Major Chinese airlines have strongly opposed a recent US proposal to prohibit them from using Russian airspace for round-trip flights between China and the United States. The proposed ban, which could be enforced as early as November, has sparked significant backlash from the aviation industry and raised concerns about its broader implications. The US claims that Chinese carriers gain an unfair cost advantage over US airlines, which are barred from Russian airspace due to existing restrictions. In response, seven Chinese airlines, including Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines, have formally requested an extension of the comment period from two to seven business days to assess the impact and prepare a comprehensive response. Industry experts warn that the ban would disrupt travel for thousands of passengers, increase airfares, and force travelers to opt for longer connecting flights via hubs like Hong Kong, Japan, or South Korea. Qi Qi, a senior civil aviation analyst, criticized the US demand as unreasonable and unprofessional, emphasizing the need for rational and practical solutions. The proposal comes amid escalating tensions in US-China trade and economic relations. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian highlighted that the restrictions would harm people-to-people exchanges and ultimately damage US interests. As of September, Chinese airlines operated 50.73% of direct China-US flights, with US carriers accounting for the remaining 49.27%. Analysts argue that rerouting flights would increase travel time and costs, negatively impacting business and trade exchanges between the two nations. Lin Zhijie, an independent aviation analyst, suggested that Chinese airlines should be granted reciprocal rights to operate stopover routes via Tokyo, similar to US carriers.
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Italy’s Meloni offers solidarity with journalist after explosive device targets his car
An explosive device detonated beneath the car of Sigfrido Ranucci, a prominent Italian investigative journalist, outside his residence in Pomezia, south of Rome. The incident, which occurred overnight, destroyed Ranucci’s vehicle, damaged a second family car, and caused structural harm to a neighboring house. Authorities, including police, firefighters, and forensic teams, are currently investigating the explosion, which was reportedly powerful enough to have caused fatalities had anyone been nearby. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The attack has drawn widespread condemnation, including from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who expressed solidarity with Ranucci and denounced the act as a grave intimidation attempt. Meloni emphasized the importance of safeguarding press freedom and independence, stating, ‘Freedom and independence of information are essential values of our democracies, which we will continue to defend.’ Ranucci, the lead anchor of the investigative program ‘Report’ on Italy’s state-run RAI3, is known for exposing corruption and scandals involving high-profile Italian politicians, business leaders, and public figures. Earlier this week, he was cleared of defamation charges related to one of his investigative reports. The incident underscores the risks faced by journalists in Italy and raises concerns about press freedom in the country.
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Orbán celebrates Hungary as ‘the only place in Europe’ where a Trump-Putin meeting can be held
Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has lauded Budapest’s selection as the host city for upcoming talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The meeting, announced by Trump on Thursday, follows his recent discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House. While a specific date remains unconfirmed, Trump indicated the talks would occur in Budapest within approximately two weeks. Orbán, a staunch ally of both Trump and Putin, emphasized Hungary’s unique position as a pro-peace nation in Europe, attributing Budapest’s selection to his government’s consistent opposition to Western military and financial aid to Ukraine. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Hungary has refused to supply weapons to Ukraine or allow their transit across its borders, while also obstructing EU sanctions against Moscow and delaying funding packages to Kyiv. Orbán’s critics argue that Hungary’s stance undermines European unity and favors Russian aggression. The Budapest meeting holds symbolic significance, as the city was the site of the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, where Ukraine relinquished its nuclear weapons in exchange for security assurances—a pact later violated by Russia. Orbán framed the upcoming talks as a diplomatic milestone for Hungary, despite their focus on Ukraine. However, Hungary’s role as host raises questions about its commitment to international law, given its status as a signatory to the International Criminal Court, which has issued an arrest warrant for Putin over alleged war crimes. Orbán previously signaled Hungary’s intent to withdraw from the ICC following a similar controversy involving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
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Trump says to meet Putin in Hungary
In a significant diplomatic move, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest, Hungary, to discuss potential resolutions to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The announcement followed a ‘productive’ phone conversation between the two leaders, as Trump shared on his Truth Social platform. During the call, the leaders reportedly discussed not only the conflict but also future trade relations between the U.S. and Russia once the war concludes. Trump expressed optimism about the progress made during the conversation, stating, ‘I believe great progress was made with today’s telephone conversation.’
As a precursor to the meeting, high-level advisors from both nations are set to convene next week, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio leading the American delegation. The location for this preparatory meeting remains undetermined. Trump emphasized the goal of the Budapest summit, saying, ‘President Putin and I will then meet in an agreed upon location, Budapest, Hungary, to see if we can bring this ‘inglorious’ War, between Russia and Ukraine, to an end.’
The phone call occurred just ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s scheduled visit to the White House, adding urgency to the diplomatic efforts. This meeting marks another attempt at dialogue between Trump and Putin, following their inconclusive talks in Alaska in August. In late September, Trump had expressed confidence in Ukraine’s ability to reclaim its territory with support from the European Union and NATO, stating that Ukraine ‘is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form.’
The upcoming Budapest meeting underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play, as global leaders seek to navigate the protracted conflict and its far-reaching implications.
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Family of missing British girl give ultimatum to key person of interest
The family of Cheryl Grimmer, a British girl who vanished from a New South Wales beach in 1970, is intensifying its quest for justice. Cheryl was just three years old when she disappeared from Fairy Meadow beach in Wollongong. The case, which has haunted the family for over five decades, took a dramatic turn in 2017 when a man in his 60s was charged with her abduction and murder. However, the trial collapsed in 2019 after a confession made when the suspect was a teenager was deemed inadmissible in court. The suspect, known only as Mercury, denies any involvement in the crime.
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Madagascar’s coup leader is set to be sworn in as president after military takeover
Colonel Michael Randrianirina, the leader of a recent military coup in Madagascar, is poised to be sworn in as the nation’s new president on Friday. The swift power grab, which ousted President Andry Rajoelina and forced him into hiding, marks a dramatic shift in the political landscape of the Indian Ocean island nation. Randrianirina, commander of the elite CAPSAT military unit, announced the military’s takeover just three days prior, following weeks of anti-government protests led primarily by young citizens. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place at the High Constitutional Court, with soldiers securing the premises and officials gathering for the event. The coup, which unfolded after three weeks of unrest, has drawn condemnation from the United Nations and resulted in Madagascar’s suspension from the African Union. Rajoelina, whose whereabouts remain unknown, was impeached by parliament shortly before Randrianirina declared the military’s assumption of power. The colonel, who emerged from relative obscurity to lead the rebellion, has pledged to govern through a military council for 18 months to two years before holding elections. This timeline suggests a prolonged wait for the young protesters who initially fueled the uprising. The protests, which began last month, were driven by grievances over water and power shortages, rising living costs, and allegations of corruption and nepotism. Randrianirina’s decision to join the anti-government movement last weekend solidified his position, despite a brief clash with security forces loyal to Rajoelina that resulted in one casualty. While the streets have remained largely peaceful, the international community, including U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, has called for a return to constitutional order. Madagascar, a former French colony with a history of political instability, faces significant challenges, including widespread poverty affecting 75% of its population. The nation’s future remains uncertain as it navigates this latest chapter in its tumultuous political history.
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As the world discovers the Faroe Islands, there’s a push for local food
In the windswept Faroe Islands, a small farmers’ market in the capital of Torshavn stands as a testament to the challenges and aspirations of local food production. Known for their harsh climate and poor soil, the islands have long relied on imported goods, with most products bearing the stamp of Denmark, under which the Faroe Islands are self-governing. However, a growing movement is emerging to reduce this dependency and promote locally grown and produced food.
Despite the unforgiving conditions, residents are experimenting with hardy crops like kale and cabbage, while traditional staples such as potatoes and rhubarb remain prevalent. The market, part of the Matkovin project, aims to highlight local producers and their efforts to cultivate a sustainable food culture. Products range from fermented meats and fish to seaweed, all influenced by the islands’ unique environment.
Yet, the reality of food security remains a pressing concern. The COVID-19 pandemic and a recent labor strike in May 2024 exposed vulnerabilities in the supply chain, prompting discussions about self-sufficiency. While initiatives like Veltan are working to expand greenhouse farming, the majority of food is still imported, and local producers often remain invisible in the broader market.
The Michelin-starred restaurant Paz exemplifies the islands’ culinary potential, offering a tasting menu that celebrates local seafood and traditional fermentation methods. However, the journey toward food independence is far from complete. Even in Klaksvik, the islands’ second-largest community, a server at a steakhouse revealed that their lamb was sourced from New Zealand.
As the Faroe Islands navigate these challenges, the farmers’ market serves as a symbol of resilience and a growing pride in their unique food culture, shaped by remoteness and the harsh North Atlantic environment.
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Author of I Want To Die But I Want To Eat Tteokbokki dies at 35
Baek Se-hee, the acclaimed South Korean author of the groundbreaking memoir *I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki*, has passed away at the age of 35. Her 2018 book, which chronicled her candid conversations with her psychiatrist about her struggles with depression, became a global sensation, resonating deeply with readers worldwide. Originally written in Korean, the memoir gained international recognition following its English translation in 2022. While the circumstances of her death remain unclear, Baek’s legacy continues through her selfless act of organ donation, which saved five lives, according to the Korean Organ Donation Agency. Her sister shared that Baek’s life mission was to inspire hope and share her heart with others through her work. The memoir, which has sold over a million copies and been translated into 25 languages, was praised for its honest portrayal of mental health struggles and its ability to normalize conversations about inner turmoil. Baek’s work highlighted the duality of human emotions, as encapsulated in the book’s iconic line: ‘The human heart, even when it wants to die, quite often wants at the same time to eat some tteokbokki, too.’ Born in 1990, Baek studied creative writing and worked in publishing before dedicating herself to writing. Her decade-long battle with dysthymia, a chronic form of depression, formed the foundation of her bestselling memoir. A sequel, *I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki*, was published in Korean in 2019 and in English in 2024, further cementing her impact on mental health discourse.
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Revivals and farewells: Africa’s top shots
This week, the African continent witnessed a vibrant tapestry of cultural events, political shifts, and historic milestones. In Lagos, Nigeria, the Innovate Dance Company captivated audiences with a groundbreaking performance, showcasing the city’s thriving arts scene. Meanwhile, Ethiopian model Awar Odhiang turned heads on a U.S. catwalk, adorned in a celestial headdress that blended tradition with modernity. Nairobi, Kenya, became a hub for sustainable fashion as designers like Morgan Azedy showcased upcycled creations at the Wasteland Gikomba Fashion event, highlighting the growing trend of eco-conscious design. Madagascar experienced a dramatic political upheaval as weeks of youth-led protests culminated in a coup d’état, leading to the installation of a new military leader. The nation’s capital, Antananarivo, echoed with the triumphant sounds of marching bands during street rallies. In Kenya, the death of opposition leader Raila Odinga at 80 sparked widespread mourning, with thousands gathering to honor his legacy. Lagos also hosted the Fela Kuti Afrobeat Rebellion exhibition, celebrating the iconic musician’s enduring influence. Cape Verde made history as its football team qualified for their first World Cup, igniting jubilation among supporters of the small Atlantic nation. Cameroon’s presidential election saw millions casting their votes, though unofficial claims of victory by Issa Tchiroma Bakary stirred controversy. In Mali, the annual replastering of the 14th-century Djinguereber Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage site, continued a centuries-old tradition. Burkina Faso’s Grand Mosque of Bobo-Dioulasso, built over 130 years ago, stood as a testament to the region’s rich architectural heritage. South Africa debated renaming the world-famous Kruger National Park, sparking discussions about identity and history. These events, captured through powerful imagery, reflect the diversity and dynamism of Africa.
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After years of socialist rule, Bolivia’s presidential runoff tests how far and fast it veers right
Bolivia, after nearly two decades of dominance by the Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) party, is witnessing a significant political shift to the right. This change comes in the wake of a severe economic crisis, marked by a collapsing currency, fuel shortages, and widespread public discontent. The recent presidential runoff, held on Sunday, features two conservative, business-friendly candidates, signaling a stark departure from the leftist policies of former President Evo Morales. The MAS party, which has ruled since 2005, suffered a dramatic decline in support in the August 17 elections, barely retaining its legal status as Bolivians expressed a strong desire for change. The incoming president faces the immediate challenge of stabilizing the economy by attracting foreign investment, addressing fuel shortages, and implementing fiscal reforms. Jorge ‘Tuto’ Quiroga, a right-wing former president, advocates for an IMF bailout and stringent fiscal adjustments. His rival, centrist senator Rodrigo Paz, proposes legalizing the black market, phasing out subsidies, and encouraging Bolivians to repatriate their dollars. Amid the worst economic crisis in four decades, many voters remain skeptical about the candidates’ ability to deliver meaningful change. The election outcome will determine the pace and extent of Bolivia’s political and economic transformation, with significant implications for its international relations, particularly with the U.S., China, and Russia.