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The article compares China's economic growth to that of Aruba, a small island with a population of 108,000. Aruba has successfully transformed its economy multiple times, achieving a significant increase in GDP per person in under 15 years, even after reaching a similar income level to China. The article suggests that China's leaders would like to emulate Aruba's success, as they have set lofty goals for 2035. However, China faces significant economic challenges, and it remains to be seen whether it can achieve similar growth.

The article discusses the growing skepticism among economists about the effectiveness of high minimum wages as a policy tool. Governments are pushing the policy to its limits, but some economists are now questioning its benefits, citing potential negative consequences such as reduced employment opportunities and increased costs for businesses. The article highlights the example of Mexico City, where the minimum wage has been increased significantly, and notes that while some workers benefit, others may be priced out of the labor market. The article also touches on the broader debate about the role of minimum wages in economic policy and the need for a more nuanced approach.

The Economist's finance and economics section features various articles discussing current economic trends and issues. The articles cover a range of topics, including the challenges of shorting overvalued companies, the slow adoption of AI in business, and the potential consequences of high minimum wages. Other articles examine the impact of visa restrictions on India's economy, the Chinese economy's growth prospects, and the decline of America's mortgage market. The section also touches on the cryptocurrency market, the gold rally, and the economics of crime. Overall, the articles provide in-depth analysis and insights into the world of finance and economics.

The article discusses the potential for an unjust peace in Ukraine and the need for Ukraine and Europe to take control of their destiny. A leaked 28-point surrender plan has sparked concerns, but for now, it seems that the moment of maximum diplomatic danger has passed. The US Secretary of State, Senate Republicans, and European leaders are working to protect Ukraine in talks, but the choices ahead will be challenging. The article warns that Donald Trump's peace plan would be detrimental to Ukraine, Europe, and America, driven by opportunism and strategic shortsightedness. It emphasizes the need for Europe to take control of its destiny to avoid being exploited by China.

The article discusses the growing concern among investors that the US private markets and unlisted tech industry corners may be on the verge of a collapse similar to the 2008 financial crisis. It highlights the challenges of short-selling in these markets and references the film 'The Big Short' about the 2008 crisis. The article also touches on various economic concerns and trends, including AI adoption, investor fatalism, and the impact of visa restrictions.

A recent survey by the US Census Bureau found that the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the US workforce has slowed down, contrary to investor expectations. The employment-weighted share of Americans using AI at work has fallen by a percentage point to 11%. The decline is more pronounced among larger businesses with over 250 employees. This trend has implications for trillions of dollars of spending on AI technology.

The article is not accessible due to a security verification page. However, based on the title and URL, it appears to be discussing the decline of America's mortgage market. A possible summary could be: The article explores the current state of the US mortgage market, discussing its decline and the factors contributing to it. It may examine the implications of this trend on the economy and the housing market.

The American mortgage market is experiencing a significant decline, with the value of mortgage debt as a share of the housing stock at its lowest in 60 years. While this may seem like a positive development given the role of troubled housing loans in the global financial crisis, it is actually a cause for concern. The decline is locking many families out of homeownership, slowing labor mobility, and reducing the construction of modest, single-family homes. The article argues that the mortgage market needs to be revived and that some post-financial crisis regulations have gone too far.

The article discusses the resurgence of river transport on the Thames in London, with passenger numbers exceeding Victorian-era records. The Uber Boat by Thames Clippers service operates 21 vessels and carries 15,000 passengers daily. The service has seen a 23% increase in traffic between 2019 and 2024, driven in part by the opening of the O2 arena in 2007 and recent Tube strikes. While the river bus offers a more pleasant journey than crowded trains, it faces challenges such as tides and weather. A £59m investment promises improvements, including modernized piers and new vessels powered by clean energy.

The article argues that Europe must take control of its destiny to avoid being negatively impacted by global changes, particularly the rise of China. It highlights Europe's past influence in shaping global regulations and its unique ability to create powerful blocs through integration. The article warns that if Europe fails to assert itself, China will exploit its weaknesses. It emphasizes the need for Europe to seize the initiative to control its own future, drawing parallels with other global issues and challenges faced by Europe and other regions.

The article discusses the impact of visa restrictions imposed by rich countries on Indian migrants. While these restrictions may be detrimental to individual Indians, they may not be entirely negative for India's economy. The article highlights the tightening of migration policies globally, citing examples such as the US H-1B visa fee hike, the UK's reduction of post-study visa duration, and Canada's cap on foreign student numbers. The OECD reports a decline in long-term migrants and students moving to rich countries. The article suggests that while remittances may fall, new opportunities are emerging for India.

The article 'Welcome to Anything Goes America' discusses the potential consequences of Donald Trump's presidency on the norms and values of American politics and society. It contrasts Trump's potential actions with those of former President Harry Truman, who maintained integrity and refused to exploit his office for personal gain. The article suggests that Trump's presidency may lead to a loosening of rules and tolerance of corruption, potentially damaging the prestige and dignity of the presidency. It touches on various related issues, including the need for reform in Britain, the situation in Ukraine, and economic policies in America.

The article argues that governments should stop raising the minimum wage, citing that after a decade of increases, there are now better tools available to fight poverty. It highlights that many countries, including Britain, Germany, and the United States (specifically some states and cities), have significantly raised their minimum wages, making it a popular tool for redistribution among politicians. However, the author suggests that this approach may no longer be the most effective way to address inequality and poverty.

The article discusses the growing fatalism among investors, who are increasingly accepting of potential market downturns. Despite record revenues and profits from companies like Nvidia, share prices continue to fall, leaving investors questioning their decisions. The article explores the reasons behind this trend and its implications for the market.

The United Nations released a report on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, stating that 50,000 women and girls were killed by intimate partners or family members in 2024, averaging 137 women per day or one every 10 minutes. The report, based on data from 117 countries, found that 83,000 women and girls were intentionally killed in 2024, with 60% of those murdered by partners or relatives. The highest rate of femicide was recorded in Africa, followed by the Americas, Oceania, Asia, and Europe. The report highlighted that technological advancements have exacerbated violence against women and girls, including non-consensual image-sharing, doxxing, and deepfake videos. The UN called for the implementation of laws to hold perpetrators accountable and prevent such violence.

A new report by TRAFFIC reveals a worsening global tiger trafficking crisis, with authorities seizing an average of nine tigers per month over the past five years. The global wild tiger population has plummeted to 3,700-5,500, and experts warn that conservation efforts are being outpaced by evolving criminal networks. The report highlights a shift towards trafficking whole animals, living or dead, and identifies hotspots for intervention. Experts call for urgent action to combat tiger trafficking and prevent the loss of wild tigers.

Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan escalated after Pakistani airstrikes killed 10 people in Afghanistan, prompting the Taliban government to vow a response. The strikes came after a suicide bombing in Peshawar, Pakistan, which killed three officers and wounded 11 others. Pakistan accused Afghanistan of harboring militants responsible for the attack, while Afghanistan denied the allegations and accused Pakistan of violating its sovereignty. The incident threatened a fragile ceasefire between the two countries.

Australian Senator Pauline Hanson was banned from parliament for 7 days for wearing a burqa to protest against the garment's use in public. Hanson, leader of the anti-immigration One Nation party, wore the full-body covering into the chamber and refused to remove it, sparking outrage among fellow lawmakers. The Senate voted 55-5 to condemn Hanson's actions as 'intended to vilify and mock people on the basis of their religion.' Hanson rejected accusations of vilifying Muslims, stating she wanted equality for all Australians and opposed the suppression of women.

China launched the Shenzhou 22 spacecraft on November 25, 2025, to help bring back three astronauts stranded on China's Tiangong space station due to a damaged spacecraft. The Shenzhou 22 is expected to be used by the astronauts in 2026. The incident occurred when the Shenzhou 20 spacecraft's window was damaged, causing a nine-day delay in their return to Earth. The astronauts eventually returned using the Shenzhou 21 spacecraft. China's space program has been rapidly progressing, with the Tiangong space station being developed after the country was excluded from the International Space Station due to U.S. national security concerns.

Four more people have been arrested in connection with the theft of imperial jewels from the Louvre Museum in Paris last month. The suspects, two men and two women, are believed to have played a role in the daring daylight heist, which netted loot valued at around $102 million. The investigation is ongoing, with police holding the suspects for questioning for 96 hours. The heist has raised concerns about security at the world's most-visited art museum, with the Louvre's director revealing plans to install new surveillance cameras and anti-intrusion systems.

Scientists have identified the mystery owner of a 3-million-year-old foot found in Ethiopia as Australopithecus deyiremeda, a previously named ancient human relative. New fossils, including a jawbone with 12 teeth, were discovered at the site, confirming that the foot belonged to A. deyiremeda. The research revealed that A. deyiremeda was more primitive than Lucy's species, Australopithecus afarensis, and had a diet consisting mainly of leaves, fruit, and nuts. The discovery suggests that A. deyiremeda spent more time in trees, while Lucy's species spent more time on the ground, allowing them to coexist. The findings provide new insights into human evolution and the search for the true ancestor of Homo sapiens.

A golden retriever named Polly is being honored as a 'CPR Hero' for helping save her owner's life during a cardiac arrest. Polly's barking alerted her owner's wife, Hannah, who then performed CPR and called an ambulance. The owner, Adam, was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy and received life-saving treatment. The couple credits Polly with saving Adam's life, and both Hannah and Polly are being recognized for their actions at the British Heart Foundation's Heart Hero Awards ceremony.

A previously unknown oil painting by French impressionist Auguste Renoir, titled 'L'enfant et ses jouets - Gabrielle et le fils de l'artiste, Jean,' has sold for $2.08 million at a Paris auction. The painting, created between 1890 and 1895, features Renoir's second son, Jean, as a toddler with his nanny, Gabrielle. Jean Renoir went on to become an Oscar-winning filmmaker. The painting was in exceptional condition, with no restoration needed, and was sold to an international buyer.

A Turkish-German family of four died while on holiday in Istanbul after being poisoned by phosphine gas emitted from a pesticide used to treat a bug infestation in their hotel. The family, who were staying at the Harbour Suites Old City hotel, fell ill on November 12 and were hospitalized, with the children dying first, followed by their mother and then their father. A preliminary autopsy report found phosphine gas on towels, masks, and swab samples taken from the hotel room, and authorities have arrested 11 people in connection with the case, including the hotel's owner and staff members. The incident has raised concerns over hotel safety standards and prompted calls for stricter oversight.

Two Australian teenagers, backed by the Digital Freedom Project, are challenging the country's new social media ban for children under 16 in the High Court, arguing it is unconstitutional and disregards children's rights. The law, supported by most Australian adults, aims to protect children from harmful content and algorithms. The teenagers claim the ban will hurt vulnerable kids, including those with disabilities and LGBTIQ+ youth, and that alternative measures like digital literacy programs would be more effective.

A 50-year-old Chicago man, Lawrence Reed, has been accused of dousing a 26-year-old woman, Bethany MaGee, in gasoline and setting her on fire on a public train. Reed had 72 prior arrests and a history of mental illness. The White House has blamed the incident on Democrats' 'soft' policies on crime, citing Illinois' elimination of 'cash bail'. Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed sympathy for the victim and her family, while also acknowledging the incident as 'an absolute failure of our criminal justice as well as our mental health institutions'.

The town of Añelo in Argentina has been transformed by fracking for oil and gas in the Vaca Muerta region, with its population soaring and businesses booming. However, experts warn that the benefits of Vaca Muerta may not be enough to solve Argentina's deeper economic problems, such as high inflation and public spending. The region's oil and gas production has given Argentina energy self-sufficiency and allowed it to export energy, earning foreign currency. Nevertheless, critics argue that the industry is being held back by Argentina's bad credit rating, strict currency controls, and insufficient infrastructure. Despite these challenges, the provincial government is working to support the industry, and there is a political consensus in favor of increased mining.

A group of military officers in Guinea-Bissau have seized control of the country, detaining President Umaro Sissoco Embaló amid reports of gunfire in the capital, Bissau. The officers claim to be acting to prevent a plot by unnamed politicians backed by a drug baron to destabilize the country. The coup comes as the country awaits the outcome of Sunday's presidential election, with both Embaló and his closest rival, Fernando Dias, claiming victory. The putschists have also detained other key figures, including Dias, former Prime Minister Domingos Pereira, and Interior Minister Botché Candé. The African Union and Ecowas have expressed deep concern over the coup, calling for a return to constitutional order. Guinea-Bissau has a history of military coups and is known as a notorious drug-trafficking hub.

The Italian parliament has unanimously voted to introduce a new law making femicide a distinct crime punishable by life sentence. The law was introduced following a series of high-profile murders of women, including Giulia Cecchettin, whose murder shocked the country. The new law aims to address the issue of violence against women in Italy, where femicide is a significant problem. The law defines femicide as the murder of a woman motivated by gender, and will require such cases to be recorded separately and trigger an automatic life sentence. The move is seen as a significant step towards addressing the issue, but critics argue that more needs to be done to address the root causes of violence against women.

France's highest court has upheld a one-year sentence against former President Nicolas Sarkozy for the illegal financing of his 2012 re-election campaign. Sarkozy was found guilty of overspending on his campaign and hiring a PR firm to cover it up. The sentence includes six months suspended, potentially served with an electronic tag. This is Sarkozy's second definitive conviction, following a previous corruption conviction. He faces strict judicial supervision and is barred from leaving France until an appeal trial next year. Sarkozy has denied all allegations and has been sentenced to jail previously, serving 20 days before being released.

Pope Leo XIV embarks on his first foreign trip as Pope, visiting Turkey and Lebanon over six days. The trip is significant as it marks the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea in Turkey, where Christian leaders will gather to affirm their unity. In Lebanon, the Pope will meet faith leaders, hear from young people, and celebrate Mass at the site of the 2020 port explosion. The trip is seen as an opportunity for Pope Leo to demonstrate his diplomatic skills and build bridges between different Christian traditions and other faiths. The visit to Lebanon comes after recent Israeli airstrikes on Beirut, and the Pope's comments on the conflict are eagerly awaited.

Severe flooding has ravaged parts of South East Asia, particularly in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia, resulting in significant loss of life and displacement. In Thailand, at least 33 people have died, and over 2 million have been affected, with the city of Hat Yai experiencing its heaviest rainfall in 300 years. The Thai military has deployed military ships, helicopters, and an aircraft carrier to support relief efforts. Neighboring countries have also been severely impacted, with Vietnam reporting 98 deaths, Malaysia evacuating over 19,000 people, and Indonesia experiencing landslides that have killed at least 19. The disaster has left many stranded, with urgent calls for help being posted on social media.

The article discusses the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, where Israeli airstrikes have shattered the sense of security and challenged long-held views in areas traditionally supportive of Hezbollah. Residents are calling for an end to the violence, with some questioning Hezbollah's actions and the Lebanese government's inaction. Despite a ceasefire agreement, Israel continues to occupy hilltops in southern Lebanon and conducts airstrikes, claiming Hezbollah is rebuilding its military capabilities.

Asia-Pacific markets were mostly higher on Thursday, with India's Nifty 50 hitting a record high as investors tracked Wall Street gains on hopes of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut in December. Japan's Nikkei 225 and South Korea's Kospi also rose, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index and mainland China's CSI 300 remained flat. China's industrial profits declined in October, and the Bank of Korea kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged.

China's industrial profits dropped 5.5% in October 2025, the largest decline in five months, due to trade tensions with the U.S. and weak domestic demand. Despite a trade pact between the two nations, the outlook remains uncertain. For the first ten months of 2025, profits at major industrial firms grew 1.9% year-over-year, decelerating from a 3.2% rise in the January-September period. The mining sector saw a 27.8% profit plunge, while manufacturing and utilities sectors rose 7.7% and 9.5%, respectively. Economists expect China's economy to continue growing around 5% in 2026, but deflationary pressures persist.

The article discusses the U.S. stock market's performance on the day before Thanksgiving, with major indexes recording a fourth straight day of gains. Oracle's shares rose 4% after Deutsche Bank's positive commentary. The market is pricing in an 85% chance of a quarter percentage point interest rate cut by the U.S. Federal Reserve in December. Other news includes Apple's smartphone shipments potentially overtaking Samsung's, China's industrial profits declining, and an MIT study suggesting AI could replace 11.7% of the U.S. workforce. The overall tone is informative with a slightly optimistic outlook.

The Indian government has introduced labor reforms consolidating 29 labor laws into four comprehensive codes, aiming to balance business interests with worker welfare. The reforms are expected to improve the ease of doing business, catalyze industrialization, and attract investments. However, they may also raise costs for companies employing gig workers and fixed-term employees. The changes include providing social security benefits to gig workers and requiring startups to allocate up to 2% of their turnover towards building a social security net. While some experts see the reforms as a positive step, others have raised concerns about the potential impact on the gig economy and the ease of retrenching workers.

European markets opened lower on November 27, 2025, as investors assessed the regional and global economic outlook. The Stoxx 600 declined 0.1% in early morning deals, following a 1.1% gain the previous day. Global markets have been boosted by expectations of a US Federal Reserve interest rate cut on December 9-10, with traders pricing in an 84.9% chance of a quarter percentage point cut. Puma shares rose 13.6% on reports of a potential bid by Anta Sports. US markets were closed for Thanksgiving, while Asia-Pacific markets tracked Wall Street gains.

Europe's slow and steady approach to AI development could be its competitive edge due to its ability to future-proof data centers and infrastructure. Despite facing challenges such as grid congestion, regulatory hurdles, and energy scarcity, Europe is expected to nearly double its data center capacity by 2030. Experts believe that Europe's cautious pace allows for more deliberate decision-making, enabling the development of state-of-the-art facilities that can adapt to changing AI needs. The continent is likely to excel in smaller, cloud-focused facilities and those designed for AI inference, driven by the push for sovereign AI.

Netflix experienced a brief outage on the evening of November 26, 2025, as it released the fifth and final season of its popular series 'Stranger Things.' The outage was reported by users on social media and tracked on DownDetector.com, with nearly 16,000 cases reported at its peak. The issue occurred during the premiere window, with the first four episodes of the season being released on Wednesday, followed by additional episodes on December 25 and December 31. Netflix did not comment on the outage.

Puma shares rose over 13% on Thursday after a report emerged that China's Anta Sports is considering buying the German athletic brand. Other potential bidders include Chinese apparel firm Li Ning and Japan's Asics Corp. Puma declined to comment, and Anta Sports has yet to respond to a request for comment. The news is developing, with Puma's forecast having previously indicated slower profit growth due to excess inventory and higher marketing costs under new CEO Arne Freundt.

A Namibian politician named Adolf Hitler Uunona is expected to win a local council election, drawing international attention due to his name's association with the former German dictator. Uunona, a member of Namibia's ruling SWAPO party, claims his name has no ideological meaning and was given to him by his father, who was unaware of the historical significance. The article discusses the context of Namibia's history as a German colony and how Germanic names remain common in some communities.

The Nigerian government has announced that all 24 schoolgirls abducted by armed assailants from a school in Kebbi state last week have been rescued. The girls were taken around 4 a.m. on Nov. 17, and a statement from President Bola Tinubu said that all 24 students had been accounted for. The rescue comes amid a spate of recent mass abductions in Nigeria, including a recent attack on a Catholic school in north-central Niger state where over 300 students and staff were abducted. The Nigerian government has vowed to put more security measures in place to prevent further incidents.

The European Union's highest court has ruled that member countries must recognize same-sex marriages performed in other member states, in a case involving Poland's refusal to recognize a same-sex marriage between two Polish citizens performed in Germany. The ruling does not require member countries to allow same-sex marriages within their borders but prevents them from discriminating against same-sex marriages when recognizing foreign marriages. The decision is seen as a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ rights in Europe.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has warned that Russia may attack NATO by 2029, citing intelligence reports. Wadephul stated that Russia is creating the option for itself to wage war against NATO by 2029. Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Gen. Philip Breedlove, agrees with the assessment, saying Putin's ambitions extend far beyond Ukraine and aim to reshape Eastern Europe. The warnings come as the US pushes forward with a proposed Russia-Ukraine peace deal, with President Donald Trump saying he will not meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin or Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy until the agreement is complete.

A Bangkok court has issued an arrest warrant for Jakkaphong 'Anne' Jakrajutatip, co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization, after she failed to appear in court for a fraud case related to her company JKN Global Group. Jakrajutatip is accused of defrauding an investor in a 2023 corporate-bond deal, and her company has faced severe financial trouble, defaulting on investor payments and entering debt rehabilitation. The Miss Universe Organization has faced recent embarrassments, including a contestant falling off stage and allegations of online gambling in promotional materials.

Turkish, Qatari, and Egyptian officials met in Cairo to discuss the second phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal. The meeting included intelligence chiefs from Turkey and Egypt, as well as Qatar's prime minister. They agreed to continue strengthening coordination to ensure the continuity of the ceasefire and prevent further violations. The second phase involves deploying an international stabilization force, developing an international body to govern Gaza, and disarming Hamas. Israel has returned the bodies of 15 Palestinians in exchange for the remains of Israeli hostage Dror Or, leaving two hostages still in Gaza.

At least 17 people have died and six are missing after landslides and flash floods hit Sumatra, Indonesia. Torrential rain caused rivers to burst their banks, leading to widespread destruction in North Sumatra province. Rescue teams are struggling to reach affected areas, with bad weather and mudslides hampering their efforts. The disaster has left thousands of people homeless, with almost 2,000 homes and buildings submerged in floodwaters in Central Tapanuli district alone. The national disaster mitigation agency has reported that 58 people were injured and at least two main bridges were destroyed in North Tapanuli district. The region is prone to natural disasters due to its geography, with heavy seasonal rain often causing flooding and landslides.

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has begun serving a 27-year prison sentence for leading a failed coup attempt after losing the 2022 presidential election. Bolsonaro was convicted of attempting to overthrow Brazil's democracy, including plans to kill President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and other top officials. He has been held at a federal police headquarters since his preemptive arrest on Saturday and will remain there with limited contact with other inmates. Bolsonaro's lawyers had requested house arrest due to his poor health, but this was denied. The former president remains a key figure in Brazilian politics despite being ineligible to run for office until at least 2030.

The military in Guinea-Bissau has seized power, deposing and arresting President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, citing a plot to manipulate electoral results aided by politicians, a drug lord, and foreigners. The military suspended the electoral process, media activities, and closed borders. The president and opposition candidate both claimed victory in the presidential and legislative elections held on Sunday, despite official results not being expected until Thursday. The country has a history of coups, with four having occurred since its independence in 1974.

The son of a British couple detained in Iran has criticized the UK government for not doing enough to secure their release. Lindsay and Craig Foreman, from East Sussex, were arrested in January while on a motorcycle tour and charged with espionage, which they deny. Their son, Joe Bennett, believes the UK government is being too passive and not defending its citizens. He draws parallels with the case of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a British-Iranian national who was held in Iran between 2016 and 2022. The Foreign Office has warned against travel to Iran due to the risk of arrest and detention, and is providing consular support to the Foremans.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has vowed to defy any US attempt to overthrow his government, brandishing a sword during a march in Caracas. The US, under Donald Trump's administration, has been conducting military strikes against vessels suspected of drug trafficking in international waters, killing at least 80 people, with several boats reportedly departing from Venezuela. Maduro's government has accused the US of seeking to violently overthrow him and violating Venezuela's sovereignty. Cuba has also condemned the US actions, calling them 'exaggerated and aggressive'. The US has designated Venezuela's Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organisation, but Maduro's officials have denied its existence as a 'ridiculous fabrication'. Trump has suggested he may talk to Maduro to 'save lives' but has also stated that he would take a 'hard way' if necessary.

A test train crashed into railway workers in China's southwestern Yunnan province, killing 11 people and injuring two. The incident occurred at Luoyangzhen Station in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan, while the train was testing seismic equipment. Railway and local government authorities immediately responded to the incident, and an investigation into the cause is underway.

China has launched a 19-point plan to boost consumption and rebalance its economy towards a consumption-driven growth model. The plan aims to cultivate three 'trillion-yuan-level consumption sectors' and 10 'hundred-billion-yuan-level consumption hotspots' by 2027. The identified sectors include products for the elderly, consumer electronics, fitness equipment, pet food, and civilian drones. The plan is part of China's efforts to drive economic growth and expand domestic consumption.

China's industrial profits declined by 5.5% in October compared to the same period last year, reversing the 21.6% surge in September. Analysts attribute the slump to domestic competition, trade tensions, and excess capacity eating into corporate margins. The National Bureau of Statistics reported that profits for January-October rose by 1.9%, slower than the 3.2% growth in the first nine months. Profits among manufacturers grew by 7.7% from January through October, while earnings for electricity, heat, gas, and water providers expanded by 9.5%. However, mining profits saw a year-on-year decline of 27.8%. The profit setbacks were partly due to a high base effect and rapid growth in financial expenses. Experts predict a cyclical pause in Chinese holiday spending spikes and an expected slowdown of spending in the US, a major Chinese export market, may have also contributed to the decline.

A Chinese biomedical researcher, Xie Hongxue, has died at 44, highlighting concerns about the toll on Chinese academics. Xie had worked at UC Berkeley and was known for his research in chemical engineering. His death is among dozens of younger Chinese academics who have died this year, raising questions about China's academic system.

The Indonesian film 'Assalamualaikum Beijing 2: Lost in Ningxia' is a cultural diplomacy effort between Indonesia and China, showcasing the cultural exchange between the two countries. The film was shot in China's Ningxia Hui autonomous region and tells the story of a young Indonesian journalist who travels to Ningxia to reunite with her partner. The film is seen as a tool for deepening people-to-people ties across Asia and is part of a larger effort by Jakarta and Beijing to use filmmaking as a means of cultural diplomacy.

Brazilian federal prosecutors in Para state have filed a lawsuit against several agencies and companies over the 2015 shipwreck of the Haidar, which carried 5,000 cattle and resulted in a significant environmental disaster. The prosecutors are seeking compensation for the removal of the hull and oily residues from the ship, which still contains carcasses and skeletal remains of the cattle and poses a constant threat of water pollution. The defendants include the federal infrastructure department DNIT, Para's environment agency SEMAS, the Para Port Authority CDP, and the companies that owned the ship.

The article discusses the impact of Chinese investment in Laos, particularly with the construction of the Laos-China Railway (LCR). The LCR has brought an influx of Chinese tourists, businesses, and money into Laos, but the benefits have been unevenly distributed, with many Laotians feeling that they are not reaping the rewards. The article highlights the transformation of towns like Boten and Luang Prabang, where Chinese culture and currency are becoming increasingly dominant. However, local businesses and residents are struggling to compete with Chinese-owned enterprises, and there are concerns about the environmental and cultural impact of the tourism boom.

Pope Leo XIV embarks on his first overseas trip as Catholic leader, visiting Turkey and Lebanon to promote peace and unity among Christian churches. The trip is closely watched as it marks a significant moment in his papacy, with expectations that he will make clear his geopolitical views. In Turkey, he will meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, visit cultural sites, and address political leaders. The Pope's visit to Lebanon will focus on peace, particularly in light of recent conflicts and the country's economic crisis.

The article reports on a diplomatic dispute between the US and South Africa, sparked by comments made by former US President Donald Trump. Trump stated that South Africa would not be invited to the 2026 G20 summit in Florida, citing the country's handling of the G20 Presidency during its tenure in 2025. South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa's office responded, calling Trump's comments 'regrettable' and stating that the instruments of the G20 Presidency were duly handed over to a US Embassy official. The dispute is set against a backdrop of strained relations between the two countries under Trump's presidency, with Trump having been critical of South Africa's domestic and foreign policies. Trump has previously made unsubstantiated claims about the treatment of white minorities in South Africa.

The New York Mets have re-signed pitcher Robert Stock to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training. Stock, 36, has had a journeyman career, playing for eight different MLB teams and several others in Korea, Mexico, and independent leagues. Despite limited MLB success, Stock believes he can help the Mets in 2026 due to his continued improvement and new pitches. Stock has struggled with a 4.90 ERA in 57 career games but has found success with a new 'knucklecurve' pitch. The Mets have a history of turning journeymen into valuable bullpen arms, and Stock hopes to follow suit.

The article by Miranda Devine discusses the FBI's lack of transparency regarding Thomas Crooks, the individual who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Rep. James Comer revealed that Crooks had extensively searched his name and personal details, as well as those of King Charles and former FBI Director Christopher Wray, before the attempted assassination. Despite this, Comer never received follow-up information or security advice from the Capitol Police or the FBI. The article also highlights new information about Crooks' online activity, including extremist comments on YouTube, and questions the thoroughness of the autopsy and toxicology report, which did not test for cannabis. Experts suggest that Crooks' elevated levels of heavy metals in his blood could be indicative of chronic cannabis use, potentially linking to his violent behavior.

The article reports that Jammie Booker, a 28-year-old trans woman and World's Strongest Woman winner, was stripped of her title after explicit images from her past as a hardcore porn star were circulated online. The images, which were tagged in the Internet Adult Film Database, showed Booker performing under the name 'Jammie Jay' and being nominated for the Trans Erotica Awards Show in 2020 and 2022. Booker has not commented publicly on her alleged history as a porn star or her gender. The title was given to her competitor, British lifter Andrea Thompson, who spoke about the controversy, stating that the explicit pictures and videos 'put her gender into question'.

The article discusses Oudong, a historical site in Cambodia that was once the country's capital from 1618 to the mid-1860s. Located about 35 kilometers from Phnom Penh, Oudong is a hill complex featuring several ornate Buddhist stupas, relics, sculptures, and sacred artifacts. The site holds deep significance to the Cambodian royal family and is home to 16 stupas containing the remains of Cambodian kings. Despite its historical importance, Oudong remains largely unknown to international tourists, who often rush through Phnom Penh on their way to Angkor Wat. The site offers a unique glimpse into Cambodia's past, bridging the ancient world of Angkor and the modern bustle of Phnom Penh. The article highlights the site's beauty, its historical significance, and the efforts being made to preserve it, including its nomination to UNESCO's World Heritage committee in 2020.

The Venezuelan military is preparing for a potential US offensive, showcasing its capabilities through social media promotions, live-fire drills, and air defense system deployments. The Trump administration's escalating tensions with Venezuela have led to a buildup of US air and naval power in the Caribbean, prompting Venezuela to fortify its defenses, particularly around the capital Caracas. Experts warn that while the US has a dominant force, Venezuela's capabilities should not be underestimated, as it could become an existential fight for Maduro's regime.

The Indonesian capital Jakarta has overtaken Tokyo as the world's most populous city according to a UN report. The UN used new criteria to give a more accurate picture of rapid urbanisation, defining Jakarta's population as 42 million and Tokyo's as 33 million. The shift in rankings is due to the new methodology, which provides a more internationally comparable delimitation of urban areas. The report highlights the rapid growth of megacities, with the number of people living in cities more than doubling since 1950. By 2050, two-thirds of global population growth is projected to occur in cities.

The article discusses the upcoming election in St Vincent and the Grenadines, where Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves is seeking a record sixth consecutive term. The election is expected to be tight between Gonsalves' Unity Labour Party (ULP) and the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP). The ULP has campaigned on the country's economic development record, while the NDP has accused the government of 'failure and broken promises' and promised to address issues such as rising cost of living, unemployment, and crime. The election has also raised questions about Gonsalves' leadership and the country's diplomatic ties with Taiwan and China.