Munich Airport faced its second shutdown in less than 24 hours late Friday due to unconfirmed drone sightings, according to an official statement. The incident is part of a growing trend of mysterious drone overflights across European Union member countries, raising significant security concerns. Flight operations were suspended as a precautionary measure, disrupting travel plans for thousands of passengers. Earlier on Thursday, air traffic control had restricted flights, leading to the diversion of 15 arrivals and the cancellation of 17 departures, affecting nearly 3,000 travelers. Flights resumed early Friday but were halted again later in the day. Authorities deployed helicopters and other resources to track the drones but found no traces. Hundreds of stranded passengers were provided with cots, blankets, and refreshments overnight. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced plans to discuss drone detection and defense strategies with European counterparts at an upcoming meeting in Munich. Similar drone sightings were reported in Belgium, where several drones were spotted near a military base. While European authorities suspect Russian involvement, experts caution that the culprits could range from individuals to criminal organizations or state actors. The incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced drone defense measures across Europe.
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India and China to resume direct flights after a five-year ban
In a significant move towards the normalization of bilateral relations, India’s largest budget airline, IndiGo, announced the resumption of direct flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou starting October 26. This development comes as part of broader efforts to rebuild ties between India and China, which have been strained since the deadly border clashes in 2020. The Indian foreign ministry emphasized that the reinstatement of direct flights would enhance people-to-people contact and contribute to the gradual normalization of bilateral exchanges. The two nations share a contentious 3,440-kilometer border, with overlapping territorial claims that have historically fueled tensions. The 2020 Galwan Valley clash, which resulted in the deaths of at least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers, marked the first fatal confrontation since 1975 and led to a freeze in diplomatic relations. However, over the past year, both countries have engaged in high-level talks and implemented measures to de-escalate border tensions. These include patrolling arrangements along the disputed Himalayan border and the resumption of visa services for Chinese tourists by India. Additionally, China has permitted Indian pilgrims to visit religious sites in the Tibet Autonomous Region. The warming of India-China relations has also been influenced by India’s strained ties with the U.S. under former President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. In August, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Delhi, advocating for a partnership rather than rivalry between the two nations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit further underscored the commitment to normalizing relations. The resumption of direct flights symbolizes a tangible step towards rebuilding trust and fostering cooperation between the two Asian giants.
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From rooftops to honey jars, Athens is abuzz with urban beekeeping
In the bustling heart of Athens, Nikos Chatzilias has found a unique way to reconnect with nature: urban beekeeping. Amidst the city’s rooftops, Chatzilias tends to 30 buzzing hives, producing 500 kilograms of honey annually. This honey, infused with the flavors of local flora like eucalyptus, acacia, and bitter orange, offers a taste of Athens’ diverse neighborhoods. For Chatzilias, 37, beekeeping began as a personal quest for quality honey but quickly evolved into a passion that brought joy and environmental purpose. Inspired by his journey, others like Aggelina Chatzistavrou have joined the movement, envisioning a greener urban future. Despite challenges, including resident concerns about safety, Athens’ year-round bloom cycles make it an ideal setting for this sustainable practice. Chatzilias’ experiment with leaving hives on rooftops year-round underscores nature’s resilience, even in the chaos of urban life.
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Taylor Swift: The Life of a Showgirl is a triumphant pop victory lap
Taylor Swift’s 12th studio album, *The Life of a Showgirl*, marks a dramatic shift from the emotional turmoil of her previous work, *The Tortured Poets Department*. Recorded during her record-breaking Eras tour, the album reflects a newfound sense of joy and love, inspired by her relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce. Swift describes the album as a product of her “most infectiously joyful, wild, dramatic place,” capturing the exuberance of her life behind the scenes. Collaborating with Swedish pop maestros Max Martin and Shellback, Swift aimed to create a collection of “bangers” with infectious melodies. The result is a 41-minute masterpiece that combines compelling songwriting and sharp production, making it her shortest album since her 2006 debut. Thematically, the album explores two distinct threads: the bliss of falling in love and the darker side of fame. Tracks like *The Fate of Ophelia* and *Opalite* celebrate her romance with Kelce, while *Father Figure* and *Actually Romantic* delve into industry rivalries and personal betrayals. The album’s standout track, *Ruin The Friendship*, offers a nostalgic and heart-wrenching reflection on lost connections. Closing with the title track, a spirited duet with Sabrina Carpenter, Swift asserts her enduring legacy in pop music. *The Life of a Showgirl* is a triumphant victory lap for an artist who has cemented her place in music history.
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Japan faces Asahi beer shortage after cyber-attack
Japan is currently experiencing a significant shortage of Asahi products, including beer and bottled tea, as the global beverage giant struggles with the aftermath of a severe cyber-attack. The attack has disrupted Asahi’s ordering and delivery systems, forcing most of its factories in Japan to halt operations since Monday. This disruption has led to widespread supply chain issues, affecting both consumers and retailers across the country. Major convenience store chains, including FamilyMart and Lawson, have issued warnings to customers about potential shortages of Asahi products. FamilyMart, one of Japan’s largest convenience store chains, announced on Thursday that it has temporarily suspended orders and shipments of Asahi products, with no clear timeline for resumption. The retailer also expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and assured customers that it is collaborating with Asahi to restore product availability. Lawson, another prominent Japanese retailer, has similarly anticipated shortages and is preparing to stock alternative products to mitigate the impact on consumers. Asahi, Japan’s largest brewer and owner of international brands such as Peroni, Pilsner Urquell, and Grolsch, has confirmed that the cyber-attack has primarily affected its domestic operations. The company has assured that there is no evidence of a data breach involving customer information. However, the timeline for restoring normal operations remains uncertain as investigations into the cause of the attack continue. Japan accounts for approximately half of Asahi’s total sales, making the disruption particularly significant for the company. The incident underscores the growing vulnerability of global businesses to cyber threats and the potential impact on supply chains and consumer markets.
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Texas megachurch pastor pleads guilty to child abuse
Robert Morris, the 64-year-old founder of one of the largest megachurch congregations in the United States, pleaded guilty on Thursday to sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl in Oklahoma during the 1980s. The former leader of Gateway Church admitted to felony charges of lewd or indecent acts with a child during a hearing in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. As part of a plea agreement, Morris was sentenced to 10 years but will serve only six months in jail, with the remainder on probation. He must also register as a sex offender and pay $250,000 in restitution. The victim, Cindy Clemishire, now 55, emotionally addressed Morris in court, stating that the abuse had profoundly impacted every aspect of her life. The abuse occurred over four years while Morris was living with Clemishire’s family in Hominy, Oklahoma, and working as a traveling evangelist. Clemishire first publicly accused Morris in 2024, prompting his resignation from Gateway Church. Morris, who founded the church in 2000 and once served as a spiritual adviser to former President Donald Trump, acknowledged his actions as a ‘moral failure’ in a public statement. The case highlights systemic failures, as Clemishire revealed she had reported the abuse to her parents and church leaders in 1987, but no legal action was taken at the time.
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Munich airport closes after drones spotted nearby
Munich Airport faced significant disruptions as unidentified drones were spotted near its airspace, leading to the cancellation of at least 17 flights and impacting nearly 3,000 passengers. The airport authorities swiftly diverted an additional 15 flights to nearby cities such as Stuttgart, Nuremberg, Vienna, and Frankfurt. The Federal Police spokesperson, Stefan Bayer, informed the Bild Newspaper that due to the darkness, details about the drones’ type, size, or origins remain unclear. The drones were first detected at 21:30 local time (19:30 GMT) and reappeared an hour later, prompting the airport to suspend all outgoing flights. This incident adds to a series of drone-related disruptions across Europe, including recent closures of Copenhagen and Oslo airports. Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking at a summit in Sochi, humorously dismissed allegations of Russian involvement in the Danish drone incidents, stating, ‘I won’t do it again – not to France or Denmark or Copenhagen.’ Meanwhile, stranded passengers at Munich Airport were provided with camp beds, blankets, drinks, and snacks overnight. The disruptions coincide with Munich’s annual Oktoberfest, which attracts over six million visitors and is set to conclude on October 5.
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What has Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs been convicted of?
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, the renowned American music mogul, is set to learn his fate as he faces sentencing following his conviction on two counts of transportation for prostitution. The verdict, delivered in July 2025, marked the culmination of an eight-week federal trial that began in May. Combs, 55, was accused of orchestrating a sprawling sex-trafficking operation involving his ex-girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura, and an anonymous victim referred to as ‘Jane.’ Despite being acquitted of the most severe charge—racketeering conspiracy, which could have resulted in a life sentence—Combs was found guilty of transporting both women for the purpose of prostitution, a felony under the Mann Act of 1910. Each count carries a maximum sentence of 10 years, and prosecutors have requested a minimum of 11 years. Combs’ legal team has argued for leniency, citing his time served since his arrest in September 2024 and his contributions to the music industry. In a heartfelt letter to the judge, Combs expressed remorse, stating, ‘I lost my way. My downfall was rooted in my selfishness.’ However, his accusers have urged the judge to keep him incarcerated, fearing retaliation if he is released. The case has drawn widespread attention, shedding light on Combs’ controversial past and the broader issue of sexual exploitation in the entertainment industry.
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Behind the Gen Z protests that forced Madagascar’s president to sack his government
Madagascar is witnessing its largest wave of protests in over 15 years, with thousands taking to the streets across the country. What began as frustration over shortages of basic necessities has rapidly escalated into a significant political crisis for President Andry Rajoelina, who has been in power since 2018. Despite dismissing his government in response to the unrest, Rajoelina has failed to quell the growing dissent. The protests, which have claimed at least 22 lives and injured over 100, according to the UN, have been met with heavy-handed security measures, including tear gas and water cannons. The Malagasy government disputes the UN’s casualty figures, labeling them as ‘rumors and misinformation.’ The unrest was sparked by the arrest of two city politicians on September 19, who had planned a peaceful demonstration over chronic power and water outages. This move was seen as an attempt to stifle legitimate dissent, fueling public outrage. The protests, initially organized by the youth-led movement Gen Z Mada, have since spread to eight cities, with demonstrators demanding political change and Rajoelina’s resignation. Civil society groups, labor unions, and opposition leaders have joined the movement, calling for dialogue to prevent the nation from descending into chaos. Rajoelina has promised World Bank-funded solutions to the power crisis and dialogue with protesters, but his efforts have done little to ease tensions. Analysts warn that reliance on repression could lead to prolonged unrest, political fragmentation, and economic fallout. The situation remains volatile, with curfews imposed in the capital and fears of escalating violence.
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‘I lost my way’ – Diddy begs judge for leniency on eve of sentencing
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, the convicted rap mogul, has penned a heartfelt letter to Judge Arun Subramanian, pleading for leniency ahead of his sentencing on Friday. In the four-page letter, Combs attributes his past behavior to drug addiction and expresses deep remorse for the pain he has caused. He claims to have undergone a transformation during his 13-month incarceration in a Brooklyn jail, stating, ‘The old me died in jail, and a new version of me was reborn.’ Combs was found guilty in July on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, charges that could result in up to 20 years in prison. Prosecutors are pushing for a minimum sentence of 11 years, while his defense team is advocating for his release later this month. In his letter, Combs apologizes to his ex-girlfriend, singer Casandra Ventura, and an anonymous woman who testified under the name ‘Jane,’ acknowledging his past mistakes and the impact of his actions. He writes, ‘I literally lost my mind,’ and describes his downfall as rooted in selfishness. Combs also highlights his efforts to reform, including teaching a class to fellow inmates on how to achieve business success, and emphasizes his newfound sobriety after 25 years. He appeals to the judge for mercy, citing his seven children and his 84-year-old mother, who recently underwent brain surgery. However, his accusers have also written to the judge, expressing fears of retaliation if Combs is released. Ventura wrote, ‘I am so scared that if he walks free, his first actions will be swift retribution towards me and others who spoke up.’ She believes Combs deserves a long sentence, stating, ‘He has no interest in changing or becoming better.’ Combs is expected to address the court on Friday, with his defense team planning to present a 15-minute video. The content of the video remains undisclosed. In July, Combs was acquitted of the most severe charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking, which could have resulted in a life sentence. Prosecutors argue that Combs remains unrepentant, describing his attempts to reframe his actions as the result of ‘mutually toxic relationships’ as disingenuous. They wrote, ‘There is nothing mutual about a relationship where one person holds all the power and the other ends up bloodied and bruised.’