As Delhi’s air quality plunges into the ‘very poor’ category, India’s Supreme Court has permitted the sale and use of ‘green firecrackers’ during the upcoming Diwali festival. These firecrackers, designed to emit 20-30% fewer pollutants and produce minimal ash, are seen as a compromise between tradition and environmental concerns. However, critics argue that even these less harmful alternatives release toxic substances, exacerbating the city’s already dire pollution levels. On Wednesday, Delhi’s air quality was 25-30 times worse than the World Health Organization’s safe limits, with PM2.5 levels in some areas exceeding 400, a threshold that poses severe health risks. The court’s decision, which includes strict guidelines on the sale and use of firecrackers, has sparked mixed reactions. While some welcome the opportunity to celebrate Diwali fully, others fear weak enforcement will worsen the pollution crisis. Meanwhile, the Delhi government has activated the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to combat rising pollution, banning coal, firewood, and non-essential diesel generators. As winter approaches, Delhi faces its annual pollution battle, with Diwali’s firecrackers adding to the challenge.
作者： admin
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Australia’s highest court rejects Candace Owens’ visa challenge
In a landmark decision, Australia’s High Court has upheld the government’s refusal to grant a visa to U.S. conservative commentator Candace Owens, citing concerns over her potential to incite discord within the country. The unanimous ruling by three judges on Wednesday dismissed Owens’ legal challenge against Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke’s decision last year to deny her entry on character grounds. Owens, known for her controversial and conspiratorial views, had planned a speaking tour in Australia and New Zealand in November 2023. Burke invoked the Migration Act in October 2023, determining that Owens failed the ‘character test’ due to her history of making extremist and inflammatory remarks targeting Muslim, Black, Jewish, and LGBTQIA+ communities. The court documents revealed Burke’s assessment that her presence could pose a risk to national interests by fostering division. Owens’ legal team argued that the Migration Act infringed upon Australia’s implied freedom of political communication, a claim the judges rejected. The court also ordered Owens to cover the government’s legal costs. While Owens’ spokesperson indicated she would address the decision on social media, her plans to visit New Zealand remain unclear. Notably, New Zealand initially denied her visa in November 2023, citing Australia’s rejection, but later reversed the decision in December, emphasizing the value of free speech. This case underscores Australia’s stringent visa policies, which have also been applied to other high-profile figures, such as rapper Ye (formerly Kanye West), whose visa was revoked earlier this year.
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China, US clash in global shipping after chip and tariff wars
In a significant escalation of trade tensions, China has announced retaliatory measures against the United States’ newly imposed port fees. The Chinese Commerce Ministry revealed on Tuesday that it would levy a special port-entry charge of 400 yuan ($56) per net ton on US-linked container ships. This rate is set to increase annually, reaching 1,120 yuan by April 17, 2028. Additionally, China has sanctioned five US-related subsidiaries of South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean, accusing them of aiding US investigations into China’s maritime and shipbuilding sectors, which Beijing claims undermines its sovereignty and development interests. The sanctions prohibit Chinese entities from engaging in transactions or cooperation with the listed firms. A spokesperson for the Chinese Commerce Ministry emphasized that while China is open to dialogue, it is prepared to defend its interests if necessary. The spokesperson also criticized the US for its approach, stating that negotiations should not be conducted under threats or intimidation. This development comes ahead of a potential meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump at the APEC Summit in Seoul later this month. The US had previously imposed fees on Chinese ships entering its ports, citing unfair trade practices. China’s new measures are seen as a direct response to these actions, further straining bilateral relations. The situation underscores the growing rivalry between the two nations in the global trade and maritime sectors, with both sides taking increasingly assertive stances to protect their economic interests.
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Sia’s ex demands $250,000 per month in spousal support
Australian pop sensation Sia Furler, renowned for chart-topping hits like ‘Chandelier’ and ‘Titanium,’ is embroiled in a high-profile divorce battle with her estranged husband, Daniel Bernard. Court documents reveal that Bernard, a former radiation oncologist, has requested over $250,000 per month in spousal support to sustain the ‘luxurious and upper-class lifestyle’ he enjoyed during their marriage. The couple, who tied the knot in December 2022 and share an 18-month-old son, cited ‘irreconcilable differences’ when Sia filed for divorce in March 2024. Bernard claims he became financially dependent on Sia after quitting his medical career to co-run a short-lived business venture. According to the filings, the couple’s monthly expenses exceeded $400,000, covering private jets, lavish holidays, fine dining, and a team of full-time staff. Bernard argues that the temporary support is ‘necessary’ as Sia was the primary earner during their union. Additionally, he seeks funds to cover legal fees and forensic accounting services. Sia’s representatives have yet to comment on the ongoing legal dispute.
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China seizes 60,000 maps for ‘mislabelling’ Taiwan
Chinese customs authorities in Shandong province have intercepted a significant shipment of 60,000 maps destined for export, citing serious concerns over national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The maps were deemed ‘problematic’ due to their mislabelling of Taiwan, which China claims as an integral part of its territory, and the omission of key islands in the South China Sea. Beijing’s claims in the South China Sea overlap with those of neighboring countries, including the Philippines and Vietnam, making cartographic accuracy a highly sensitive issue. The seized maps also failed to include the controversial nine-dash line, which demarcates China’s expansive claims over nearly the entire South China Sea, as well as the maritime boundary between China and Japan. Authorities emphasized that such maps ‘endanger national unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity,’ rendering them unfit for sale. This incident underscores the heightened tensions in the region, particularly following recent confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the South China Sea. The Philippines accused a Chinese ship of ramming and firing a water cannon at a Philippine government vessel, while Beijing claimed the incident occurred after repeated warnings were ignored. The confiscation of ‘problematic maps’ is not unprecedented, but the scale of this seizure is notable. Earlier this year, customs officers in Qingdao and Hebei provinces also intercepted similar shipments containing errors in national borders and territorial depictions. The sensitivity surrounding maps in the region was further highlighted by the 2023 Barbie movie, which faced bans and censorship in Vietnam and the Philippines for depicting the nine-dash line. China Customs did not disclose the intended destination of the seized maps, but the incident reflects Beijing’s unwavering stance on territorial issues and its commitment to enforcing strict standards on cartographic representations.
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The Portugal basketballer turned England rugby player
Luis Domingos, a 27-year-old wheelchair athlete, has made an extraordinary transition from wheelchair basketball to wheelchair rugby league, earning a spot in England’s 10-man squad for the upcoming Ashes series against Australia. Born in Setubal, Portugal, of Angolan descent, Domingos became a wheelchair user after contracting polio as a child. His journey began in Leeds, where he initially played wheelchair basketball for fun before switching to rugby league to improve his fitness. Domingos’ talent in basketball led him to professional leagues in Italy, Spain, and Portugal, where he represented his birth country internationally. However, his desire to pursue a business management degree at the University of Huddersfield brought him back to England. While studying, Domingos continued to play wheelchair basketball and eventually joined Castleford Tigers’ wheelchair rugby league team, where he quickly made an impact. His performances earned him a call-up to England’s national squad, and he recently helped Castleford win the Wheelchair Championship Grand Final. Domingos attributes his success to his diverse experiences and the support of his teammates. ‘England is a family,’ he said. ‘I feel privileged to be part of this.’ The Ashes series will see England play four matches in Australia, starting on October 24. Domingos is optimistic about the challenges ahead, drawing on his professional background to handle the pressure. ‘Everything happens for a reason,’ he reflected. ‘I’m living today and enjoying this moment.’
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Russia makes more precise drones and is using them to attack Ukraine’s vital rail network
In a recent escalation of hostilities, Russian drones targeted the Shostka train station in northeastern Ukraine, resulting in the death of a 71-year-old man and injuring at least eight others. The attack left train cars severely damaged by fire and shrapnel, highlighting a surge in assaults on Ukraine’s railway system since mid-summer. Ukrainian officials report that these strikes are part of a broader Russian strategy to disrupt commercial and military logistics by targeting critical infrastructure with increasingly precise long-range drone technology. Oleksandr Pertsovskyi, CEO of the Ukrainian state railway, emphasized that the attacks aim to sow unrest in border regions by severing rail connections. Since August alone, there have been approximately 300 attacks on railway infrastructure, averaging about 10 per week. Ukraine’s rail network, which handles over 63% of the country’s freight and 37% of passenger traffic, is vital for transporting grain, metal exports, and military aid. Russian forces have enhanced their drone capabilities by equipping them with cameras and radio modems, allowing real-time adjustments to flight paths and significantly increasing precision. Ukrainian repair crews have been working tirelessly to restore services swiftly, with track repairs often completed within hours. Despite the relentless attacks, Ukrainian officials remain determined to keep the trains running, viewing their resilience as a defiance against Russian aggression.
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US soybean farmers are dangerously overdependent on China
In 2003, during my early days at DTN/The Progressive Farmer, I was invited to speak about China at a farmers’ meeting in Iowa. Though not an expert on Chinese agriculture, my 17 years living and working in Tokyo and Hong Kong allowed me to witness China’s extraordinary economic growth. I confidently declared, ‘China is the difference between $5 soybeans and $10 soybeans.’ This prediction proved accurate, as US soybean exports to China doubled in the following years, with prices soaring to $9–$15 per bushel. For decades, China has been the largest overseas buyer of US soybeans, accounting for over half of American exports in 2024, far surpassing the European Union’s 10% share. However, the trade war initiated by President Donald Trump in 2018 disrupted this relationship, prompting China to increasingly turn to Brazil as its primary supplier. Despite this shift, China continued to purchase significant quantities of US soybeans—until 2024. This year, China has drastically reduced its imports, buying only 200 million bushels in the first eight months, compared to 1 billion during the same period in 2023. In recent months, imports have dropped to zero. The American Soybean Association’s president, Caleb Ragland, expressed concern, stating, ‘The farm economy is suffering while our competitors supplant the United States in the biggest soybean import market in the world.’ While some analysts predict a potential rebound in Chinese purchases, the ongoing trade tensions, including Trump’s imposition of 100% tariffs on Chinese goods, cast doubt on this possibility. The situation underscores the urgent need for US farmers to diversify their markets and reduce reliance on China. Meanwhile, China is actively expanding its domestic soybean production and investing in alternative suppliers like Brazil and Russia. For US farmers, the loss of China as a major buyer is a stark reminder of the risks of overdependence on a single market. Developing new domestic and international markets is essential to ensure long-term stability and growth in the soybean industry.
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Ecuador and Mexico draw 1-1 in a World Cup warmup
In a tightly contested warmup match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ecuador managed to secure a 1-1 draw against Mexico on Tuesday in Guadalajara. The game saw early action as Germán Berterame put Mexico ahead in the third minute with a swift strike. However, Ecuador responded with determination, and Jordy Alcívar leveled the score in the 20th minute through a well-executed penalty kick. This result extended Mexico’s winless streak to four matches, following a disappointing 4-0 loss to Colombia last Saturday. Mexico’s last victory dates back to July 6, when they defeated an alternate United States squad in the Gold Cup final. The team will now look to break this streak in November when they face Uruguay. Meanwhile, Ecuador, which finished second in South America’s World Cup qualifiers behind Argentina, continues to build momentum after a 1-1 draw against the United States last Friday. Both teams are using these matches to fine-tune their strategies ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where Mexico will co-host with Canada and the United States.
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Watch: Moment house drifts away from land as typhoon hits Alaska
In a harrowing incident during a severe typhoon in Alaska, the U.S. Coast Guard executed a critical rescue operation, saving 24 individuals whose homes were swept away by the storm. The event unfolded as powerful winds and surging waters detached several houses from their foundations, causing them to drift perilously away from the shore. The Coast Guard responded swiftly, deploying rescue teams to locate and evacuate the stranded residents. This incident highlights the increasing vulnerability of coastal communities to extreme weather events, exacerbated by climate change. Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant and adhere to evacuation protocols during such emergencies.