The global fight against malaria has hit a critical roadblock after two decades of significant progress, with climate change and population growth emerging as major threats to the eradication of this deadly disease. Campaigners have raised alarms over insufficient funding for increasingly expensive prevention programs, which could result in hundreds of thousands of lives lost and billions of dollars in economic damage. The African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) and Malaria No More UK highlighted these concerns in a recent report, emphasizing that Africa, which accounts for 95% of global malaria cases, would bear the brunt of this resurgence. In 2023, malaria claimed 590,000 lives worldwide, with 263 million cases reported—an increase of 11 million from the previous year. Climate change has exacerbated the issue, with rising temperatures and heavy rainfall creating more mosquito breeding sites, even at higher altitudes in regions like Rwanda. Additionally, the spread of the Anopheles stephensi mosquito from Asia into Africa and increasing insecticide resistance have further complicated efforts. While new-generation prevention methods, such as dual-insecticide mosquito nets and drone-dispersed larvicides, have shown promise, their high costs and the need to cover a rapidly growing population pose significant challenges. Malaria remains a leading cause of worker and student absenteeism, cognitive disruption in children, and household poverty. Campaigners stress that eliminating malaria would yield substantial economic benefits, including increased productivity and tourism. However, without adequate funding and global cooperation, the situation could worsen dramatically. Funding models predict that halting all prevention efforts could cost Africa $83 billion in lost GDP by 2030, alongside 525 million additional cases and 990,000 more deaths. The report was released ahead of a crucial meeting in South Africa to secure contributions to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria, which currently covers 59% of malaria spending.
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Pakistan out after rain-hit defeat by South Africa
In a rain-affected match at the ICC Women’s World Cup in Colombo, South Africa delivered a commanding performance to eliminate Pakistan from the tournament. The Proteas posted a formidable total of 312-9 in their 40 overs, thanks to stellar contributions from Laura Wolvaardt (90), Sune Luus (61), and Nadine de Klerk (41 off 16 balls). Pakistan, faced with a revised target of 234 in 20 overs due to multiple rain interruptions, struggled to 83-7, handing South Africa a 150-run victory via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method. The win propelled South Africa to the top of the table, while Pakistan joined Bangladesh in being eliminated with a game to spare. Despite weather disruptions, South Africa showcased their batting depth and resilience, with Wolvaardt and Luus laying a solid foundation and Marizanne Kapp (3-20) leading the bowling attack. Pakistan’s hopes of advancing to the semi-finals were dashed as they failed to overcome the Proteas’ dominance. South Africa now look ahead to their final group match against Australia with confidence, having already secured a semi-final berth.
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Shanghai’s first exhibition for elderly learning highlights China’s educational innovation
From October 18 to 20, the Shanghai Exhibition Center hosted the inaugural Shanghai Exhibition of Courses for Seniors, marking a significant milestone in China’s commitment to lifelong learning and educational innovation for the elderly. This groundbreaking event, the first of its kind in the country, drew participation from over 120 institutions, presenting more than 500 high-quality courses tailored to the needs and interests of older adults. Among the standout offerings were courses in AI-driven short video production, coffee culture, and geriatric general medicine, which quickly became the most sought-after options. Additionally, the exhibition introduced a ‘one-stop learning’ mobile platform, seamlessly integrating online and offline educational resources to enhance accessibility and convenience for senior learners. This initiative underscores Shanghai’s leadership in addressing the educational aspirations of its aging population and sets a precedent for other regions to follow.
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Ukrainian city in total blackout after ‘massive’ Russian assault
Russia has intensified its assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, resulting in widespread power outages and significant civilian suffering. The city of Chernihiv, located in northern Ukraine, was plunged into a total blackout following a massive missile and drone attack. Hundreds of thousands of residents were affected, with four fatalities reported in the nearby town of Novhorod-Siverskyi and ten others injured, including a 10-year-old girl. This attack is part of a broader strategy by Russia to target civilian infrastructure, including energy supplies, railways, homes, and businesses, as the full-scale invasion of Ukraine continues. Oleksandr Babich, a 55-year-old Chernihiv resident, described the harrowing experience of hearing Iranian-designed Shahed drones overhead, a sound increasingly familiar to Ukrainians far from the front lines. The Chernihiv region, which borders both Russia and Belarus, is particularly vulnerable due to its proximity to hostile territories. The recent assault involved over 100 Shahed drones and six ballistic missiles, directly hitting Chernihiv’s electricity-generating facilities and leaving the city and surrounding areas without power. Andriy Podorvan, deputy head of the Chernihiv Regional Military Administration, noted that such targeted strikes on energy infrastructure have become more frequent over the past six months, with a significant escalation in the last two months. He emphasized that these attacks are aimed at civilian infrastructure, including petrol stations, rather than military targets. The loss of power has also disrupted water pumping stations, forcing residents to rely on bottled water or emergency deliveries. Despite the ongoing attacks, electrical engineers have begun efforts to restore power, though the intensity of Russia’s bombardment threatens to deplete Ukraine’s energy resilience. The country’s energy companies have been working tirelessly to repair the damage, but the limited supply of replacement equipment poses a significant challenge. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent meetings with US energy companies have reportedly been successful in securing support for modernizing Ukraine’s energy sector. However, the estimated $16 billion in damage to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure underscores the severity of the crisis. Despite the hardships, Ukrainian citizens remain resilient, with high morale and a strong sense of unity in the face of adversity.
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Dubai Police to conduct mock drill at Global Village
Dubai Police, in coordination with strategic partners, will carry out a mock emergency drill at Global Village on the afternoon of October 21, 2025. The exercise, scheduled to begin at 2:00 PM, aims to test and enhance emergency response protocols at the popular tourist destination. Authorities have issued a public advisory urging visitors to refrain from taking photos or videos during the drill and to ensure clear pathways for emergency vehicles to maintain safety and efficiency. Global Village, which recently launched its 30th season on October 15, continues to attract visitors with its vibrant cultural pavilions, fireworks, parades, and drone shows. The park remains a top attraction in Dubai, offering a diverse array of international food, clothing, and artifacts. Dubai Police emphasized the importance of public cooperation during the drill to ensure its success and to reinforce safety measures for the millions of visitors who frequent the venue annually.
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Maccabi Tel Aviv declines tickets to UK game after Tommy Robinson vows to defend fans
In a dramatic turn of events, Israeli football club Maccabi Tel Aviv has opted not to sell tickets to its supporters for the upcoming match against Aston Villa in Birmingham on November 6. This decision follows a contentious ban imposed by West Midlands Police, which British government ministers labeled as antisemitic and vowed to overturn. The situation escalated when Israeli police canceled a local derby between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv, citing ‘public disorder and violent riots.’
According to Jewish News, the club’s decision was heavily influenced by the involvement of Tommy Robinson, a controversial pro-Israel activist and convicted criminal. Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, urged his followers to protest against ‘Islamist activists’ at the match and posted a photo of himself in a Maccabi Tel Aviv shirt. His presence in Israel, at the invitation of Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli, has further complicated the situation.
A source within the club revealed that the risk posed by anti-Israel protesters was significant, but the intervention of Robinson added another layer of danger. The club feared that their supporters could be wrongly associated with Robinson’s far-right activities, making the situation untenable for innocent fans.
Maccabi Tel Aviv’s fans have a history of causing violence and disruption in European cities. In November, Amsterdam City Council banned the club from the Dutch capital after their fans caused chaos before and after a Europa League match against Ajax. Initially, Western media and politicians were sympathetic to the Maccabi fans, even describing the counterviolence as a pogrom. However, when footage and local reports contradicted this narrative, the focus on the events diminished.
In an official statement, Maccabi Tel Aviv expressed concern over ‘divisive figures’ who do not represent the club’s values and accused various groups of exploiting isolated incidents for their own agendas. A UK government spokesperson emphasized the importance of allowing football fans to enjoy games without fear of intimidation or violence, while condemning the weaponization of the match to stoke division.
In the UK Parliament, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy criticized the police ban, claiming it ‘chooses exclusion’ of Jews. However, it was revealed that West Midlands Police had previously banned fans of Legia Warsaw from attending a match due to violent behavior. The police classified the Maccabi Tel Aviv match as high risk based on ‘current intelligence and previous incidents,’ including violent clashes during the Ajax match in Amsterdam.
Before the Amsterdam match, Maccabi supporters were filmed arming themselves with weapons and chanting racist slogans, further exacerbating tensions. The violent incidents that followed the game highlighted the ongoing challenges of managing fan behavior in high-stakes matches.
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New IP protection center to foster innovation in Greater Bay Area
China is advancing its intellectual property (IP) protection framework with the establishment of a new national-level IP protection center in Dongguan, Guangdong province. Announced by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) on Tuesday, the center aims to streamline IP protection for industries specializing in intelligent terminals and new materials. This addition brings the total number of national-level IP protection centers in China to 81, with seven located in Guangdong alone. Dongguan, a city with a permanent population exceeding 10 million and a regional GDP of over 1 trillion yuan ($141 billion), is a manufacturing powerhouse with a thriving innovation ecosystem. The new center will serve as a ‘one-stop’ platform, integrating IP protection services and fostering synergy between innovation and industrial chains. CNIPA emphasized that the center will enhance coordination among existing protection centers in Guangdong, creating a regional IP protection hub to drive high-quality development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Notably, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster in the GBA recently topped the World Intellectual Property Organization’s 2025 Global Innovation Index, surpassing Japan’s Tokyo-Yokohama cluster for the first time.
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Virginia Giuffre shines light on Epstein ordeal in new memoir
In a newly released memoir, Virginia Giuffre, one of Jeffrey Epstein’s primary accusers, has brought renewed attention to the disgraced financier’s network and its alleged ties to prominent figures, including Britain’s Prince Andrew. The book, titled ‘Nobody’s Girl,’ details Giuffre’s harrowing experiences, claiming she was forced into three sexual encounters with Prince Andrew, one of which she describes as an orgy involving Epstein, the prince, and ‘eight other young girls.’ These allegations have further tarnished Andrew’s reputation, leading him to renounce his royal title under pressure from King Charles III. Giuffre, who tragically took her own life in April at the age of 41, also sheds light on her interactions with former U.S. President Donald Trump, whom she admired for his promise to release the Epstein files. The memoir recounts how Giuffre was recruited into Epstein’s alleged sex-trafficking network at the age of 17 while working at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club, where she feared she would ‘die a sex slave.’ The book also highlights her encounters with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s accomplice, who was later imprisoned for her role in the abuse. Despite Trump’s minimal presence in the memoir, his past association with Epstein has reignited discussions about their relationship. The publication of a controversial photo showing Prince Andrew with Giuffre has further fueled the scandal, leading to Andrew’s financial settlement with Giuffre in 2022. The memoir, written with the help of ghostwriter Amy Wallace, aims to provide a comprehensive account of Giuffre’s ordeal and her fight for justice.
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Respect the power and beauty of Qomolangma
Mount Qomolangma, often referred to as Everest, stands as a testament to nature’s grandeur and power. Its eastern slopes, renowned for their trekking routes, offer a mesmerizing blend of towering peaks, lush forests, and expansive grasslands. This natural spectacle serves as a poignant reminder of the need to approach such wonders with reverence and care. As more adventurers are drawn to its slopes, it is crucial to prioritize safety and environmental stewardship. A recent video highlights essential safety tips for trekkers, emphasizing the importance of respecting the mountain’s delicate ecosystem. Mount Qomolangma is not just a destination; it is a symbol of nature’s awe-inspiring beauty and a call to preserve it for future generations.
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Gaza ceasefire deal going better than expected, Vance says
US Vice-President JD Vance, during his visit to Israel, expressed cautious optimism about the Gaza ceasefire agreement, stating that its implementation is progressing better than anticipated. However, he issued a stern warning to Hamas, emphasizing that failure to cooperate would result in its obliteration. Vance refrained from setting a deadline for Hamas to disarm, a contentious element of US proposals yet to be finalized. President Donald Trump, who brokered the ceasefire earlier this month, echoed this sentiment, asserting that US allies in the Middle East are prepared to intervene forcefully if Hamas continues to act disruptively. Vance’s visit follows a recent escalation in violence, including a Hamas attack that killed two Israeli soldiers, prompting retaliatory strikes that claimed dozens of Palestinian lives. Despite these tensions, Vance praised Israel for its constructive role in advancing the ceasefire’s objectives but acknowledged the significant challenges ahead. He is expected to press Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to initiate long-term negotiations for a permanent resolution to the conflict. The US delegation, including special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, is working to sustain the ceasefire and advance the second phase of Trump’s 20-point peace plan, which includes establishing an interim Palestinian government, deploying an international stabilization force, and ensuring Hamas’s disarmament. Meanwhile, Hamas’s chief negotiator, Khalil al-Hayya, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to the ceasefire, despite logistical challenges in recovering the bodies of deceased hostages. The UN’s World Food Programme highlighted the ceasefire’s critical role in delivering humanitarian aid, though logistical hurdles persist. As the fragile truce holds, the international community remains vigilant, urging all parties to uphold their commitments and avoid further escalation.