South Africa’s iconic Kruger National Park, a cornerstone of the nation’s tourism industry, is at the center of a heated debate over its name. The park, which attracts nearly a million visitors annually, was named in 1926 after Paul Kruger, a 19th-century president of the South African Republic. While Kruger is revered by Afrikaners as a hero who resisted British colonialism, many South Africans view him as a symbol of the country’s racist past, accusing him of displacing black communities and excluding them from governance.
作者: admin
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Farmer finds car-sized Nasa probe in Texas field
In an unexpected turn of events, a farmer in Edmonson, Texas, stumbled upon a NASA research probe the size of a car in his field. The probe, which had gone missing during a mission, veered off its intended trajectory and crash-landed on October 2. The incident has sparked widespread interest, as such occurrences are rare and often shrouded in mystery. NASA officials have since confirmed the discovery and are investigating the cause of the deviation. The probe, designed for advanced scientific research, was on a critical mission to gather data on atmospheric conditions. The crash landing has raised questions about the safety protocols and tracking mechanisms employed by the space agency. Meanwhile, the farmer, who wishes to remain anonymous, expressed both surprise and concern over the unexpected visitor. Local authorities have cordoned off the area to ensure public safety and facilitate NASA’s recovery efforts. This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of space exploration and the challenges faced by scientists and engineers in ensuring mission success.
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Thirty belugas in Canada face being euthanised. Can they be saved?
Marineland, once a beloved family destination in Ontario, Canada, is now at the center of a growing controversy over its treatment of animals, particularly its beluga whales. The park, which opened in 1961, has faced numerous allegations of animal mistreatment and financial instability. Ontario’s Animal Welfare Services has conducted over 200 inspections since 2020, revealing distressing conditions for the park’s marine life, including poor water quality. Although improvements were made by 2024, Marineland was found guilty of neglecting three black bears in the same year. Since 2019, 20 whales have died at the park, which the company attributes to natural causes. Attendance has plummeted, and the park has not opened this spring, with many predicting bankruptcy. Amid these struggles, Marineland sought to sell 30 beluga whales to a theme park in Zhuhai, China, but the Canadian government denied the permit, citing concerns about the whales’ welfare. The park then threatened to euthanize the whales, sparking outrage. Advocates, experts, and officials are now scrambling to find a solution, with some suggesting the whales be relocated to sanctuaries in the U.S. or Canada. However, options are limited, and time is running out. Critics argue that the provincial government should intervene under the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act. The Whale and Dolphin Conservation has urged Ontario Premier Doug Ford to commission independent veterinary assessments and ensure humane outcomes for the whales. Despite the urgency, many believe Marineland’s euthanasia threat is a bluff, but the situation remains dire for these captive animals.
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KPop Demon Hunters directors on Oscar chances and a possible sequel
Netflix’s animated sensation *Kpop Demon Hunters* has taken the world by storm, becoming a cultural phenomenon and breaking records across the board. The film, created and co-directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, follows the story of Huntr/x, a wildly successful Kpop girl group that battles evil forces while performing sold-out concerts. The trio, consisting of Zoey, Rumi, and Mira, faces off against the demonic boy band Saja Boys in a high-stakes showdown that has captivated audiences globally.
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Indian student captured by Ukraine joined Russian army to avoid drug charges, says mother
In a startling development, Ukraine has detained an Indian national, Sahil Majothi, who is accused of fighting for Russian forces. This marks the first known instance of an Indian being captured in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Sahil, a 22-year-old from Gujarat, initially traveled to Russia in January 2024 to pursue a degree in computer engineering. However, his journey took a tragic turn when he was allegedly framed in a drug case in April 2024, leading to his arrest and subsequent detention for six months. Facing a seven-year prison sentence, Sahil reportedly joined the Russian army to avoid incarceration, as revealed in a video released by Ukraine’s 63rd Mechanized Brigade. In the video, Sahil claims he was given the choice between military service or jail time, with promises of payment that never materialized. After undergoing 15 days of training in September 2024, he was deployed to the battlefield a year later. Sahil alleges that he deserted Russian forces following an altercation with his commander and sought help from Ukrainian troops. The Indian government has acknowledged the case and is investigating, though no formal communication has been received from Ukraine. Sahil’s mother, Hasina Majothi, has appealed for his safe return, stating that her son was coerced into joining the military. This incident highlights broader concerns over the recruitment of Indian nationals into the Russian army, with reports indicating that over 150 Indians have enlisted, some on student or visitor visas. The Indian government has repeatedly warned its citizens against participating in the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the grave risks involved.
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How the autumn climbing season turned deadly in the Himalayas
The autumn hiking season in the Himalayas, once characterized by clear skies and breathtaking views of snow-draped peaks, is now increasingly marred by extreme weather events. Meteorologists report that the monsoon season, traditionally ending by mid-September, now extends into October, bringing with it dangerous conditions. Last weekend, a sudden blizzard stranded hundreds of tourists near the eastern face of Mount Everest at an altitude of over 4,900 meters. Despite a well-coordinated rescue effort that saved nearly 600 trekkers, one person succumbed to hypothermia and altitude sickness. Similar incidents occurred on the Nepal side, where a South Korean mountaineer died on Mera Peak. Communication lines were severely disrupted by torrential rains and heavy snowfall, delaying the dissemination of information. Landslides and flash floods in Nepal have claimed around 60 lives in the past week. Riten Jangbu Sherpa, a mountain guide, noted that such extreme weather is highly unusual for October, a month typically known for clear skies. Archana Shrestha, deputy director general at Nepal’s department of hydrology and meteorology, highlighted that the past decade has seen monsoons lasting until the second week of October, a significant shift from historical patterns. The interaction between the monsoon and westerly disturbances, which bring cold air from the Mediterranean, is exacerbating these conditions. Scientists warn that this trend is likely to continue, making flexible scheduling and experienced leadership crucial for safe Himalayan expeditions.
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Victory puts UAE on brink of qualifying for first World Cup finals since 1990
In a thrilling encounter at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) secured a crucial 2-1 victory against Oman in the fourth round of Asian qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This win places the UAE in a favorable position to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1990, needing only a draw against host Qatar in their upcoming match on Tuesday. Oman, who had taken an early lead in the 12th minute through a deflected shot by Amjad Al Harthi, saw their hopes of automatic qualification dashed as the UAE staged a comeback. Marcus Meloni equalized in the 76th minute with a header from Ali Saleh’s cross, and Caio Lucas sealed the victory seven minutes later with a decisive goal that sent the 5,000 traveling UAE fans into jubilation. Despite the loss, Oman still has a chance to finish second in Group A and advance to the next qualifying round. In Group B, Iraq kept their World Cup dreams alive with a 1-0 victory over Indonesia, thanks to a 76th-minute goal by former Manchester United youth player Zidane Iqbal. Iraq must now defeat group leaders Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on Tuesday to secure their first World Cup appearance since 1986. Indonesia, on the other hand, has been eliminated from contention following two consecutive losses.
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Actress Diane Keaton dies aged 79, US media report
The entertainment world mourns the loss of Diane Keaton, the iconic Oscar-winning actress who passed away at the age of 79. Her longtime producer and friend, Dori Rath, confirmed the news to CBS News. Born in Los Angeles, Keaton rose to prominence in the 1970s with her unforgettable portrayal of Kay Adams-Corleone in *The Godfather* series. Her career, spanning over five decades, was marked by critically acclaimed performances in films such as *Annie Hall*, for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1978, *Father of the Bride*, and *First Wives Club*. Keaton’s unique style, often characterized by menswear and wide-brimmed hats, became a signature both on and off the screen. Beyond acting, she directed several films, including the 1995 Cannes-selected *Unstrung Heroes* and the 2000 comedy-drama *Hanging Up*. Tributes poured in from co-stars and fans, with Bette Midler calling her ‘brilliant, beautiful, and extraordinary,’ and Ben Stiller hailing her as ‘one of the greatest film actors ever.’ Keaton, who never married, adopted two children, Dexter and Duke, and often expressed her profound love for her family in her 2011 autobiography, *Then Again*. Her legacy as a trailblazer in Hollywood remains indelible.
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Oman authorities issue warning, advisory ahead of weather conditions
Authorities in Oman have issued a stern warning to residents as the nation braces for severe weather conditions expected to bring heavy rainfall and potential flash floods. The Meteorological Department of Oman has forecasted intense convective rain across several northern governorates, including Al Batinah North and South, Al Dhahirah, Al Dakhiliyah, and Al Buraimi, from 2 PM to 10 PM on Saturday, October 11, 2025. Rainfall is predicted to range between 20–60 mm, with the possibility of thunderstorms and strong winds reaching speeds of 15–35 knots (28–64 km/h).
The advisory, disseminated by Oman Police, urges residents to exercise extreme caution. Key recommendations include avoiding the crossing of wadi streams, maintaining safe driving distances, reducing vehicle speed, and using windshield wipers for clear visibility. The Civil Aviation Authority has also emphasized the importance of staying away from low-lying areas and valleys to mitigate the risk of flash floods.
In addition to the northern regions, light to moderate rain of 5–10 mm is expected in some coastal areas of Muscat, accompanied by active winds that may reduce horizontal visibility. The weather system is also anticipated to impact the northern parts of Al Sharqiyah North and South, as well as Al Wusta governorates, particularly around the Wilayat of Masirah, with rainfall amounts between 10–30 mm.
Residents are advised to stay updated on weather developments and adhere to safety guidelines to ensure their well-being during this period of adverse weather conditions.
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Trump cannot deploy National Guard to Illinois, appeals court rules
In a significant legal development, a federal appeals court has ruled against the Trump administration’s plan to deploy the National Guard in Illinois. The Chicago-based US Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit issued the decision, which also stipulated that the National Guard would remain under federal control for the time being. This ruling partially upholds a previous decision by a lower court, which had blocked the deployment of troops in the Chicago area, citing concerns that such a move could incite civil unrest. President Trump has previously deployed the National Guard to cities like Los Angeles and Washington DC, justifying the action as necessary to combat illegal immigration and crime. The latest court decision underscores the ongoing legal and political tensions surrounding the administration’s use of military resources in domestic contexts.
