The World Food Program (WFP), the United Nations’ primary food aid agency, issued a stark warning on Wednesday, highlighting the dire consequences of severe funding reductions from its major donors. The agency revealed that nearly 14 million people across six countries—Afghanistan, Congo, Haiti, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan—are at risk of facing emergency levels of hunger due to these cuts. WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain described the situation as a ‘lifeline disintegrating before our eyes,’ emphasizing the gravity of the crisis. The agency anticipates a 40% drop in funding this year, reducing its budget to $6.4 billion from $10 billion in 2023. This shortfall is largely attributed to significant reductions in contributions from the United States under the Trump administration and other leading Western donors. The WFP stressed that global hunger is already at record levels, with 319 million people experiencing acute food insecurity, including 44 million at emergency levels. Famine has been declared in Gaza and Sudan, while in Afghanistan, food assistance reaches less than 10% of those in need. The funding crisis has also impacted other UN agencies, including those focused on migration, health, and refugees, leading to widespread aid and staffing cuts. The humanitarian aid community is grappling with the ripple effects of reduced support from traditional donors, including the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
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Indonesia’s Lewotobi Laki Laki volcano unleashes new burst of hot ash
JAKARTA, Indonesia — Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, erupted for the second consecutive day on Wednesday, releasing massive plumes of hot ash that covered nearby villages. Authorities have not reported any casualties so far. According to Indonesia’s Geology Agency, the first eruption occurred in the early morning, propelling lava and ash clouds up to 10 kilometers (6 miles) into the sky. A subsequent eruption less than nine hours later produced a mushroom-shaped ash column reaching 8 kilometers (nearly 5 miles) high. The volcano, located on Flores Island, had already erupted three times on Tuesday, with avalanches of scorching gas, rocks, and lava cascading down its slopes. The third eruption illuminated the night sky with glowing lava and lightning. Hadi Wijaya, head of the Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation, reported that several villages were blanketed in ash and debris. He also cautioned residents to remain alert for heavy rainfall, which could trigger dangerous lava flows in rivers originating from the volcano. Standing at 1,584 meters (5,197 feet), Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki has been under the highest alert level since its eruption on June 18. An exclusion zone of 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) from the crater has been established due to increasing volcanic activity. The volcano’s major eruption in November 2024 resulted in nine fatalities and dozens of injuries, with another eruption occurring in March of this year. Indonesia, home to over 280 million people, is part of the seismically active ‘Ring of Fire,’ a horseshoe-shaped zone encircling the Pacific Basin, and boasts 120 active volcanoes.
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Former Kenyan premier Raila Odinga, a key figure in African politics, dies at 80
NAIROBI, Kenya — Raila Odinga, a towering figure in Kenyan politics and a former prime minister, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 80 due to a heart attack while in India. His death was confirmed by Devamatha Hospital in Kerala, where he was rushed after collapsing during a morning walk. Despite immediate medical intervention, Odinga succumbed to cardiac arrest, leaving behind a legacy of political activism and influence. Odinga, a perennial presidential candidate, ran for Kenya’s highest office five times over three decades, coming closest in 2007 when he narrowly lost to incumbent Mwai Kibaki in a contested election that sparked widespread ethnic violence. A member of the Luo ethnic group, Odinga spent his career navigating Kenya’s tribal political landscape, striving to unite diverse factions. Although he never achieved the presidency, his efforts were instrumental in transitioning Kenya from single-party rule to a multiparty democracy. Recently, he had forged a political alliance with President William Ruto, integrating his opposition party into key government roles. Odinga’s populist campaigns and ability to rally massive support made him a revered figure, symbolizing hope and resilience for many Kenyans. His death marks the end of an era in Kenyan politics, leaving a void that will be deeply felt across the nation.
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Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga dies aged 80
Kenya has lost one of its most prominent political figures, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who passed away at the age of 80. According to family sources, Odinga died on Wednesday while undergoing medical treatment in India. His health had been the subject of recent speculation, though his family and political allies had refuted claims of critical illness. Odinga, a formidable political mobilizer, contested the Kenyan presidency five times without success, consistently alleging electoral fraud. His claims were partially validated in 2017 when Kenya’s Supreme Court nullified Uhuru Kenyatta’s victory and ordered a rerun, which Odinga boycotted, citing the need for electoral reforms. Despite his electoral defeats, Odinga often reconciled with incumbent presidents post-elections. Following his 2022 loss, he joined President William Ruto’s administration, bringing several of his allies into key government positions. Odinga’s death marks the end of an era in Kenyan politics, leaving a legacy of resilience and advocacy for democratic reforms. This is a developing story; updates will follow.
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New Zealand official says Pacific nations threatened by great power contest over deep sea minerals
New Zealand’s Defense Minister Judith Collins has raised concerns over the increasing pressure faced by small South Pacific nations due to great power competition for their rare minerals and fisheries wealth. In an interview with The Associated Press, Collins emphasized the need for regional neighbors to take more action to protect the sovereignty of these island nations. Collins, who also oversees New Zealand’s intelligence and space sectors, made these remarks ahead of her visit to Washington D.C., where she is set to meet with Trump administration officials, including Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.
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India top court allows less-polluting crackers even as Delhi air turns toxic
As Delhi’s air quality plunges into the ‘very poor’ category, India’s Supreme Court has permitted the sale and use of ‘green firecrackers’ during the upcoming Diwali festival. These firecrackers, designed to emit 20-30% fewer pollutants and produce minimal ash, are seen as a compromise between tradition and environmental concerns. However, critics argue that even these less harmful alternatives release toxic substances, exacerbating the city’s already dire pollution levels. On Wednesday, Delhi’s air quality was 25-30 times worse than the World Health Organization’s safe limits, with PM2.5 levels in some areas exceeding 400, a threshold that poses severe health risks. The court’s decision, which includes strict guidelines on the sale and use of firecrackers, has sparked mixed reactions. While some welcome the opportunity to celebrate Diwali fully, others fear weak enforcement will worsen the pollution crisis. Meanwhile, the Delhi government has activated the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to combat rising pollution, banning coal, firewood, and non-essential diesel generators. As winter approaches, Delhi faces its annual pollution battle, with Diwali’s firecrackers adding to the challenge.
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Australia’s highest court rejects Candace Owens’ visa challenge
In a landmark decision, Australia’s High Court has upheld the government’s refusal to grant a visa to U.S. conservative commentator Candace Owens, citing concerns over her potential to incite discord within the country. The unanimous ruling by three judges on Wednesday dismissed Owens’ legal challenge against Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke’s decision last year to deny her entry on character grounds. Owens, known for her controversial and conspiratorial views, had planned a speaking tour in Australia and New Zealand in November 2023. Burke invoked the Migration Act in October 2023, determining that Owens failed the ‘character test’ due to her history of making extremist and inflammatory remarks targeting Muslim, Black, Jewish, and LGBTQIA+ communities. The court documents revealed Burke’s assessment that her presence could pose a risk to national interests by fostering division. Owens’ legal team argued that the Migration Act infringed upon Australia’s implied freedom of political communication, a claim the judges rejected. The court also ordered Owens to cover the government’s legal costs. While Owens’ spokesperson indicated she would address the decision on social media, her plans to visit New Zealand remain unclear. Notably, New Zealand initially denied her visa in November 2023, citing Australia’s rejection, but later reversed the decision in December, emphasizing the value of free speech. This case underscores Australia’s stringent visa policies, which have also been applied to other high-profile figures, such as rapper Ye (formerly Kanye West), whose visa was revoked earlier this year.
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China, US clash in global shipping after chip and tariff wars
In a significant escalation of trade tensions, China has announced retaliatory measures against the United States’ newly imposed port fees. The Chinese Commerce Ministry revealed on Tuesday that it would levy a special port-entry charge of 400 yuan ($56) per net ton on US-linked container ships. This rate is set to increase annually, reaching 1,120 yuan by April 17, 2028. Additionally, China has sanctioned five US-related subsidiaries of South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean, accusing them of aiding US investigations into China’s maritime and shipbuilding sectors, which Beijing claims undermines its sovereignty and development interests. The sanctions prohibit Chinese entities from engaging in transactions or cooperation with the listed firms. A spokesperson for the Chinese Commerce Ministry emphasized that while China is open to dialogue, it is prepared to defend its interests if necessary. The spokesperson also criticized the US for its approach, stating that negotiations should not be conducted under threats or intimidation. This development comes ahead of a potential meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump at the APEC Summit in Seoul later this month. The US had previously imposed fees on Chinese ships entering its ports, citing unfair trade practices. China’s new measures are seen as a direct response to these actions, further straining bilateral relations. The situation underscores the growing rivalry between the two nations in the global trade and maritime sectors, with both sides taking increasingly assertive stances to protect their economic interests.
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Sia’s ex demands $250,000 per month in spousal support
Australian pop sensation Sia Furler, renowned for chart-topping hits like ‘Chandelier’ and ‘Titanium,’ is embroiled in a high-profile divorce battle with her estranged husband, Daniel Bernard. Court documents reveal that Bernard, a former radiation oncologist, has requested over $250,000 per month in spousal support to sustain the ‘luxurious and upper-class lifestyle’ he enjoyed during their marriage. The couple, who tied the knot in December 2022 and share an 18-month-old son, cited ‘irreconcilable differences’ when Sia filed for divorce in March 2024. Bernard claims he became financially dependent on Sia after quitting his medical career to co-run a short-lived business venture. According to the filings, the couple’s monthly expenses exceeded $400,000, covering private jets, lavish holidays, fine dining, and a team of full-time staff. Bernard argues that the temporary support is ‘necessary’ as Sia was the primary earner during their union. Additionally, he seeks funds to cover legal fees and forensic accounting services. Sia’s representatives have yet to comment on the ongoing legal dispute.
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China seizes 60,000 maps for ‘mislabelling’ Taiwan
Chinese customs authorities in Shandong province have intercepted a significant shipment of 60,000 maps destined for export, citing serious concerns over national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The maps were deemed ‘problematic’ due to their mislabelling of Taiwan, which China claims as an integral part of its territory, and the omission of key islands in the South China Sea. Beijing’s claims in the South China Sea overlap with those of neighboring countries, including the Philippines and Vietnam, making cartographic accuracy a highly sensitive issue. The seized maps also failed to include the controversial nine-dash line, which demarcates China’s expansive claims over nearly the entire South China Sea, as well as the maritime boundary between China and Japan. Authorities emphasized that such maps ‘endanger national unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity,’ rendering them unfit for sale. This incident underscores the heightened tensions in the region, particularly following recent confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the South China Sea. The Philippines accused a Chinese ship of ramming and firing a water cannon at a Philippine government vessel, while Beijing claimed the incident occurred after repeated warnings were ignored. The confiscation of ‘problematic maps’ is not unprecedented, but the scale of this seizure is notable. Earlier this year, customs officers in Qingdao and Hebei provinces also intercepted similar shipments containing errors in national borders and territorial depictions. The sensitivity surrounding maps in the region was further highlighted by the 2023 Barbie movie, which faced bans and censorship in Vietnam and the Philippines for depicting the nine-dash line. China Customs did not disclose the intended destination of the seized maps, but the incident reflects Beijing’s unwavering stance on territorial issues and its commitment to enforcing strict standards on cartographic representations.