NAIROBI, Kenya — The nation of Kenya is in deep mourning following the death of Raila Odinga, a towering figure in African politics and former Prime Minister of Kenya. Odinga passed away on Wednesday at the age of 80 in India after collapsing during a morning walk. His body was repatriated to Kenya on Thursday, where thousands of grieving citizens gathered at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to pay their respects. The airport operations were temporarily halted as mourners lined the runway to witness the arrival of the chartered plane carrying his remains, which was honored with a water cannon salute. Odinga, affectionately known as “Baba” (father) by many, was celebrated for his relentless advocacy for democracy and his role in shaping Kenya’s multiparty system. His death has prompted an outpouring of grief across the nation, with President William Ruto declaring seven days of national mourning. Odinga’s state funeral will be held on Sunday in his rural hometown of Bondo, following public viewings in Nairobi and Kisumu. Despite never securing the presidency, Odinga’s legacy as a unifier and champion of democratic ideals remains indelible. His family has requested a swift burial, adhering to his wishes to be laid to rest within 72 hours.
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US aid cuts deal a massive blow for the small African nation of Lesotho: Takeaways from AP’s report
The small southern African nation of Lesotho, long plagued by one of the world’s highest HIV infection rates, is grappling with a deepening crisis following significant cuts to U.S. foreign aid. For years, nearly $1 billion in American assistance helped Lesotho build a robust health network that effectively slowed the spread of HIV. However, the decision by former U.S. President Donald Trump to freeze foreign aid and dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has left the country in chaos. Clinics have shut down, healthcare workers have been laid off, and patients have abandoned treatment, leading to a crumbling healthcare system. Despite the temporary reinstatement of some U.S.-funded programs, the damage has been severe, with experts warning of a potential resurgence of the epidemic. The impact of these cuts is felt most acutely by Lesotho’s 260,000 HIV-positive residents, who now face uncertainty and fear for their futures. Key prevention programs, such as those targeting mother-to-child transmission and high-risk groups, have been halted, and healthcare workers are struggling to provide care through informal networks. The situation has been described as a ‘crime against humanity’ by some advocates, who stress that the progress made over the past two decades is at risk of being undone. While Lesotho’s government has been urged to move toward self-reliance, the immediate need for international support remains critical to prevent further loss of life and to sustain the fight against HIV.
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India seeks to import more US oil and gas under pressure from Trump to stop Russian oil purchases
India is actively pursuing increased imports of crude oil and natural gas from the United States as part of its strategy to diversify energy sources and address criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding its purchases of discounted Russian oil. Trump claimed on Wednesday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had personally assured him India would cease buying Russian oil, a move that could intensify pressure on Moscow to negotiate an end to the Ukraine conflict. However, India’s foreign ministry did not directly address Trump’s remarks, instead emphasizing its commitment to safeguarding Indian consumers’ interests in a volatile energy market.
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Titan imploded due to poor engineering, say US officials
A comprehensive investigation by the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has unveiled critical engineering flaws and inadequate testing as the primary causes of the catastrophic implosion of OceanGate’s Titan submersible during its ill-fated journey to the Titanic wreck in June 2023. The incident claimed the lives of all five passengers on board, including OceanGate’s CEO, Stockton Rush. The NTSB report highlights that the submersible’s engineering process was ‘inadequate,’ failing to meet essential strength and durability standards. Furthermore, the company did not conduct sufficient testing to determine the vessel’s actual capabilities, nor was it aware of pre-existing damage that should have grounded the Titan before its final voyage. The submersible disappeared in the North Atlantic, approximately 372 miles from St. John’s in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, while attempting to reach the Titanic wreck. Earlier in August, the US Coast Guard had released a scathing report, labeling the incident as ‘preventable’ and condemning OceanGate’s ‘critically flawed’ safety practices. Among the passengers were deep-sea explorer Paul-Henri Nargeolet, Shahzada Dawood, his 19-year-old son Suleman Dawood, and Hamish Harding, each having paid $25,000 for the expedition. The tragedy has raised significant concerns about the safety protocols and engineering standards in deep-sea exploration ventures.
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Watch: Police fire tear gas at protesters in Peru
In a tense confrontation on the streets of Peru, law enforcement officers resorted to the use of tear gas to disperse a gathering of protesters. The demonstrators, seeking refuge in nearby doorways, were met with clouds of the irritant as tensions escalated. This incident underscores the growing unrest in the region, as citizens voice their grievances against perceived injustices. The deployment of tear gas, a common crowd-control measure, highlights the challenges faced by authorities in maintaining order while balancing the right to peaceful assembly. The scene, captured on video, has sparked widespread debate on the appropriate use of force in such situations.
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Former Congo leader Kabila appears at Kenya political meeting despite absentia death sentence
In a significant political development, former Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila made his first public appearance in Nairobi, Kenya, since being sentenced to death in absentia for treason and war crimes. The event, attended by a dozen Congolese opposition leaders, marked the establishment of a new political movement aimed at challenging the current DRC President Felix Tshisekedi. Kabila’s presence in Kenya is anticipated to provoke diplomatic tensions, as the DRC government has previously accused Kenya of supporting the M23 rebel group. The newly formed political coalition declared its mission to unite Congolese citizens against what they described as a dictatorship, with goals to restore democracy, state authority, and national reconciliation. The DRC government in Kinshasa has accused Kabila of collaborating with Rwanda and the Rwanda-backed M23, which seized control of key cities in Congo’s mineral-rich eastern region earlier this year. Kabila, who led the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy from 2001 to 2019, has denied the allegations, calling the death sentence politically motivated. His tenure, marked by delayed elections and extended rule, ended in 2019 with Tshisekedi’s election, which was the first peaceful transition of power since Congo’s independence in 1960. However, the relationship between the two leaders deteriorated, culminating in Kabila’s departure from the DRC earlier this year.
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Take a ‘stormcation’ in the dramatic Faroe Islands, where James Bond died
The Faroe Islands, a remote archipelago in the North Atlantic, offer awe-inspiring landscapes but pose significant challenges for visitors. Known for its dramatic cliffs, sudden gale-force winds, and steep hillsides, this self-governing territory under Denmark has become a magnet for adventurous travelers seeking bird-watching, unique culinary experiences, and ‘coolcations’ amid rising global temperatures. However, the islands’ rugged beauty comes with risks. In September, three tourists vanished near a famous waterfall, highlighting the dangers of the terrain. Locals, accustomed to the harsh environment, navigate it with ease, but tourists are often unprepared for the sudden fogs and unprotected cliffs. The Faroe Islands are taking steps to balance tourism growth with environmental preservation. Initiatives like the annual ‘closed for maintenance’ program, launched in 2019, enlist volunteers to combat erosion and maintain trails. The tourism office has also introduced self-navigating tours to divert visitors from overcrowded spots to lesser-known areas. Despite the challenges, the islands’ growing infrastructure, including undersea tunnels and an expanding network of Airbnbs, is making travel more accessible. The Faroe Islands’ unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness continues to attract visitors, but the message is clear: respect the environment and heed local warnings to ensure a safe and memorable experience.
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Australia’s rainforests are releasing more carbon than they absorb, warn scientists
In a groundbreaking study published in the journal Nature, Australia’s tropical rainforests have been identified as the first globally to transition from carbon sinks to carbon emitters, a shift attributed to the escalating impacts of climate change. Traditionally, rainforests function as carbon sinks, absorbing more carbon dioxide than they release, with new tree growth offsetting emissions from decaying vegetation. However, research analyzing data from Queensland’s forests reveals that extreme temperatures have accelerated tree mortality, disrupting this balance. Dr. Hannah Carle of Western Sydney University, the study’s lead author, emphasized that these findings challenge existing models that overestimate tropical forests’ capacity to mitigate fossil fuel emissions. The study, spanning 49 years of data from 20 Queensland forests, highlights that increased tree deaths have turned woody biomass—dead trunks and branches—into carbon sources rather than absorbers, a trend that began approximately 25 years ago. Dr. Carle warned that forests, which play a critical role in mitigating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide, are now under threat. The research also links rising tree mortality to climate-driven factors such as extreme heat, atmospheric dryness, and prolonged droughts. Additionally, the study notes that more frequent and severe cyclones have further exacerbated tree loss and hindered new growth. Dr. Carle described Australia’s rainforests as a ‘canary in the coal mine,’ signaling a potential global trend. Senior author Patrick Meir echoed these concerns, suggesting that other tropical forests may follow suit, though further research is needed for a comprehensive assessment. Australia, one of the world’s highest per capita polluters, recently pledged to reduce emissions by 62% from 2005 levels by 2033. However, the nation continues to face criticism for its reliance on fossil fuels, exemplified by the government’s approval of a 40-year extension for Woodside’s North West Shelf gas project. A recent climate report also revealed that Australia has already surpassed 1.5°C of warming, with communities facing escalating climate risks. This study underscores the urgent need for global action to address the dual crises of deforestation and climate change.
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Taiwanese chipmaker TSMC sees nearly 40% jump in its net profit thanks to the AI boom
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturer, announced on Thursday a staggering 40% surge in net profit for the July-September quarter, fueled by the growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The company reported a record-breaking net profit of 452.3 billion new Taiwan dollars ($15 billion), surpassing analysts’ expectations. This remarkable performance follows a 30% year-on-year increase in revenue for the same period.
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India’s exports to US plunge as Trump’s 50% tariffs kick in
India, a key exporter of garments, shrimp, and gems and jewellery to the United States, has witnessed a dramatic decline in its goods exports to its largest foreign market. Data reveals a sharp 20% drop in September alone, with a staggering 37.5% decline over the past four months, as the impact of steep US tariffs intensifies. The tariffs, which include a 50% levy on Indian goods and an additional 25% penalty for India’s continued oil purchases from Russia, took full effect in August. Ajay Srivastava of the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) noted, ‘The US has become India’s most severely affected market since the tariff escalation began.’ Labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, and chemicals have borne the brunt of these measures, suffering significant losses. The decline in exports has also exacerbated India’s trade deficit, which surged to a 13-month high of $32.15 billion in September. While improved trade with countries like the UAE and China has partially offset the US export slump, negotiations between India and the US remain fraught with challenges. Talks resumed last month after a prolonged stalemate, with an Indian delegation currently in the US. Despite claims by former US President Donald Trump that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to halt Russian oil imports, the Indian foreign ministry described discussions as ‘ongoing,’ emphasizing US interest in deepening energy cooperation. Key trade disputes, particularly over access to India’s agriculture and dairy sectors, persist. Washington views India’s farm sector as a lucrative untapped market, but New Delhi has staunchly defended its protectionist stance, citing food security and the livelihoods of millions of small farmers. Bilateral trade between the two nations reached $190 billion in 2024, with ambitious targets to more than double this figure to $500 billion.