A 33-year-old man, Ioan Pintaru, who stabbed an 11-year-old Australian girl in a random knife attack in London’s West End last summer, will not face trial for attempted murder, a court has ruled. Pintaru, a Romanian national with no fixed address, had previously pleaded guilty to wounding the girl with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possession of a knife. However, he denied the charge of attempted murder, which was set to be tried at the Old Bailey. During a brief hearing on Tuesday, Judge Richard Marks KC announced that the prosecution would not proceed with the attempted murder charge, and sentencing is now scheduled for December 16. The victim, who was on holiday with her mother at the time of the attack, sustained multiple injuries to her face, shoulder, wrist, and neck. Pintaru, currently held in a high-security hospital in Liverpool, was not required to attend the hearing. The victim’s family, based in Australia, will be able to join the sentencing hearing via video link. No explanation was provided in court for the decision to drop the trial. The attack occurred on August 12, 2024, when Pintaru allegedly approached the girl outside a Lego store, placed her in a headlock, and stabbed her eight times. Bystanders intervened, disarmed the attacker, and held him until police arrived. Forensic officers later combed the scene for evidence. The case has drawn attention to the issue of random violence in London, though further details on the prosecution’s decision remain undisclosed.
分类： society
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French senators say security at the Louvre is ‘not in line’ with modern standards and demand action
A delegation of French senators conducted an inspection of the Louvre Museum on Tuesday, concluding that the institution’s security measures fall short of contemporary standards. This assessment follows a high-profile heist on October 19, where thieves stole jewels worth €88 million ($102 million) in under eight minutes. The intruders reportedly used a basket lift to scale the museum’s façade, forced open a window, breached display cases, and escaped undetected. Two suspects were subsequently arrested on Sunday and are currently under police interrogation. Senator Laurent Lafon, who chairs the Senate’s Culture Committee, emphasized the inadequacy of the Louvre’s security systems, stating, ‘We all noticed that the security equipment is not suitable for a 21st-century museum such as the Louvre. It is our flagship, it must be exemplary, and today we cannot describe the security conditions at the Louvre as exemplary.’ Lafon highlighted the need for significant improvements, particularly addressing vulnerabilities in outdoor surveillance cameras, though he refrained from divulging specific details due to confidentiality concerns. The senators have called for the expedited implementation of the ‘Louvre New Renaissance’ plan, a decade-long initiative launched earlier this year aimed at modernizing the museum’s infrastructure, reducing overcrowding, and creating a dedicated gallery for the Mona Lisa by 2031. The project, estimated to cost up to €800 million ($933 million), is currently under discussion as part of France’s 2026 budget deliberations.
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China’s milu deer population grows 200-fold since 1985
China’s remarkable efforts to revive the milu deer population have been celebrated at the 2025 International Symposium on Milu and Ecological Conservation in Beijing. The event, held from October 24 to 25 as part of the Zhongguancun Forum series, brought together over 100 experts from nine countries, including zoologists, ecologists, and conservationists. Since the reintroduction program began in 1985 in collaboration with the United Kingdom, the milu deer population has surged from a mere 77 to approximately 15,000—a staggering 200-fold increase. Initially confined to two reserves in Beijing and Jiangsu province, the deer now inhabit over 100 breeding populations across 27 provinces. Moreover, wild populations have flourished, with six groups totaling more than 6,000 animals thriving in various regions. This extensive network is hailed as the world’s largest and most comprehensive system for milu conservation, setting a global benchmark for wildlife reintroduction efforts.
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Record rainfall causes major flooding in Vietnam, submerging ancient sites
Central Vietnam is grappling with unprecedented flooding triggered by relentless heavy rains, which have submerged homes, farmland, and iconic tourist destinations, including the historic cities of Hue and Hoi An. According to Vietnam’s meteorological department, Hue recorded a staggering 1,085.8 millimeters (42 inches) of rainfall within 24 hours by late Monday, marking the highest volume ever documented in the country. The Perfume River in Hue surged to 4.62 meters (15 feet), while waist-deep floods engulfed Hoi An’s ancient town, forcing tourists to evacuate by boat. Persistent rainfall and water releases from hydroelectric dams caused the Hoai River to rise nearly 2 meters (6.5 feet), exacerbating the crisis. State media reported that 32 of Hue’s 40 residential areas were inundated, with residents resorting to boats to navigate submerged streets. The floods also disrupted the train route between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, stranding thousands of passengers. In a bid to safeguard infrastructure, Vietnam’s railways deployed 19 train carriages loaded with 980 tonnes (1,080 U.S. tons) of heavy stones to stabilize a bridge at risk of being swept away. The Australian nonprofit Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation highlighted that approximately 1,000 people in rural Thua Thien Hue province, including 200 children, are isolated and in urgent need of assistance due to flooding and landslides. Meteorologists had earlier warned of severe rainfall, floods, and landslides as storm Fengshen approached. Experts attribute the intensification of such storms to global warming, which fuels tropical storms with warmer oceans, leading to stronger winds, heavier rainfall, and altered precipitation patterns across East Asia. Vietnam, one of the world’s most flood-prone nations, faces heightened risks with nearly half its population residing in vulnerable areas.
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India conducts cloud-seeding trial to clear New Delhi’s smog
In a bold move to tackle the persistent air pollution crisis, Indian authorities conducted a cloud-seeding experiment over New Delhi on Tuesday. The initiative aimed to induce rainfall and alleviate the city’s hazardous smog levels, which have sparked widespread public discontent. A specialized aircraft dispersed chemicals into the clouds above select areas of the capital, hoping to trigger precipitation that would cleanse the atmosphere. Despite these efforts, air quality monitors classified the city’s pollution levels as “very poor,” underscoring the severity of the issue. Cloud seeding, a weather modification technique used in drought-prone regions like the western United States and the United Arab Emirates, remains a contentious solution due to its uncertain efficacy. Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa revealed that the trial was conducted in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, with additional experiments planned in the coming days. He anticipated localized rainfall in the following hours, though experts remain skeptical about the long-term impact of such measures. New Delhi, home to over 30 million people, consistently ranks among the world’s most polluted cities. A recent report by IQAir, a Switzerland-based air quality monitoring database, identified six Indian cities among the top ten most polluted globally, with New Delhi topping the list as the most polluted capital. The city’s air quality deteriorates annually during winter due to crop residue burning in neighboring states, vehicle emissions, and industrial pollutants. While authorities have implemented measures such as construction bans, restrictions on diesel generators, and the deployment of anti-smog guns, critics argue that these are temporary fixes. Krishna Achuta Rao, a professor at the Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, emphasized that cloud seeding offers only a fleeting respite and fails to address the root causes of pollution. He advocated for stringent laws targeting emissions from industries, vehicles, and construction activities as the only viable long-term solution. “Cloud seeding is not a cure for pollution. It merely creates the illusion of action,” Rao stated.
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Palestinian children arrive in Ireland for medical treatment
A group of seven critically ill and injured Palestinian children, accompanied by 29 family members, have been evacuated from Gaza and arrived in Dublin, Ireland, to receive essential medical treatment. This marks the third such evacuation facilitated by the Irish government since September last year, following an appeal from the World Health Organization (WHO) to address the urgent health needs of Gaza’s population. The children were identified by doctors from Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) in collaboration with the WHO. The evacuation involved a complex, multi-stage journey: the group traveled overland from Gaza to Jordan as part of a WHO medevac convoy, before being flown to Ireland on a plane provided by the Norwegian government, accompanied by an Irish medical team. Upon arrival, the children and their families are undergoing comprehensive medical assessments to determine their treatment plans. Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Harris described the evacuation as a response to a ‘horrific ordeal’ endured by the families. Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill praised the operation as a testament to the ‘dedication, professionalism, and humanity’ of all involved. Ireland has committed to receiving up to 30 pediatric patients from Gaza under this initiative, with each case evaluated individually based on medical capacity. The Irish Red Cross is providing accommodation and support services, including translation and psychosocial care, to ensure the families’ well-being. Since January 2023, Ireland has contributed €101 million in aid to Palestine, with €89 million allocated since October 2023, following the escalation of conflict in Gaza. The IDF’s military campaign, launched in response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, has resulted in significant casualties, with over 68,000 deaths reported by the Hamas-run health ministry, figures deemed reliable by the UN.
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Chongyang Festival marked across China
Across China, communities and organizations came together to celebrate the Chongyang Festival, a traditional holiday dedicated to honoring the elderly. This year’s festivities, which culminated on October 29, 2025, were marked by a series of events aimed at promoting respect and care for senior citizens. In Xinghua city, East China’s Jiangsu province, legal professionals took to public parks to educate older adults on legal rights and protections related to elderly care. The Chongyang Festival, also known as Seniors’ Day in modern China, underscores the nation’s commitment to fostering intergenerational harmony and addressing the needs of its aging population. The celebrations included cultural performances, health check-ups, and community gatherings, reflecting the deep-rooted values of filial piety and social responsibility. These activities not only brought joy to seniors but also raised awareness about the importance of supporting the elderly in society.
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India closes schools and evacuates thousands as Cyclone Montha approaches
Indian authorities have initiated large-scale evacuations and closed schools as Cyclone Montha approaches the eastern coastline. The severe cyclonic storm, currently swirling over the Bay of Bengal, is expected to make landfall near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh late Tuesday. With winds predicted to reach 90-110 kph (55-68 mph), the storm has prompted the issuance of red alerts—the highest weather warning level—for 19 districts in Andhra Pradesh. Neighboring states, including Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Kerala, and Karnataka, are also bracing for moderate to heavy rainfall. Disaster teams have evacuated 38,000 people from low-lying areas to relief camps, with an estimated 4 million residents in vulnerable zones. Andhra Pradesh has prepared 1,906 relief camps and 364 school shelters to accommodate evacuees from 1,238 at-risk villages. Schools and colleges remain closed until Wednesday, and fishermen have been warned against venturing into the sea. Train and flight services have been partially disrupted. In Odisha, around 32,000 people have been relocated to relief camps. Climate scientists attribute the increasing frequency and intensity of such storms to global warming, which fuels warmer oceans and more extreme weather patterns. India, one of the world’s largest emitters of greenhouse gases, is also among the most vulnerable regions to climate impacts. The 2023 cyclone season was particularly devastating, claiming 523 lives and causing $2.5 billion in damages. Tropical cyclones, known as hurricanes or typhoons in other regions, are among the most destructive natural disasters, especially in densely populated coastal areas. As global warming continues to escalate, the frequency and severity of such events are expected to rise, posing significant challenges for vulnerable regions like South Asia.
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Zanzibar is seeing a seaweed boom. Can the women collecting it cash in?
In the picturesque coastal waters of Zanzibar, Tanzania, women clad in vibrant dresses wade through the shallows, their baskets filled with seaweed. This seemingly idyllic scene, often captured by tourists, belies the harsh realities of their labor-intensive work. Seaweed farming, a cornerstone of Zanzibar’s economy, employs thousands of women, yet it comes with significant physical and environmental challenges.
Seaweed, primarily exported for use in the global food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries, has seen a surge in demand. This has spurred increased private investment and donor funding, making seaweed the third-largest contributor to Zanzibar’s economy after tourism and spices. However, the women who form the backbone of this industry often face grueling conditions.
Mwanaisha Makame Simai, a seaweed farmer, describes the physical toll: ‘I experience pain in my back, waist, and chest due to the labor in the sea. There are also risks of being stung or bitten. Sometimes strong waves sweep you away. I have personally witnessed three cases of people drowning.’
The industry’s growth is part of Zanzibar’s ‘blue economy’ initiative, aimed at leveraging sustainable marine resources for economic development. Global players like Cargill have invested in the sector, partnering with organizations like The Nature Conservancy to improve yields and farmers’ incomes. NGOs such as the Global Seaweed Coalition are also stepping up efforts to ensure the sector’s safety and sustainability.
Despite these advancements, the majority of Zanzibar’s 25,000 seaweed farmers, predominantly women, work independently or in collectives, selling to local middlemen with little to no protections. Long hours under the equatorial sun lead to backaches, skin irritation, and the risk of stings from sea creatures. Rising sea temperatures due to climate change have further compounded these challenges, forcing women to venture into deeper waters.
Efforts to empower these women are underway. Organizations like Milele Zanzibar Foundation are teaching women to swim to combat the growing drowning crisis. Mwani Zanzibar, a boutique seaweed farm and factory, is training women in cosmetics manufacturing, offering them higher-paying jobs and reducing their time spent in the sea.
However, concerns remain about the equitable distribution of benefits from the industry’s growth. Simai notes, ‘Most of the money ends up with those who have office jobs, rather than the hardworking farmers.’ As Zanzibar’s seaweed industry continues to expand, ensuring that its benefits reach those at the grassroots level remains a critical challenge.
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Australia denies visa to Dutch Olympian convicted of child rape
The Australian government has denied a visa to Dutch Olympian Steven van de Velde, preventing him from competing in the upcoming Beach Volleyball World Championships in Adelaide. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke cited van de Velde’s criminal record as the primary reason for the decision. Van de Velde, 31, was convicted in 2016 of raping a 12-year-old girl in Britain and served 13 months of a four-year prison sentence. Despite his return to professional sports in 2018, his participation in international events has remained controversial. Van de Velde acknowledged the likelihood of visa rejection, stating that he and his team had anticipated the outcome. His ban also sidelines his teammate Alexander Brouwer, as the pair cannot compete without him. The decision aligns with Australia’s stringent visa policies, which include a “character test” to bar individuals deemed a risk to public safety. This move follows recent high-profile visa denials, including those of U.S. conservative commentator Candace Owens and rapper Ye (formerly Kanye West). Volleyball Australia CEO Andrew Dee emphasized the focus on delivering a successful event, highlighting the participation of nine Australian teams. Van de Velde’s case has reignited debates about the eligibility of athletes with criminal records in international sports.