In a significant development for bilateral relations, India and China have resumed direct passenger flights after a five-year suspension caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. On Monday, October 28, 2025, Indian carrier IndiGo successfully completed its inaugural flight from Kolkata to Guangzhou, Guangdong province. The flight, fully booked with 176 passengers, marks a pivotal step in re-establishing air connectivity between the two nations. This resumption is particularly timely, as it facilitates travel for business professionals attending the ongoing China Import and Export Fair, commonly known as the Canton Fair, in Guangzhou. IndiGo has also announced plans to launch additional direct flights between New Delhi and Guangzhou starting November 10, further strengthening ties and fostering economic collaboration. The move is expected to enhance trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges, signaling a positive shift in post-pandemic recovery efforts.
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Ukraine’s long-range strikes cut Russia’s oil refining capacity by 20%, Zelenskyy says
In a significant development in the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine’s targeted long-range strikes on Russian oil refineries have successfully reduced Moscow’s oil refining capacity by 20%. Speaking to the media on Monday, Zelenskyy emphasized that over 90% of these deep strikes were executed using Ukrainian-made long-range weapons. He highlighted the urgent need for additional foreign financial assistance to bolster domestic production of these critical armaments. ‘We must remain relentless in our efforts,’ Zelenskyy stated, underscoring the importance of sustained pressure on Russia’s energy infrastructure. Oil exports are a cornerstone of Russia’s economy, funding its prolonged invasion of Ukraine. In tandem with Ukraine’s military actions, the U.S. and the European Union have imposed new sanctions aimed at curtailing Moscow’s oil and gas export revenues. Despite renewed peace initiatives led by the U.S., the war shows no signs of abating after nearly four years. The Kremlin’s refusal to compromise has prompted U.S. President Donald Trump to escalate measures, including sanctions against Russian oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil, set to take effect on November 21. Zelenskyy speculated that Trump might leverage these sanctions as a diplomatic tool in future negotiations with Russia. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to fortify its defenses, with Zelenskyy revealing that the country has captured 2,200 Russian prisoners of war in the eastern region this year. Additionally, Ukraine is engaging in talks with Sweden, France, and the U.S. to enhance its combat aviation capabilities, with a request for a fleet of 250 new aircraft. As winter approaches, Ukraine has secured 70% of the $2 billion needed for gas imports to sustain heating systems amid Russia’s intensified attacks on energy infrastructure. Furthermore, Ukraine is ramping up production of interceptors to counter Russian drone assaults, aiming to produce 500-800 units daily by next month.
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Senior CPC official urges full promotion of Party plenum’s guiding principles
Cai Qi, a prominent member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the CPC Central Committee Secretariat, emphasized the critical importance of fully promoting the guiding principles established during the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee. Speaking at a mobilization meeting in Beijing on October 27, 2025, Cai underscored that the thorough study and implementation of these principles are essential political tasks for both the Party and the nation in the current and forthcoming periods. He highlighted the significant achievements China has made during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) and the CPC Central Committee’s comprehensive assessment of both domestic and international conditions. Cai also called for a detailed explanation of the guiding principles, major policies, strategic goals, and key measures outlined in the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), urging Party members, officials, and the public to integrate these directives into all aspects of economic and social development. The meeting, chaired by Li Shulei, head of the CPC Central Committee’s Publicity Department, marked a pivotal step in ensuring the widespread adoption of the plenum’s resolutions. The fourth plenary session, held from October 20 to 23, 2025, laid the groundwork for China’s strategic priorities in the coming years.
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Palestinian children arrive in Ireland for medical treatment
A group of seven critically ill and injured Palestinian children, accompanied by 29 family members, have been evacuated from Gaza and arrived in Dublin, Ireland, to receive essential medical treatment. This marks the third such evacuation facilitated by the Irish government since September last year, following an appeal from the World Health Organization (WHO) to address the urgent health needs of Gaza’s population. The children were identified by doctors from Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) in collaboration with the WHO. The evacuation involved a complex, multi-stage journey: the group traveled overland from Gaza to Jordan as part of a WHO medevac convoy, before being flown to Ireland on a plane provided by the Norwegian government, accompanied by an Irish medical team. Upon arrival, the children and their families are undergoing comprehensive medical assessments to determine their treatment plans. Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Harris described the evacuation as a response to a ‘horrific ordeal’ endured by the families. Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill praised the operation as a testament to the ‘dedication, professionalism, and humanity’ of all involved. Ireland has committed to receiving up to 30 pediatric patients from Gaza under this initiative, with each case evaluated individually based on medical capacity. The Irish Red Cross is providing accommodation and support services, including translation and psychosocial care, to ensure the families’ well-being. Since January 2023, Ireland has contributed €101 million in aid to Palestine, with €89 million allocated since October 2023, following the escalation of conflict in Gaza. The IDF’s military campaign, launched in response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, has resulted in significant casualties, with over 68,000 deaths reported by the Hamas-run health ministry, figures deemed reliable by the UN.
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Cleaning up tallest rubbish tip
Nepal is set to implement a comprehensive five-year strategy to address the escalating litter problem on Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak. The initiative, dubbed the Clean Mountain Strategy (2025-2029), aims to tackle decades of accumulated waste that has marred the iconic mountain. The plan includes the establishment of a specialized team of ‘mountain rangers’ to monitor and manage waste at base camp and higher altitudes, as well as the exploration of drone technology for waste collection above base camp. The strategy also proposes stricter regulations on climbing permits, higher fees for climbers, and the introduction of a refundable garbage deposit system. Additionally, a significant portion of climbing revenues will be allocated to cleanup campaigns, with provisions for local community involvement. The draft strategy emphasizes transparency and global engagement, with progress reports to be distributed internationally and an independent monitoring team to conduct annual assessments. The government also plans to integrate environmental awareness into local curricula and introduce educational materials nationwide. Despite these efforts, experts caution that the success of the strategy will depend on the availability of adequate funding and consistent policy implementation.
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Deforestation in S.E. Asia causes more deaths than in other tropical areas
A groundbreaking study reveals that deforestation in Southeast Asia is causing significantly more heat-related deaths compared to other tropical regions, despite losing a smaller total area of forest. Published in *Nature Climate Change*, the research highlights that between 2001 and 2020, Southeast Asia lost approximately 490,000 square kilometers of vegetation, while tropical Central and South America lost around 760,000 square kilometers. However, the higher population density in Southeast Asia has resulted in an annual death toll of 15,680 rural residents due to heat-related complications, far exceeding the 9,890 deaths in Africa and 2,520 in the Americas. The study, led by Carly Reddington from the University of Leeds, attributes this disparity to the combined effects of deforestation and climate change, which have increased regional temperatures by 0.72 degrees Celsius over two decades. Forests play a critical role in cooling the environment by providing shade and releasing water vapor, akin to human sweating. When trees are removed, the loss of these cooling mechanisms leads to localized warming, sometimes surpassing the effects of global climate change. The research underscores the vulnerability of rural and indigenous communities, who often reside near deforested areas and lack access to resources to mitigate heat risks. Reddington emphasizes the urgent need for tropical nations to strengthen forest protection laws, invest in reforestation, and implement heat management solutions, such as shaded workspaces and improved healthcare access. The study also calls for climate finance to prioritize forest conservation and health resilience in tropical regions, where risks are greatest and resources are limited. Experts like Kimberly Fornace from the National University of Singapore and Winston Chow from Singapore Management University stress the importance of localized studies and public awareness to address the growing threat of heat-related mortality.
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Chongyang Festival marked across China
Across China, communities and organizations came together to celebrate the Chongyang Festival, a traditional holiday dedicated to honoring the elderly. This year’s festivities, which culminated on October 29, 2025, were marked by a series of events aimed at promoting respect and care for senior citizens. In Xinghua city, East China’s Jiangsu province, legal professionals took to public parks to educate older adults on legal rights and protections related to elderly care. The Chongyang Festival, also known as Seniors’ Day in modern China, underscores the nation’s commitment to fostering intergenerational harmony and addressing the needs of its aging population. The celebrations included cultural performances, health check-ups, and community gatherings, reflecting the deep-rooted values of filial piety and social responsibility. These activities not only brought joy to seniors but also raised awareness about the importance of supporting the elderly in society.
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A military-backed party in Myanmar holds rallies as campaigning begins for December election
In a move widely perceived as an attempt to legitimize its 2021 coup, Myanmar’s military government has launched election campaigns, with national polls scheduled for December 28. Despite the ongoing civil war, which has rendered voting impossible in many regions, 57 political parties have registered for the contest. Notably absent is Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD), which was forcibly disbanded after refusing to participate in what it deemed a fraudulent process. The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has already unveiled its campaign slogan, ‘Stronger Myanmar,’ in ceremonies held in Naypyitaw and Yangon. USDP chairman Khin Yi, a former general, emphasized that the election would adhere to regulations and law, asserting that the results would confer legitimacy. However, critics argue that the polls will be neither free nor fair, with opposition groups, including armed resistance factions, vowing to disrupt the process. The General Strike Coordination Body has called for a nationwide election boycott, urging public participation in their anti-military protests. The military government, led by Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, has acknowledged that voting will be limited to 202 townships due to ongoing conflict. The USDP, fielding over 1,000 candidates, is expected to dominate the polls in the absence of credible opposition parties. The 2021 coup, justified by unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud in the 2020 elections, has plunged Myanmar into chaos, with airstrikes and military operations exacerbating civilian casualties and instability.
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Top political advisor calls for study, implementation of guiding principles of CPC plenum
Wang Huning, a senior leader of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, has called for a thorough study and implementation of the guiding principles from the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee. Speaking at a meeting of the Chairperson’s Council of the CPPCC National Committee in Beijing on October 27, 2025, Wang emphasized the importance of aligning political advisory work with the Party’s central tasks. He urged political advisors to actively contribute to the formulation and execution of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) and to ensure high-quality performance in their duties. Wang’s remarks underscore the CPPCC’s role in supporting the CPC’s strategic goals and fostering national development.
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Local-level exchanges foster China-US ties
A high-profile delegation from Oregon, led by State Senate President Rob Wagner, recently concluded a 15-day visit to China, marking a significant step in fostering subnational diplomacy between the two nations. The delegation, which included state senators, bipartisan representatives, and business leaders, visited 10 Chinese cities, including Shenzhen, Fuzhou, and Chengdu, culminating in their participation in the seventh China-US Sister Cities Conference in Hangzhou. This visit, the largest from Oregon since the pandemic, aimed to deepen mutual understanding and explore new avenues for cooperation. Deb Patterson, a member of the Oregon State Senate, described the trip as both intense and impressive, highlighting the diverse climates, cuisines, and cultures experienced across China. The delegation also focused on strengthening Oregon’s sister-province relationship with Fujian, which celebrated its 41st anniversary this year. Wagner emphasized the importance of subnational diplomacy in addressing global challenges, such as climate change and economic uncertainty, and underscored the need for dialogue and cooperation at all levels. The conference brought together over 300 representatives from both countries, including participants from 28 US states, making it the largest local exchange event in recent years. Chinese Ambassador to the US Xie Feng urged both nations to leverage local partnerships to improve the broader bilateral relationship, calling for deeper mutual understanding and people-to-people connections. Yang Wanming, president of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, highlighted the resilience and vibrancy of sister-city cooperation, noting that such partnerships have created over 400,000 jobs in the US heartland and provided over 70,000 employment opportunities through Chinese enterprises. Victoria Woodards, mayor of Tacoma, Washington, emphasized that sister-city partnerships are built on people, not politics, and expressed hope for continued collaboration and mutual learning.