In a moment of levity during the high-profile ‘Summit for Peace,’ Canadian Prime Minister Justin Carney shared a humorous exchange with US President Donald Trump following a minor verbal slip. The incident occurred when Trump inadvertently referred to Carney as ‘president’ instead of ‘prime minister.’ Seizing the opportunity for a light-hearted remark, Carney quipped, ‘You upgraded me to president,’ eliciting laughter from the audience and easing the formal atmosphere of the event. The exchange highlighted the cordial relationship between the two leaders, even amidst the serious discussions on global peace and diplomacy. This brief yet memorable interaction underscored the importance of maintaining a balance between professionalism and camaraderie in international relations.
作者： admin
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The UN nuclear watchdog seeks a local truce to restore power to the Zaporizhzhia plant
The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is actively negotiating with Ukraine and Russia to establish localized ceasefires aimed at restoring external power to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine. According to two anonymous diplomats familiar with the discussions, the plant, which is Europe’s largest, has been operating on diesel generators since September 23 after its last external power line was severed. The facility, currently under Russian control, is not operational but requires consistent power to cool its six shutdown reactors and spent fuel, preventing potential nuclear disasters. The IAEA has repeatedly raised concerns about the precarious situation at the plant. The proposed plan involves a two-phase approach to repair damaged power lines. The first phase would establish a 1.5-kilometer ceasefire zone to repair the Dniprovska 750-kilovolt line, located in Russian-controlled territory. The second phase would focus on repairing the Ferosplavna-1 330-kilovolt backup line in Ukrainian-controlled territory. IAEA experts would oversee the repairs, initially scheduled for October 11-17. However, while Ukraine has provided guarantees for safe passage, Russia has yet to do so, delaying the process. A Russian diplomat stated that preparations are underway, and repairs could commence soon. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has been engaging intensively with both sides to prevent a nuclear accident. The plant has experienced ten blackouts since the war began, with the latest being the longest. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of lacking interest in restoring safety, emphasizing the need for international pressure.
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Palestinian prisoners being released from Israeli jails
In a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, a prisoner-hostage exchange has been initiated as part of a broader ceasefire agreement. On October 13, 2025, Israeli authorities began releasing Palestinian prisoners from jails, following Hamas’ release of 20 Israeli hostages earlier in the day. The exchange, mediated by international parties, marks a critical step toward de-escalating tensions in the region. According to the agreement, approximately 2,000 Palestinian detainees are set to be freed. Meanwhile, Israel confirmed the safe return of 13 hostages, the last living Israelis held by Hamas in Gaza. These individuals are currently being escorted by Israeli soldiers and Shin Bet agents, undergoing medical assessments before reuniting with their families. Hamas has reiterated its commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the truce pact, emphasizing the role of mediators in ensuring Israel’s compliance. Additionally, Hamas officials announced plans to return the remains of 28 deceased hostages later on Monday. The Israeli military released photos of the returned hostages, showing them in good health. This exchange, while a temporary respite, underscores the fragile nature of the ceasefire and the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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‘Your appointment’s rescheduled’: Shutdown cancels US citizenship ceremonies
On a Saturday morning in Virginia, a group of individuals from diverse backgrounds gathered at a U.S. immigration office, eager to complete their journey to becoming American citizens. Clutching their naturalization notices, they passed through security and lined up at the check-in desk, anticipating the solemn yet celebratory moment of taking the Oath of Allegiance. However, their hopes were abruptly dashed when they learned the ceremony had been canceled due to the ongoing government shutdown. None had received prior notifications, and the USCIS website, which later revealed the cancellation, had been temporarily inaccessible. The notice cited ‘unforeseen circumstances’ and expressed regret for the inconvenience. The cancellation left many in distress. One woman in a hijab feared discrimination, while a man who had brought his family to celebrate now faced uncertainty. Others worried about the impact on their work, lives, and plans. For many, this was more than an inconvenience—it was a disruption to years of effort, including navigating paperwork, interviews, and preparing for the citizenship test. The group was told to return on November 1, but with the shutdown unresolved, even that date is uncertain. While USCIS is largely funded by application fees and typically remains operational during shutdowns, its director, Joseph Edlow, stated that public-facing services like interviews and naturalization ceremonies could face delays. The exact number of canceled ceremonies nationwide remains unclear, though anecdotal reports suggest others have been affected. The shutdown, stemming from a deadlock between Republicans and Democrats over government funding since October 1, has left over 700,000 federal workers on unpaid leave. Combined with recent rapid changes to U.S. immigration policies, the anxiety among aspiring citizens continues to grow. The political stalemate in Washington is now directly impacting the lives and futures of those hoping to make the U.S. their permanent home.
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Cocaine worth €10.5m seized at Rosslare Europort
In a significant crackdown on organized crime, Irish authorities have intercepted a massive cocaine shipment valued at approximately €10.5 million (£9.1 million) at Rosslare Europort in County Wexford, Republic of Ireland. The operation, conducted by An Garda Síochána (Irish police) in collaboration with the Revenue’s customs service, was part of an intelligence-led initiative targeting serious criminal activities. During the search of a truck and trailer unit arriving from Europe, officials uncovered an intricate lead-lined compartment concealed within the vehicle’s fuel tank. Inside, they discovered around 150 kilograms of cocaine. A man in his 50s, believed to be involved in the drug trade, was arrested and remains in custody. This seizure highlights the ongoing efforts by Irish law enforcement to combat the illegal drugs trade and disrupt organized crime networks.
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Nobel laureate Philippe Aghion says creative upbringing shaped his vision of innovation and freedom
PARIS (AP) — Philippe Aghion, the distinguished French economist and recent Nobel laureate, attributed his groundbreaking insights into innovation and economic growth to his family’s creative legacy. On Monday, Aghion, who shared the 2023 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences with Joel Mokyr of Northwestern University and Peter Howitt of Brown University, paid tribute to his mother, Gaby Aghion, the visionary founder of the iconic fashion house Chloé. In an exclusive interview with The Associated Press from his Parisian apartment in the Latin Quarter, the 69-year-old professor highlighted how his mother revolutionized the fashion industry by introducing luxury ready-to-wear, a concept that offered women a more liberated and practical alternative to traditional haute couture. ‘I grew up with innovators. My mother invented luxury ready-to-wear,’ Aghion remarked, emphasizing her pioneering role in shaping modern fashion. He also reminisced about his childhood, surrounded by influential artists, including the legendary designer Karl Lagerfeld, who once assisted him with his German homework. Aghion’s research, which redefined the understanding of how technological advancements fuel economic prosperity, continues to be inspired by the themes of freedom and creativity that permeated his upbringing. His apartment, adorned with books on art and liberty, serves as a testament to the enduring influence of these values on his academic pursuits.
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Eurovision organisers postpone vote on Israel’s inclusion in contest next year
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has delayed a crucial vote on whether Israel will be permitted to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, citing ‘recent developments in the Middle East’ as the primary reason. Initially scheduled for November, the virtual meeting has been canceled, and the issue will now be addressed during an in-person gathering in December. The EBU emphasized the need for an open discussion among its members but did not confirm whether a vote would still occur.
Israel’s potential inclusion in the competition has sparked controversy, with several participating countries, including Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland, and the Netherlands, considering a boycott due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The situation escalated recently when Hamas released 20 Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, following a ceasefire that took effect last Friday.
The EBU stated, ‘In light of recent developments, the executive board agreed on October 13 that an open, in-person discussion on Israel’s participation is necessary.’ The matter will now be added to the agenda of the EBU’s winter general assembly in December, replacing the previously planned extraordinary session.
Austrian national broadcaster ORF, the host of Eurovision 2026, has supported the EBU’s decision, urging countries not to boycott the event. ORF’s Foreign Minister, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, argued that Eurovision and the arts should not be platforms for political sanctions. Meanwhile, Dutch broadcaster AvroTros maintained its stance, stating that a ceasefire would not alter its position for 2026, though it would reassess participation in future years.
Israel’s national broadcaster, Kan, has previously defended its right to participate, highlighting Israel’s long-standing success in the contest. In May, Israel’s act, Yuval Raphael, secured the largest public vote, though jury votes ultimately crowned Austria the winner. The decision on Israel’s participation remains a contentious issue, reflecting the broader geopolitical tensions surrounding the event.
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Soldiers threaten to seize state TV in Madagascar, presidency says, amid warnings of coup attempt
Madagascar is embroiled in a deepening political crisis as soldiers have threatened to seize the state TV headquarters, coinciding with President Andry Rajoelina’s delayed national address. Unconfirmed reports suggest Rajoelina has fled the country, with a French military aircraft allegedly transporting him from the Indian Ocean island to an undisclosed location. This follows two weeks of nationwide protests led by young activists, dubbed ‘Gen Z Mada,’ demanding his ouster. Despite sacking his entire government and offering concessions, Rajoelina failed to quell the unrest. Over the weekend, CAPSAT, a powerful army unit instrumental in Rajoelina’s 2009 rise to power, declared itself in command of all armed forces, with some officers joining protesters in the capital, Antananarivo. The newly appointed Chief of Army Staff, General Demosthene Pikulas, assured the public of efforts to maintain order. Meanwhile, opposition parties, including the TIM party, are preparing impeachment proceedings against Rajoelina for ‘abandonment of post.’ Several of his close associates have fled to Mauritius. The protests, initially sparked by water and power shortages, have escalated into broader discontent over unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis. Tragically, at least 22 people have died, and over 100 have been injured, with reports of security forces using live ammunition and tear gas. Madagascar, one of the world’s poorest nations despite its natural resources, has a history of political upheaval, including the 2009 protests that brought Rajoelina to power. His tenure, marked by allegations of cronyism and corruption, now faces its most significant challenge yet.
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More than 150 schoolchildren quarantined as US measles cases hit 33-year high
In a concerning development, more than 150 unvaccinated schoolchildren in South Carolina have been placed under a 21-day quarantine following exposure to measles, according to state health officials. The affected students, who attend Global Academy of South Carolina and Fairforest Elementary in Spartanburg County, were forced to miss school due to their lack of immunizations during the period of potential disease transmission. This incident marks the latest in a series of measles outbreaks across the United States, with South Carolina reporting its eighth confirmed case in two weeks in Greenville County. The state’s Department of Public Health emphasized the urgency of measles vaccinations, citing active community transmission in the Upstate region. The MMR vaccine, which is 97% effective against measles, mumps, and rubella, remains the most reliable defense against the disease, which can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death. Meanwhile, measles cases are also surging in Utah and Arizona, with 55 and 63 cases reported, respectively. Nationwide, the U.S. has confirmed 1,563 cases this year—the highest in over three decades, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This alarming trend follows earlier outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico, where hundreds were infected, and three fatalities occurred. The majority of cases involve unvaccinated individuals, highlighting the critical role of immunization in preventing the spread of this highly contagious disease. Globally, measles outbreaks have been reported in 100 countries over the past five years, with Canada experiencing a particularly severe surge, logging 5,024 cases—more than triple the U.S. total despite its smaller population. The situation has raised questions about the effectiveness of containment efforts and the impact of vaccine skepticism.
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Pro-Israel group gets £1m from UK government to ‘identify’ antisemitism
The British government has allocated a £1 million funding package to the Union of Jewish Students (UJS), a pro-Israel organization, to deliver antisemitism training across universities. This initiative aims to equip university staff with tools to identify and address harassment and hate, fostering open and respectful debate on campuses. The Department for Education (DfE) announced the plan on Sunday, emphasizing that universities failing to protect Jewish students could face regulatory action. The UJS, which describes itself as the ‘voice of Jewish students,’ has ties to the World Zionist Organization, a group known for funding illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. Critics argue that the training program, based on the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, may stifle legitimate criticism of Israel. The announcement follows heightened tensions in the UK, including student protests against the Gaza conflict and antisemitic attacks. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is set to meet with university leaders and faith groups to ensure student safety. Meanwhile, new protest restrictions introduced by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood have sparked controversy, with critics labeling them as authoritarian. The UJS has faced scrutiny for its pro-Israel advocacy and alleged funding from the Israeli embassy, raising questions about its role in shaping campus discourse.