A devastating landslide struck a passenger bus on the perilous Khanh Le pass in Vietnam’s central highlands, resulting in six fatalities and injuring 19 others. The incident occurred late Sunday as the bus, carrying 32 passengers from Ho Chi Minh City, was en route from Da Lat to the coastal city of Nha Trang. The landslide, triggered by heavy rainfall, buried the front of the bus, trapping numerous passengers and complicating rescue efforts. Rescuers faced significant challenges due to additional landslides that blocked access to the area, delaying their arrival until after midnight. Two bodies remain trapped under debris as the treacherous terrain continues to hinder recovery operations. The Khanh Le pass, a 33-kilometer stretch known for its scenic beauty and popularity among tourists, is particularly vulnerable to landslides during the rainy season. Meanwhile, central Vietnam braces for more heavy rain, with forecasts predicting up to 85 centimeters in some areas. This region, already battered by Typhoon Kalmaegi, has seen historic floods this year, exacerbating the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters. Vietnam, one of the world’s most flood-prone nations, faces increasing threats from climate change, which scientists warn is intensifying storms and rainfall across Southeast Asia, leading to more frequent and destructive floods and landslides.
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Asian shares are mostly lower after US stocks stumble
Asian markets experienced a mostly downward trend on Monday, with U.S. futures showing modest gains following a lackluster performance on Wall Street last week. Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 index dropped 0.3% to 50,226.67, reflecting concerns over Japan’s economic contraction, which saw a 1.8% annual decline in the July-September quarter. The dollar strengthened against the yen, rising to 154.65 yen from 154.58 yen. Chinese markets also saw declines, with Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index falling 0.8% to 26,359.22 and the Shanghai Composite index slipping 0.4% to 3,973.31. Geopolitical tensions between China and Japan further dampened market sentiment, particularly following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks suggesting a potential military response to Chinese actions against Taiwan. China, which views Taiwan as part of its territory, has warned its citizens against traveling to or studying in Japan. In South Korea, the Kospi index rose 1.7% to 4,078.39, driven by gains in tech-related shares, particularly computer chip makers collaborating with Nvidia on artificial intelligence projects. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 edged down less than 0.1% to 8,628.60, while Taiwan’s Taiex and India’s Sensex posted modest gains. U.S. futures indicated a positive outlook, with the S&P 500 up 0.5% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average slightly higher. Despite recent volatility, the S&P 500 remains close to its record high, with investors closely watching Nvidia’s upcoming earnings report for signs of sustained growth. Meanwhile, questions linger over the Federal Reserve’s potential interest rate cuts, as inflation remains above the 2% target. Bitcoin saw a slight increase, while oil prices dipped in early trading.
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How Tanzania police crushed election protests with lethal force
Tanzania’s recent presidential and parliamentary elections were overshadowed by violent clashes between police and protesters, resulting in significant casualties and widespread condemnation. The unrest began on October 29 in Dar es Salaam, the nation’s largest city, and quickly spread to other urban centers, including Mwanza and Arusha. The protests, largely organized by young people, were fueled by frustration over a political system perceived as dominated by a single party since Tanzania’s independence in the 1960s.
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Jurors in high-profile Australian trial visit beach where murder victim found
In a significant development in the high-profile murder trial of Toyah Cordingley, jurors were taken to the remote Wangetti Beach in northern Queensland, where the 24-year-old’s body was discovered in 2018. The visit aimed to familiarize the jury with key locations in the case, though no official evidence was presented during the trip. The jury, consisting of ten men and two women, along with three backup jurors, accompanied the judge and barristers to the site, marking the second week of the trial. The tropical conditions prompted an unusual courtroom attire, with Justice Lincoln Crowley opting for a T-shirt, sports shorts, and trainers instead of traditional robes. The prosecution alleges that Rajwinder Singh, a 41-year-old former nurse, repeatedly stabbed Ms. Cordingley with a sharp object and buried her in a shallow grave, leaving her with ‘little or no hope of surviving.’ Singh, who fled to India shortly after the murder, denies the charges. The prosecution has presented circumstantial evidence, including DNA from a stick at the scene, which is 3.8 billion times more likely to belong to Singh than a random individual. Additionally, the movements of Ms. Cordingley’s phone after the killing reportedly matched those of Singh’s blue Alfa Romeo. The defense has yet to present its case but has described Singh as a ‘placid’ and ‘caring’ man who was in the ‘wrong place at the wrong time.’ The trial is set to resume in the conventional courtroom setting on Tuesday.
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Election campaign in Hungary heats up as Orbán challenger Péter Magyar gains rural support
As Hungary gears up for its parliamentary elections in five months, the political landscape is ablaze with a fierce contest between Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his rising challenger, Péter Magyar. Orbán, who has dominated Hungarian politics for over two decades, is now confronting what many consider the most significant challenge of his career. Despite his enduring popularity among supporters, Orbán’s government has been marred by allegations of corruption and authoritarianism, with critics accusing his far-right Fidesz party of consolidating unchecked power. However, declining economic performance, chronic inflation, and widespread dissatisfaction have eroded his once-unassailable position. Magyar, a former Fidesz insider, has emerged as a formidable opponent, promising to dismantle Orbán’s system and steer Hungary toward a more prosperous and democratic future. Magyar’s grassroots campaign, focusing on pressing issues like the cost of living and poor public services, has resonated deeply in rural areas traditionally loyal to Orbán. Recent polls show Magyar’s Tisza party leading Fidesz, a rare feat in Hungary’s political history. Orbán, meanwhile, has sought to portray Magyar as an existential threat, accusing him of aligning with foreign interests and endangering Hungary’s sovereignty. The prime minister has also criticized the European Union, comparing it to the Soviet Union, and warned that supporting Magyar equates to supporting war. Despite Orbán’s efforts, Magyar’s momentum continues to grow, fueled by public discontent and a desire for systemic change. With the election approaching, Hungary stands at a crossroads, with the outcome poised to reshape its political trajectory.
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A spat over Taiwan is threatening China-Japan ties
In a bold move that has escalated regional tensions, Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has suggested that a Chinese military action against Taiwan could warrant a Japanese military response. This statement, made during a parliamentary committee session on November 7, marks a significant departure from the more cautious rhetoric of her predecessors. While previous Japanese leaders have expressed concerns over China’s aggressive posture toward Taiwan, they have refrained from explicitly outlining potential military responses. Takaichi’s remarks have drawn sharp criticism from Beijing, which views Taiwan as an inalienable part of its territory and considers any foreign intervention a violation of its sovereignty. Despite the backlash, Takaichi has refused to retract her comments, though she has indicated a willingness to avoid discussing specific scenarios in the future. The incident has further strained Japan-China relations, with both countries summoning each other’s ambassadors and issuing stern warnings. China has also taken economic measures, advising against travel to Japan and highlighting safety concerns for Chinese nationals. The situation is further complicated by Japan’s post-World War II constitution, which limits its military actions to self-defense, and its alliance with the United States, which could play a pivotal role in any regional conflict. Analysts warn that Takaichi’s stance could have long-term implications for Japan’s foreign policy and its delicate balancing act in the Indo-Pacific region.
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Bangladesh beefs up security ahead of verdict against ousted PM Sheikh Hasina
Bangladesh’s interim government has intensified security measures across the nation, particularly in Dhaka, as the country braces for a highly anticipated verdict against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina, who has been in exile in India, faces charges of crimes against humanity linked to last year’s violent uprising that claimed hundreds of lives and ended her 15-year rule. The Awami League, her political party, has called for a nationwide shutdown to protest the verdict, labeling the tribunal a “kangaroo court.”
The prosecution in the special tribunal has sought the death penalty for Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, both of whom are being tried in absentia. A third suspect, a former police chief who turned state witness, is expected to receive no penalty. The tribunal’s verdict, set to be delivered Monday, has already sparked unrest, with reports of crude bomb explosions and arson attacks disrupting daily life.
Paramilitary border guards and police have been deployed nationwide to maintain order. Dhaka’s police chief has issued a “shoot-on-sight” order for anyone attempting arson or bomb attacks, following nearly 50 arson incidents and dozens of explosions in the past week. Authorities have also requested military deployment around the tribunal premises to ensure security.
The violence stems from a student-led uprising in July and August 2024, during which the United Nations estimated up to 1,400 deaths, while Bangladesh’s health adviser reported over 800 fatalities and 14,000 injuries. Hasina, who has survived 19 assassination attempts, urged her supporters in an audio message to remain calm ahead of the verdict.
Meanwhile, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, who heads the interim government, has vowed to hold elections in February, excluding the Awami League from participation. The political climate remains tense, with limited signs of stability as Bangladesh navigates this critical juncture.
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Australian Paralympic gold medallist dies at 28
The Australian sporting community is mourning the sudden loss of Paralympic gold medallist Paige Greco, who passed away at the age of 28. Greco, a celebrated para-cyclist, secured Australia’s first gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and was a beacon of inspiration for many. Her untimely death occurred on Sunday at her Adelaide home following a sudden medical episode, as confirmed by AusCycling, the national governing body for cycling.
Greco’s family expressed their profound grief and pride in her accomplishments. Her mother, Natalie Greco, shared in a statement, ‘Paige meant everything to us. Her kindness, determination, and warmth touched our family every single day.’ Greco, who had cerebral palsy, initially pursued track and field before transitioning to cycling in 2018. Over her illustrious career, she amassed multiple World Championship titles and World Cup medals.
At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, Greco set a new record in the women’s C1–3 3,000m individual pursuit and later earned bronze medals in the C1-3 road race and time trial. Despite health challenges that kept her out of the 2023 Paris Games, she made a triumphant return this year, clinching another bronze at the para-cycling World Championships in Belgium.
Tributes from across Australia’s sporting world have highlighted Greco’s extraordinary impact. AusCycling CEO Marne Fechner described her as ‘an extraordinary athlete who achieved outstanding accomplishments at the highest levels of the sport,’ while Paralympics Australia CEO Cameron Murray praised her kindness and quiet determination, noting her ability to uplift those around her. Greco’s legacy of resilience and inclusivity will undoubtedly endure.
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Trump calls on House Republicans to vote to release Epstein files
In a surprising reversal of his previous stance, former U.S. President Donald Trump has called on House Republicans to support the release of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. Trump made the appeal via a post on Truth Social on Sunday night, stating, ‘House Republicans should vote to release the Epstein files, because we have nothing to hide.’ This shift comes as the House prepares to vote on the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which would compel the Justice Department to disclose unclassified records, communications, and investigative materials tied to Epstein. The bill, co-sponsored by Republican Representative Thomas Massie, aims to increase transparency around the case, which has implicated numerous high-profile figures, including former President Bill Clinton. Massie revealed in an ABC News interview that as many as 100 Republicans might support the measure, signaling a potential break in party ranks. Trump’s statement followed his return to Joint Base Andrews after a weekend in Florida. In his post, Trump emphasized that the Justice Department has already released thousands of pages related to Epstein and urged Republicans to ‘get BACK ON POINT.’ The move comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Epstein’s alleged connections to major banks and prominent Democrats. Clinton has vehemently denied any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes, while JPMorgan Chase expressed regret over its past association with Epstein but denied complicity in his actions. Last week, the U.S. Congress released thousands of Epstein’s emails, which included references to Trump, prompting accusations from Democrats that he is attempting to deflect attention from his own ties to Epstein. A Wall Street Journal review found Trump’s name mentioned in over 1,600 of the 2,324 email threads.
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Palestinian coalition rejects US ‘new colonialism’ plan for Gaza
The National Commission for Palestinian Popular Action has issued a strong condemnation of US proposals to establish an externally imposed transitional administration in Gaza, labeling the move as ‘a new colonialism.’ In a statement released on Sunday, the commission argued that such a plan violates the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and merely repackages old forms of domination under modern terminology. The commission emphasized that decisions regarding Gaza’s future must originate from Palestinians themselves, ensuring the unity of their land, the legitimacy of resistance to Israeli occupation, and the rights to freedom and self-determination as enshrined in international law. A US draft resolution, set to be presented to the UN Security Council on Monday, has drawn sharp criticism from legal experts and Palestinian groups. They argue that the proposal seeks to institutionalize Israel’s actions in Gaza within an international framework. The resolution endorses the Trump Peace Plan, known as the ‘Comprehensive Plan,’ and proposes the creation of two new bodies: the Board of Peace, a civilian transitional administration, and an ‘International Stabilisation Force.’ Critics contend that the Board of Peace would wield extensive powers, including governance oversight, reconstruction, economic recovery, and humanitarian coordination, effectively normalizing foreign control over Gaza. The commission warned that if passed, the resolution would undermine international law and strip Palestinians of their right to self-determination. While acknowledging the potential benefits of a limited international presence to monitor ceasefires and protect civilians, the commission insisted that such a force must not assume administrative or political roles. It called on Palestinian political movements, institutions, and communities worldwide to reject external control and oppose proposals that undermine national decision-making. The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of its commitment to unified action in defense of Palestinian rights and steadfastness until full freedom is achieved. Meanwhile, Israel continues its assault on Gaza, despite a so-called ceasefire, blocking aid convoys, restricting humanitarian access, and conducting daily bombings that result in civilian casualties.