In other news

The article discusses the recent summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, where the two leaders agreed to put their trade differences on hold. The author argues that while the agreement is a relief, it is sketchy and temporary, and the world's most important relationship remains fragile. The article highlights the potential risks of decoupling or confrontation between the two economies and notes that the agreement does not address underlying issues.

The article discusses how European arms manufacturers have increased their production capacity since Russia's invasion of Ukraine three years ago. Despite years of European officials talking about boosting defense production, the continent's arms production was considered 'puny'. The Economist analyzed data from Europe's ten biggest defense firms across four lines of military output and found that there is more momentum than critics acknowledge, although gaps remain. The article suggests that now, European governments need to place bigger orders to support the increased capacity.

The article discusses the battle between Google and Microsoft in the AI business models, highlighting Microsoft's early lead due to its exclusive cloud partnership with OpenAI and the subsequent creation of over $2trn in shareholder value. Microsoft's success is contrasted with Google's vertically integrated approach, which is beginning to pay off. The article touches on the broader implications of the AI revolution and the different strategies employed by tech giants.

The article discusses Javier Milei's recent legislative midterm win in Argentina and argues that he should use this momentum to revitalize his radical reform program. Milei, a libertarian leader, has surprised the world with his early successes despite initial skepticism. The article urges him to capitalize on his win to push through significant reforms, particularly in public finance, and suggests that his success could serve as a model for other countries.

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The article 'LinkedIn and the art of self-promotion' discusses the prevalence of self-promotion on LinkedIn, highlighting how users often exaggerate their achievements and present an overly positive image of themselves. The article pokes fun at the clichés and hyperbole used by some LinkedIn users, particularly those who claim to be 'thought leaders' or 'serial founders.' It questions the authenticity of these claims and the culture of self-aggrandizement on the platform.

The article 'Meet the real screen addicts: the elderly' discusses how the digital habits that were once associated with youth are now transforming old age. It highlights the case of Britain's National Centre for Gaming Disorders, which has seen an increasing number of patients over 40, with the oldest being 72 years old. The article explores the changing dynamics of technology use among the elderly and its implications.

The article discusses the increasing screen time among older adults, particularly pensioners, and how it is becoming a growing concern. While there is a lot of focus on the negative effects of screen time on children, the article argues that the impact on older adults is equally significant. The article highlights how older adults are becoming increasingly glued to their smartphones, and how this can have both positive and negative effects on their lives.

The article discusses the growing importance of the Arctic region in the context of geopolitical tensions between the US, Russia, and China. It highlights the strategic significance of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, particularly the island of Adak, which could serve as a crucial military base for the US. The article argues that the US should focus on strengthening its presence in the region rather than fixating on Greenland. It also notes the increasing military activities of Russia and China in the Arctic, including the presence of Chinese icebreakers and Russian submarines. The article suggests that the US should revive the old military base on Adak to improve its ability to defend its homeland and project power in the region.

The article discusses the Trump administration's approach to global health, arguing that while it is flawed, it can be improved. The author references PEPFAR, a program launched by George W. Bush that has saved millions of lives in Africa through HIV treatment. The article suggests that the current era of global health efforts is receding, and that rich countries, led by America, are less willing to spend on stopping disease in poor countries. The author implies that a shift in approach is needed to continue making progress in global health.

The article discusses the importance of preserving the world's tropical forests, using Brazil as a case study. It highlights the negative consequences of deforestation, including climate change, and notes that the costs of clearing rainforests far outweigh the benefits. The article argues that conservation must be made to pay in order to protect these forests, and suggests that the world can learn from Brazil's approach to managing its rainforests.

The article discusses the growing demand for weight-loss drugs globally, particularly in India, where online pharmacies are offering same-day delivery of weight-loss injections. Eli Lilly's obesity treatment, Mounjaro, was introduced 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.

The article discusses how major oil companies like ExxonMobil and Shell 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 these giants.

Apple's latest iPhones have seen a 'tremendous response' globally, according to CEO Tim Cook, despite the company narrowly missing estimates for iPhone sales in its fourth quarter due to supply constraints. The firm expects a strong holiday season, forecasting overall revenue to be up to 12% higher than the same period last year. Apple's overall fourth quarter revenue was $102.5bn, topping analysts' estimates, but iPhone revenue came in slightly below expectations at $49bn. The company is working to balance supply and demand, and is 'heading into the holiday season with our most powerful lineup ever'. Meanwhile, Amazon reported quarterly results, projecting sales to land between $206bn and $213bn for the current quarter, and saw a 20% rise in revenue from its cloud computing business, Amazon Web Services.

The Sagrada Família basilica in Barcelona has become the world's tallest church, measuring 162.91 meters tall, after workers placed the first part of a cross at the top of its central tower. Designed by Antoni Gaudí, the basilica has been under construction for over a century and is expected to be completed next year. The central Tower of Jesus Christ will eventually stand at 172 meters tall. The construction has faced numerous challenges, including the Spanish Civil War and the Covid-19 pandemic, which halted work due to a lack of tourism and funding. The Sagrada Família foundation plans to commemorate Gaudí's centenary in 2026 and continue working on decorative details and sculptures over the next decade.

The article discusses how an 18-year-old Russian music student, Diana Loginova, was arrested and charged for performing songs critical of the Kremlin and Russia's war in Ukraine during a street concert in St. Petersburg. The authorities claimed that the concert obstructed pedestrian access to a Metro station. Diana and her bandmates were detained and sentenced to jail time and fines for 'discrediting the Russian armed forces' and other public order offences. The article highlights the increasing repression in Russia, where critics of the Kremlin are being silenced and labelled as 'foreign agents'. The case of Diana Loginova is seen as a reflection of the country's repressive past under Stalin's rule, where thousands were denounced, shot, and buried in mass graves.

Reality star Kim Kardashian expressed doubts about the 1969 moon landing on her TV show, prompting a response from Nasa's acting administrator, Sean Duffy. Duffy rejected Kardashian's conspiracy theory, citing Nasa's six moon landings and promoting the current Artemis mission. Kardashian later engaged with Duffy on social media, asking about an interstellar object and being invited to the Kennedy Space Center for the Artemis launch. The incident highlights the persistence of moon landing conspiracy theories despite being debunked by experts.

The commander-in-chief of Ukraine's armed forces, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, has warned that Russian activity is increasing around the key frontline town of Pokrovsk, saying 'the situation is difficult'. Russian forces have been trying to seize Pokrovsk for over a year, and its capture could unlock Russian efforts to seize the rest of the Donetsk region. General Syrskyi admitted that Russian infantry was massing in the area but denied reports that Ukrainian troops were 'blockaded' there. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Pokrovsk was 'the main target' for Russia, whose forces outnumbered Ukrainians by eight to one. The battle for Pokrovsk has entered a highly dynamic and intense phase, with Russian forces intensifying their efforts to infiltrate the city and encircle Ukrainian defenders.

Survivors of the el-Fasher siege in Sudan's Darfur region have shared their harrowing experiences with the BBC, describing the brutality of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group. The RSF took control of el-Fasher city, leading to widespread violence, killings, and displacement. Thousands have fled to relative safety in towns like Tawila, where they recount stories of torture, murder, and robbery at the hands of RSF fighters. The UN has described the violence as 'horrific', and aid agencies are expressing concern over the low numbers of people arriving in safe zones, suggesting many are still trapped or unable to move due to insecurity or physical condition. The survivors are in dire need of medical care and humanitarian aid.

The article discusses the plight of American adoptees who were brought to the US as children but never gained US citizenship. Many have lived in the US for decades, but due to paperwork errors or legislative loopholes, they are now at risk of deportation. The article profiles several adoptees, including Shirley Chung, who was adopted from South Korea in 1966, and another woman who was adopted from Iran in 1973. Both women discovered as adults that they were not US citizens, despite living in the US their entire lives. The article highlights the uncertainty and fear faced by these adoptees, particularly under the Trump administration's strict immigration policies. Advocates are pushing for legislation to grant citizenship to these adoptees, but efforts have been stalled in Congress.

Pang Zhibo, a leading expert in industrial chips and robotics at ABB in Sweden, has left his position as senior principal scientist to join Peking University as a fully tenured professor. Pang was responsible for overseeing over 800 developers and 80 technical products globally and played a key role in shaping ABB's global distribution R&D strategy. His research expertise includes robotic embodiment intelligence, industrial large models, and industrial cyber-physical security, among others. Pang's move to Peking University's recently elevated school dedicated to robots and advanced manufacturing is seen as a significant development in China's robotics and manufacturing sector.

A new report by Rystad Energy highlights Asia's crucial role in global decarbonisation efforts as the region leads in low-carbon energy deployment and electrification. The report predicts that carbon dioxide emissions will peak globally next year, marking a turning point in the energy transition. While emerging countries in Asia are driving renewable energy adoption, the report urges faster deployment to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. By 2030, low-carbon sources are expected to capture 46% of all energy investment, with Asia dominating investment in solar, wind, hydrogen, and battery technologies.

The Philippines and Canada are set to sign a visiting forces agreement, a military cooperation pact that allows troops from both countries to conduct joint exercises on each other's soil. The deal is seen as a natural step forward in deepening security ties between the two countries, driven by concerns over China's increasing influence in the Indo-Pacific region. Analysts say the agreement is mutually beneficial, particularly as Canada moves away from the US' shadow in the region. The signing follows a memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation signed in January last year, which has led to expanded cooperation in areas such as maritime security, cybersecurity, and capacity building.

China's manufacturing activity has contracted for the seventh consecutive month in October, with the official purchasing managers' index (PMI) falling to 49, below the projected 50. The decline is attributed to persistent external headwinds, soft domestic demand, and a complex international environment. Both demand and supply have slowed, with the new orders sub-index and production sub-index dropping to 48.8 and 49.7, respectively.

Brunei has adopted China's civil aviation certification standards, paving the way for the entry of Chinese-built aircraft, such as the C919 jet, into the Southeast Asian market. This move is seen as a significant win for China as it challenges the duopoly of Airbus and Boeing in the global aviation market. The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) has been trying to expand its market for the C919 overseas, having already secured orders from Chinese airlines. The adoption of Chinese standards by Brunei follows a US$2 billion order by GallopAir for 30 Comac aircraft in 2023. This development could potentially open up the Southeast Asian market for Chinese aircraft and serve as a model for their international expansion.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducted a simulated amphibious landing drill aimed at Taiwan, featuring the use of robot dogs and aerial drones. The exercise showcased the PLA's adaptation to unmanned warfare and significant capabilities in integrating various systems. However, the drill also revealed limitations of military drones, such as vulnerability to defensive fire and ineffectiveness against fortified positions. The robot dogs were used for various tasks, including clearing a passage, transporting ammunition, and accompanying paratroopers.

The first meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has raised hopes that the two countries can put aside their historical differences and improve bilateral relations. The leaders focused on regional security and trade, avoiding contentious issues like historical disputes and territorial claims. Analysts noted the warm rapport between the two leaders, but also cautioned that long-standing tensions and domestic pressures may resurface in the future. The meeting was seen as a positive step, with both leaders vowing to look to the future rather than dwelling on past grievances.

Federal authorities conducted a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) operation at a freight warehouse in Avenel, New Jersey, arresting 46 undocumented workers. The operation was part of an ongoing effort to ensure compliance with immigration regulations and safeguard the integrity of the supply chain. The detained workers, roughly 22% of the onsite workforce, were escorted into federal custody and now await immigration proceedings. The raid is part of a nationwide push on workplace immigration enforcement, following a similar operation at a Hyundai-LG battery factory in Georgia two months prior.

Two sisters from New Jersey, Kiera Lyons and Maura Flores, were involved in a viral incident at Orlando International Airport after being kicked off a Frontier flight due to alleged intoxication. The sisters claim they were not drunk and were unfairly treated, leading to a meltdown that resulted in their arrest and charges of battery and disorderly intoxication. The incident caused Lyons to miss her college graduation. The charges were later dropped after they completed a pre-trial intervention program.

President Trump and first lady Melania hosted a Halloween celebration at the White House, handing out chocolate to hundreds of costumed children from military, law enforcement, and administration families. The event featured the US Air Force Strolling Strings band and was attended by various administration officials with their children. The Trumps particularly enjoyed interacting with three siblings dressed as Secret Service agents, the president, and the first lady. The event is an annual White House tradition.

The article discusses the resurgence of conservative views among young people, citing a recent Turning Point USA event at the University of Mississippi that drew a large crowd of 14,000 students and 13,000 adults. The event featured Vice President JD Vance and Charlie Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk. The author argues that young people are seeking meaning and purpose, and are turning away from 'woke' culture and towards conservative and religious values. The article suggests that this shift is a reaction against the previous dominant culture and may be a sign of a larger cultural turning point.

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is set to officially open after three decades and over $1 billion in construction costs. The museum, one of the largest in the world and dedicated to ancient Egypt, will house around 100,000 artifacts, including the complete collection of King Tutankhamun's tomb. The GEM's design aligns with the pyramids of Giza, and its interior offers panoramic views of the pyramids. Egyptian officials hope the museum will boost the country's tourism industry and economy, predicting 5 million visitors per year. The opening ceremony will be attended by dozens of foreign leaders and dignitaries.

A toy replica of the Iranian Shahed drone, used by Russia in its invasion of Ukraine, is being sold on a Russian e-commerce website for children aged 6 and above. The toy drone is marketed as a replica of the Geranium-2, the Russian designation for the Shahed drone, and is claimed to develop coordination, accuracy, and imagination in children. The toy can also be fitted with firecrackers that explode on impact, mimicking the real-life Shahed drones. The sale of this toy has raised concerns as the Shahed drones have been used extensively in Russia's attacks on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure. Russia is not the only country selling toy replicas of combat drones, as similar models are available on e-commerce sites worldwide.

The U.S. Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on members of an alleged Mexico-based human smuggling network, the Bhardwaj Human Smuggling Organization, for trafficking people from four continents using yachts, hotels, and cartel connections. The sanctions target the organization's alleged ringleader, Vikrant Bhardwaj, three accomplices, and 16 affiliated entities. The Treasury Department says the group's services cost migrants thousands of dollars and that it solicited operational support from the Sinaloa Cartel. The move is part of the Trump administration's intensifying strategy to treat migrant trafficking schemes as a direct threat to national security. The Treasury's action freezes any U.S. property or interests tied to the group and bars U.S. persons from conducting financial transactions with the alleged criminal organization. The sanctioning effort was coordinated with Mexico's financial intelligence unit and other law enforcement agencies.

Disney content, including ABC and ESPN, was removed from YouTube TV after the companies failed to renew their contract before the Oct. 30 deadline. YouTube TV accused Disney of using blackout threats to force higher pricing, while pledging a $20 credit to subscribers if the outage persists. The standoff follows months of tense negotiations and comes amid a broader industry battle over streaming costs and market share. YouTube TV pays broadcasters to stream their channels and has been engaged in several tense negotiations over contract renewals in recent months. Disney had rejected YouTube's proposal to ingest Disney's streaming content into YouTube TV, giving customers the ability to view programming on Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ without leaving the platform.

Google has partnered with Reliance Intelligence to offer its Gemini AI service for free to over 500 million Reliance Jio users in India for 18 months. The partnership aims to make India 'AI-empowered' through collaborations with strategic partners. Google's AI Pro plan, which includes Gemini 2.5 Pro, expanded access to NotebookLM, and 2 TB of cloud storage, will be available to Jio users. This move is part of a larger trend of global AI firms acquiring customers in India, with other companies like Perplexity AI and OpenAI also offering free services to Indian users.

Samsung plans to purchase 50,000 Nvidia GPUs to automate its chip manufacturing for mobile devices and robots, creating an 'AI Megafactory.' The partnership is Nvidia's latest high-profile collaboration, with its chips being essential for advanced AI development. Samsung will work with Nvidia to optimize its HBM memory for AI chips and utilize Nvidia's simulation software, Omniverse. The deal supports Nvidia's $500 billion book of business from its current and next-generation GPUs.

The article discusses the historical witch trials in Salem and Britain, focusing on a specific trial in Maidstone, Kent, England in 1652 where six women were executed for witchcraft. Although the laws criminalizing witchcraft have been repealed, the convictions still stand. Maidstone Borough Council is now campaigning for a general pardon for those executed under the Witchcraft Act of 1562, citing historical injustices and the need to acknowledge the brutality faced by vulnerable individuals, mostly women. The council's efforts are supported by precedents such as the pardon of Alan Turing and the apology issued by Scotland's First Minister to victims of witch trials.

The article discusses the recent US-China deal announced by President Trump after his meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, with CNN's Jim Sciutto analyzing whether the deal is as transformative as it appears. The article questions the significance of the deal and suggests it may be more of the same. Other news stories covered include Prince Andrew being stripped of his titles, Hurricane Melissa's impact on Jamaica, and various US political developments.

A Swedish appeals court has refused to deport a convicted rapist, Yezied Mohamed, an Eritrean national and illegal immigrant, sparking outrage and fueling a backlash against Sweden's justice system. The court ruled that while the crime was serious, it was not 'exceptionally grave' enough to warrant deportation. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has promised stricter deportation laws, stating that those who commit serious crimes in Sweden should be deported. The case has reignited a nationwide debate over crime and immigration, with many criticizing the court's leniency towards migrants. The government faces pressure to implement tougher policies, with Kristersson pledging to introduce the 'toughest legislation in all the Nordic countries.'

The US military, under the direction of President Donald Trump, conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a suspected narco-trafficking vessel in the Eastern Pacific, killing four men on board. This is the 14th such strike since September, with a total of 61 people killed and three surviving. The Pentagon has refused to release the identities of those killed or evidence of drugs on board, sparking controversy and concerns about due process and the possibility of killing innocent people. Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee have demanded to review the legal justification behind the strikes, citing potential violations of several laws.

The article discusses the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, highlighting five key points from their encounter. The meeting's details and outcomes are analyzed to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the event's significance.

World Athletics has revealed that it was a victim of a 'systematic theft' where €1.5m (£1.3m) was stolen by two employees and a contractor over several years. An internal investigation led to the dismissal of one employee and a contractor, while the other employee had already left the company. The organization's president, Sebastian Coe, stated that they are determined to recover the stolen funds and have introduced new internal financial controls to prevent future frauds.

The Grand Egyptian Museum, a $1 billion project, is set to open in Cairo after a two-decade construction period. The museum, located near the pyramids of Giza, will house over 50,000 artifacts, including a colossus of Ramesses II and a boat belonging to Pharaoh Khufu. The complex features advanced technology, including mixed-reality shows, and is expected to attract millions of tourists, boosting Egypt's economy. The museum's opening was delayed several times due to various reasons, including conflicts in the Middle East. Egyptian officials hope the museum will become a major cultural and tourism hub, attracting 15,000 to 20,000 visitors daily.

Radio Free Asia (RFA) has suspended its news operations due to the US government shutdown and funding cuts imposed by the Trump administration. The organization, founded to report on China and other Asian countries, will close its overseas bureaus, lay off staff, and pay severance. RFA's president, Bay Fang, stated that the decision was made to conserve resources and preserve the possibility of restarting operations in the future. The shutdown has been met with criticism from various individuals and organizations, including the Network of Chinese Human Rights Defenders and former US ambassador to China, Nicholas Burns, who argue that it will benefit dictators like Xi Jinping and hinder the dissemination of truth to the Chinese people.

The ceasefire in Gaza has brought some relief to Palestinians, but a cash shortage persists due to Israel's blockade on banknote transfers. Banks have reopened, but people are unable to withdraw cash, forcing them to rely on electronic transactions or profiteers who charge exorbitant fees. This has exacerbated the economic crisis in Gaza, where people have lost livelihoods, homes, and savings. Some individuals have resorted to repairing damaged banknotes or bartering to survive.