Former US President Barack Obama and several celebrities attended a rally in Georgia supporting Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris. The event aimed to boost support among black voters, who have traditionally been a crucial demographic for the Democratic Party. Harris has faced some erosion of support from this group compared to her predecessor Joe Biden. Speakers at the rally emphasized the importance of values and caring in the election, with Obama urging men not to be swayed by Republican candidate Donald Trump's perceived strength. Harris also addressed the crowd, highlighting her commitment to protecting reproductive rights and emphasizing her economic plans for working Americans.
A Kurdish militant group, the PKK, has claimed responsibility for an attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) near Ankara, resulting in five deaths and 22 injuries. The PKK stated that the target was chosen due to the weapons produced by TAI being used against Kurds, killing "thousands". The Turkish government has launched airstrikes on PKK sites in Iraq and Syria, killing at least 59 people, with some reports suggesting civilian casualties.
A stabbing attack at a supermarket in St. Petersburg, Russia, has left at least four people hospitalized. According to eyewitnesses, an individual allegedly attacked several shoppers before using a knife from a display window to inflict harm. The suspect, aged 44, was arrested and charged with attempted murder. Two victims, including a security guard and female shopper, were taken to the hospital, while four others escaped serious injury.
A Russian ex-state worker has shared their story of being forced into exile after being outed for speaking out against Russia's repressive laws. The individual, who wishes to remain anonymous, spent nearly six months in Kazakhstan before seeking asylum in France. They hope to share their experiences and struggles with others who may be facing similar persecution.
The United Nations has passed several resolutions critical of Israel's actions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. Critics argue that Israel's creation and early actions violate international law, leading to ongoing conflict. Paul Salem of the Middle East Institute notes that "Israel was both created by and early on was in violation of much of international law." The UN has also condemned Israel's settlements, security barrier, and environmental damage in the occupied territories. Diplomats argue that diplomacy is crucial for resolving conflicts, rather than relying solely on military force.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/10/25/israels-war-against-the-un?traffic_source=rss
Russia's Central Bank has raised its key interest rate from 19% to a historic 21%, aiming to combat inflation. This move, exceeding expectations, signals an aggressive fight against rising prices amid Western sanctions and military expenditures for the war in Ukraine. The bank is taking bold steps to stabilize the economy, following surging inflation since February 2022.
NASA Astronaut Matthew Dominick has shared a fascinating video showing what happens when ketchup is squirted in zero gravity. The experiment was conducted on the International Space Station, and Dominick noted that "some interesting science stuff" occurred during the demonstration. Meanwhile, various events have been unfolding across the United States, including presidential campaigns, natural disasters, and remarkable stories of human resilience.
India and China have agreed to complete disengagement at two key friction points by October 28-29, marking a significant improvement in their relationship. The agreement applies only to Depsang and Demchok, with both sides returning to pre-April 2020 positions and patrolling areas where they did until then.
A deadly attack on a Turkish defense firm in Ankara has left five people dead and 22 injured. The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) has claimed responsibility for the attack, which was followed by retaliatory airstrikes by Turkey targeting PKK targets in Iraq and Syria.
Reports emerged of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza being besieged by Israeli military, leaving over 150 patients and staff trapped. The hospital, one of the few functioning medical facilities in northern Gaza, suffered damage from shelling and tank attacks. Patients were forced to evacuate to a courtyard as medical supplies dwindle. The United Nations has expressed concern about the impact on humanitarian assistance.
Israeli airstrike kills journalists in southern Lebanon, sparking international outcry. The attack on a media compound housing workers for Al Mayadeen and Al-Manar TV has claimed the lives of at least three journalists and left several others wounded. This is not an isolated incident; journalists have faced unprecedented dangers while covering Israel's wars in Gaza and Lebanon.
Breaking news from Lebanon: Reports indicate that an Israeli strike on a journalists' residence has resulted in the tragic deaths of three media workers, including two journalists and a broadcast engineer. The attack has been condemned by the Lebanese government as a "war crime." Meanwhile, the war between Israel and Hezbollah continues to rage on, with reports of civilian casualties and destruction in Gaza.
Source: https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-reports-3-media-workers-killed-in-israeli-strike-770655
A 17-year-old Palestinian journalist, Aboud Battah, was arrested by Israeli military forces near Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza. The hospital has been under siege and attack, with reports of hundreds of patients and medical staff being held hostage. Prior to his arrest, Battah shared a story on Instagram showing bombed residential blocks in Jabalia.
Source: https://www.wionews.com/world/idf-abuses-arrests-teen-palestinian-journalist-aboud-battah-770666
South African Indigenous Communities Challenge Big Oil in Court
A long-standing dispute between indigenous communities and energy companies has reached the Constitutional Court. The Wild Coast communities, supported by environmental groups, are fighting Shell's plans for oil exploration off the coast of South Africa. The courts have recognized the customary rights of the Hobeni fishers, a key factor in their appeal. Meanwhile, Shell sees the potential exploration as a way to contribute to South Africa's energy security.
Over 160 rescuers and healthcare workers have been killed in Israel-Hezbollah clashes over the past year, according to Lebanon's Health Minister Firass Abiad. The conflict escalated after an Israeli airstrike killed Hezbollah leader Nasrallah on September 27. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has pledged to seek a diplomatic solution, urging Israel to avoid civilian casualties.
Remembering Shamshad Abdullaev, a world-class Uzbek poet who challenged cultural norms and artistic traditions. Despite facing obstacles and censorship, Abdullaev remained committed to his craft, producing works that explored the complexities of identity, culture, and society.
Ceasefire talks set to resume in Doha, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging progress on hostage release and ceasefire. The negotiations aim to resolve the long-standing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Three Lebanese journalists killed in Israeli airstrike on compound housing reporters.
A constitutional court in Taiwan is set to rule on reforms that would give legislators more power. Critics argue it could pose a national security risk, while supporters say it's necessary for government oversight and preventing corruption. The reforms would allow lawmakers to demand documents from government agencies, private businesses, and even individuals, including the military.
The issue has sparked large protests in Taiwan, with concerns about the potential impact on the country's relationship with China. Some fear that expanded legislative powers could be used to leak sensitive information or compromise national security. Others see it as a necessary step towards building a more robust democracy.
Tensions between Israel and Iran have escalated, with reports suggesting that Iran has ordered its military to prepare for war with Israel. However, according to Iranian officials, the country would only retaliate if Israel's attack causes widespread damage and high casualties. If Israel limits its attack to a few military targets, Tehran might choose not to respond. The stakes are high, with both sides warning of devastating consequences.