Tensions in West Asia escalate as Hezbollah targets Israeli intelligence base in Tel Aviv suburbs. According to reports, a salvo of rockets was fired at the Glilot base of Israel's 8200 military intelligence unit. The militant group also launched attacks on an Israeli Navy base in Haifa and another position in Tel Aviv's suburbs. In response, the Israeli military intercepted most of the projectiles crossing from Lebanon.
Pakistan's government has allocated PKR 10 million for the reconstruction of Baoli Sahib Hindu temple in Punjab province. This marks a significant step towards religious inclusivity, as the temple will be restored after being non-functional for 64 years. The project is being undertaken by the Evacuee Trust Property Board and is expected to provide a much-needed space for the local Hindu community to practice their religion.
China Conducts Live-Fire Drills Near Taiwan, Amid Escalating Tensions
China has conducted live-fire drills near Taiwan, just a week after a large-scale exercise encircled the island. The drills were held on Niushan Island, approximately 66 miles from Taiwan's coastline. This comes as tensions between China and Taiwan have been escalating in recent years.
Taiwan's premier, Cho Jung-tai, has expressed concerns about these exercises, stating that they threaten regional stability. However, analysts believe the drills may be a message from China regarding its claims over Taiwan.
The situation is further complicated by increased naval and air patrols from Taiwan's allies, including the United States. This escalation in tensions between China and the US could have significant implications for global security.
China has published its first set of guidelines to combat the growing obesity crisis. The National Health Commission (NHC) warns that over 50% of Chinese adults are overweight or obese, with rates expected to rise to 65.3% by 2030. The guidelines aim to standardize diagnosis and treatment, focusing on clinical nutrition, surgical treatment, behavioral and psychological intervention, and exercise intervention. This move comes as China faces a twin challenge: modernizing economy and prolonged growth slowdown.
Peruvian former President Alejandro Toledo has been convicted of taking bribes from Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht and sentenced to 20 years and six months in prison. This verdict marks Peru's first high-profile conviction related to the continent-spanning Lava Jato corruption scandal. Toledo denied the money-laundering and collusion charges during his year-long trial.
Former US President Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) during a campaign rally in North Carolina, claiming that it mishandled funds and resources. Trump also framed the upcoming election as a choice between "four years of incompetence or greatness". Meanwhile, he criticized the Biden administration's handling of immigration, promising to end what he called a "migrant invasion" if elected.
Murdoch's Dow Jones and New York Post sue Perplexity AI for alleged copyright infringement. The lawsuit claims that Perplexity has engaged in a "massive amount" of illegal copying of their copyrighted work, including news articles and analysis. The companies are seeking to stop Perplexity from using their content without authorization and demanding the destruction of any databases containing their copyrighted work.
A mix of news and events from Australia, including a protest outside the Sydney Opera House, a stabbing attack in Bondi Junction, and various other incidents. The BBC reports on these stories, providing factual information without bias.
New York Magazine has parted ways with reporter Olivia Nuzzi, who was involved in a controversy surrounding her relationship with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The two had a brief text-based affair, during which Nuzzi sent nude photos to Kennedy Jr. An investigation by the magazine found no evidence of bias in Nuzzi's reporting on Kennedy Jr.'s presidential campaign. Despite this, both parties have decided to go their separate ways.
The US Supreme Court has refused to open former President Donald Trump to a lawsuit by his former lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen. The court turned away an appeal by Cohen in a case tied to his 2018 guilty plea for crimes committed while working with Trump. The decision comes as a blow to Cohen, who sought damages from Trump and other officials for alleged retaliation.
Harvey Weinstein, a former Hollywood producer, has been diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia, according to reports. He is currently being treated in prison for the condition. This news comes as Weinstein awaits a new trial after his 2020 convictions were overturned.
Disney has announced that it will name Bob Iger's second successor as CEO in early 2026. James Gorman, a veteran of Morgan Stanley, will take over as board chair and lead the search for Iger's replacement. This comes after Disney's previous CEO selection, Bob Chapek, was dismissed in late 2022. Iger, who returned as CEO in 2022, has seen his retirement date extended five times.
Breaking news from West Asia: Israeli government claims Hezbollah has stored millions in cash and gold beneath Al-Sahel Hospital in Beirut. The Israeli military assures it will not target the hospital, despite ongoing airstrikes against the group's financial assets.
In India, right-wing group Karni Sena announces a reward to kill gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Meanwhile, El Chapo's sons are reportedly negotiating a plea deal with the US government.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin suggests having multiple children to save the state's Lok Sabha seats.
Southeast Asia's energy landscape is a cause for concern, according to a recent report by environmental think tank Ember. The region's 10-member countries, including ASEAN nations, have met their rising electricity demand through fossil fuels, with carbon emissions increasing by 6.6%. Renewable energy generation has declined, and hydropower production has been affected by droughts and extreme events.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) also warns that Southeast Asia needs to invest heavily in clean energy to meet its climate goals. The region's electricity demand is expected to grow at an annual rate of 4%, making it crucial to transition to cleaner energy sources.
A Michigan judge has rejected a Republican Party bid to block some Americans living overseas from voting in the battleground state. The ruling allows eligible citizens who have never lived in Michigan but have family ties to the state to cast their ballots. This decision upholds Michigan's election laws and federal regulations.
The production company behind Blade Runner 2049, Alcon Entertainment, has filed a lawsuit against Tesla and Warner Bros Discovery, alleging that they used imagery from the film without permission. This comes after a robotaxi launch event on October 10th featured promotional material inspired by the movie. Both Tesla and Warner Bros have yet to comment on the matter.
UK tech entrepreneurs and investors are warning that proposed tax changes could lead to a mass exodus from the industry. The UK government is reportedly planning to increase capital gains tax on share sales, which could see rates jump to 39%. This has sparked concerns among tech leaders, including co-founder of digital bank Zopa Giles Andrews, CEO of financing platform OakNorth Rishi Khosla, and boss of AI firm Synthesia Victor Riparbelli. They argue that higher taxes would make the UK a less attractive place for entrepreneurs to build businesses.
Egyptian authorities have refused to release British-Egyptian political prisoner Alaa Abdel Fattah, despite completing his five-year prison sentence. His mother, Laila Soueif, has gone on a hunger strike for over three weeks, demanding her son's immediate release. The Egyptian government has been criticized for its treatment of Abdel Fattah, who was convicted of spreading false news after sharing a Facebook post about torture in Egypt.
A prominent Aboriginal activist, Wayne Wharton, was arrested at the Sydney Opera House during King Charles and Queen Camilla's tour in Australia. Wharton shouted anti-monarchist slogans and refused a police order to move on, echoing the words of Senator Lidia Thorpe who heckled the King in Canberra the day prior. The incident has sparked debate, with some condemning Thorpe's behavior as "embarrassing" and disrespectful, while others praise her for making a point about Indigenous rights.
Peruvian Ex-President Sentenced for Corruption: Toledo Receives 20+ Years in Prison
Former Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo has been sentenced to more than 20 years in prison for taking bribes from the Brazilian construction firm Odebrecht. This is the latest development in a broader corruption scandal that has implicated multiple Latin American leaders.