Sir Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, embarked on his inaugural visit to India, leading a substantial trade delegation comprising over 100 CEOs, entrepreneurs, university vice-chancellors, and cultural leaders. The visit, described as ‘historic’ by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, took place in Mumbai, India’s financial hub. The two leaders convened to explore avenues for enhancing business and trade relations, following the landmark UK-India trade agreement signed in July. Starmer is scheduled to deliver a keynote address at a fintech conference during his stay. The visit has been marked by a warm reception, with thousands of photos of Starmer and Modi adorning the streets of Mumbai. On his first day, Starmer met with Nandan Nilekani, the founder of India’s digital ID system, amidst the UK government’s controversial plan to introduce a compulsory digital ID for workers. Despite opposition, with over 2.8 million people signing a petition against the proposal, the government remains resolute, arguing it will curb illegal migrant labor. Additionally, Starmer announced that Yash Raj Films will produce three Bollywood films in the UK starting 2026, ending an eight-year hiatus. The UK-India trade deal, yet to be implemented, has already spurred £1 billion in investment and created nearly 7,000 jobs in the UK. The agreement will reduce India’s average tariff on UK products from 15% to 3%, while the UK will lower taxes on Indian goods such as clothing, footwear, and seafood. India, in turn, will reduce duties on Scotch whisky, cosmetics, and luxury cars. The deal is projected to boost the UK’s GDP by £4.8 billion annually and increase bilateral trade by £25.5 billion by 2040. Last year, UK-India trade totaled £42.6 billion and was already on an upward trajectory. Before his visit, Starmer emphasized that the UK would not relax visa rules for India but highlighted significant opportunities to enhance trade and cultural ties. The visit occurs against the backdrop of strained India-US relations due to President Donald Trump’s imposition of 50% tariffs on India, including a 25% penalty for purchasing Russian oil. India and the US have been negotiating a trade deal for months without a major breakthrough.
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Taiwan says anti-drone measures will be a top priority in defense against China
In response to escalating Chinese drone incursions, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to counter these threats. The ministry announced on Thursday that it is actively training soldiers to shoot down drones and is seeking to procure advanced anti-drone weaponry. This initiative comes as Chinese drones frequently encroach upon Taiwan’s outlying islands, which are geographically closer to China than the main island of Taiwan. China continues to assert its claim over Taiwan, despite the island’s de facto self-governance. Major General Sun Li-fang, a spokesperson for the defense ministry, emphasized the rapid evolution of drone and anti-drone technologies, stating, ‘Drone development and anti-drone developments are progressing rapidly, and we are prioritizing this in our military preparedness efforts.’ The report also highlighted China’s increasing use of grey-zone tactics, which include non-armed assaults such as drone surveillance and patrol exercises. Taiwan’s military is conducting night shooting drills and other training exercises to enhance its defensive capabilities. Additionally, Taiwan is strengthening its ties with the United States, its largest unofficial ally, to bolster regional security. In February, Taiwan signed a $761 million deal with the U.S. to acquire an air defense system specifically designed to counter drone threats. Defense Minister Wellington Koo reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to increasing defense spending to approximately 5% of GDP, up from the current 3%, to address the growing military tensions with Beijing.
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Madagascar president asks for one year to resolve problems or he will resign
Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has pledged to address the nation’s pressing challenges within a year, vowing to resign if he fails to deliver. Speaking at a town-hall meeting at his palace, Rajoelina engaged with government supporters, urging honesty over flattery. ‘It’s the people who kept telling me everything was fine who are responsible for our current situation,’ he remarked. The protests, initially sparked by water and electricity shortages, have evolved into widespread discontent over corruption, unemployment, and the cost-of-living crisis. The youth-led movement, Gen Z Mada, has rejected Rajoelina’s invitation to dialogue, accusing the government of repression and vowing to continue demonstrations. Rajoelina, who came to power in 2009 after mass protests, has dismissed his cabinet and appointed an army general as prime minister, a move the protesters have dismissed. Despite the unrest, life in most parts of the capital, Antananarivo, remains normal, though some areas are heavily policed. The UN reports at least 22 deaths in clashes with security forces, a figure disputed by authorities. Rajoelina remains committed to resolving the crisis through dialogue rather than protests.
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North Korea’s ruling party turns 80 with foreign leaders in attendance
North Korea is commemorating the 80th anniversary of its ruling Workers’ Party on Friday, with significant participation from foreign dignitaries and leaders. The event underscores Pyongyang’s efforts to strengthen ties with key global allies, particularly China and Russia, both of which are sending high-level representatives. Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in Pyongyang on Thursday, marking the highest-level visit by a Chinese leader since 2019. Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party’s Politburo and China’s second-highest-ranking official, has been increasingly active in representing China on the global stage, including at the United Nations General Assembly in September. Russia is represented by Dmitry Medvedev, former president and deputy head of the Security Council, reflecting the deepening cooperation between North Korea and Russia, particularly in the context of the Ukraine conflict. Vietnam’s top leader, Communist Party General Secretary To Lam, also arrived in Pyongyang, where he was welcomed by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Additionally, Laos’ President Thongloun Sisoulith is attending the celebrations, further highlighting the event’s international significance. The anniversary serves as a platform for North Korea to showcase its diplomatic alliances and reinforce its position on the global stage, though specific details of the commemorative activities remain undisclosed.
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The world’s oldest president seeks an eighth term in Cameroon as youth grumble
In Cameroon, a nation where the median age is 18, the generational divide between its youthful population and its aging leadership has never been more pronounced. As the country prepares for its presidential election, 92-year-old Paul Biya, the world’s oldest president, is seeking an eighth term in office. Biya, who has ruled Cameroon for over four decades, faces widespread disillusionment among the youth, who accuse the education system of corruption and the political system of favoring the elite. Elvis Nghobo, a 34-year-old market vendor in Yaounde, exemplifies this frustration. After failing to gain admission to multiple professional schools, he blames the system for his struggles and has decided not to vote, calling the election results a foregone conclusion. Nghobo’s sentiment is echoed by millions of young Cameroonians who feel excluded from the country’s modest economic growth and are grappling with unemployment and informal employment. Despite being an oil-producing nation, Cameroon’s youth say the benefits of economic growth have not reached them. The country also faces escalating security crises, including a secessionist conflict in the English-speaking western region and Boko Haram insurgency in the north. Biya is challenged by nine opposition candidates, including former allies, but critics argue the opposition lacks credibility. Maurice Kamto, a prominent opposition figure, was barred from running, further fueling skepticism about the electoral process. Analysts suggest that Cameroon’s elites are unwilling to disrupt the status quo, with Biya’s entourage and ruling party ensuring his continued dominance. As the election approaches, many young Cameroonians, like Nghobo, have lost faith in the ballot box, believing that power change will require alternative means.
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Parents of fugitive New Zealand dad apologise for ‘trouble’ caused
The parents of Tom Phillips, who disappeared with his three children into the New Zealand wilderness in 2021, have issued a public apology for the first time since Phillips was fatally shot by police on September 8. Neville and Julia Phillips expressed their remorse in a letter published in the King Country News, a local community newspaper, on Thursday. They stated, ‘We would like to send our sincere apology… for all the trouble, inconvenience, loss of privacy, and property caused by Tom. We in no way supported him or agreed with any of his actions over the past four years. We are truly sorry for all that you had to endure.’
Tom Phillips had evaded capture for nearly four years despite a nationwide manhunt and numerous reported sightings. His evasion ended tragically during a shoot-out with police in September, which also left an officer seriously injured. The officer has since been discharged from the hospital, according to local media reports. One of Phillips’ children, who was present during the confrontation, provided crucial information that led to the safe recovery of the other two children later that day.
Phillips and his children had been living in Marokopa, a small rural town in Waikato, surrounded by dense bush and forested terrain, before their disappearance. Detective Superintendent Ross McKay described the area as ‘difficult, steep terrain almost completely obscured from all angles by dense bush.’ The police’s primary objective during the operation was ‘locating and returning the children safely,’ McKay emphasized, noting that Phillips was known to possess firearms and was willing to use them.
Phillips’ family had previously made public appeals for his return. In a televised message, his sister Rozzi urged, ‘We’re ready to help you walk through what you need to walk through.’ His mother Julia also penned a heartfelt letter, expressing her daily hope that ‘today will be the day that you all come home.’
Police have refrained from providing further details as investigations into the incident remain ongoing.
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China tightens export rules for crucial rare earths
China has significantly strengthened its regulations on the export of rare earth elements, which are vital for the production of high-tech goods ranging from electric vehicles to military equipment. The Ministry of Commerce has formalized existing rules on processing technologies and unauthorized international collaborations, while also signaling a likely halt in exports to foreign arms manufacturers and select semiconductor firms. This move comes amid ongoing trade negotiations between China and the United States, with President Xi Jinping and former U.S. President Donald Trump expected to meet later this month. The new regulations mandate government approval for the export of technologies related to rare earth mining, processing, and magnet production, many of which were already restricted. Additionally, Chinese companies are prohibited from collaborating with foreign entities on rare earth projects without explicit government consent. The announcement also specifies restricted technologies, including mining, smelting, separation, magnetic material manufacturing, and recycling processes. This could significantly impact the U.S., which, despite having a robust rare earth mining industry, lacks sufficient processing capabilities. China dominates the global rare earth market, accounting for 61% of production and 92% of processing, according to the International Energy Agency. The move has raised concerns in Western countries, particularly amid accusations that China has facilitated Russia’s military efforts by exporting dual-use technologies. Beijing has consistently denied these allegations.
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Zohran Mamdani under fire from all sides following 7 October statement
New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s statement on October 7, marking the second anniversary of the Hamas-led attack, has ignited a firestorm of reactions across the political spectrum. Mamdani began by mourning the 1,100 Israelis killed and hundreds taken hostage, but swiftly pivoted to condemn Israel’s military response, labeling it a ‘genocidal war’ with a death toll exceeding 67,000. He criticized the U.S. government’s complicity and called for an end to occupation and apartheid. However, his failure to explicitly mention ‘Palestinians’ or ‘Palestine’ drew sharp criticism from pro-Palestine advocates, who accused him of flattening the power imbalance between Israelis and Palestinians. Palestinian activist Nerdeen Kiswani denounced the statement as ‘disgraceful,’ arguing it dehumanized Palestinians by equating Hamas’s actions with Israel’s systemic violence. Journalist Sana Saeed accused Mamdani of ‘genocide apologia’ for framing Palestinian resistance within the same moral register as Israel’s decades-long occupation. Others, including journalist Aaron Mate, criticized factual inaccuracies in Mamdani’s statement, particularly regarding the number of Israeli casualties. Meanwhile, the pro-Israel base, including the Israeli foreign ministry, condemned Mamdani for allegedly advocating for Hamas and spreading propaganda. Despite attempts to strike a measured tone, Mamdani’s statement left him politically isolated, alienating both his progressive base and Israel’s defenders. Critics argue his centrist approach risks losing credibility, while supporters contend he faces the pragmatic realities of electoral politics in a city with a significant Jewish population.
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US diplomat fired over relationship with woman accused of ties to Chinese Communist Party
In a significant move underscoring the Biden administration’s stringent stance on national security, the U.S. State Department has terminated a diplomat for engaging in a romantic relationship with a Chinese woman reportedly connected to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This marks the first such dismissal since the implementation of a ban on such relationships late last year. The policy, introduced during the final days of President Joe Biden’s tenure, prohibits all U.S. government personnel, their family members, and contractors with security clearances in China from forming romantic or sexual ties with Chinese nationals. Tommy Pigott, a State Department spokesperson, confirmed the dismissal, stating that the diplomat admitted to concealing the relationship, which was deemed a breach of national security protocols. The case was reviewed by former President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who supported the decision. The diplomat’s identity remains undisclosed, though the relationship was exposed in a covertly recorded video by conservative activist James O’Keefe. In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun declined to comment, emphasizing China’s opposition to ideological discrimination and unfounded allegations.
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Have Russians set up a military base in my childhood home?
In a poignant reflection on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, satellite imagery has unveiled the stark transformation of Verkhnya Krynytsya, a small village in the Zaporizhzhia region. Once a serene and idyllic locale, the village now bears the scars of Russian occupation, with evidence suggesting that Russian soldiers have taken over abandoned homes, including that of BBC reporter Vitaly Shevchenko. The images, analyzed by BBC Verify, show a newly formed path leading to Shevchenko’s childhood home, first appearing in June 2022 and becoming more pronounced by January 2023. This path, used periodically, aligns with the movement patterns of Russian military personnel, who have reportedly occupied vacant properties in the area. The village, once a peaceful retreat near the Kakhovka reservoir, has been irrevocably altered by the war. The destruction of the Kakhovka dam in June 2023 further devastated the region, flooding homes and farmland. Locals, fearful of retribution, have largely fled or remain silent, leaving the village a ghostly shadow of its former self. The Ukrainian 128th Detached Heavy Mechanised Brigade confirmed the likelihood of Russian troops occupying the area, highlighting the grim reality of life on the front lines. As the war continues, Verkhnya Krynytsya stands as a microcosm of the broader devastation wrought by Russia’s invasion.