war on drugs. The move risks inflaming tensions and destabilising the already volatile political landscape.

The New York Giants cut kicker Jude McAtamney after he missed two extra-point attempts in their Week 7 loss to the Denver Broncos. McAtamney, who made the team in 2024 with an international roster exemption, had missed three PATs in the last two games. The Giants plan to either elevate Younghoe Koo from the practice squad or activate Graham Gano from injured reserve. Meanwhile, the team re-signed cornerback Korie Black to their 53-man roster off the Jets' practice squad and made other practice squad changes. Head coach Brian Daboll is not making any coaching staff changes despite the team's struggles.

Federal immigration authorities, including ICE agents, conducted a targeted operation on Canal Street in Manhattan's Chinatown, arresting multiple people, including illegal vendors and protesters. The operation aimed to crack down on the sale of knockoff designer goods. The scene turned chaotic as protesters shouted obscenities and blocked vehicles, with at least one 'rioter' arrested for assaulting a federal officer. The exact number of arrests is unknown. Local officials, including Mayor Eric Adams and Democratic frontrunner Zohran Mamdani, condemned the raid, stating that the city does not cooperate with federal law enforcement on civil deportations.

A female customer shot and killed a man who groped another customer and threatened to kill everyone inside a beauty store in Compton, Los Angeles. The man, identified as a 42-year-old with possible gang ties and a criminal record, entered the store, followed a female customer, and groped her. Employees demanded he leave, but he became increasingly verbally assaultive and started damaging merchandise. He made verbal threats to kill everyone in the store, prompting another female customer to pull out a gun and fire a warning shot. When the man rushed at her, she fired a fatal second shot. The customer who pulled the trigger was not arrested and is cooperating with detectives. Witnesses praised her as a hero, while others expressed concern about the presence of guns in the community.

Luigi Mangione, accused of shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, had a history of erratic behavior and obsession with the US healthcare system before the alleged murder. In the months leading up to the shooting, Mangione traveled to Thailand and Japan, where he befriended people and shared about his views on the US healthcare system. He became increasingly isolated and fixated on making a statement about insurance coverage, ultimately deciding to carry out the attack.

Isamar Herrera, the representative for Panama at the Miss Grand International beauty pageant in Thailand, made an awkward onstage blunder during the coronation night when she was mistakenly announced as a winner. The 31-year-old contestant stepped forward to celebrate, only to realize it was a mistake and Paraguay's Cecilia Romero was the actual winner. The incident has gone viral on social media, with many viewers expressing sympathy for Herrera and praising her for taking the mishap in stride. The pageant was eventually won by Emma Tiglao of Pampanga.

MSNBC host Jen Psaki faced backlash for comments made on the 'I've Had It' podcast, where she joked that Usha Vance, wife of Vice President JD Vance, might be afraid of her husband and in need of help. Psaki's remarks were criticized as 'disgusting' and 'vile' by several social media users and commentators, who accused her of mocking Vance's marriage and making unsubstantiated claims. Psaki suggested that JD Vance is 'scarier' than former President Donald Trump and willing to do anything to become president.

Oscar winner Tom Hanks was spotted riding the NYC subway on October 21, 2025, while keeping a low profile by wearing a white protective mask. He was dressed in a green jacket, beanie, black jeans, and boots. This was not his first time riding the subway, as he was previously seen on the Pelham Line earlier in the month. Hanks was preparing for his upcoming off-Broadway play, 'This World of Tomorrow,' at The Shed. The article also mentions Harrison Ford and his wife Calista Flockhart riding the subway together in April.

Pope Leo XIV has canonized seven new saints, including Bartolo Longo, a former Satanic priest who later became a Catholic legend. Longo, an Italian lawyer, had deviated from Catholicism after losing his mother at a young age and became a high-ranking priest in the Satanic Church. However, he later rededicated himself to Catholicism and helped found the Pontifical Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary of Pompeii. The canonization ceremony was attended by over 70,000 people at the Vatican. The new saints include an archbishop killed during the Armenian genocide, a lay catechist from Papua New Guinea, a Venezuelan 'doctor of the poor,' and three nuns who dedicated their lives to charity. Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of the new saints as 'witnesses' who kept the 'lamp of faith burning.'

The article discusses the resilience of the booze industry despite Gen Z's trend towards abstemiousness. It highlights the growing demand for non-alcoholic beverages and how companies are adapting to this shift. The Lucky Saint, a non-alcoholic beer brand, is cited as an example, with 15% of its sales coming from its own brand. The article suggests that while Gen Z may be drinking less, the overall industry is not in decline.

The article discusses the resurgence of the private military company (PMC) industry, despite historical criticisms of mercenaries being 'useless and dangerous.' The industry is thriving 500 years after Niccolò Machiavelli's warnings, with modern PMCs operating in various forms. The article explores the current state of the industry and its potential for growth.

The article 'Sloponomics: who wins and loses in the AI-content flood?' discusses the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on content creation. Tech leaders like Sam Altman, Satya Nadella, and Mark Zuckerberg believe AI will bring about significant advancements. The article explores how this surge in AI-generated content might affect creators and the industry as a whole, suggesting that despite the challenges, it could ultimately benefit creators.

The TED conference, known for its elite events and acronym standing for Technology, Entertainment, Design, has appointed new bosses and is shifting its direction towards education technology (ed tech). Founded in 1984 in Monterey, California, TED has been a significant name in the tech and intellectual circles. The article hints at this change in direction as TED heads into ed tech, indicating a potential expansion or pivot in its focus or offerings.

The article discusses the remarkable rise of AppLovin, a digital-ad firm that has seen its share price climb more than 30-fold since October 2022, making it the biggest riser in the S&P 500 index over the past three years. The company's boosters praise its super-smart algorithm, likening it to TikTok in the mobile-advertising world, while short-sellers criticize it as a house of cards. AppLovin is now worth over $200bn, more than Uber.

The article discusses the concept of 'dark patterns' in digital design, which are user interfaces that manipulate consumers into making choices they wouldn't normally make. The author argues that bosses need to be aware of these practices and take steps to prevent them. The article highlights the potential harm caused by dark patterns and suggests that companies should prioritize transparency and fairness in their digital design.

The article argues that the US, under Trump's leadership, is misguided in its focus on Greenland while ignoring the increasing military presence of Russia and China in the Arctic region near Alaska. The article highlights the rising number of incursions by foreign military aircraft into North American airspace, particularly around Alaska, and notes the growing presence of Chinese and Russian ships, coastguards, and air forces in the region. The author warns that this trend poses a significant threat to US national security and that the US needs to reassess its priorities in the region.

A Canadian voter, Emmanuelle Bossé, claimed her mail-in ballot was not counted due to an administrative error by Elections Canada, which led to a one-vote victory for Liberal candidate Tatiana Auguste over Bloc Québécois incumbent Nathalie Sinclair-Desgagné in the Terrebonne electoral district. The case is now in court, with Sinclair-Desgagné challenging the result and arguing that solidifying the election result would undermine public confidence. Auguste's lawyer counters that cancelling the result would deny the right to vote of tens of thousands of Terrebonne residents. The outcome may impact Prime Minister Mark Carney's ruling Liberal Party's bid to form a majority government.

After the Diwali festival, New Delhi's air quality deteriorated significantly, becoming the most polluted major city in the world. The city's PM 2.5 concentration was over 40 times the World Health Organization's guideline level. The pollution is attributed to the widespread use of firecrackers during Diwali, as well as the burning of stubble by farmers in surrounding regions. Despite a ban on non-green firecrackers, residents reported that the curfew was poorly enforced, and non-green firecrackers were still available. The city's air pollution is a long-term crisis, with officials struggling to implement effective measures to curb pollution.

The US government shutdown has entered its third week, leaving approximately 1.4 million federal employees either furloughed or working without pay. Many are struggling to make ends meet, with some turning to food banks for assistance. A food bank event in Maryland served over 370 households, more than double the expected number. Federal workers, including contractors and employees from various departments, waited in line for hours to receive food. The shutdown has highlighted the financial insecurity faced by those in government service, with some expressing shock and distress at needing to rely on food banks.

North Korea conducted its first ballistic missile tests in five months on Wednesday, days before US President Donald Trump is set to visit South Korea for an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting. The tests were seen as a provocative move by North Korea to assert its nuclear capabilities ahead of Trump's visit. South Korea's military detected multiple short-range ballistic missiles launched from an area south of Pyongyang, which flew about 350 kilometers toward the northeast. The tests come as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been accelerating the pace of weapons tests since his nuclear diplomacy with Trump fell apart in 2019. Experts believe Kim needs to be recognized as a nuclear weapons state to call for the lifting of economic sanctions.

A recent poll shows that a majority of Americans sympathize with the 'No Kings' movement, which protests against President Donald Trump's perceived abuse of power. Despite Republican attempts to ridicule the movement, the poll found that 56% of Americans believe Trump is a 'potentially dangerous dictator' and 54% think he's waging an 'assault on constitutional balances and the rule of law.' The poll's findings suggest that concerns about Trump's power are not limited to Democrats, with nearly half of independents strongly agreeing that he's a danger to democracy.

The article reports on a tense exchange between US President Donald Trump and Australian Ambassador Kevin Rudd during a White House meeting. Trump expressed his dislike for Rudd, citing Rudd's past negative comments about him on social media. Rudd apologized, and Trump accepted. The article also covers other news stories, including a jewelry heist at the Louvre, a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and a rare earth minerals deal between the US and Australia.

A British grandmother, Lindsay Sandiford, who was on death row in Indonesia for over a decade for drug trafficking, is set to be repatriated to the UK after Indonesia signed an agreement with the British government. Sandiford, now in her late 60s, was sentenced to death in 2013 after being caught with cocaine worth $2.14 million hidden in her suitcase. She claimed she was coerced into carrying the narcotics by a drug syndicate that threatened to kill her son. Indonesia has some of the world's toughest drug laws, but has recently released several high-profile detainees, including Sandiford and another British national, Shahab Shahabadi, who is serving a life sentence for drug offenses. Both prisoners are suffering from severe health problems and will be transferred to the UK after technical details are finalized, which is expected to take around two weeks.

The president of the Apatzingan Valley Citrus Producers Association, Bernardo Bravo, was found dead in his car in Michoacan, Mexico, after denouncing extortion demands by organized crime groups. Bravo had complained about the extortion in interviews with Radio Formula, stating that producers were being forced to negotiate with criminals. The region has been plagued by cartel violence, with lime growers and distributors facing extortion demands from groups like Los Viagras. The Mexican government has deployed troops to the area to protect lime growers, but Bravo had stated that more needed to be done to end the cartels' impunity. The killing is the latest in a series of violent incidents targeting industry leaders and ordinary citizens in Mexico.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is set to visit the White House on November 18, marking his first Washington visit during President Trump's second term. The meeting is expected to focus on a potential defense pact between the two countries, as well as discussions on military and intelligence sharing. The visit comes as the Gulf nation seeks to strengthen its ties with the US, following a similar defense pact agreed upon with Qatar. President Trump has been complimentary of Prince Mohammed, praising their relationship and describing it as 'a bedrock of security and prosperity.' The meeting is likely to revisit deals made during their May meeting, where they discussed economic ties, the Israel/Gaza war, and Iran's nuclear program.

The Grand Sumo Tournament was held in London's Royal Albert Hall, marking sumo's first overseas tournament in 34 years and only its second in history. Hoshoryu Tomokatsu, a 26-year-old sumo wrestler, won the championship by defeating Onosato Daiki in just 10 seconds. The event showcased over 40 wrestlers from various countries, including Japan, Mongolia, and Ukraine. Hoshoryu expressed his willingness to compete in America if invited and advised young American boys to work hard and be disciplined if they want to become sumo wrestlers. The tournament was a celebration of sumo's ancient Japanese tradition and its growing global popularity.

The US and Australia have signed a critical minerals deal, worth up to $8.5 billion, to secure rare earth resources and reduce dependence on China. The deal, signed by President Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, aims to accelerate the secure supply of critical minerals for defense manufacturing and streamline the permitting process. The agreement comes as China has imposed tougher rules on exporting rare earth materials, prompting concerns about its control over the global tech supply chain.

Lithuania's Vilnius Airport was forced to suspend air traffic due to dozens of balloons used by smugglers entering its airspace from Belarus, carrying contraband cigarettes. This is the second incident in a month, with nearly 30 flights affected. The incident is part of a larger trend of 'remote' smuggling methods, driven by a physical barrier and surveillance system along the Belarusian border. Authorities have intercepted 487 shipments of cigarettes sent from Belarus using balloons this year, and detained 87 people suspected of involvement. The smuggling is driven by a significant price difference in cigarettes between Lithuania and Belarus.

OpenAI, the company behind the popular AI chatbot ChatGPT, has launched a new web browser called Atlas, which aims to rival Google Chrome. Atlas incorporates ChatGPT into its design, allowing users to access the chatbot on every page and text box on the internet. The browser is currently available for Apple Mac users and offers features such as tabs, bookmarks, and incognito mode. OpenAI's goal is to change the way people search and access information online, potentially challenging Google's dominance in the search engine market.

Major European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, have urged the European Union to cut red tape to boost economic growth. In a letter to the European Council president, they called for a systematic review of EU regulations to identify and eliminate superfluous rules, simplify legislation, and enhance competitiveness. The leaders also proposed a special meeting on competitiveness to be held in February next year. This move is seen as a response to concerns that the EU's regulatory framework is hindering its economic competitiveness, with some arguing that it has become a 'patchwork of different national regulations.' The call for reform comes amid tensions with the US, with President Trump threatening to impose tariffs on the EU, and the UK's post-Brexit struggles to establish its own regulatory framework.

The UK Foreign Office has expanded its list of countries where Britons are at risk of methanol poisoning from tainted alcoholic drinks. Eight new countries have been added to the list, which now includes Ecuador, Kenya, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Uganda, and Russia, in addition to previously listed countries. The warning comes after an increase in cases of serious illness and death caused by methanol-tainted drinks. The Foreign Office is advising travelers to be cautious when consuming alcohol abroad, particularly when drinking local spirits or accepting drinks from unknown sources.

Violent protests erupted outside an asylum hotel in Dublin, Ireland, for the second consecutive night following an alleged sexual assault in the vicinity. Protesters clashed with police, throwing bricks, fireworks, and glass bottles, and setting a police van on fire. A police helicopter was targeted with lasers, and six arrests were made. Authorities condemned the violence, with Ireland's premier, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, stating that there can be no justification for the abuse against police officers. Justice minister Jim O'Callaghan vowed that those involved in the violence will be brought to justice.

Barclays reported its third-quarter earnings, announcing a £500 million share buyback and increasing its guidance for the full year. The bank now expects to deliver a Return on Tangible Equity (RoTE) of greater than 11% and net interest income of more than £12.6 billion. Despite a 7% decline in pre-tax profit compared to the same period in 2024, the bank's investment banking division saw an 8% year-on-year increase in income. Barclays' shares have surged over 35% year-to-date, and the bank plans to move to quarterly share buyback announcements.

A group of over 850 public figures, including tech leaders and AI experts, have signed a statement calling for a ban on the development of 'superintelligence', a hypothetical form of AI that surpasses human intelligence. The signatories, including Richard Branson, Steve Wozniak, Yoshua Bengio, and Geoff Hinton, warn that superintelligence poses significant risks, including human economic obsolescence, disempowerment, and even potential human extinction. They argue that development should be paused until there is strong public support and a broad scientific consensus that it can be built safely and kept under control. The statement has been backed by a broad coalition of academics, media personalities, religious leaders, and former US politicians and officials.

The United States and India are nearing a trade deal that could involve significant tariff cuts and reduced Indian purchases of Russian oil. According to reports, the U.S. may slash tariffs on Indian exports to 15-16% from the current 50%. India is also considering increasing its import quota for non-genetically modified corn from the U.S. The deal is seen as a key step in improving U.S.-India relations, which have been strained due to India's continued purchases of Russian oil despite U.S. pressure to reduce them. The finalization of the trade agreement is expected to be communicated to U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the ASEAN summit later this month.

The article discusses the significance of the Chinese consumer market for major Western brands, particularly Apple, Nike, and Lululemon, despite escalating US-China trade tensions. Apple's CEO Tim Cook visited China ahead of the Singles Day shopping event, where iPhone sales surged, exceeding last year's total in the first two hours. Many US consumer brands are investing in the Chinese e-commerce market, with Alibaba hosting an event in Los Angeles to promote cross-border e-commerce. The article highlights the importance of China for these brands' revenue and the challenges they face in navigating the complex US-China trade landscape.

A trio of photographers in New Zealand captured rare images of 'red sprites', also known as red lightning, while shooting the Milky Way over the Ōmārama Clay cliffs in the South Island. The photographers, Tom Rae, Dan Zafra, and José Cantabrana, were treated to an extraordinary display of luminous crimson flashes in the sky, a phenomenon that is considered one of the rarest light displays in the world. Red sprites are bursts of electrical energy in the upper atmosphere generated by thunderstorms and are rarely visible to the naked eye. The photographers' capture of the event was a result of a 'perfect coincidence' and a mastery of technical photography.

A 68-year-old British woman, Lindsay Sandiford, who was on death row in Bali for drug smuggling since 2012, is to be repatriated to the UK under an agreement between the British and Indonesian governments. Sandiford was arrested at Bali's airport with 3.8kg of cocaine worth $2.5m hidden in her suitcase. She claimed she was forced to carry the drugs by a gang that threatened her children. Another British national, Shahab Shahabadi, serving a life sentence in Indonesia for drug trafficking, will also be repatriated. The repatriation agreement was signed by UK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Yvette Cooper and Indonesia's Law Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra. Indonesia has been criticized for its strict drug laws, with around 530 people on death row, mostly for drug-related crimes.

Peru's interim president, Jose Jeri, has declared a state of emergency in Lima and the neighboring port of Callao to curb a wave of violence and extortion blamed on organized crime. The declaration allows the government to send the army to patrol streets, restrict freedom of assembly, and curtail other rights. The move comes after weeks of anti-government protests over corruption and organized crime, which have resulted in over 200 injuries and one death. The protests were sparked by a surge in crime and accusations of corruption against the previous president, Dina Boluarte, who was impeached earlier this month. Jeri, who took office nearly two weeks ago, has vowed to take an offensive approach to fighting crime and regaining peace and tranquility in Peru.

Thailand has announced a policy allowing Myanmar refugees living in camps along its border to work outside the camps, a move welcomed by the UN and aid agencies. The decision aims to address aid cuts and labor shortages in Thailand. Over 87,000 refugees have been reliant on foreign aid, but shrinking budgets, particularly from the US, have forced Thailand to reconsider its approach. The new policy is expected to allow refugees to support themselves, stimulate local economies, and contribute to national GDP growth. However, refugees have expressed concerns about their lack of Thai language skills and ability to adapt to new jobs.

The World Health Organization (WHO) chief, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has warned that the health crisis in Gaza will last for 'generations' due to the devastating impact of the Israel-Gaza war. Dr. Tedros emphasized that a massive increase in aid is needed to address the complex needs of the Strip's population, including famine, injuries, and disease outbreaks. The WHO chief welcomed a recent ceasefire deal but noted that the increase in aid has been smaller than expected. He called on Israel to 'de-link' aid from the wider conflict and allow more aid to enter Gaza without conditions.

Iceland has reported its first-ever discovery of mosquitoes after experiencing record-breaking heat this spring. Insect enthusiast Bjorn Hjaltason found two female and one male mosquitoes, later identified as Culiseta annulata, in a glacial valley near Reykjavik. The species is common in parts of Europe and North Africa, but it's unclear how they reached Iceland. The country's cold climate and lack of stagnant water previously made it one of only two mosquito-free zones in the world, along with Antarctica. Experts warn that the discovery could have significant implications for Iceland's delicate ecosystem, which has adapted to the cold climate.

The Ukrainian city of Chernihiv is in total blackout after a 'massive' Russian assault involving over 100 drones and six ballistic missiles, leaving hundreds of thousands without power or water. The attack is part of an intensifying series of strikes on civilian infrastructure as Russia targets energy supplies, homes, and businesses. Four people were killed and ten injured in the wider Chernihiv region. Ukrainian officials believe Russia is targeting civilians as it fails to make progress on the front lines. Despite the challenges, morale among Ukrainians remains high, with residents adapting to the situation and helping each other.

Three neo-Nazis in the UK, Brogan Stewart, Christopher Ringrose, and Marco Pitzettu, were sentenced to between 8-11 years in prison for planning terrorist acts against migrants, mosques, and synagogues. The men, who met on a Facebook group for preppers and later joined a neo-Nazi Telegram group, stockpiled over 200 weapons and discussed targeting an Islamic education center. The case highlights the growing threat of extreme-right-wing terrorism in Britain, which now accounts for around one-fifth of the counterterrorism police's workload. Experts say that domestic terrorism is increasingly being fomented in encrypted messaging groups by small clusters of individuals rather than larger organized groups.

The article discusses the growing fascination among Silicon Valley leaders and policymakers with China's technological advancements, particularly in areas like infrastructure, manufacturing, and artificial intelligence. While some American tech elites are envious of China's efficiency and scale, others are using China's rise as a benchmark to push for increased investment in the US tech sector. However, this narrative overlooks the complexities and challenges within China's tech scene, as well as the contradictions in US policies that undermine its own tech revival. The article argues that Silicon Valley's China envy reveals more about America's lost confidence and identity crisis than about China's actual capabilities.

The article discusses the call by Mideast experts to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) from participating in the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip due to its alleged support for the terrorist organization Hamas and its history of incompetence. Experts, including Hugh Dugan, a former diplomat and Special Assistant to the President, argue that UNRWA has deviated from its original mission and has become a political actor that perpetuates the conflict. The Biden administration had previously provided UNRWA with $1 billion in funding, but this was frozen in 2024. UNRWA has denied allegations of supporting Hamas, stating that such claims have never been substantiated. The article also highlights the concerns of the Israeli government and the US State Department regarding UNRWA's ties to Hamas.

The Spanish soccer league has cancelled a planned regular-season match between Barcelona and Villarreal in Miami, citing uncertainty and opposition from players, clubs, and fans. The decision comes after months of planning and approval from soccer bodies, but faced growing criticism in Spain. The league expressed regret over the cancellation, stating it was a missed opportunity for international expansion and revenue growth. Barcelona and Villarreal were in favor of the match, but other clubs like Real Madrid opposed it, citing concerns over fairness and competitive integrity.

Malaysia is experiencing a resurgence in train travel, with the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) train service being a vital mode of transportation for commuters and tourists alike. The KTM network spans from Singapore to the Thai border, with various rail arteries, including the Komuter Utara and Electric Train Service (ETS). The ETS has drastically reduced travel time between stations, and its expansion is expected to continue, with plans to extend it to Johor Bahru by end-2025. The Jungle Railway, a diesel-powered train service, provides essential connectivity to rural areas and is a popular route for tourists seeking adventure and scenic views. The article highlights the benefits of train travel, including reduced traffic congestion, increased regional mobility, and the opportunity to experience Malaysia's culture and natural beauty.

The article reports that 27-year-old American pianist Eric Lu has won the International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition, a prestigious event considered the 'Olympics of classical music'. Lu, from Massachusetts, is the first American to claim the top honor since 1970. The competition is highly regarded in the classical music world.