Independent left-wing politician Catherine Connolly has been elected as Ireland’s 10th president, securing a decisive victory over her rival Heather Humphreys. Connolly, a seasoned parliamentarian and former deputy speaker of the Dáil, has represented the Galway West constituency since 2016. Her campaign, described as a ‘movement,’ garnered significant support from major left-wing opposition parties, including Sinn Féin, the Irish Labour Party, and the Social Democrats. Despite being seen as an anti-establishment figure, Connolly’s composed debating style and effective social media strategy resonated strongly with younger voters, including a viral moment showcasing her athleticism. Her victory marks a shift in Ireland’s political landscape, with her outspoken views on Palestine, criticism of NATO, and advocacy for a United Ireland drawing both praise and scrutiny. Connolly has pledged to use her presidency to promote peace, neutrality, and climate action, while also returning a portion of her €350,000 salary to community projects. Her election signals a new chapter for Ireland, as she vows to be an inclusive leader who listens and reflects the aspirations of the Irish people.
作者： admin
-
5.5-magnitude quake jolts Hunchun, NE China’s Jilin province
A significant seismic event occurred in Hunchun, located in the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture of Northeast China’s Jilin Province. The earthquake, measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale, was recorded at 7:45 pm on Saturday, October 25, 2025, by the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC). The epicenter was pinpointed at 43.08 degrees north latitude and 131.10 degrees east longitude, with the quake originating at a depth of 560 kilometers. The CENC has confirmed the details, emphasizing the depth and magnitude of the event. Hunchun, known for its proximity to the borders of North Korea and Russia, is a region with a history of seismic activity. The earthquake’s impact on the local population and infrastructure is currently under assessment, with authorities monitoring the situation closely. This event underscores the importance of earthquake preparedness and response strategies in seismically active regions.
-
Trump punishes Canada with 10% extra import tax for not pulling down anti-tariffs ad sooner
President Donald Trump declared on Saturday that he intends to impose an additional 10% tariff on Canadian imports in response to a provocative television advertisement aired by the province of Ontario. The ad, which utilized quotes from former President Ronald Reagan to critique U.S. tariffs, reportedly incensed Trump, prompting him to threaten the termination of ongoing trade negotiations with Canada. Ontario Premier Doug Ford stated that the ad would be withdrawn after the weekend, but it aired during the first game of the World Series on Friday night. Trump, aboard Air Force One en route to Malaysia, expressed his outrage on his Truth Social platform, labeling the ad as a ‘FRAUD’ and accusing Ontario of misrepresenting facts. He announced the tariff hike as a direct consequence of what he described as a ‘hostile act.’ Despite both leaders attending the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Malaysia, Trump confirmed he had no plans to meet with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during the event.
-
Pakistan International Airlines resumes UK flights after five-year ban
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has officially resumed its direct flights to the United Kingdom, marking a significant milestone after a five-year ban imposed due to aviation safety concerns. The suspension, initiated in June 2020, followed a tragic incident involving an Airbus A320 crash in Karachi that claimed nearly 100 lives. The disaster was attributed to human error, prompting UK authorities to halt PIA’s operations alongside bans from the European Union and the United States. After rigorous reforms in pilot training, licensing, and safety protocols, the UK lifted its restrictions in July 2025, deeming Pakistan’s aviation standards compliant with international norms. The resumption ceremony, held at Islamabad International Airport, was attended by Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who hailed the achievement as a testament to the airline’s perseverance and commitment to safety. PIA now operates a twice-weekly route between Islamabad and Manchester, with plans to expand services to London and Birmingham. This development follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s decision in November 2024 to lift its ban, allowing PIA to resume flights to Paris earlier this year. Despite its historical significance as a national symbol since its founding in 1955, PIA has faced decades of financial struggles, mismanagement, and safety issues. The government’s ongoing efforts to privatize the airline have yet to yield success, with a recent deal collapsing due to a low offer. The resumption of UK flights represents a crucial step in restoring PIA’s credibility and operational stability.
-
Meet Ghazala Hashmi, India-born Democrat running for Virginia lieutenant governor
Ghazala Hashmi, an India-born Democratic State Senator, is making waves in Virginia’s political landscape as she campaigns for the position of lieutenant governor. If successful, Hashmi would become the first Asian-American and Muslim to hold a statewide office in Virginia. Running alongside Democratic gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger and attorney general candidate Jay Jones, Hashmi’s candidacy represents a significant milestone in the state’s diverse political history.
-
World Laureates Forum awards intl scientific excellence in Shanghai
The World Laureates Forum 2025, held in Shanghai’s Lingang Special Area, celebrated scientific excellence by awarding the prestigious World Laureates Association Prize (WLA Prize) to three distinguished scientists. The event, themed ‘Science in Future,’ brought together approximately 150 scientists from over 10 countries, including Nobel laureates, Turing Award winners, and leading academicians.
The WLA Prize, established in 2021, recognizes exceptional contributions in computer science or mathematics and life science or medicine, with each category offering a substantial award of 10 million yuan ($1.4 million). This year, Richard Schoen, professor emeritus at Stanford University, was honored in the Computer Science or Mathematics category for his groundbreaking work in geometric analysis and differential geometry. Shing-Tung Yau, a renowned mathematician, highlighted Schoen’s pivotal role in unifying geometry, analysis, and physics, which has become a cornerstone of modern mathematics.
In the Life Science or Medicine category, Scott Emr of Cornell University and Wesley I Sundquist of the University of Utah shared the prize for their discoveries in cellular mechanisms related to membrane protein receptor trafficking and degradation. Their work has significantly advanced understanding of virus budding, infection, and HIV drug therapy, leading to the development of a drug that nearly eliminates new HIV infections.
The forum underscored the importance of international collaboration in addressing global scientific challenges, fostering innovation, and inspiring the next generation of researchers.
-
Dubai: Woman to pay Dh15,000 after stealing gold necklace
A European woman has been convicted of shoplifting a gold necklace worth Dh10,000 from a Dubai jewellery store and ordered to pay a total of Dh15,000 in fines and compensation. The Dubai Misdemeanours and Violations Court imposed a Dh5,000 fine and an additional Dh10,000 to reimburse the store for the stolen item. The incident occurred in March this year when a store employee noticed the necklace missing shortly after the suspect’s visit. Surveillance footage captured the woman placing the necklace in her handbag and hastily exiting the premises. Police identified the suspect through her vehicle and apprehended her. During interrogation, the woman admitted to taking the necklace but claimed she had no intention of stealing it, citing emotional distress due to her sister’s recent death. Her defence lawyer pleaded for leniency, but the court ruled that the evidence clearly indicated intent to steal. The judge emphasized that the defendant’s actions and the circumstances surrounding the incident demonstrated full awareness of her conduct.
-
Trump to meet Qatar’s emir during stop en-route to Malaysia, White House official says
US President Donald Trump is set to hold discussions with Qatar’s Emir and Prime Minister during a refueling stop in Qatar on his way to Malaysia for a regional summit, a White House official confirmed on Saturday. The meeting will take place aboard Air Force One, highlighting the strategic importance of the stopover. Additionally, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will accompany President Trump during this diplomatic engagement. This interaction underscores the ongoing diplomatic ties between the United States and Qatar, particularly in the context of regional security and economic cooperation. The stopover in Qatar serves as a pivotal moment for both nations to address mutual interests and strengthen bilateral relations ahead of the regional summit in Malaysia.
-
Photos: 2 million palm fronds shipped for UAE Pavilion, one of top 3 at Expo 2025 Osaka
The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka has emerged as a standout attraction, blending Emirati heritage with cutting-edge innovation and sustainability. Over two million palm fronds, meticulously shipped from the UAE to Japan, were used to craft an immersive Emirati palm oasis that captivated visitors from the moment they entered. This unique design earned the pavilion the BIE Bronze Award for Architectural and Landscape Design, securing its place among the top three pavilions at the Expo. The pavilion’s 90 palm frond columns symbolized a harmonious fusion of Emirati identity and sustainable practices, with themes centered on space, sustainability, and healthcare. The theme, ‘Earth to Ether,’ encapsulated the UAE’s commitment to environmental stewardship and ambitious space exploration. Visitors were treated to a multi-sensory experience, where the intricate columns, ambient lighting, and the scent of palm fronds evoked a sense of cultural connection, particularly resonating with Japanese visitors who likened the aroma to traditional tatami mats. The pavilion’s narrative was brought to life by 46 youth ambassadors, including 24 Emiratis, who shared stories in Arabic, English, and Japanese, earning the pavilion the Best Staff Award. With nearly 5 million visitors, the UAE Pavilion became the most visited at the Expo. Among its highlights was the first Emirati restaurant in Japan, which served traditional dishes in a unique Emirati-Japanese bento box, symbolizing the cultural fusion between the two nations. The pavilion also drew Japanese visitors who had attended the 1970 Expo in Osaka, allowing them to witness the UAE’s remarkable progress over the past 55 years. This cultural exchange underscored the pavilion’s role in strengthening the bond between the UAE and Japan.
-
Brazil beats women’s European champions England 2-1 in a friendly
In a gripping encounter at Manchester, Brazil triumphed 2-1 over England in a women’s football friendly on Saturday. This marked England’s first match since their triumphant retention of the Women’s European Championship. Despite being reduced to 10 players early in the game, Brazil showcased resilience and tactical prowess to secure the win. Bia Zaneratto and Dudinha struck early goals, putting Brazil in a commanding position. The turning point came in the 21st minute when Brazil’s captain, Angelina, was sent off, offering England a glimmer of hope. Georgia Stanway capitalized on a second-half penalty, but it wasn’t enough to overturn the deficit. England’s spirited response saw Alex Greenwood and Stanway hitting the woodwork, but Brazil’s defense held firm. The match began with a celebratory atmosphere as England paraded their Euro 2025 trophy to a crowd of over 37,000. England will next face Australia on Tuesday, aiming to bounce back from this narrow defeat.