Most Asian stock markets experienced an upward trajectory on Thursday, mirroring the gains observed on Wall Street after a volatile trading session. U.S. futures remained largely unchanged, while oil prices saw an increase. Japan’s Nikkei 225 index climbed 0.8% to 48,069.71, buoyed by a robust start to the earnings season and growing expectations of U.S. interest rate cuts. Despite a 0.9% month-on-month decline in Japan’s core machinery orders for August, the figures showed significant improvement from July’s 4.6% drop. South Korea’s Kospi index surged to a record high, rising 1.8% to 3,722.67, driven by optimism over potential tariff agreements between the U.S. and South Korea. Tech and auto stocks, including Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor, and Kia Corp., were among the top performers. In China, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index dipped 0.4%, while the Shanghai Composite index edged up 0.1%. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 soared 8% to 9,063.70, surpassing the 9,000 mark for the first time, fueled by gains in gold stocks amid rising gold prices. India’s BSE Sensex and Taiwan’s Taiex also posted gains of 0.5% and 1.5%, respectively. On Wall Street, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite advanced, with technology stocks leading the charge following a strong earnings report from ASML, a key semiconductor equipment supplier. However, concerns over inflated stock prices and delayed economic updates due to the U.S. government shutdown have heightened scrutiny on corporate earnings. In commodity markets, U.S. crude oil and Brent crude prices both rose, while the dollar and euro saw modest gains against the yen.
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Cabinet Office rejects Cummings’ China breach claim
The UK Cabinet Office has firmly refuted allegations made by Dominic Cummings, former senior aide to ex-Prime Minister Boris Johnson, regarding a purported cyber breach by China into high-level government systems. In an interview with The Times, Cummings asserted that China had accessed ‘vast amounts’ of ‘extremely secret’ information from UK intelligence services and Whitehall departments. He claimed the breach occurred in 2020 and was subsequently concealed. Cummings specifically mentioned the compromise of ‘Strap’ material, a classification for highly sensitive intelligence data, which he said included information from the National Security Secretariat and other critical government sources.
In response, a Cabinet Office spokesperson dismissed the claims as ‘untrue,’ stating that the systems used for transferring sensitive government information remain secure. Cummings further alleged that the breach was discussed in a high-level meeting, where officials expressed disbelief at the severity of the situation. He called for a parliamentary inquiry into the matter, offering to provide detailed testimony.
However, Professor Ciaran Martin, former chief executive of the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), challenged Cummings’ assertions. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s The World Tonight, Martin stated that, to his knowledge, no such breach occurred. He emphasized that the systems in question are uniquely secure and operate differently from standard internet-based platforms. Martin acknowledged China as a persistent cyber threat but maintained there was no evidence of a breach in 2020.
The controversy has sparked debate over the credibility of Cummings’ claims and the UK’s cybersecurity resilience. While the Cabinet Office and cybersecurity experts have dismissed the allegations, the incident underscores ongoing concerns about foreign cyber espionage and the protection of sensitive government data.
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The world is heading to add 57 superhot days a year, but study indicates it could have been worse
A groundbreaking study released on Thursday reveals that the world is on track to experience nearly two additional months of dangerously superhot days annually by the end of the century. The research, conducted by the international climate science group World Weather Attribution and U.S.-based Climate Central, highlights the disproportionate impact on smaller, poorer nations compared to major carbon-emitting countries. Using advanced computer simulations, the study underscores the critical role of the Paris climate agreement in mitigating the crisis. Without the emissions reductions initiated a decade ago, Earth would face an additional 114 days of extreme heat annually. The report, though not yet peer-reviewed, employs established climate attribution techniques to project future scenarios. If current emissions pledges are met, global temperatures will rise by 2.6°C (4.7°F) by 2100, adding 57 superhot days. However, the pre-Paris trajectory of 4°C (7.2°F) warming would double this figure. The study defines superhot days as those exceeding 90% of temperatures recorded between 1991 and 2020. Since 2015, the world has already gained an average of 11 such days annually. The report warns of severe health impacts, with heat waves already causing thousands of deaths yearly. Small, ocean-dependent nations like the Solomon Islands, Samoa, and Panama are projected to bear the brunt, experiencing up to 149 additional superhot days despite contributing only 1% of global emissions. In contrast, major polluters like the U.S., China, and India will see far fewer additional days. The findings underscore the inequities of climate change, with developing nations facing disproportionate suffering. Experts emphasize the urgent need for increased climate action to avert a catastrophic future.
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With fragile Gaza ceasefire taking hold, Trump says he’s now looking to ‘get Russia done’
Following the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, former President Donald Trump has redirected his attention to resolving the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Trump, who has consistently criticized President Joe Biden’s handling of international crises, is now exploring the possibility of supplying Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles. This move aims to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to engage in peace negotiations. Despite previous unsuccessful attempts to broker talks between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump expressed renewed confidence in his ability to mediate, citing recent progress in the Middle East as a catalyst. Speaking at a dinner event, Trump emphasized the urgency of addressing the Ukraine conflict, which is nearing its fourth year. He also hinted at escalating pressure on Russia if diplomatic efforts fail. Trump is scheduled to meet with Zelenskyy on Friday, marking their fourth face-to-face meeting this year. The potential provision of Tomahawk missiles, capable of striking deep into Russian territory, has been a long-standing request from Ukraine. However, analysts caution that deploying such advanced weaponry could take years and may strain U.S.-Russia relations further. In the interim, experts suggest that supplying Ukraine with shorter-range missiles like the Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) and the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) could be more immediately effective. Meanwhile, Trump has also signaled a willingness to impose stricter sanctions on Russia, particularly targeting its oil exports, though he has yet to formally endorse pending legislation in the Senate.
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Angry with their governments, the world’s young are filling the streets as ‘Gen Z’ protesters
From the Andes to the Himalayas, a new wave of youth-led protests is sweeping across the globe, driven by generational discontent and frustration with political systems. These movements, often leaderless and primarily composed of individuals born between 1996 and 2010, are united by shared grievances such as economic inequality, corruption, and government neglect.
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US Defence Secretary’s plane makes emergency landing in UK
A plane transporting US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was compelled to make an emergency landing in the United Kingdom on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, following the discovery of a crack in the aircraft’s windshield. The incident occurred as Hegseth was en route back to the United States after attending a NATO defense ministers’ meeting in Brussels. The unscheduled landing took place at an undisclosed airport in Britain, according to a spokesperson. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed the event on social media, stating, ‘The plane landed based on standard procedures, and everyone onboard, including Secretary Hegseth, is safe.’ Hegseth himself responded with a reassuring message: ‘All good. Thank God. Continue mission!’ The emergency landing did not result in any injuries or further complications. During the NATO meeting, Hegseth emphasized the need for member nations to increase military support for Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia. The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of air travel, even for high-ranking officials, while underscoring the importance of safety protocols in aviation.
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US Senate confirms Lebanese-American ambassadors for Tunisia, Lebanon
The US Senate has confirmed two of President Donald Trump’s three Arab American nominees for ambassadorships in the Middle East. Michel Issa, a businessman and Trump’s golfing companion, has been appointed as the ambassador to Lebanon, while Bill Bazzi, former mayor of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, will serve as the ambassador to Tunisia. Both men were born in Lebanon, highlighting their deep ties to the region. A third nominee, Amer Ghalib, mayor of Hamtramck, Michigan, remains unconfirmed due to opposition from pro-Israel groups.
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Costa Rica’s president limits abortion to life-threatening cases
In a significant policy shift, Costa Rica’s President Rodrigo Chaves has further restricted access to abortion, limiting it strictly to situations where the mother’s life is in imminent danger. The decision, announced on Wednesday, eliminates the previous allowance for abortions when a pregnancy posed a threat to the mother’s health. This change was implemented through the Health Ministry without requiring legislative approval, fulfilling a promise Chaves made to religious conservatives at the Evangelical Alliance earlier this month. During a press conference, Chaves emphasized that abortion is now permissible only when there is a direct choice between the mother’s life and the life of the fetus. This move aligns Costa Rica with other Central American nations like Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua, which maintain stringent abortion bans, while Guatemala permits abortion only when the mother’s life is at risk. The Evangelical Alliance praised the decision, with its president, Pastor Ronald Vargas, calling it a step toward recognizing the universal value of human life. However, critics argue that the policy change is politically motivated, aimed at appealing to conservative voters ahead of next year’s presidential elections. Laura Valenciano, a human rights advocate with the NGO Citizen Association ACCEDER, criticized the move, stating that it disproportionately burdens women and undermines their rights. Costa Rica has historically banned most abortions, with limited exceptions that were only vaguely defined until a 2019 regulation clarified that abortions could be performed if the mother’s health was at risk. Valenciano noted that she is unaware of any abortions carried out under this exception during Chaves’ presidency and called for transparency regarding the data. Chaves, who faced allegations of sexual harassment during his tenure at the World Bank, has consistently denied the accusations. His presidency has been marked by controversy, and this latest decision has reignited debates over women’s rights and political motivations in Costa Rica.
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A lost D-Day diary reveals Chinese role in the Allied liberation of France
In a remarkable discovery, the long-forgotten diary of Lam Ping-yu, a Chinese naval officer who served aboard the HMS Ramillies during the D-Day invasion of Normandy, has been brought to light. The diary, meticulously detailing his experiences, was rescued from a Hong Kong tenement block slated for demolition. This extraordinary find not only revives Lam’s personal story but also highlights the significant yet often overlooked contributions of Chinese officers in the Allied forces during World War II. Lam, part of a contingent of over 20 Chinese officers sent by Chiang Kai-shek for training in the UK, witnessed the historic landings on June 6, 1944, from the battleship. His vivid account captures the tension and scale of the operation, including a narrow escape from German torpedoes. The diary’s authenticity was verified through painstaking research by history enthusiasts Angus Hui and John Mak, who also curated an exhibition in Normandy showcasing this unique chapter of history. Lam’s daughter, Sau Ying Lam, expressed profound gratitude for the insights into her father’s wartime experiences, which she had previously known little about. The story underscores the international cooperation that defined the Allied effort against Nazism and serves as a testament to the sacrifices made for freedom.
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China sacks officials over viral Arc’teryx fireworks show in Tibet
A controversial fireworks display orchestrated by outdoor apparel brand Arc’teryx in the Himalayas has led to significant environmental concerns and the dismissal of four Chinese officials. The event, designed by renowned pyrotechnics artist Cai Guo-Qiang, aimed to promote mountain culture but instead drew widespread criticism for its ecological impact. Videos of the display, which featured vibrant fireworks resembling a ‘rising dragon’ over the Tibetan landscape, triggered a public outcry and calls for a boycott of the brand. Authorities in Tibet’s Shigatse city confirmed that the fireworks, lasting nearly a minute, affected approximately 30 hectares of grassland, leaving behind remnants and plastic debris. While the short-term damage was deemed limited, further monitoring is required to assess long-term ecological risks. The incident also caused temporary disturbances to local wildlife due to the bright lights and loud noises. In response, Arc’teryx and Cai Guo-Qiang issued apologies, with the latter pledging to collaborate with authorities on environmental restoration efforts. The dismissed officials include Gyantse county’s Communist Party secretary, public security chief, and two senior environmental agency members. Arc’teryx, founded in 1989 and now owned by Hong Kong-listed Anta Sports, emphasized its commitment to sustainability and stated that biodegradable materials were used in the display. The company also announced plans to work with an external agency to evaluate the project’s environmental impact.