In other news

The article 'Brothers in the forest' - the fight to protect an isolated Amazon tribe discusses the Mashco Piro, an isolated indigenous tribe in the Peruvian Amazon. The tribe has chosen to remain isolated for over a century and relies on the Amazonian rainforest for everything they need. However, their way of life is under threat from logging, mining, and drilling for oil, as well as contact with outsiders who could expose them to diseases they have no immunity to. The article highlights the efforts of local communities and organizations to protect the Mashco Piro and their land, including the establishment of a control post to manage interactions between the tribe and outsiders. The Peruvian government has a policy of non-contact with isolated people, but the article argues that more needs to be done to protect the Mashco Piro and other uncontacted groups around the world.

A Turkish charity owner, Sadettin Karagoz, has been arrested following allegations of sexually exploiting vulnerable Syrian refugee women in exchange for aid. The allegations surfaced after a BBC investigation revealed that multiple women, including Madina, Nada, and Batoul, claimed they were assaulted or harassed by Karagoz. Despite denying the allegations, Karagoz was arrested after two women came forward to report him following the BBC's investigation. The arrest has given strength to the women who were exploited, with Batoul stating she is 'truly happy' he is in jail.

A bus fire in southern India killed at least 20 people after colliding with a motorcycle, with the blaze intensified by hundreds of smartphones onboard. The bus was carrying 234 mobile phones worth 4.6m Indian rupees (£39,361; $52,377) from Hyderabad to an e-commerce company in Bengaluru. Forensic experts and officials stated that the lithium-ion batteries in the phones and the bus's air conditioning system exacerbated the fire. The bus driver fled the scene, and authorities have opened an investigation into possible negligent driving. The incident highlights India's road safety concerns, with the country having the highest road accident death tolls in the world last year.

Former US Vice-President Kamala Harris expressed concern that she did not ask President Joe Biden to pull out of the 2024 presidential race, citing worries about his ability to meet the demands of a gruelling election campaign. In an interview with the BBC, Harris revealed that she had not discussed her concerns with Biden, who ultimately ended his re-election bid in July 2024 after a disastrous debate performance. Harris is promoting her new book, '107 Days', which details her three-month campaign as the Democratic nominee. She also hinted at a possible future presidential run, stating that she is 'not done' with public service.

A 26-year-old Brazilian woman, Jhordana Dias, was allegedly attempted to be raped on a train near Paris on October 15. The incident was captured on video by another passenger, Marguerite, who filmed the attacker fleeing the scene as the train pulled into a station. The footage went viral, sparking widespread outrage and reviving discussions around women's safety in France. A suspect, a 26-year-old Egyptian national, was arrested on Friday evening by transport police in Mantes-la-Jolie, north-west of Paris. He remains in custody. The incident has prompted many women to share their own experiences of harassment on public transport in France, with two other women coming forward to claim they were victims of the same man.

A mysterious donor has given $130 million to the US Pentagon to help pay US troops during the ongoing government shutdown. The donor, who has been identified by the New York Times as billionaire Timothy Mellon, a major financial backer of President Donald Trump, wished to remain anonymous. The donation is allowed under the Pentagon's 'general gift acceptance authority' and will be used to offset the cost of service members' salaries and benefits. The shutdown, now in its 25th day, has seen most government workers furloughed or working without pay. Critics have raised concerns over the ethics of accepting anonymous donations, citing potential risks of foreign influence.

The ousted Madagascan President Andry Rajoelina has been stripped of his citizenship by the new regime led by Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo. Rajoelina, who obtained French citizenship a decade ago, was removed from office last week in a military coup led by Col Michael Randrianirina. The decision to strip his citizenship cites local laws that state individuals who acquire foreign citizenship should lose their Malagasy nationality. Rajoelina had faced protests over power and water shortages, and his government's response with violence exacerbated the situation, ultimately leading to his ousting.

Thailand's former Queen Sirikit has died at the age of 93. She was the wife of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thailand's longest-reigning monarch, and the mother of the current King Vajiralongkorn. Queen Sirikit was known for her fashion sense and was a style icon during her globe-trotting days with her husband. She was also seen as a key maternal figure for Thailand, with her birthday marked as Mother's Day since 1976. Queen Sirikit suffered a stroke in 2012 and was rarely seen in public after that. Her death has prompted a royal funeral to be organized by the Thai Royal Household Bureau, and her body will lie in state at the Grand Palace's Dusit Thorne Hall in Bangkok.

US President Donald Trump has increased tariffs on Canadian goods by 10% in response to an anti-tariff advertisement featuring Ronald Reagan aired by the province of Ontario. The advert, which quotes Reagan saying tariffs 'hurt every American', was criticized by the Ronald Reagan Foundation for misrepresenting the former president's views. Ontario Premier Doug Ford had agreed to pause the advert to allow trade talks to resume but said it would still run during the World Series. Trump responded by increasing tariffs, stating that the advert should have been pulled down 'IMMEDIATELY'. Canadian officials, including Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (misnamed as Mark Carney in the article), have expressed readiness to continue trade talks with the US.

The article discusses the growing issue with Britain's welfare system, highlighting how social media influencers, known as 'sickfluencers,' are advising people on how to claim disability benefits, potentially exploiting the system. The article suggests that the welfare system has become sicker and something needs to change. It touches upon various other British politics and social issues, such as the government's policies and public reactions to certain events.

The article discusses how the elite in Russia are changing during wartime, with new individuals rising to prominence as the old elite struggle to maintain their status. The author, Kate de Pury, describes how the party scene in Russia has changed, with the old glamorous events and connections between ministers, oligarchs, and Western pop stars giving way to a new cast of characters. The article highlights how the current situation in Russia is leading to a shift in power and influence, with some individuals adapting to the new circumstances and others struggling to keep up.

The article discusses South Korea's polarised politics and the recent attempt by President Yoon Suk Yeol to declare martial law. It explores the deep roots of the country's divisions and how two duelling history influencers contribute to the polarisation. The article provides an in-depth analysis of the events leading up to the martial law declaration and its implications for the country's liberal democracy.

The article discusses Parkrun, a weekly 5km run event that has become a global phenomenon, originating in Bushy Park, London 21 years ago. It has become a significant public health success in Britain, attracting diverse participants, including runners and non-runners, and has been credited with improving overall health and wellbeing. The event has become a cultural phenomenon, with participants traveling from afar to take part, and has been praised for its inclusive and community-driven nature.

The article discusses Li Yonghui, a Chinese tycoon who is currently jailed and continuing his legal battle against the Chinese state. Li's case is significant as it comes at an inconvenient moment for the Communist Party. The article provides background information on Li's past, including his detention and subsequent escape to the United States in 1999. It highlights Li's determination to continue his fight from behind bars, which poses a challenge to the Chinese authorities.

The article discusses the trial of an experimental theatre director in Russia, questioning why the Russian state targeted her. It highlights the contrast between the old elite and new characters rising to prominence in wartime Russia, touching on themes of politics, power shifts, and the arts. The piece is part of a series of stories from '1843', a section of The Economist, that explores various global issues, from wildlife trafficking to political polarization and wrongful convictions.

The article 'The school for wildlife traffickers' discusses how Chinese criminals are recruiting Malawian orphans into the ivory trade. The story focuses on Francis, a 19-year-old orphan who lives at the Amitofo Care Centre in Malawi. The article highlights the vulnerability of orphans and destitute children being exploited by criminal organizations involved in wildlife trafficking.

The Birmingham City Council's Safety Advisory Group has banned Israeli football fans from attending a UEFA Europa League match between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv, citing insufficient police protection. The decision has sparked controversy and concerns about ethnic tensions and antisemitism in Britain. Locals have expressed disappointment with the ban, according to a report.

The article discusses the growing wine industry in China's Ningxia region, which has been supported by government initiatives and French expertise. Despite harsh winters, Ningxia's climate and soil conditions are suitable for winemaking, and the region has become a major producer of premium wines. Chinese wines are gaining recognition globally, with 181 medals won at the Decanter World Wine Awards in 2025. However, the industry still faces challenges such as high production costs, limited wine culture, and competition from established wine-producing countries. Winemakers like Emma Gao are working to discover the unique terroir of China and produce high-quality wines that can compete with those from other regions.

The article discusses China's pioneering role in producing lab-grown diamonds, which are increasingly winning over consumers due to their lower cost and comparable quality to natural diamonds. China's companies, such as Zhongjing Diamond, are producing large quantities of artificial diamonds, with the country's output exceeding that of the rest of the world combined. The rise of lab-grown diamonds is projected to continue, with the market expected to grow significantly by 2032. However, concerns are being raised about the potential erosion of demand for natural diamonds as synthetic gems become more prevalent.

The Kuomintang (KMT) party in Taiwan has elected a new chairwoman, Cheng Li-wun, who is seen as outspoken and has roots in street activism. Her victory is viewed as a sign of the party's internal fatigue with its old guard and frustration after being out of power for nearly a decade. However, analysts warn that her Beijing-friendly stance may alienate mainstream voters, and the party's shrinking base is a concern. The next local elections will be a test of her ability to revive the party's fortunes.

The Dutch government's seizure of control over Nexperia, a semiconductor manufacturer owned by Chinese company Wingtech, has sparked a dispute between China and the Netherlands, potentially disrupting the global car industry's supply chain. The Dutch government's action was taken under an obscure 1952 law, and came after the US government extended export control restrictions to entities owned by companies on its trade blacklist. Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao met with EU counterparts in Brussels to defuse the row. The situation has raised concerns about the impact on the global supply chain, particularly in the automotive industry.

The Hong Kong government has been criticized for its handling of a bottled water procurement scandal involving Xin Ding Xin Trade, a company that was awarded a contract despite allegedly submitting falsified documents. The Government Logistics Department (GLD) failed to flag problems with the company to the central tender board, which approved the tender. Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui Ching-yu has announced a disciplinary investigation to review the roles of those involved and determine responsibilities.

China's influence in Africa has been expanding westward, driven by discoveries of large untapped mineral deposits in West Africa. A new study suggests that advances in geological understanding of the African continent are challenging long-held assumptions about its mineral potential and reshaping investment and exploration strategies, particularly those of Chinese companies. The research team led by Chen Xifeng has systematically compiled the latest scientific understanding of West and Central Africa's geology, identifying the mineral types most strategic to China and forecasting key future exploration frontiers.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang visited Singapore on a two-day trip, marking the first visit by a Chinese leader since 2018. During the visit, Li and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong pledged to uphold multilateralism and strengthen bilateral trade amid growing protectionism. Li emphasized China's commitment to opposing unilateralism and protectionism, and promoting free trade and economic globalization. Wong affirmed Singapore's willingness to strengthen multilateral collaboration with China and pledged to enhance bilateral trade and investment links.

Small Chinese exporters are facing challenges due to overseas buyers demanding extended payment terms, affecting their profits. At the Canton Fair, exporters reported that buyers are now demanding longer payment terms, such as 90 days post-shipment, due to tighter overseas liquidity and rising inventory pressures. This trend is putting pressure on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as they have to front-load costs for materials, production, and shipping. Despite global trade tensions, China's foreign trade has shown resilience, growing 6% year on year in the third quarter.

The Chinese navy continues to send task forces to the Gulf of Aden despite a significant decrease in Somali pirate attacks since 2013. The 48th escort task group was recently dispatched, maintaining China's uninterrupted anti-piracy deployment in the region. Experts believe that these missions have evolved into a long-term strategic program, enabling the Chinese navy to develop into a modern maritime force. The deployments have also provided a rationale for China to establish a military base in Djibouti, which became operational in 2017. The navy's stays in the region have been prolonged, with the previous two missions lasting over 10 months due to diplomatic port calls and regional security concerns.

Two men in their 60s were hospitalized after a World War II artillery shell they were handling in an apartment in Głubczyce, Poland, exploded. The men had been drinking alcohol, and one was significantly over the legal driving limit. Police found another unexploded device, an WWII-era mine, which was later neutralized. Prosecutors have launched an investigation into the incident.

Three Chinese citizens were arrested in Tbilisi, Georgia, for attempting to buy 2 kilograms of uranium worth $400,000. The suspects planned to transport the nuclear material to China via Russia. The operation was coordinated by members in China, while one Chinese citizen already in Georgia guided experts to search for uranium. The arrests were made during negotiations for the illegal transaction, but the exact date and identities of the suspects were not disclosed. This incident follows a similar case in January where a Japanese national pleaded guilty to conspiring to traffic uranium and plutonium to Iran.

Mexican authorities discovered 48 bags containing human remains in a clandestine grave near Guadalajara, in the state of Jalisco, a stronghold of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The remains were found by a search group on a vacant lot in Zapopan, a municipality in the Guadalajara metropolitan area. Officials are still trying to determine the exact number of victims and are analyzing the remains. The discovery is the latest in a series of mass graves found in Jalisco, which has been plagued by violence and disappearances attributed to the CJNG. The cartel is led by Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as 'El Mencho,' who is wanted by the US authorities. The Jalisco state prosecutor's office is working with the National Commission for the Search for Persons to recover the remains and identify the victims.

A record number of bear attacks in Japan has resulted in one death and four injuries. The attacks occurred in the northern region of Akita and central Toyama region. Japan's environment minister has vowed to strengthen measures to manage the bear population and prevent further attacks. The increase in bear attacks is attributed to factors such as a declining human population, climate change, and the resulting encroachment of bears into human settlements. Experts cite the impact of climate change on bears' food sources and hibernation cycles as a key factor. Japan has two types of bears: Asian black bears and brown bears.

A 13-year-old boy in New Zealand was hospitalized after ingesting 80-100 high-powered magnets, which caused significant damage to his bowel and large intestine. The magnets, which were purchased online, linked together inside his body and caused pressure necrosis, necessitating surgical removal. The boy recovered after an eight-day hospital stay. The incident highlights the dangers of high-powered magnets, which are often sold as desktop toys for adults but can be particularly risky if ingested. The sale of these magnets has been banned in New Zealand, but the prohibition is difficult to enforce due to online availability.

China's newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, is not as capable as the 50-year-old US Navy carrier USS Nimitz in terms of air operation efficiency, according to two former US Navy officers. The Fujian's flight deck configuration limits simultaneous takeoffs and landings, reducing its operational capability to about 60% of the Nimitz-class carriers. The Fujian features an electromagnetic catapult aircraft launching system, a first for Chinese carriers, but its design may have led to limitations in flight deck operations. The US has a significant lead in aircraft carriers, with 11 active carriers compared to China's two, and the Fujian's activation is expected soon.

The article discusses an interview with Pedro Antunes, Chief Economist at The Conference Board of Canada, on CNN, where he analyzed the potential impact of President Donald Trump's decision to call off trade talks with Canada over an anti-tariff ad. Antunes discussed the industries that would be most affected by this decision.

The article reports on the demolition of two 528-foot-high cooling towers at the Gundremmingen nuclear power station in Bavaria, Germany, marking a significant step in the plant's dismantling process. The news is presented alongside other unrelated CNN videos and news stories.

Two men, James Gibson and Keith Smith, were wrongly accused and imprisoned for a murder they did not commit in Chicago in 1989. They were tortured by police detectives led by Jon Burge into making false confessions. It took decades for the truth to come to light, with Gibson being exonerated in 2019 and Smith in 2012. Gibson was awarded $14.75 million in compensation for his wrongful imprisonment, while Smith was not eligible due to the terms of his release. The article highlights the long-lasting effects of their experiences and the ongoing struggles they face.

The article discusses a proposed plan to rebuild Gaza by dividing it into two areas: one under Israeli control and the other under Hamas. The plan, dubbed the 'Disneyland strategy,' aims to create a living example of peace and recovery that could inspire change in Hamas-controlled areas. The strategy involves clearing Hamas from areas under Israeli control, rebuilding, and allowing civilians to return. Experts say this approach could give Gazans a tangible glimpse of life without Hamas and potentially weaken the terror group.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has defended his comments linking migrants to fear among citizens, stating that many Germans and Europeans are 'afraid to move around in public spaces' due to migrants who don't abide by the rules. Merz rejected criticism that his comments were racist, saying migrants are 'an indispensable part of our labor market.' The backlash against his comments included a petition signed by actor Marie Nasemann and environmental activist Luisa Neubauer, who disputed Merz's remarks as discriminatory and hurtful.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee met with the families of two American citizens, Itay Chen and Omer Neutra, whose bodies have been held hostage in Gaza since the October 7, 2023 attacks. The families expressed their frustration and grief over the delay in returning their loved ones' remains. Rubio assured them that the US is committed to securing their release. The article highlights the ongoing efforts to resolve the hostage crisis and the emotional toll on the families involved.

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric has offered to host peace talks between Ukraine and Russia to end the ongoing conflict. Djuric stated that Serbia is willing to host negotiations due to its friendly relations with both parties and its commitment to territorial integrity and sovereignty. The proposal comes after a potential summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hungary was shelved. Serbia's relations with both the US and China were also discussed, with Djuric highlighting the country's independent foreign policy and its strategic partnership with the US. Serbia has faced criticism for not joining Western sanctions against Russia and for its ties with China, which has invested heavily in Serbian infrastructure.

A 33-year-old man, Kenneth Leland Morgan, was arrested on Friday after allegedly breaking a woman's nose outside a Georgia bar, Cutters Pub, on Thursday night. Morgan had attempted to enter the bar dressed in Nazi attire, prompting outrage from patrons, including a Jewish woman, Grace Lang, who confronted him. A scuffle ensued, and Morgan smashed a glass beer pitcher into Lang's face, causing her to suffer a broken nose. Morgan was charged with felony aggravated assault and misdemeanor battery and released on a $1,500 bond. The bar owner, Patrick Depaolo, expressed relief that Morgan was arrested and apologized for the situation escalating.

Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania broke ranks with his party to vote with Republicans to reopen the government during a prolonged shutdown over healthcare funding. Fetterman urged his colleagues to prioritize the country's interests over party loyalty, suggesting that negotiations on healthcare funding could continue once the government is reopened. The shutdown, now one of the longest in U.S. history, has resulted in delayed pay for hundreds of thousands of federal workers and impacted various government programs.

A mass shooting occurred during a homecoming event at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania on Saturday night, resulting in one death and six injuries. The shooting took place during a 'tailgate celebration' near the football stadium, with gunfire erupting at around 9:30 p.m. Police have detained a person found in possession of a gun, but no charges have been announced. The university was briefly placed on lockdown, but the order was lifted after police found 'no active threat' to the school. Counseling will be provided to students and staff who need support.

New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill is facing criticism for her stock trading activities while in Congress, with some accusing her of insider trading. Sherrill's trades, made during the COVID-19 pandemic, have raised questions about whether she used nonpublic information to make profitable trades. While Sherrill's actions may not be illegal, they have damaged her reputation and potentially cost her the election. The controversy has highlighted the need for lawmakers to be cautious with their financial dealings and to avoid even the appearance of impropriety.

The Durand Line, a border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, was drawn by the British Empire and remains a point of contention between the two countries. Pakistan considers it a fixed border, while Afghanistan views it as hypothetical. The legacy of the British Empire continues to affect the relationship between the two neighboring countries.

The US and UK governments have sanctioned Prince Holding Group, a Cambodian conglomerate, and its chairman Chen Zhi for their alleged involvement in a massive cyber scam operation. The syndicate, which is accused of forcing trafficked migrant workers to scam people online, has been linked to Singapore, where it used the city-state's financial system to legitimize its activities. The US and UK have frozen the group's assets and indicted Chen, who is also a Cambodian citizen. The case highlights Singapore's role in enabling cyber scamming and the practice of 'Singapore washing', where Chinese companies use the city-state to circumvent US scrutiny.

President Donald Trump has raised tariffs on Canadian imports by 10% in response to a television ad aired in the United States featuring former President Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs. The decision has been met with widespread criticism, with many describing Trump as 'thin-skinned' and 'petty'. The ad in question quotes Reagan, suggesting that tariffs are not an effective policy tool. Trump's move is seen as a reaction to the ad, which was perceived as critical of his trade policies.

The UK's ban on importing dairy products and certain meats from the EU for personal consumption has created tension between the two entities. The ban, implemented in April due to outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Europe, has resulted in British holidaymakers being warned not to bring back food items like cheese, chorizo, and salami. Those caught with banned items face a £5,000 fine. The ban has significantly impacted cheese shops in Paris, particularly those near the Gare du Nord, who rely on British tourists. Despite the containment of FMD outbreaks in Europe, the UK government maintains the ban is necessary to protect British farmers and food security. The EU has had a similar ban on British animal and dairy products since Brexit. The UK's last major FMD outbreak in 2001 had devastating consequences, with over six million animals destroyed and significant economic losses.

Meta's co-founder Dustin Moskovitz recently shared his experience of being a CEO for 13 years at Asana, describing it as 'exhausting.' Moskovitz, an introvert, found managing teams and reacting to problems challenging. He transitioned from CEO to chairman at Asana earlier this year. The article highlights that many successful leaders are introverts, and they possess traits like being more creative and better at problem-solving, according to Susan Cain, author of 'Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking.'

The town of Muar, Malaysia, known as 'Furniture City,' is facing economic challenges due to US tariffs imposed by President Trump. The tariffs have led to a decline in furniture exports to the US, affecting local businesses and workers. Despite efforts to diversify exports to other markets, the industry is struggling to cope with the impact of the tariffs. Local leaders are worried about the future of the industry and are seeking a trade deal to mitigate the effects.

The article is an opinion piece by Laylah Amatullah Barrayn, a documentary photographer and writer, who reflects on the life and legacy of Omar ibn Said, a Muslim scholar enslaved in America in the 19th century. Barrayn recounts her personal connection to ibn Said's story, having grown up in a Senegalese community in New York City and later traveling to Senegal to research ibn Said's life. She discusses ibn Said's writings and artwork, created while enslaved, which offer a rare glimpse into the interior life of an African Muslim scholar in America. Barrayn also shares her own experiences traveling to Coppe, ibn Said's likely birthplace, where she took a self-portrait holding ibn Said's image, as a way of honoring his wish to return and acknowledging his memory and legacy. The article explores themes of identity, memory, and the power of storytelling.

Hurricane Melissa is rapidly intensifying and is expected to make landfall in Jamaica as a Category 4 hurricane early next week. The storm has already caused catastrophic damage in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, killing at least four people and affecting hundreds of thousands. Jamaica has issued a hurricane warning, and over 650 shelters have been set up to accommodate those in need. The Cuban government has also issued a hurricane watch for several provinces.

Malaysia is experiencing a resurgence in train travel, with the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) train service seeing increased ridership and new infrastructure developments. The KTM provides both intercity and local train services across Peninsular Malaysia, with services such as the Komuter Utara and Electric Train Service (ETS) improving connectivity and reducing travel times. The train services not only cater to daily commuters but also attract tourists and adventure seekers who enjoy the scenic routes, such as the Jungle Railway. The government has announced plans to further improve rail infrastructure under the 13th Malaysia Plan, including the East Coast Rail Link and Penang Light Rail Transit.

The article examines whether populist leaders always crash the economy, using Argentina's experience under Javier Milei as a case study. Milei's policies have led to a significant economic downturn, with 18,000 businesses closing and 253,800 jobs lost. The article compares Milei's approach to that of other populist leaders, including Donald Trump, Giorgia Meloni, and Nigel Farage, and explores the appeal of populist leaders in times of economic uncertainty. It highlights the contradictions in their economic policies and the challenges they face in implementing their agendas.