Major Chinese state-owned airlines have strongly opposed a U.S. proposal to prohibit them from flying over Russian airspace on routes to and from the United States. The U.S. argues that this restriction would level the playing field, as American carriers are barred from Russian airspace due to sanctions imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern are among six carriers that have filed formal complaints against the proposed ban, warning of significant disruptions to travelers and increased costs. China Eastern emphasized that the ban would harm public interest and inconvenience passengers, leading to longer flight times, higher fuel consumption, and elevated airfares. China Southern highlighted the potential impact on thousands of travelers, while Air China estimated that over 4,400 passengers could be affected during the upcoming holiday season. The Chinese Foreign Ministry also criticized the proposal, labeling it as punitive to global passengers. Aviation expert David Yu noted that U.S. carriers face increased costs due to longer flight paths, while Chinese airlines benefit from cost savings by using Russian airspace. Despite these advantages, Chinese carriers have faced financial challenges, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Department of Transportation defended the proposal, citing ‘competitive imbalances’ caused by Chinese airlines’ access to more efficient routes. European carriers, including Air France-KLM, have also expressed concerns, while United Airlines urged that Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong’s flagship carrier, be excluded from the ban.
作者： admin
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An ancient tradition is helping girls in Zimbabwe fight child marriages
In the rural landscapes of northeastern Zimbabwe, a group of girls gathers inside a white tent with a wooden fireplace at its center. They remove their shoes, sit on mattresses, and prepare to engage in open discussions about sexuality, child marriage, teen pregnancy, gender bias, education, economic empowerment, and the law. This gathering is a modern revival of Nhanga, an ancient tradition once used to prepare adolescent girls for marriage. Today, it has been reimagined as a peer-led movement to resist child marriage, a pervasive issue in Zimbabwe and across Africa.
Nhanga, traditionally a female-only space in round thatched huts, was historically a place where girls were taught obedience, marital duties, and moral education, reinforcing patriarchal norms. However, the new Nhanga is a cultural innovation addressing contemporary challenges. ‘The new Nhanga is a safe space where girls can candidly discuss sensitive topics,’ said Nokutenda Magama, a programs officer with the Rozaria Memorial Trust, a nonprofit driving this revival.
The sessions, organized by age groups ranging from five-year-olds to women over 35, include practical skills like poultry raising, farming, and soap making. Elders and senior government officials are sometimes invited to provide mentorship. This initiative comes amid alarming statistics: one in three girls in Zimbabwe marries before 18, a situation mirrored across East and southern Africa. Despite laws outlawing child marriage, poverty, weak enforcement, and cultural practices perpetuate the problem.
For Samantha Chidodo, 26, the Nhanga revival offered a lifeline. Forced into an abusive marriage at 17, she escaped and, with support from the Rozaria Memorial Trust, returned to school and became a pioneer of the modern Nhanga. ‘Initially, we were only about 20 girls. Now, over 200 in my village participate,’ she said. The movement has spread to Zambia and Sierra Leone and gained recognition at African Union and United Nations forums.
To address the cultural roots of child marriage, girls have sought the support of chiefs and village heads. Xmas Savanhu, a local village headman, explained that offenders now face fines, such as paying a cow, which is held in trust for the girl’s education. Despite progress, poverty and entrenched attitudes remain challenges. ‘The gap lies with the adults,’ said Enet Tini, a teacher and mentor, emphasizing the need for girls-led initiatives to shift societal norms.
Nyaradzai Gumbonzvanda, deputy executive director at U.N. Women and founder of the Rozaria Memorial Trust, called child marriage ‘essentially rape and sexual exploitation,’ stressing that solutions must involve girls themselves, policymakers, and traditional leaders. ‘If we can pressure each other into behaving badly, then we can also influence each other to act positively,’ said Anita Razo, an 18-year-old mentor.
This grassroots movement demonstrates how ancient traditions can be reimagined to address modern challenges, empowering girls to shape their futures and challenge societal norms.
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Most US stocks rise after swinging through another erratic day
Wall Street experienced another day of erratic trading on Wednesday, with major indices showing mixed results. The S&P 500 gained 0.4%, recovering from earlier fluctuations that saw it nearly erase a significant morning rally. The Nasdaq composite rose 0.7%, bouncing between a 0.4% drop and a 1.4% surge, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped slightly by 17 points, or less than 0.1%. This volatility follows a turbulent Tuesday, where the Dow swung between a 615-point loss and a 455-point gain, reflecting ongoing market uncertainty. The recent instability traces back to President Donald Trump’s threat of higher tariffs on China, which disrupted a period of relative calm in the markets. Technology stocks led the charge on Wednesday, buoyed by a strong earnings report from ASML, a key player in the semiconductor industry. ASML projected a 15% revenue increase by 2025, with next year’s earnings expected to match or exceed this year’s. CEO Christophe Fouquet highlighted the growing momentum in AI investments, countering concerns of a potential bubble akin to the dot-com frenzy of 2000. Financial institutions also contributed to the market’s upward movement, with Bank of America and Morgan Stanley posting better-than-expected profits. However, PNC Financial and Abbott Laboratories faced declines due to underwhelming forecasts and revenue shortfalls. Corporate earnings are under heightened scrutiny as investors seek clarity on the U.S. economy’s health, especially with delayed government reports on inflation and other key indicators. The Federal Reserve’s recent rate cut and hints of further reductions add another layer of complexity, as policymakers balance inflation concerns with a slowing job market. In the bond market, the 10-year Treasury yield held steady at 4.03%, while gold prices surged 0.9% to over $4,200 per ounce, driven by global economic uncertainties. Overseas, Asian markets saw strong gains, with South Korea’s Kospi jumping 2.7%, while European indices showed mixed results.
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Red Cross en route to collect bodies of Israeli hostages from Hamas, Israel says
In a significant development within the ongoing ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, Red Cross vehicles have been deployed to collect the bodies of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. The operation, which took place on October 14, 2025, in Gaza City, is part of a broader hostages-prisoners exchange deal initiated after the deadly October 7, 2023, attack. The Israeli military and Shin Bet security agency confirmed that the Red Cross was en route to a designated meeting point in the northern Gaza Strip to receive several coffins containing the remains of deceased hostages. Hamas had earlier communicated to mediators its intention to transfer four bodies, with a senior Hamas official revealing plans to hand over an additional four bodies later in the evening. The official emphasized the challenges in locating more bodies due to the extensive destruction caused by the conflict, which has severely hampered search and recovery efforts. This move comes as Israel has tightened restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza, including the closure of the Rafah crossing, in an effort to pressure Hamas to release the remaining 24 bodies. Despite the ceasefire, tensions persist, with both sides accusing each other of violations. Israeli fire reportedly killed at least six people in Gaza, while Hamas has yet to return all the remaining bodies. The fragile truce, now in its fifth day, remains a critical yet precarious step toward de-escalation.
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Messi gets two assists, Argentina beats Puerto Rico 6-0 in relocated soccer friendly
In a commanding display of skill and teamwork, Lionel Messi led Argentina to a resounding 6-0 victory over Puerto Rico in an international friendly match held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The game, originally slated for Chicago, was relocated due to low ticket sales and concerns over an ongoing immigration crackdown in the area. Messi, playing on familiar turf as a member of Inter Miami, showcased his brilliance with two assists and a pivotal role in setting up another goal. His first-half lob set up Gonzalo Montiel’s opener, while a clever back pass in the 83rd minute facilitated Lautaro Martínez’s second goal of the night. Alexis Mac Allister contributed with a brace, and an own goal further cemented Argentina’s dominance. Despite the lopsided matchup between FIFA’s third-ranked team and 155th-ranked Puerto Rico, the latter’s goalkeeper, Sebastian Cutler, made notable saves against Messi. The match, part of Argentina’s World Cup preparations, drew a modest crowd initially but filled up as the game progressed. The relocation controversy and the stark contrast in team rankings added layers of intrigue to the event.
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IMF: China’s economy to grow at 4.8%
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised its economic growth projection for China, anticipating a 4.8% expansion in the coming year. This updated forecast, released in the IMF’s World Economic Outlook on Tuesday morning in Washington, marks a 0.3 percentage point increase from the previous year’s estimate. The upward adjustment reflects China’s robust economic performance in recent quarters, bolstered by fiscal expansion, resilient domestic consumption, and accelerated trade activities. These factors have effectively mitigated the adverse effects of elevated tariffs and persistent global uncertainties. The IMF’s optimistic outlook underscores China’s ability to navigate complex economic challenges while maintaining steady growth. (Reporter: Zhao Huanxin, Video: Bilin Lin)
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Exclusive: Hamas says Israel’s ‘indiscriminate’ destruction of Gaza behind delay in locating captives’ bodies
A senior Hamas official has accused Israel of being responsible for delays in locating and returning the bodies of captives still missing in Gaza. This statement comes in response to Israeli officials’ claims that Hamas is withholding the bodies as part of a US-brokered peace deal that ended a two-year conflict. The Hamas source, speaking to Middle East Eye, emphasized that the ongoing presence of Israeli forces and their indiscriminate attacks have significantly complicated efforts to retrieve the bodies, requiring more time and resources. The source highlighted that this was explicitly acknowledged during negotiations, with a specific clause in the agreement addressing the establishment of an information-sharing mechanism to facilitate the process. Hamas recently released 20 living captives and the bodies of four deceased individuals, with plans to hand over 28 more bodies as part of the deal. However, the source criticized Israel’s continued closure of the Rafah border crossing, calling it a violation of the agreement and a hindrance to rescue and aid efforts. The official also condemned Israel’s military actions, which have resulted in the deaths of captives and the loss of contact with units responsible for their remains. Hamas remains committed to fulfilling its obligations under the agreement but urges international mediators to intervene to address the ongoing challenges posed by Israel’s actions.
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Pickup truck explodes on busy street in Ecuador
A devastating explosion occurred on a bustling shopping street in Guayaquil, Ecuador, on Tuesday evening, leaving one person dead and two others injured. Authorities have labeled the incident as an intentional attack. The victim, identified as a nearby cab driver, succumbed to the blast, according to Maj. Jorge Montanero of the Guayaquil fire department, who spoke to local television station Ecuavisa. Emergency responders evacuated surrounding buildings as a precaution, while police conducted thorough inspections of vehicles in the area. Montanero hinted at the possibility of a car bomb, stating, “A normal car doesn’t blow up like that.”
Guayaquil’s police chief, Francisco Zumárraga, confirmed the discovery of a “new threat” and announced plans for a controlled detonation. He vowed to apprehend those responsible for the attack. The Attorney General’s Office has launched an investigation, interviewing witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage to piece together the events.
This incident adds to a troubling pattern of vehicle explosions in Ecuador, which saw a surge in violence following the assassination of a presidential candidate in 2023. Earlier this year, a bomb attributed to a criminal network exploded outside Ecuador’s largest prison, killing a prison guard. While other explosions in Quito last year caused minor damage, Tuesday’s attack has raised alarms.
Governor Humberto Plaza of Guayas province, where Guayaquil is the capital, condemned the explosion as “terrorism plain and simple” and pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice. “We’re going to grab them, and they’re going to pay,” he declared. The explosion shattered windows in nearby restaurants and stores, leaving the community in shock and underscoring the growing security challenges in the region.
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Video: Hamas fighters conduct public executions in Gaza, cloud future of ceasefire
In a dramatic display of authority, Hamas fighters carried out public executions in Gaza on Tuesday, further complicating efforts to maintain a fragile ceasefire. The executions, targeting individuals accused of collaborating with Israeli forces, were captured in a widely circulated video that Hamas sources confirmed as authentic. The footage showed seven men being forced to their knees and shot from behind in Gaza City, signaling the group’s resurgent presence in the region. This move defies Israel’s insistence that Hamas must disarm before any lasting peace can be achieved under U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed plan. Gaza residents reported an increased visibility of Hamas fighters, particularly along routes critical for aid deliveries, raising concerns about the group’s tightening grip on the territory. Despite the ceasefire, sporadic violence persists. Israeli drone strikes killed five individuals in a Gaza City suburb, while an air strike near Khan Younis resulted in one fatality and another injury. Hamas accused Israel of violating the truce, while the Israeli military defended its actions as responses to individuals crossing truce lines. The ceasefire, which halted two years of devastating conflict, remains precarious. Gaza’s infrastructure lies in ruins, and famine looms over its 2.2 million residents. Aid deliveries, though ongoing, have yet to meet the overwhelming demand. Meanwhile, the fate of 23 hostages declared dead in Gaza remains unresolved, with families fearing their loved ones’ remains may be lost in the rubble. As Hamas reasserts control, clearing debris and repairing essential infrastructure, the international community faces mounting pressure to address the humanitarian crisis and broker a sustainable resolution to the conflict.
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California governor vetoes bill dubbed ‘Israel tax’ by critics
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a prominent figure in the Democratic Party and a potential 2028 presidential candidate, vetoed Senate Bill 771 (SB 771) on Monday. The proposed legislation aimed to impose fines on social media companies whose algorithms promoted content deemed violent or discriminatory, particularly targeting antisemitism. The bill emerged in response to perceived lax online regulations following the presidency of Donald Trump, who criticized media companies for alleged bias against conservative voices. However, Newsom expressed concerns that the bill was premature, arguing that existing civil rights laws should first be evaluated for their adequacy in addressing algorithmic violations. He emphasized the need to avoid overreach and ensure that any new measures are constitutionally sound. The veto has been welcomed by civil rights organizations, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) and the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), who argued that the bill risked suppressing free speech, particularly among Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian communities. Critics of SB 771 highlighted its reliance on the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, which they claimed could be used to target lawful discourse on Israel and Palestine. The bill’s opponents also raised concerns about the difficulty of proving intent to cause harm through algorithms, as well as the potential for costly lawsuits and taxpayer burdens. Newsom’s decision underscores the ongoing tension between combating online hate speech and preserving constitutional freedoms.