In other news

The article discusses the current state of American big business, highlighting their strong financial performance despite concerns about President Donald Trump's policies. The biggest companies in the US have reported growing net profits for the ninth straight quarter, with the S&P 500 index rising by 14% this year and creating nearly $8trn in shareholder value. The article suggests that Trump's policies on trade and immigration have not had the negative impact on businesses that some had predicted, and that short-sellers who bet against America Inc have been left looking like 'roadkill'.

The article discusses the upcoming vote on Proposition 50 in California, which would allow the state legislature to implement a new congressional map that favors Democrats. The proposition is highly contentious, with Democrats seeing it as a crucial step in regaining power in Congress and Republicans opposing it as a partisan power grab. The article highlights the views of Rod Guice, a resident of Bakersfield, California, who is opposed to the proposition and believes it will harm the state. The vote is seen as a key indicator of the ongoing gerrymander war in the United States, with implications for the balance of power in Congress.

The article discusses how American internet giants, such as Amazon, are struggling to compete with regional players in the Global South, particularly in India. Local companies like Swiggy, Zepto, and Zomato have innovated rapidly in e-commerce and online services, leaving American giants playing catch-up. Amazon's recent launch of a quick-commerce service in Bangalore is years behind its local competitors. The article highlights the growing importance of regional players in the Global South and the challenges faced by American internet giants in these markets.

The article discusses how the Trump administration could establish sensible rules for drones, balancing safety and innovation. It highlights the growing use of drones in various industries, such as security and retail, and the need for regulations to address potential hazards. The article mentions Flock Safety, a company that has developed drone systems to pursue thieves and intruders, and notes that the Trump administration has the opportunity to create effective drone regulations.

The article discusses a corporate-governance revolution underway in South Korea, driven by a state-backed effort to 'value up' the country's firms by improving their corporate governance and eradicating the 'Korea discount' on their stocks. The KOSPI 200 index has risen by 69% in 2025, outperforming the S&P 500. The main drivers behind this surge are artificial-intelligence hype and the government's efforts to improve corporate governance. The article highlights the challenges and time required to achieve the desired overhaul.

Indian pharmaceutical companies are poised to capitalize on the growing demand for weight-loss drugs, both domestically and globally. The recent approval of weight-loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy in India is expected to boost the country's generics industry. Indian firms are likely to make slimming treatments more affordable worldwide, leveraging their expertise in producing generic versions of patented drugs. The surge in demand for weight-loss medications is driven by the increasing prevalence of obesity and related health issues.

The article discusses the emerging conflict between AI labs like OpenAI and Anthropic, and app developers who rely on their models. While AI entrepreneurs are currently friendly and collaborative, there are concerns that the labs may eventually devour the apps that run on their models, echoing the myth of Cronos devouring his children. The article explores the balance of power in the AI ecosystem and the potential risks for app developers.

Sports leagues are finding ways to monetize their viewers who watch pirated broadcasts. Despite the potential loss of $28bn a year, leagues are using data analysis and content creators to their advantage. The NBA's new rights deal with ESPN, NBC, and Amazon worth $76bn over 11 years is expected to maintain demand for pirated broadcasts. However, leagues are exploring alternative strategies to capitalize on their viewers.

The article discusses the growing demand for weight-loss drugs, particularly in India, where online pharmacies are offering same-day delivery of weight-loss injections. Eli Lilly's obesity treatment, Mounjaro, was launched in India in March and became the country's second-best-selling branded medicine by September. The expiry of patents in China, India, and other countries is expected to boost the uptake of weight-loss drugs dramatically. The article highlights the trend of instant gratification in India, where urban consumers are accustomed to quick delivery of groceries and gadgets, and are now seeking similar convenience for weight-loss solutions.

The article discusses how major oil companies are missing out on the energy demands driven by the AI industry, despite favorable conditions such as government support for petroleum and rising energy demand due to data centers. The article highlights that a looming supply glut is weighing on oil giants like Exxon and Shell, and explores the factors contributing to this situation.

The article discusses Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old Democratic candidate running for mayor of New York, and his ambitious promises, including tax rises on the wealthy and businesses, free buses, free child care, and a $30 minimum wage by 2030. The author questions the feasibility of these promises, likening them to Italo Calvino's 'invisible cities.' The article highlights the tendency of politicians to make unrealistic promises during election campaigns.

A statue of Confederate General Albert Pike in Washington, D.C. was torn down and set on fire during anti-racism protests in 2020. The statue has since been refurbished and reinstalled under orders from former President Donald Trump. The move has been met with controversy, with critics arguing that Confederate statues should be placed in museums rather than public spaces. Democratic Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton has been a long-time critic of the statue and has introduced legislation to remove it permanently.

Australian girls are being targeted by online crime networks and coerced into committing violent acts against themselves or others. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has set up a taskforce to tackle this issue, which is described as a 'new and disturbing front in traditional gender-based violence'. Three people have been arrested in Australia, and nine others worldwide. The perpetrators, mostly teenage boys or young men from Western backgrounds, recruit girls through gaming platforms and messaging apps, often targeting those with low self-esteem or mental health disorders. The AFP is working with other countries and tech companies to develop an AI tool to detect and prevent this exploitation.

The BBC has expressed deep concern over one of its journalists, a Vietnamese national, who has been unable to leave Vietnam for several months after their passport and ID card were withheld by authorities. The journalist had traveled to Vietnam to visit family and renew their passport but was subjected to multiple days of questioning. The BBC is urging Vietnamese authorities to allow the journalist to leave immediately. The issue comes as Vietnam's Communist Party general secretary, To Lam, visited the UK, where he is expected to meet with Sir Keir Starmer. The UK Foreign Office has expressed concern over the harassment of NGOs, journalists, and rights activists in Vietnam.

Ben & Jerry's co-founder Ben Cohen announced that he will independently create a Palestine-themed ice cream flavor after Unilever blocked the company from doing so. The flavor will be part of Ben's Best, Cohen's activist ice cream brand. The decision deepens the long-standing dispute between Ben & Jerry's and Unilever, which has owned the company since 2000. Cohen stated that Unilever unlawfully blocked Ben & Jerry's from honouring its social mission. The controversy began in 2021 when Ben & Jerry's refused to sell its products in areas occupied by Israel, leading to the sale of its Israeli operation to a local licensee. Cohen's new ice cream flavor will be a watermelon-flavored sorbet, symbolizing solidarity with Palestinians.

The UN has reported that current climate plans from 64 countries, representing 30% of global emissions, are insufficient to limit warming to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, a threshold considered crucial to avoiding the most dangerous impacts of climate change. The plans, which are due to be updated every five years under the Paris Agreement, show a 10% reduction in global carbon dioxide emissions by 2035, but scientists say this is far short of the 57% cut needed to meet the 1.5C target. The report highlights the scale of the challenge facing world leaders ahead of the COP30 climate summit in Brazil next month, where more countries are expected to submit or update their climate pledges.

Nigerian Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka has revealed that his US visa has been revoked and he is banned from the country. Soyinka, 91, was asked by the US consulate to bring in his passport to cancel his visa in person due to new information. Soyinka has been critical of the Trump administration's immigration stance and previously renounced his US green card in 2016 in protest of Trump's election. He linked the visa revocation to his criticism, particularly his comparison of Trump to Ugandan dictator Idi Amin. Soyinka has had regular teaching engagements at US universities for 30 years and has stated that he will not consider returning to the US.

Russian forces have gained a foothold in the strategic Ukrainian town of Pokrovsk, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Moscow's soldiers outnumber Kyiv's 8-1 in the area, and Ukraine is struggling to match the Russian advance. The capture of Pokrovsk would bring Russia closer to occupying the entirety of the Donetsk region and put several key towns within easier reach. Ukrainian officials reject reports that their troops have been completely surrounded, but acknowledge the situation is 'difficult' with widespread fierce fighting. The conflict has been ongoing since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, with Moscow's troops currently occupying about 20% of Ukrainian territory. Ukraine is seeking financial support from European allies to continue fighting, and Zelensky hopes a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping will result in China cutting its support for Russia.

The Dutch election is underway, with Geert Wilders' anti-Islam Freedom party facing a tight race against left-leader Frans Timmermans and liberal Rob Jetten. Despite being the clear winner in the previous election, Wilders' hopes of forming a new government appear minimal due to his rivals' refusal to work with him. The election is centered around issues such as the housing crisis, unemployment, and immigration. With over 10,000 polling stations and 15 parties vying for seats, the outcome is uncertain, and it may take weeks or months to form a coalition government. The next Dutch government is likely to come from the centre left or centre right, with Christian Democrat Henri Bontenbal potentially leading a centre-right coalition.

US President Donald Trump has expressed his desire to abandon the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) on US aircraft carriers, citing its high cost, unreliability, and difficulty in repair. Trump praised the older steam catapult technology, stating it was more reliable and easier to repair. His comments came after China released footage of its own electromagnetic launch system on its third aircraft carrier, the Fujian. Trump plans to sign an executive order to revert to steam power, despite EMALS being originally developed by the US to enhance aircraft carrier performance.

The Chinese government has expelled two high-ranking officials, Xu Dazhe and Sun Bin, from their duties in the National People's Congress (NPC). Xu, a former aerospace engineer and vice-minister of industry and information technology, was also the director of the China National Space Administration and led China's lunar exploration program. The move is part of China's ongoing anti-corruption drive, which has heavily impacted the aerospace sector in recent years. Xu's background in aerospace engineering and his promotion to key offices under President Xi Jinping are notable, as several other aerospace engineers have been promoted to important positions. The article highlights the significance of Xu's removal and the broader implications for China's anti-corruption campaign.

China's advanced manufacturing sector is becoming a tourist attraction, with robot-powered factories opening their doors to the public. Xiaomi's electric vehicle factory in Beijing has welcomed over 100,000 visitors this year, and plans to increase public tours. Industrial tourism is reshaping how Chinese consumers connect with the country's manufacturing sector, with young people sharing their experiences on social media. The trend is driven by the public's fascination with the high-tech production lines and the desire to learn about the manufacturing process. As a result, industrial tourism is emerging as a new growth driver for the travel industry.

Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng has pledged to continue expanding China's financial sector to foreign investment, stating that China will 'unswervingly expand high-level opening up in the financial sector and accelerate the building of a modern financial powerhouse.' He made these comments during a meeting with the National Financial Regulatory Administration's International Advisory Council, comprising current and former leaders of foreign financial firms. The council members expressed optimism about China's economic prospects and willingness to continue investing in the country. He Lifeng also briefed the council on China's economic and trade relationship with the US, mentioning his recent talks with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, which led to 'basic consensuses' ahead of a meeting between President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump.

China's ambassador to France, Deng Li, has stated that China is willing to collaborate with Europe in emerging industries such as electric vehicles (EVs), despite the EU's imposition of tariffs on Chinese-made EVs. Deng emphasized that protectionist measures will only lead to retaliation and hinder cooperation. He stressed that China and Europe can learn from each other and that shared growth will ensure a position in future supply chains. The ambassador also expressed China's desire to work with Europe to build global industrial chains, particularly in emerging sectors.

Hong Kong grave sweepers are taking precautions against chikungunya while observing the Chung Yeung Festival traditions. Despite the risk of infection, many have chosen not to skip grave sweeping and are instead using mosquito repellents and wearing protective clothing. Some have urged authorities to do more to prevent the spread of the disease. The Diamond Hill Urn Cemetery, near the location of the city's first reported local chikungunya case, has set up a mosquito repellent station to help mitigate the risk.

Meta, the company behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has declined to join Malaysia's social media licensing framework, citing existing safeguards. Malaysia introduced the framework to curb scams, online gambling, and child sexual abuse material. Meta faces potential fines and jail time for its officers if it fails to comply. The company has expressed willingness to hold talks with the Malaysian government.

The article summarizes seven key stories related to electric vehicles (EVs) from the past two weeks. Global EV sales reached a record 2.1 million in a month, with 62% of them being Chinese-made. China plans to double its EV charging capacity by 2027 by building 28 million facilities nationwide. The plan for a Chinese EV battery plant in Michigan, led by Gotion, has been scrapped. These developments highlight the growing interest in EVs and China's significant role in the industry.

A former Army sergeant, Joseph Daniel Schmidt, was sentenced to four years in federal prison for attempting to provide national defense information to China. Schmidt, who held top-secret clearance during his service, contacted Chinese consular officials after leaving the Army and offered them classified material. The sentencing took into account Schmidt's mental health issues, which were considered a mitigating factor. The case highlights the growing efforts by China to recruit or exploit former military personnel with access to sensitive information.

A 29-year-old father-to-be, Thomas John 'TJ' Pizzitola, was fatally injured in a bar fight outside a Scottsdale, Arizona bar on October 11. Pizzitola and his friends were kicked out of the bar for being rowdy, and an altercation ensued when one of his friends bumped into a woman. During the fight, 24-year-old Drew Meneses allegedly threw a punch that caused Pizzitola to suffer a fatal brain injury. Meneses faces second-degree murder charges, while four others were arrested on assault charges. Pizzitola's wife, Krisan, was expecting their child in a few weeks, and a GoFundMe page has been set up to support her and the child.

The FBI's 'Arctic Frost' probe, initiated during the Biden administration, investigated over 160 Republicans, including current Trump administration officials, for alleged 2020 election interference. Documents released by the House Judiciary Committee reveal the scope of the investigation, which involved multiple field offices and the use of surreptitious recordings. The probe was led by former special counsel Jack Smith, who later charged Trump with unlawfully hoarding national security documents and attempting to overturn the 2020 election results. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan has demanded that Smith testify before the committee to answer questions about the investigation's scope and potential political motivations.

Frankie Muniz, star of 'Malcolm in the Middle', has revealed why he hasn't spoken to Hilary Duff, star of 'Lizzie McGuire', in 22 years. Muniz explained on 'The Joe Vulpis Podcast' that their friendship ended after he informed Duff's mom about his upcoming film 'Agent Cody Banks', in which Duff was subsequently cast. Muniz wasn't thrilled about working with Duff and felt that her mom had manipulated the situation. Muniz now regrets ending their friendship and is open to reconnecting with Duff.

A 28-year-old sheriff's deputy, Andrew Nunez, was fatally shot in the head while responding to a domestic violence call in Rancho Cucamonga, California. The suspect, Angelo Jose Saldivar, 47, fled on a motorcycle, leading to a high-speed chase that ended in a crash. Saldivar is in stable condition and faces potential murder charges for the killing of a peace officer. Nunez leaves behind a pregnant wife and a 2-year-old daughter.

A 67-year-old US citizen was severely injured by Border Patrol agents during an immigration enforcement operation in Chicago's Old Irving Park neighborhood, which coincided with a children's Halloween parade. The man was driving home from a run when he encountered the blocked-off street and was dragged out of his car and pinned to the ground, suffering six broken ribs and internal bleeding. The incident was captured on video and sparked outrage among onlookers, who shouted at the agents to stop. The Department of Homeland Security claimed that the agents were conducting an operation to arrest an illegal immigrant and had to deploy crowd control measures to protect themselves from a hostile crowd.

Australian scientists have tracked a freshwater Murray cod named Arnie that swam a record 530 miles along a major river system, mostly upstream. The fish was tagged in 2022 and traveled an initial 470 miles upstream in under two months during floods. Researchers believe the removal of barriers along the Murray River allowed Arnie to cover such a long distance. The study provides insights into the species' behavior and habitat, which can inform conservation efforts. Murray cod are listed as vulnerable due to declining populations caused by commercial fishing, overfishing, and river degradation.

Bill Gates has shifted his tone on climate change, cautioning against a 'doomsday view' and emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes human welfare and climate innovation. Gates argues that while climate change is a major problem, it is not an existential threat, and that the focus should be on improving lives in a warming world. His memo has drawn a mixed reaction from climate scientists and experts, with some agreeing that the problem of climate change should not overshadow other major threats to humanity, while others have criticized Gates for understating the consequences of climate change.

A Mexican journalist, Miguel Angel Beltran, who covered drug trafficking on social media, was murdered and found with a message next to his body. This incident highlights the dangers faced by journalists in Mexico, where over 150 media workers have been killed since 1994. Beltran's reporting focused on crime-related issues, and his last post was about the arrest of a crime gang leader. The killing is part of a larger trend of violence against journalists in Mexico, with many cases remaining unsolved.

A plane carrying foreign tourists crashed in Kenya's coastal region, killing 11 people, including eight Hungarians and two Germans. The plane was en route to Maasai Mara National Reserve when it crashed in a hilly and forested area near Diani airstrip. The cause of the crash is under investigation, with officials citing heavy rain and misty weather conditions. The airline, Mombasa Air Safari, has expressed condolences to the families of the victims.

The civil war in Sudan has escalated as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group claimed to have captured the city of El-Fasher, a key stronghold of the Sudanese army. The city has been under siege for months, trapping hundreds of thousands of civilians. The United Nations has expressed concern over the violence and called for a ceasefire to allow civilians to flee. The RSF has encircled the city, building an earthen berm to prevent supplies from entering and people from leaving. If the RSF fully captures El-Fasher, it would gain control of all five states in the Darfur region. Analysts warn that the RSF may formally partition Sudan and set up a parallel government in areas under its control. The conflict has resulted in a massive humanitarian crisis, with tens of thousands starved of necessities and little means of communication.

The article discusses the efforts to free Americans detained in China ahead of a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. More than 200 Americans are believed to be imprisoned in China, with many being ethnically Chinese Americans detained for posing a threat to China's national security. A campaign to free two Americans, Dawn Michelle Hunt and Nelson Wells Jr., who have been jailed for over a decade, has gained momentum. The families of the detainees, along with lawmakers and advocates, are urging Trump to raise their cases with Xi Jinping during their meeting. The detainees are ill and their families fear they will not survive much longer in prison. The article highlights the challenges faced by families of detainees in seeking recourse and the importance of diplomatic efforts to secure their release.

The US government shutdown is having significant impacts on various aspects of American life. Air traffic controllers are missing their first paychecks, and federal food aid is at risk of running out. The shutdown is affecting not only government employees but also ordinary citizens who rely on these services. Elex Michaelson reports on the latest developments surrounding the shutdown, highlighting the consequences of the political stalemate.

The Israeli military released a drone video on Tuesday that appears to show Hamas operatives burying a white shroud containing hostage remains in Gaza City and then staging its discovery in front of the Red Cross. The video was released amid ongoing tensions in the region.

The article discusses a CNN investigation into the disappearance of American journalist Austin Tice in Syria in 2012. CNN's Clarissa Ward traveled to Syria and interviewed a former intelligence officer who was involved in Tice's interrogation. The article also includes various other news stories and videos, including a report on Hurricane Melissa, which is forecast to be the strongest storm to hit Jamaica, and a peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia signed by US President Donald Trump.

The Rothbury Estate, a 9,486-acre land in Northumberland, England, owned by the Percy family for almost seven centuries, is being sold by Lord Max Percy, the youngest son of the Duke of Northumberland. The Wildlife Trusts, a group of UK conservation charities, is attempting to raise £30 million ($40 million) to purchase the estate and create a 40-mile nature corridor. The charity aims to promote biodiversity, rewild the area, and work with local farmers to produce sustainable meat. Sir David Attenborough, President Emeritus of The Wildlife Trusts, is supporting the appeal. If the charity fails to raise the funds by September 2026, the land may be broken up and sold for commercial purposes, potentially harming the environment.

The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have withdrawn from the key city of Al Fashir in North Darfur, leaving around 200,000 civilians trapped as the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) captured the city's infantry division without resistance. The RSF has been accused of ethnically-motivated attacks against civilians, and summary executions of senior SAF commanders have been shared on social media. Humanitarian groups are pushing for the evacuation of civilians, with many seeking refuge in nearby towns such as Tawila, where aid workers have reported a surge in injured civilians and malnourished children. The Sudanese military has confirmed the withdrawal, citing 'systematic destruction and killing of civilians' as the reason.

A tourist plane carrying 11 people crashed in Kenya, killing everyone on board. The plane was traveling from Diani Airport to the Maasai Mara National Reserve when it burst into flames and was reduced to charred wreckage. The dead included eight Hungarian passengers, two Germans, and the Kenyan pilot. Investigators have been deployed to the site to begin an inquiry. The Kenyan government has prioritized aviation safety, and the plane's operating company, Mombasa Air Safari, has activated its emergency response team and is cooperating with authorities.

India has launched a cloud-seeding trial over New Delhi to induce rainfall and clear the city's smog-filled air. The experiment, conducted in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, involves spraying chemicals into clouds to encourage rain and wash pollutants from the air. The move has sparked anger among residents, with critics arguing that it is a short-term solution and that a long-term plan is needed to reduce pollution. New Delhi is one of the most polluted cities in the world, with pollution levels often 20 times higher than the World Health Organization's safe limit.

A UK parliamentary committee has warned that the government's decision to cut foreign aid will lead to unrest, crises, and threaten UK security. The committee's report found that the reduction in aid spending from 0.5% to 0.3% of gross national income by 2027/28 will have devastating consequences worldwide. The MPs are concerned that prioritizing humanitarian aid over development aid will undermine the UK's soft power and national security. They urged the government to return to spending 0.5% of GNI on foreign aid as soon as possible. The report also criticized the government's spending on migrant hotels and lack of transparency over private contractors' spending.

The Israel-Hamas ceasefire in Gaza remains in place despite tensions and provocations. Three factors contribute to its continuation: Israel's response to provocations, Hamas's efforts to maintain credibility, and the US's diplomatic involvement, particularly through Vice President JD Vance. Israel reacted to attacks on its soldiers, but Hamas is trying to downplay its involvement and make amends. The US has expressed support for the ceasefire, with Vance stating that it is holding, and Israel is aware that US President Donald Trump will not want the ceasefire to fail.

Annabel Goldsmith, a prominent figure in British high society, has died at the age of 91. She was known for her association with the exclusive nightclub Annabel's in London, which was named after her by her first husband, Mark Birley. Goldsmith's life was marked by her high-society status, complex personal relationships, and numerous appearances in the British tabloids. She was married twice, first to Mark Birley and then to James Goldsmith, with whom she had three children. Throughout her life, she was known for her strong character, sense of humor, and ability to host memorable parties. Despite facing personal tragedies, including the loss of two sons, Goldsmith remained a central figure in British high society until her death.

A federal judge in Hawaii has disqualified Bill Essayli, a Trump-appointed U.S. Attorney in Los Angeles, ruling that he is not lawfully serving in the position. The decision creates uncertainty in the Central District of California, which serves seven counties in the Los Angeles area. The judge allowed Essayli to revert to his role as the office's top deputy, and the ruling does not affect three ongoing criminal cases. The decision is the latest rebuke to the Trump administration's attempts to circumvent congressional approval for federal prosecutors. The administration's strategy has been challenged in multiple courts, with three federal judges rejecting attempts to retain prosecutors on an 'acting' basis without Senate or judicial confirmation.

The article discusses how the Opium War between China and Britain in the 19th century continues to shape Chinese President Xi Jinping's approach to trade negotiations with US President Donald Trump. Xi has been inspired by Lin Zexu, a Chinese official who resisted British pressure to allow opium trade in China, and sees parallels between Lin's defiance and China's current stance against the US. The article explores how Lin's legacy is celebrated in China and how Xi has used it to inform his own policies, including his pushback against Trump's trade demands.

The US Senate voted to terminate the 50% tariffs imposed by President Trump on Brazil, with five Republicans joining Democrats to pass the resolution. The vote signals bipartisan frustration with the president's tariffs and is part of a series of measures to challenge Trump's trade war. The resolution faces long odds in the House, but the Senate vote reflects growing concern among lawmakers about the economic impact of the tariffs and the president's overreach of power.

The UK government is backing the Cambridge innovation hub, with a £500 million investment package announced for new homes and transport links in the region. Cambridge has enjoyed the strongest economic growth in the UK over the last decade and is now the most investible hub for science outside London. However, the region's breakneck expansion is threatened by challenges such as housing shortage, water scarcity, and traffic congestion. The article highlights the need for infrastructure growth to match the region's economic expansion and for the government to address the issue of concentrated growth in a few locations, leaving other areas behind.

A major cyberattack on Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has been deemed the most economically damaging in British history, with estimated costs of £1.9 billion ($2.5 billion). The attack, attributed to a criminal gang, has raised concerns about the UK's cyber resilience and the vulnerability of its major companies. The incident has had a significant impact on JLR's manufacturing and supply chain, with nearly 80% of businesses in the West Midlands region reporting negative effects. The UK government has intervened to support JLR and its supply chain, guaranteeing £1.5 billion in loans. Experts warn that the threat profile is changing, with a growing focus on economic security, and that companies must take proactive steps to protect themselves from cyberattacks.

UBS reported a significant increase in third-quarter profit, beating analyst expectations, driven by strong investment banking performance and the release of legal provisions. The bank's net profit attributable to shareholders was $2.5 billion, up 74% from the same period last year. UBS CEO Sergio Ermotti attributed the success to the bank's diversified business model and strategic investments, which are paying off. The bank has made progress in integrating Credit Suisse, with $10 billion in cost savings achieved ahead of schedule. However, UBS faces potential challenges, including increased mandatory capital requirements and economic uncertainties.

A BBC journalist, a Vietnamese citizen living in Thailand, has been barred from leaving Vietnam and subjected to multiple days of interrogation by police after returning to their home country to renew their passport. The journalist's passport was withheld by authorities, who questioned them about their work. Friends of the journalist are hoping that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will raise the case during a visit by Vietnam's leader, General Secretary Tô Lâm. The BBC has expressed deep concern for the journalist's wellbeing and urged the authorities to allow them to leave immediately.

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan is poised to retain power in the general election as opposition candidates are barred from participating and government critics are abducted, killed, or arrested. Despite initial hopes for reform, Hassan's administration has been accused of repression and authoritarianism, with the UN calling for an end to enforced disappearances. The election is expected to be marked by voter apathy and unrest, with the ruling CCM party likely to entrench its grip on power.

Nigerian Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka has revealed that his US visa has been revoked by the Trump administration. Soyinka, a vocal critic of Trump, had previously compared the US president to Ugandan dictator Idi Amin. He speculated that this comparison may have contributed to the revocation of his visa. Soyinka, who is 91 years old, had held permanent residency in the US but destroyed his green card after Trump's first election in 2016. The US embassy in Abuja declined to comment on the matter, citing confidentiality rules. Soyinka expressed his contentment with the revocation, stating that he has no interest in visiting the US under the current administration. He also criticized the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration, highlighting the arrests of undocumented immigrants and the separation of families.

German activist Naomi Seibt, known as the 'Anti-Greta,' has filed for political asylum in the United States, citing persecution and death threats in her native Germany due to her political views and advocacy for free speech. Seibt claims she was spied on by German intelligence and received death threats from Antifa, and that she was not protected by German authorities. She has received support from Elon Musk, who has interacted with her on social media and is aware of the dangers she faces in Europe. Seibt's asylum claim is being prioritized under President Donald Trump's refugee and asylum agenda, which focuses on applicants facing persecution for their political speech and opposition to government censorship.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is consolidating power by promoting younger loyalists and family members to key roles amid growing instability within the Kremlin. Experts warn that Putin's regime is becoming increasingly paranoid, with the Federal Security Service (FSB) opening a criminal case against exiled businessman Mikhail Khodorkovsky and 22 members of the Anti-War Committee of Russia. Putin's efforts to ensure stability include bringing younger people into the power pyramid and promoting family members, such as his first cousin once removed, Anna Evgenievna Tsivilyova. Despite these efforts, tensions remain within the elite, and Western sanctions, reduced oil revenue, and war costs could push Russia toward recession.

South Korean leaders presented President Donald Trump with a replica of a golden crown and the Grand Order of Mugunghwa during his visit to Gyeongju, South Korea, as part of a diplomatic effort to ease trade and defense tensions. The gesture was met with skepticism and criticism from some commenters, who viewed it as excessive flattery. The visit was part of Trump's swing through Asia, where leaders sought to smooth over tensions by appealing to his appreciation of gifts.

The Tanzanian president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, is seeking reelection amidst a crackdown on opposition leaders and activists. Despite initial hopes that she would ease the country's repressive political climate after taking office four years ago, her administration has detained or disqualified main opponents and used violence against critics. The election follows a familiar pattern of repression, with activists being abducted and opposition leaders jailed. The article highlights the deteriorating democratic environment in Tanzania under Hassan's leadership.