BRUSSELS (AP) — European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has once again weathered political storms, emerging unscathed from two no-confidence votes in the European Parliament on Thursday. The motions, initiated by far-right and far-left factions, were decisively rejected by a majority of lawmakers, solidifying von der Leyen’s position at the helm of the EU’s executive branch.
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De Klerk’s 84 not out stuns India as South Africa wins by 3 wickets at Women’s Cricket World Cup
In a thrilling encounter at the Women’s Cricket World Cup, South Africa pulled off a stunning three-wicket victory against hosts India, thanks to a remarkable performance by Nadine de Klerk. The match, held in Visakhapatnam on Thursday, saw De Klerk score an unbeaten 84 off 54 balls, including five sixes and eight fours, to guide her team to a hard-fought win. South Africa chased down India’s total of 251 with just seven balls to spare, finishing at 252-7 in 48.5 overs. De Klerk’s innings was complemented by skipper Laura Wolvaardt’s steady 70 off 111 balls, which laid the foundation for the chase. Earlier, South Africa’s bowlers, led by Chloe Tyron (3-32) and De Klerk (2-52), had restricted India to 102-6 at one stage. However, Richa Ghosh’s explosive 94 off 77 balls, featuring four sixes and 11 fours, helped India post a competitive total. This victory marks South Africa’s second consecutive win after an initial 10-wicket loss to England, propelling them to fourth place in the standings. The Proteas will next face Bangladesh on Monday. De Klerk, named Player of the Match, expressed her elation, stating, ‘I just wanted to finish the game and give us the best chance. I love being under pressure, and this win gives us a lot of confidence.’ India, now third in the standings with two wins from three games, will face defending champions Australia on Sunday.
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PepsiCo, fresh off a strong third quarter, says new products will soon boost customer demand
PepsiCo remains optimistic about its future, banking on a wave of innovative products to reinvigorate consumer interest. The company announced on Thursday that it is launching new offerings, such as protein-infused Starbucks coffee, low-sugar Gatorade, and all-natural Doritos, to counter declining demand. This move comes as PepsiCo grapples with shifting consumer preferences, which have impacted its North American food business, leading to a 3% revenue drop in the third quarter. However, CEO Ramon Laguarta emphasized the company’s swift action to phase out underperforming products and reinvest in healthier, more natural alternatives. A new line of Doritos and Cheetos, branded as “NKD,” will feature no artificial flavors or colors, while Tostitos and Lay’s chips without artificial dyes are set to hit U.S. shelves soon. Laguarta highlighted the urgency of innovation to capture growing market segments. On the beverage front, PepsiCo has already seen success with Pepsi Zero Sugar, which experienced double-digit revenue growth, and Mountain Dew, boosted by new flavors like Summer Freeze and Dragon Fruit. North American beverage revenue rose 2% in the same quarter. Despite a 11% decline in net income to $2.6 billion, adjusted earnings of $2.29 per share exceeded analysts’ expectations. PepsiCo’s shares climbed nearly 3% in afternoon trading. The company also faces pressure from activist investor Elliott Investment Management, which holds a $4 billion stake and has urged PepsiCo to streamline its portfolio and refranchise its North American bottlers. Laguarta described discussions with Elliott as constructive, with both parties agreeing on PepsiCo’s undervaluation. He also hinted at potential refranchising and emphasized the importance of adapting to future demands, including increased online sales and warehouse efficiency. In a leadership update, PepsiCo appointed Walmart executive Steve Schmitt as its new CFO, replacing Jamie Caulfield, who will retire after over 30 years with the company.
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Bella Culley case delay to ‘finalise plea bargain’
The legal proceedings against Bella Culley, a 19-year-old British woman who is six months pregnant, have been postponed to facilitate further discussions on a potential plea deal. Culley, from Billingham, Teesside, faces severe charges of drug smuggling in Georgia, which could result in a prison sentence of up to 15 years or life imprisonment if convicted. Her case was heard at Tbilisi City Court, where her defense attorney, Malkhaz Salakaia, indicated plans to seek a presidential pardon once the plea agreement is finalized. Judge Giorgi Gulashvili noted that both the prosecution and defense teams require additional time to determine the financial terms necessary for Culley’s release. Her family has reportedly raised a significant sum to reduce her potential jail time. The hearing was attended by Culley’s mother and grandmother, who have been actively involved in her defense. The case has been adjourned until October 28. Culley was initially reported missing in Thailand before being arrested at Tbilisi International Airport on May 10. Georgian authorities confiscated narcotics from her travel bag, including 12kg of marijuana and 2kg of hashish. During a July hearing, Culley pleaded not guilty, claiming she was coerced into the act under duress. She emphasized her innocence, stating, ‘I just wanted to travel. I am a good person. I am a student at university. I am a clean person. I don’t do drugs.’ The case has drawn significant attention, with updates available on BBC Tees’ social media platforms.
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South Africa’s Fort Hare university closed as buildings set on fire
The University of Fort Hare, one of South Africa’s most historically significant institutions, has temporarily halted its operations following violent student protests that resulted in several buildings being set ablaze. The unrest, which erupted on the university’s Alice Campus, saw petrol-bomb attacks targeting key administrative and student affairs offices. While no fatalities or serious injuries were reported by the university or local authorities, a student leader claimed that two students sustained injuries during clashes with security personnel. The protests were reportedly triggered by recent changes to student governance structures and demands for the removal of the university’s vice-chancellor. Established in 1916, the University of Fort Hare holds a storied legacy as a training ground for prominent anti-apartheid activists and regional leaders, including Nelson Mandela, Robert Mugabe, and Seretse Khama. Videos circulating online depicted thick plumes of smoke and flames engulfing campus buildings. Vice-chancellor Prof. Sakhela Buhlungu condemned the ‘large-scale destruction of property,’ attributing the violence to ‘sponsored criminality.’ The university has ordered students to vacate the premises by 1700 local time on Thursday, citing safety concerns and disruptions to academic activities. Police spokesperson Siphokazi Mawisa confirmed that four buildings were set on fire, describing the situation as ‘tense.’ Despite the eviction, students have vowed to continue their protests, expressing frustration over what they perceive as the administration’s indifference to their grievances. Education officials are expected to meet with student leaders later on Thursday to address the escalating crisis.
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Colombia’s president says boat struck by US was carrying Colombians
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has accused the United States of bombing a vessel carrying Colombian citizens in the Caribbean, a claim the White House has dismissed as ‘baseless.’ The US has conducted at least four strikes in the region in recent weeks, resulting in 21 fatalities. The US government asserts that these operations, carried out in international waters, targeted ‘narco-traffickers.’ However, it has not provided evidence or detailed information about the individuals or cargo aboard the vessels, sparking widespread condemnation across Latin America and concerns over potential violations of international law. On Wednesday, the US Senate rejected a measure that would have required President Donald Trump to seek congressional approval before launching such strikes. The proposal, introduced by Democratic Senators Adam Schiff and Tim Kaine, was defeated in a 48-51 vote, largely along partisan lines. Petro responded to Schiff’s social media post about the measure, warning of a ‘new war scenario in the Caribbean.’ He claimed that the latest vessel bombed was Colombian and urged affected families to come forward. Petro criticized the US actions, stating, ‘There is no war against smuggling; there is a war for oil, and it must be stopped by the world. The aggression is against all of Latin America and the Caribbean.’ The White House, in a statement, denied Petro’s allegations and emphasized its commitment to cooperation with Colombia on regional security. The US has framed its strikes, which began on September 2, as part of an effort to combat drug trafficking, particularly targeting vessels off Venezuela’s coast. A leaked memo to Congress revealed that the US now considers itself in a ‘non-international armed conflict,’ a designation that could justify the use of wartime powers, including targeting ‘enemy fighters’ without immediate threats. Trump has previously labeled several cartels in Mexico, Ecuador, and Venezuela as terrorist organizations, expanding US authority to act against them.
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Red Cross warns of worsening health crisis in eastern DR Congo
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has issued a stark warning about the deteriorating healthcare system in the conflict-ridden eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). A recent study conducted in September 2025 across 240 health facilities in North and South Kivu provinces revealed alarming shortages: 85% of these facilities have exhausted their supplies of essential medicines, and nearly 40% reported that healthcare workers have fled due to insecurity and insufficient funding. This crisis is forcing civilians, including women and children, to traverse dangerous combat zones to seek medical care, often only to find clinics devoid of qualified staff and necessary treatments. The ICRC’s deputy health coordinator, Hippolyte Ten, emphasized the dire situation, noting that over 70% of the surveyed facilities have treated weapon-related injuries this year, with hospitals in Beni, Goma, Bukavu, and Fizi reporting a 160% increase in such cases compared to 2024. Additionally, the first half of 2025 saw 948 cases of sexual violence requiring medical and psychosocial support. Francois Moreillon, head of the ICRC delegation in the DRC, highlighted the collapse of humanitarian assistance, leaving 80% of facilities in the Kivu region without partner support. He stressed the urgent need for the delivery of medicines, safe patient transfers, and the protection of medical staff. The ICRC has also called on all conflict parties to adhere to international humanitarian law and safeguard medical personnel and infrastructure. The security situation in eastern DRC has significantly worsened since January, with renewed fighting involving the March 23 Movement rebel group, which has captured several key towns, including Goma and Bukavu. This escalating violence has displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians, exacerbating an already critical humanitarian crisis.
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British and Indian prime ministers promote trade deal during visit by Starmer
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a pivotal meeting in Mumbai on Thursday, aiming to enhance bilateral cooperation in trade, defense, and technology. This marked Starmer’s first official visit to India since assuming office in July 2024, underscoring the growing importance of India as a global economic hub. The two-day visit, which began on Wednesday, aligns with India’s intensified efforts to attract international investment to fuel its rapidly expanding economy. During the talks, the leaders emphasized advancing a trade agreement initially signed during Modi’s visit to London in July. They also explored collaboration in digital infrastructure, critical minerals, and education. A significant defense deal was inked, enabling Britain to supply India with missiles, launchers, and electric-powered engines for naval ships. Modi highlighted the natural partnership between the two nations, describing it as a cornerstone of global stability and economic progress. He announced agreements on military training cooperation and plans for nine UK universities to establish campuses in India. Starmer, accompanied by a 125-member delegation comprising business, academic, and cultural leaders, emphasized the potential of the trade deal to spur growth and job creation in both countries. The agreement, set to be implemented within a year, will reduce tariffs on key exports such as Scotch whisky, English gin, and Indian spices, potentially boosting bilateral trade by $34 billion and increasing UK exports to India by nearly 60%. The leaders also discussed Indo-Pacific stability, the Ukraine conflict, and developments in Gaza, with Starmer expressing relief over the initial phase of an Israel-Hamas peace plan.
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Greyserman, Cauley and Campbell sit atop the leaderboard after 1st round of PGA Tour event in Japan
YOKOHAMA, Japan — The Baycurrent Classic, the PGA Tour’s sole event in Japan, kicked off with a strong showing from American golfers Max Greyserman, Bud Cauley, and Brian Campbell. Each carded an impressive 4-under 67 in the opening round on Thursday, securing a shared lead at the Yokohama Country Club. This year marks the tournament’s relocation from its previous venue east of Tokyo, where it was held as the Zozo Championship since 2019.
Eight players, including Australian star Adam Scott, trail the leaders by a single stroke, while seven others are two shots behind. Notably, Xander Schauffele and Collin Morikawa, both members of the U.S. Ryder Cup team that recently faced defeat, finished with even-par 71s. Defending champion Nico Echavarria of Colombia posted a 70, while Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama, the 2021 Masters champion, ended the day with a 72.
Greyserman, who narrowly missed victory last year by one shot after Echavarria’s birdie on the final hole, expressed his admiration for Japan’s culture and fans. Reflecting on the challenging conditions, he remarked, ‘In those difficult conditions, I’ll take that any day.’ He also acknowledged Echavarria’s past success, hinting at his own aspirations for the week. ‘Nico got it done that week. So maybe I can get it done this week,’ Greyserman added.
The tournament continues to draw attention as players vie for the title in one of the PGA Tour’s most unique international stops.
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A 21-year-old Ukrainian-born sumo wrestler is surging to the top of the rankings in Japan
Danilo Yavhushyshyn, a 21-year-old Ukrainian sumo wrestler, has made a remarkable ascent in Japan’s traditional sport, adopting the ring name Aonishiki Arata. Leaving Ukraine shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, he has rapidly climbed the ranks, recently defeating Mongolian-born Hoshoryu, one of Japan’s two grand champions, or yokozuna. At a recent press conference, Aonishiki focused on his sumo journey, avoiding political discussions despite Ukraine’s ongoing conflict. He shared insights into his rigorous training, dietary habits, and efforts to master Japanese, a language he has quickly learned since arriving in Japan. Aonishiki, who hails from Vinnytsia in west-central Ukraine, discovered sumo at the age of six. While his family now resides safely in Germany, he expressed hope that his success in sumo could inspire his fellow Ukrainians. Aonishiki’s rise is part of a broader trend of non-Japanese wrestlers excelling in sumo, including Mongolians and Hawaiians. Another Ukrainian, Shishi Masaru, also ranks highly in the sport. Ukraine’s strong wrestling tradition, highlighted by Zhan Beleniuk’s gold medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, has contributed to sumo’s popularity in the country. Aonishiki, who weighs 125 kilograms, aims to gain 10 kilograms to compete more effectively in a sport where many wrestlers exceed 150 kilograms. Despite the challenges, he remains committed to his craft and expressed a desire to visit Ukraine, his homeland, when conditions permit. He also revealed his interest in obtaining Japanese citizenship in the future.