The United States government shutdown has extended into its third week, with no immediate resolution in sight as Congress remains deadlocked over spending disputes. The ongoing crisis has already resulted in significant workforce reductions, with thousands of federal employees placed on enforced leave. President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Democrats by threatening further layoffs unless they support Republican proposals to reopen the government.
作者： admin
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Trump declares ‘peace in the Middle East’ during Egypt speech
For the first time since Barack Obama’s 2009 Cairo speech, a U.S. president has addressed a significant audience in Egypt. President Donald Trump, speaking at the Gaza peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, declared, ‘At long last, we have peace in the Middle East.’ The summit, attended by 20 of the 35 invited world leaders, marked a pivotal moment following the recent ceasefire in Gaza. Trump emphasized the importance of humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts, noting the contributions from wealthy nations present at the summit. He also highlighted the role of his peace envoy, Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, in the implementation of the peace deal. Trump reiterated his call for more countries to join the Abraham Accords, a series of normalization agreements between Israel and Arab nations. Despite the absence of Palestinian representation on stage, Trump acknowledged the presence of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in the audience. The summit also saw Trump praising Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and expressing gratitude to other key leaders, including those from Qatar, Turkey, and Pakistan. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif even nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his pivotal role in achieving peace in the region.
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Why AI is being trained in rural India
Virudhunagar, a historic town in southeastern India known for its ancient temples, is now making waves in the world of artificial intelligence (AI). While its cultural heritage dates back thousands of years, the town is also home to cutting-edge AI work, thanks to the rise of cloud farming—a trend where tech firms decentralize operations to smaller, cost-effective locations. Mohan Kumar, an AI annotation specialist, exemplifies this shift. He collects and labels data to train AI models, enabling them to recognize and predict objects independently. Kumar works for Desicrew, a pioneer in cloud farming since 2005, which aims to bring jobs to rural areas rather than forcing migration to cities. Desicrew’s CEO, Mannivannan J K, emphasizes the company’s mission to create world-class careers closer to home, with 30-40% of its current work being AI-related, a figure expected to rise to 75-100% soon. Transcription—converting audio to text—is a key focus, as it forms the foundation for AI to understand diverse languages and dialects. Similarly, NextWealth, founded in 2008, has embraced AI, employing 5,000 staff across 11 small-town offices. Co-founder Mythily Ramesh highlights the untapped potential of first-generation graduates from rural areas, many of whom come from farming or artisan families. NextWealth’s work, 70% of which comes from the US, includes training advanced AI algorithms. Both companies underscore the transformative impact of these jobs, particularly for women, who make up 60-70% of their workforce. However, challenges remain, including perceptions of data security and the need for reliable internet in smaller towns. Despite these hurdles, experts like KS Viswanathan believe India’s small towns are poised to become global hubs for AI operations, building on the country’s legacy in IT services.
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Foul skies, fading light: How air pollution is stealing India’s sunshine
India is grappling with a severe air pollution crisis, now ranking among the world’s top 10 most polluted countries. A recent study by six Indian scientists reveals that sunshine hours—the duration of direct sunlight reaching the Earth’s surface—have steadily declined across most of India over the past three decades. Published in *Scientific Reports*, the study analyzed data from 20 weather stations between 1988 and 2018, showing a nationwide reduction in sunshine hours, with only the northeast region experiencing mild seasonal relief. The steepest declines were observed in northern inland cities like Amritsar and Kolkata, as well as along the Himalayan belt and the west coast, particularly Mumbai. Seasonal patterns revealed significant increases in sunshine from October to May, followed by sharp drops from June to July in six of India’s nine regions. This decline is linked to India’s long-standing air pollution crisis, driven by rapid urbanization, industrial growth, and biomass burning, which have increased aerosol emissions and cloud formation. Aerosols have reduced sunlight reaching the ground by 13%, while clouds accounted for an additional 31-44% drop in surface solar radiation between 1993 and 2022. The study highlights concerns for agriculture, daily life, and India’s solar energy ambitions, with air pollution reducing solar panel output by 12-41% and costing an estimated $245-835 million in lost power generation. Cleaner air could boost India’s annual solar energy production by 6-28 terawatt hours, enough to power millions of homes. However, the impact of pollution extends beyond energy, causing significant crop yield losses in rice and wheat. While global trends show a rebound in sunlight due to cleaner air, heavily polluted countries like India are missing out, risking their renewable energy goals and overall development.
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Witkoff praises ‘vital’ UK role in Gaza ceasefire after US ambassador dismisses contribution
The Trump administration’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, has acknowledged the “vital role” played by the United Kingdom in facilitating Gaza ceasefire negotiations. This statement comes in stark contrast to remarks made by Mike Huckabee, the US ambassador to Israel, who labeled British Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson as “delusional” for her claims about the UK’s involvement in the talks. Phillipson had asserted that the UK had been instrumental in shaping the ceasefire efforts, a claim that Huckabee vehemently disputed on social media platform X, urging her to credit former President Donald Trump instead. Despite the public spat, Witkoff emphasized the UK’s significant contributions to the diplomatic process, marking a historic moment in Israel’s peace efforts. Meanwhile, Phillipson faced further criticism from Israel’s deputy foreign minister, Sharren Haskel, who accused the UK of undermining negotiations by recognizing a Palestinian state. Haskel argued that such actions sent a message to Hamas that prolonging the conflict could yield rewards. The diplomatic tensions coincide with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s attendance at the signing ceremony of Trump’s Gaza plan in Egypt. The UK’s relationship with Israel has been strained over the past year, exacerbated by decisions such as banning Israeli students from the Royal College of Defence Studies and excluding Israeli officials from a major arms trade show. However, military cooperation has persisted, with the UK continuing to supply parts for F-35 fighter jets used in Gaza and conducting surveillance flights that provide intelligence to Israel. The Ministry of Defence maintains that these flights are aimed at rescuing Israeli captives, though their exact role remains unclear.
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Venezuela mine collapse kills 14 after torrential rains
A devastating mine collapse in El Callao, Venezuela, has resulted in the deaths of at least 14 individuals, authorities confirmed on Monday. The incident, triggered by heavy rainfall in the southeast region, occurred in three separate shafts of the Cuatro Esquinas de Caratal gold mine, located approximately 850 kilometers (528 miles) southeast of Caracas. Brig. Gen. Gregory González Acevedo, head of the Operational Zones for Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis in Bolívar state, has been appointed to lead the recovery operations. Rescue efforts commenced with the pumping out of water from the flooded shafts to lower water levels, followed by an assessment of potential rescue strategies for those still trapped. The death toll was corroborated by testimonies from fellow miners and local firefighters, who attributed the collapse to flooding in the vertical mines, commonly referred to as ravines. El Callao, a town with a population of around 30,000, heavily relies on gold mining for its livelihood, with most residents directly or indirectly involved in the industry. Venezuela, rich in copper, diamonds, and other precious metals, frequently grapples with unsafe working conditions in its poorly regulated mining sector.
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‘A lifeline’ – Americans fear spike in healthcare costs, making Republicans nervy
Shana Verstegen, a fitness trainer from Wisconsin, has been grappling with anxiety over the potential loss of her family’s health insurance subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Alongside her husband, who also works as a fitness trainer, Verstegen relies on ACA premium tax credits to afford their health insurance, saving them approximately $800 monthly. However, these subsidies are set to expire at the end of the year, placing them at the center of a heated political battle amid the ongoing U.S. government shutdown. Democrats have refused to support any spending deal unless Republicans agree to renew the subsidies, leaving millions of Americans like Verstegen in limbo. Health policy experts warn that the expiration of these credits could lead to a significant spike in insurance premiums, making coverage unaffordable for many. Leighton Ku, a professor at George Washington University, estimates that premiums could double for the roughly 24 million Americans who rely on the ACA Marketplace, with up to seven million potentially dropping their coverage altogether. The impact would be particularly severe in Republican-leaning states that have not expanded Medicaid eligibility, disproportionately affecting working-class families who do not qualify for government assistance. Elizabeth Fowler, a scholar at Johns Hopkins, warns of a ‘death spiral’ in the insurance market, where rising premiums drive healthier individuals out, further increasing costs for those who remain. While some Republican leaders, including Senator Lisa Murkowski, have proposed extending the subsidies, the broader party remains divided. The looming November 1 open enrollment deadline adds urgency to the situation, as insurers have already adjusted rates in anticipation of the subsidies’ expiration. For families like Verstegen’s, the financial consequences could be devastating, forcing them to make significant sacrifices to maintain coverage. The political fallout from this issue could also be substantial, with experts suggesting that rising insurance costs in Republican districts may become a liability for the party in future elections.
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President’s job to ‘reach out hand of friendship’ before any border poll
Heather Humphreys, a Fine Gael candidate for the Irish presidency, has emphasized the importance of fostering unity and extending friendship to unionists in Northern Ireland as discussions about a potential referendum on a united Ireland gain momentum. Speaking to RTÉ, Humphreys, who hails from a Presbyterian background in Monaghan, highlighted her family’s historical ties to the Ulster Covenant of 1912, a pledge against Irish home rule. She expressed pride in her heritage, stating, “I come from the tradition of 1798, the United Irishmen. I’m very proud of my tradition, I’m very proud of where I come from.” Humphreys believes the Irish president’s role is crucial in laying the groundwork for dialogue and reconciliation, particularly with the approximately one million Northern Irish citizens who identify as British. She described herself as uniquely positioned to bridge divides, given her background and identity as a product of the Republic of Ireland. Humphreys also reaffirmed her commitment to the Good Friday Agreement, which stipulates that a border poll can only occur if a majority in Northern Ireland supports unification. Additionally, she addressed her relationship with the Irish language, acknowledging its importance and pledging to improve her proficiency. Despite criticism for not advancing her Irish-speaking skills as promised, Humphreys expressed her intent to return to Gaeltacht areas to refresh her knowledge and inspire others to embrace the language.
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Authorities identify 16 victims in Tennessee munitions factory explosion
A devastating explosion at Accurate Energetic Systems, a munitions plant in Hickman County, Tennessee, has claimed the lives of 16 individuals. The incident occurred on the morning of October 10, 2025, completely leveling one of the company’s buildings. Law enforcement officials, including Sheriffs Chris Davis of Humphreys County and Jason Craft of Hickman County, released the names of the victims during a press briefing on Monday. The victims are Jason Adams, Erick Anderson, Billy Baker, Adam Boatman, Christopher Clark, Mindy Clifton, James Cook, Reyna Gillahan, LaTeisha Mays, Jeremy Moore, Melinda Rainey, Melissa Stanford, Trenton Stewart, Rachel Woodall, Steven Wright, and Donald Yowell. The sheriffs emphasized the need to support the families of the victims during this difficult time. The cause of the explosion remains unknown, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is conducting an investigation. Initially, authorities feared that 18 people had died, but two individuals believed to be on-site were later found elsewhere. The tragedy has deeply affected the close-knit community of Bucksnort, Tennessee, where the plant is located. Aerial footage of the scene revealed charred debris, smouldering vehicles, and little remaining of the facility but rubble. Residents shared heartfelt stories about the victims, highlighting the strong bonds within the community. The explosion has prompted a shift from rescue to recovery efforts, as the site remains too dangerous for first responders.
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Exclusive: ICC senior officials accused of ‘prejudice’ over Karim Khan probe
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is under intense scrutiny for its handling of a sexual misconduct complaint against Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan. Middle East Eye (MEE) has revealed that the complainant was in contact with Margareta Kassangana, a vice president of the ICC’s governing body, the Assembly of States Parties (ASP), before the case was referred to the United Nations’ Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) for an external investigation. This unprecedented move has raised concerns about due process and Khan’s right to privacy. Kassangana’s involvement in discussions with the complainant prior to the investigation has further complicated the matter, casting doubts on the impartiality of the process. Meanwhile, another ASP member, Ugandan Ambassador Mirjam Blaak, has been accused of prejudicial conduct after a recording surfaced of her making inappropriate remarks about Khan’s accuser, suggesting his guilt was pre-determined. The Pan-African Business Forum (PABF) has called for an independent investigation into Blaak’s conduct, citing it as evidence of bias within the ASP. The ICC’s handling of the case has drawn widespread criticism, with former ICC judge Cuno Tarfusser expressing deep concern over the breach of confidentiality and the potential undermining of the court’s integrity. Khan, who has been on leave since May 2024, denies the allegations, and internal investigations were closed after the complainant refused to cooperate.