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Horizon Robotics, a Beijing-based artificial-intelligence chipmaker, is planning to raise HK$6.34 billion (US$815 million) through a top-up share placement, its second such refinancing in three months. The company will sell 639 million existing shares held by major shareholders to at least six investors at HK$9.99 each, representing a 5.75% discount to its closing price on Thursday. The proceeds will be used to expand in overseas markets, for research and development, and to invest in emerging sectors such as robotaxi initiatives and upstream and downstream business partners. This move is seen as an opportunity to raise capital while broadening the shareholder base. The placement adds to a similar one in June when Horizon raised HK$4.67 billion. Horizon’s refinancing spree coincides with a global frenzy over AI, which has helped propel the Nasdaq market to a record high and the Hang Seng Tech Index to near a four-year high.

The Philippines is embroiled in a massive corruption scandal related to flood-control projects, with at least 50 politicians and top officials implicated, including the president's top aide and cousin. The scandal, dubbed 'the biggest corruption scandal in history,' involves 545 billion pesos (US$9.4 billion) and has sparked widespread public interest, with 2.7 million people tuning in to a Senate hearing. Those implicated have either remained silent or denied wrongdoing, and the scandal threatens to engulf President Marcos.

Hong Kong's Department of Health has rejected US President Donald Trump's claims that paracetamol use during pregnancy is linked to autism in children. The department stated that there is no association between paracetamol use and autism or ADHD, citing rigorous large-scale studies. They emphasized the importance of timely hepatitis B vaccinations for newborns and noted that paracetamol remains a viable option for pregnant women to relieve pain or fever. The clarification comes after Trump urged pregnant women not to take Tylenol, claiming it increased the risk of autism. The Department of Health reported no records linking paracetamol use during pregnancy to autism in children.

The Philippines and China have downplayed their maritime tensions in the South China Sea during a farewell meeting between President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr and outgoing Chinese envoy Huang Xilian. The two leaders agreed that their bilateral relations should not be defined by the South China Sea disputes and emphasized the importance of deepening trade, people-to-people interactions, and cultural exchanges. The conciliatory tone adopted by Beijing and Manila is a rare departure from their usual rhetoric on the contentious issue. The language used during the meeting was similar to that used in a joint statement issued in January 2023 when Marcos visited China.

Senior US and Chinese officials met in New York and agreed to improve communication to manage their differences. The Chinese vice-minister emphasized that Taiwan is China's internal affair, while the US deputy secretary of state called for action on fentanyl and repatriation of undocumented Chinese nationals. The meeting was described as candid, in-depth, and constructive, with both sides agreeing to maintain dialogue and expand cooperation.

China has opened an international operations centre for its digital yuan in Shanghai, aiming to promote its use in cross-border payments and reshape the global financial architecture dominated by the US dollar. The centre will operate through three platforms: a cross-border digital payment platform, a blockchain service platform, and a digital asset platform. These platforms are designed to improve the efficiency of international transactions, enable on-chain payments, and provide standardised digital asset services. The move is seen as a step forward in the internationalisation of the digital yuan, amid an international frenzy over stablecoins.

The world's highest bridge, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, is set to open to traffic in China's southwestern province of Guizhou. The suspension bridge stands 625 meters above the river below and is expected to reduce travel times across the gorge from two hours to just a few minutes. The bridge is part of a series of mega-projects in Guizhou, which is already home to almost half of the world's 100 tallest bridges. The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge is not only the world's highest bridge but also set to become the longest mountain bridge in the world, with a total length of 2,890 meters.

A flotilla of activists, including Greta Thunberg, is attempting to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza, carrying humanitarian aid such as food and medicine. The flotilla, comprising around 50 vessels from dozens of countries, reported being attacked by drones overnight while sailing south of Greece, with at least 13 explosions heard and damage to several boats. The Israeli military did not respond to questions about the attack. Italy condemned the incident and deployed a navy frigate for potential rescue operations. The European Union and UN Human Rights Office called for restraint and an investigation, respectively. The flotilla has faced several attacks since setting sail from Spain, and activists view the Israeli blockade as collective punishment.

A court in Spain has convicted an 18-year-old man of killing a puppy in front of his partner, applying a gender violence law for the first time to a case of animal abuse. The man threw the 4-month-old puppy off a cliff while threatening to take his own life, causing psychological distress to his partner. The court handed him a suspended sentence of one year and one day in prison and barred him from approaching or contacting the woman for two years and one day. The ruling was considered 'groundbreaking' by Spain's legal watchdog, CGPJ, as it recognized 'vicarious violence against a companion animal' and applied stronger punitive measures.

The French navy seized 9.6 tons of cocaine worth over $600 million from a fishing vessel off the coast of West Africa on Monday. The operation was part of France's Corymbe naval mission, which has been deployed in the Gulf of Guinea since 1990 to combat piracy and drug trafficking. The seizure followed a tip-off from anti-drug and maritime intelligence authorities and British police. This is the second significant cocaine seizure by the French navy off West Africa this year, with nearly six tons seized by the end of August. The French navy has intercepted a total of 54.1 tons of drugs at sea since the beginning of 2025.

A massive sinkhole has swallowed part of a major road in Bangkok, Thailand, disrupting traffic and prompting evacuations in the surrounding area. The sinkhole, believed to be caused by construction work at an underground train station, damaged infrastructure, including electricity poles and water pipes, and affected three vehicles. Despite the severity of the incident, there were no casualties reported. Regional Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stated that officials are working to fix the hole as quickly as possible, fearing heavy rain could cause further damage. The nearby Vajira Hospital announced it would close its outpatient services for two days as a precaution, although its structure was not affected. Emergency workers used a crane to remove a pickup truck left perched on the edge of the roughly 160-foot-deep hole.

A new study published in Cell Reports Medicine analyzed the health of Maria Branyas Morera, the world's oldest person who lived to be 117 years old. The study found that a combination of genetic factors and healthy habits contributed to her longevity. Morera had a diet rich in fish, olive oil, and yogurt, and did not smoke or drink alcohol. The study suggests that her yogurt habit may have played a role in her longevity by replenishing her gut with good bacteria and combating inflammation.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) scrambled U.S. fighter jets to intercept four Russian warplanes near Alaska on Wednesday. The Russian aircraft, consisting of two Tu-95 long-range strategic bombers and two Su-35 fighter jets, were flying in the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), a region of international airspace adjacent to U.S. and Canadian sovereign airspace. NORAD responded by sending an E-3 early warning and control aircraft, four F-16s, and four KC-135 tanker planes to identify and intercept the Russian planes. This incident is part of a series of flights by Russian aircraft that are seen as testing the preparedness of U.S. and allied NATO nations. The Russian military activity in the ADIZ is considered common and not a threat, and none of the situations have resulted in Russian warplanes entering U.S. or Canadian sovereign airspace.

The article discusses the potential risks and consequences of a declining global population, citing Elon Musk's concerns about population collapse. However, the author argues that a contracting population is not necessarily a catastrophe, at least not on the timescales that most people consider relevant. While a long-term decline in population could eventually lead to the disappearance of humanity, the author notes that population shrinkage is not a calamity in the short to medium term. The article explores the economics of a shrinking world and suggests that, just as population growth has not led to the predicted catastrophes such as mass starvation, shrinkage is also manageable.

The article discusses how the war in Gaza has strained the alliance between America and Israel, with the American public's perception of Israel becoming increasingly negative. The author uses a hypothetical scenario to illustrate how Americans might feel if they were in the shoes of the Gazans, highlighting the humanitarian crisis and the international community's response. The article suggests that Israelis are beginning to acknowledge the possibility of estrangement from America and that the relationship between the two countries is changing.

The article discusses how jokes and humor can persist even in the face of authoritarian regimes. It uses the example of jokes told about Josef Stalin, the former Soviet leader, and how they continued to proliferate even after his death. The article suggests that humor can be a powerful tool for subverting authority and that it can be difficult for strongmen to suppress. The article also references a joke about Stalin's ghost visiting Vladimir Putin, highlighting the enduring nature of humor as a form of social commentary.

The article discusses the current state of America's Democratic Party, which is facing criticism from its own voters and leaders. The party is perceived as being out of touch and ineffective. Democratic voters in Iowa, New York, and North Carolina expressed negative views about the party, with some describing it as 'lost' and 'dinosaurs'. Party leaders, such as Elizabeth Wilkins of Roosevelt Forward, are also critical, acknowledging that the party needs to change its approach. The article suggests that the party is trying to shift its focus from social issues like pronouns to economic concerns like prices.

The article 'How Israel is losing America' discusses the deteriorating relationship between Israel and the United States. Despite Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's claims that the alliance is strong, public opinion in America is turning against Israel, even among its strongest supporters. The article highlights the challenges facing the alliance and warns that Israelis should be concerned about the changing dynamics. The author argues that the relationship is not as robust as it once was, and that Israelis should worry about the implications of this shift.

The article discusses the security risks associated with Large Language Models (LLMs), a type of artificial intelligence. LLMs have an inherent security problem as they cannot differentiate between code and data, making them vulnerable to 'prompt injection' attacks. These attacks can trick LLMs into following unauthorized commands, sometimes with damaging consequences. The article suggests that coders need to adopt a more robust approach, similar to mechanical engineers, to mitigate these risks.

The article discusses Joshua Jahn, a 29-year-old man who shot and killed one migrant and wounded two others at a Dallas ICE facility. According to his former boss, Ryan Sanderson, Jahn was a lazy and pot-obsessed individual who worked on a cannabis farm in Washington state in 2017. Sanderson described Jahn as unmotivated and primarily interested in marijuana. The article also details the investigation into the shooting, including the discovery of anti-ICE messages and a handwritten note near Jahn's body. Jahn's family and political affiliations are also mentioned, with his mother posting anti-gun content on Facebook and Jahn being a registered independent who voted in Democratic primaries.

The New York City Council has passed a bill requiring the installation of gas appliances, such as ovens and dryers, to be done by master plumbers or specially-qualified handymen. Critics argue that this mandate will increase costs for building owners and landlords, potentially leading to higher rent prices. The bill was spearheaded by Bronx Councilwoman Pierina Sanchez, who cited a deadly 2015 gas explosion in the East Village as justification for the law. The New York Apartment Association opposed the bill, estimating that the specialized plumbers could charge up to $500 per installation. The law still needs to be signed by Mayor Eric Adams and is expected to go into effect in 120 days if approved.

The article discusses the New Jersey gubernatorial race between Republican Jack Ciattarelli and Democrat Mikie Sherrill, highlighting a recent poll that shows the two candidates in a dead heat. The author argues that the national Republican Party should provide support to Ciattarelli, citing the potential for a Republican win in a state that typically leans Democratic. The article suggests that the national party can help by boosting Ciattarelli's campaign funds and providing other resources. The author also notes that New Jersey voters are dissatisfied with the current Democratic governor, Phil Murphy, and are concerned about issues like the economy and crime, which favor the Republican candidate.

A report by China Labour Watch has revealed that workers at Foxconn's Zhengzhou facility, a major production partner for Apple's iPhone 17, faced difficult conditions including wage withholding, excessive overtime, and forced night shifts. The labour group alleged that Foxconn violated Chinese law by employing a large percentage of temporary 'dispatch' workers and blamed 'unstable orders' for creating an environment of constant pressure and intimidation. Apple responded by stating its commitment to high labour standards and that it conducts regular audits to ensure compliance.

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.

Malaysia is experiencing a resurgence in train travel, with the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) train service seeing increased ridership and improved infrastructure. The Komuter Utara service, launched in 2015, has benefited many Malaysians, particularly in rural areas. The KTM network stretches from Singapore to the Thai border, with various rail arteries, including the high-speed Electric Train Service (ETS). The ETS is set to be extended to Johor Bahru by end-2025, reducing travel time between Johor and Kuala Lumpur to around 3.5 hours. The Jungle Railway, a scenic route through the Malaysian interior, is popular with tourists and locals alike. The rail network is expected to improve further under the 13th Malaysia Plan, with developments such as the East Coast Rail Link and Penang Light Rail Transit.

Israel has indefinitely closed the Allenby Bridge crossing, the only international crossing between the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Jordan, stranding thousands of Palestinians and disrupting the flow of goods and medical supplies. The closure comes days after two Israeli military personnel were shot dead near the crossing by a Jordanian gunman. Prominent Palestinian politician Mustafa Barghouti described the move as 'imprisoning' people in the West Bank. Palestinians fear the closure is part of an Israeli response to recent moves by several countries to recognise the State of Palestine, which Israel has labelled a 'reward for terrorism'. The closure has significant implications for the West Bank, where most Palestinians are not allowed to travel through Israeli airports or border crossings.

A woman found dead in Spain 20 years ago has been identified as Liudmila Zavada, a 31-year-old Russian citizen, through an international police campaign called Operation Identify Me. The operation was launched by Interpol in 2023 to identify women who died under suspicious or unexplained circumstances in Europe. Zavada's body was discovered in 2005 in Barcelona, Spain, and was initially unidentified. Turkish police matched her fingerprints to a national database, and a DNA match was made with a relative in Russia. This is the third identification made through the campaign, following Rita Roberts from Wales and Ainoha Izaga Ibieta Lima from Paraguay. Investigations into Zavada's death continue, and police are still trying to identify 44 other women found dead in various European countries.

Polish mountaineer Andrzej Bargiel has become the first person to ski down Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen. Bargiel, 37, achieved this feat on September 22 by summiting the world's highest peak at 29,032 feet and then skiing down to base camp. He spent nearly 16 hours in the 'death zone' above 8,000 meters without bottled oxygen. The descent was done in two sections, with Bargiel skiing to Camp II before spending the night and then continuing through the dangerous Khumbu Icefall the next morning. This achievement is considered a landmark moment in extreme endurance sports.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that he is willing to step down from office once the war with Russia ends. In an interview with Axios, Zelenskyy emphasized that his primary goal is to achieve peace rather than secure another term. He expressed his commitment to holding elections during a ceasefire if Russia agrees to it. Zelenskyy's remarks come as Ukraine is under martial law, imposed since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, which has prevented elections from being held. Zelenskyy's original five-year term ended in May 2024, but he has remained in office beyond his original mandate due to the ongoing conflict.

Microsoft has blocked an Israeli military unit from using some of its services, including Azure software, after an investigation found it was being used to store millions of recordings of Palestinian mobile phone calls. The decision was made after a joint investigation by The Guardian and other outlets found the Israeli military was using Microsoft's technology for mass surveillance of Palestinians. Microsoft's president, Brad Smith, stated that the company does not provide technology for mass surveillance of civilians and that the decision would not impact its cyber security services to Israel and other Middle Eastern countries. The move has been welcomed by pro-Palestinian groups and is seen as a vindication for tech workers who protested against Microsoft's ties to Israel.

Three young women, Brenda del Castillo, Morena Verdi, and Lara Gutiérrez, were tortured, raped, and murdered by an Argentinian drug gang. The crime was live-streamed on Instagram to a private group of about 45 people. The victims were tricked into going to a house where they were killed, and their bodies were found buried in the garden. Four people have been arrested in connection with the crime. The incident has been described as a femicide and a brutal expression of dehumanisation.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has dispatched an Italian warship to aid a flotilla attempting to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza, marking a significant shift in Italy's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Meloni, a staunch ally of former US President Donald Trump and one of Israel's most vocal supporters in Europe, has taken a different approach since taking office in 2022. The move has sparked a range of reactions, with some praising Italy's actions as a necessary stand against Israeli actions and others criticizing the focus on Israel. The Israeli blockade of Gaza has been a contentious issue, with thousands of Gazans killed and many hostages taken by Hamas still believed to be alive.

The Finnish President, Alexander Stubb, has developed a rapport with US President Donald Trump and has been working behind the scenes to support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Trump recently made a statement on social media backing Ukraine's efforts to reclaim lost territory, marking a shift from his earlier stance. Stubb believes that Trump's change in tone is significant and could be a game-changer. Stubb also discussed the need for a ceasefire and peace negotiations, as well as Europe's unity in the face of the conflict and the rise of China.

CNN's Jeremy Diamond conducted an interview with senior Hamas leader Ghazi Hamad, pressing him on his responsibility for the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza and the state of the remaining hostages. The interview was wide-ranging and touched on various aspects of the conflict.

Finland's government-commissioned 'Report on the Future' outlines four scenarios for the world in 2045, ranging from a future dominated by tech giants to one in which old alliances have collapsed and war has become the new normal. The report highlights the risk of global warming becoming irreversible and the potential collapse of NATO. The scenarios include a world of cooperation, a world of tech giants, a confrontational world, and a crumbling world. The report also lists 'wild cards' that could radically change the world's prospects, such as an African economic miracle or a new Ice Age in Europe.