In a significant display of public discontent, thousands of Romanians took to the streets of Bucharest on Wednesday, voicing their opposition to the government’s austerity measures and demanding higher wages, tax reductions, and effective strategies to combat inflation. Organized by the National Trade Union Bloc, which represents numerous professional federations, the protest saw demonstrators gather outside government headquarters before marching toward the Palace of Parliament. Participants honked horns, banged drums, and carried placards with messages such as “We want decent salaries!” and “Don’t hit those who save you,” the latter accompanied by an image of an ambulance worker. The rally highlights growing frustration over Romania’s economic challenges, including a budget deficit exceeding 9% in 2024—one of the highest in the European Union. The government has committed to reducing the deficit to 8.4% this year through measures such as tax hikes, public sector wage freezes, and cuts to public spending and administration jobs. Critics argue that these policies disproportionately burden ordinary citizens while failing to address systemic issues. The union bloc condemned the measures, stating, “Workers are once again being sacrificed for their jobs—even though we work harder, we are getting poorer. The impoverishment of the population has become state policy.” Protesters also called for an end to public sector job cuts and stronger efforts to combat tax evasion. Political analyst Cristian Andrei noted that the government’s inability to implement swift and decisive reforms has eroded public trust, leaving ordinary citizens to bear the brunt of economic hardships. The ruling coalition, elected earlier this year, had pledged to prioritize deficit reduction and institutional reform, but its approach has sparked widespread criticism and fear of further cuts.
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Taiwan’s foreign minister says closer ties with Israel align with the island’s interests
Taiwan is actively pursuing deeper diplomatic relations with Israel, despite facing criticism over Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Foreign Minister Lin Chia-Lung emphasized that Israel’s unwavering support for Taiwan sets it apart from other Middle Eastern nations. Speaking at a meeting organized by the Taiwan Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Lin stated that Taiwan remains committed to fostering friendships with countries that reciprocate its goodwill. He highlighted a declaration signed earlier this year by 72 members of the Israeli parliament, endorsing Taiwan’s participation in key international organizations, as a testament to Israel’s backing. Lin also criticized Palestine for aligning with Beijing’s “One-China” principle, which asserts Taiwan as an inseparable part of China. He stressed the importance of aligning human rights with national interests. Earlier this year, Taiwan faced backlash for planning a donation to a medical center in an Israeli settlement in the West Bank, a region deemed illegally occupied by the International Court of Justice. When questioned about the status of the donation, Lin avoided a direct response, instead emphasizing Taiwan’s focus on providing humanitarian aid to both sides of the Israel-Hamas conflict. He revealed that Taiwanese diplomats are instructed to remain neutral in the conflict. Lin also suggested that other nations could learn from Taiwan’s strategies in dealing with China, particularly in areas like gray-zone tactics, telecommunications, and data transfers. Last week, Lin accompanied Vice President Bi-Khim Hsiao on a rare visit to Brussels, where Hsiao urged the European Union to strengthen security and trade ties with Taiwan.
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Thousands evacuated as typhoon Fung-wong brings floods to Taiwan
Taiwan faced severe flooding and widespread disruptions as Typhoon Fung-wong, though significantly weakened, unleashed torrential rains across the island. Over 8,300 residents were evacuated from vulnerable areas, particularly in the eastern counties of Yilan and Hualien, where floodwaters reached neck-deep levels. The southern regions bore the brunt of the storm, with businesses and schools forced to close, and 51 people reported injured. Television broadcasts depicted dramatic scenes of soldiers rescuing stranded individuals in Yilan, while the harbor town of Suao recorded a staggering 648 mm (25 inches) of rainfall on Tuesday, a monthly record. Fisherman Hung Chun-yi described the rapid inundation of his home, emphasizing the overwhelming intensity of the downpour. Huang En-hong, a forecaster at Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration, linked the unseasonably late typhoon to broader climate change trends, warning of increasingly extreme weather patterns. Typhoon Fung-wong, which claimed 27 lives in the Philippines, is expected to skirt Taiwan’s southern tip before dissipating in the Pacific. Notably, the northern city of Hsinchu, home to TSMC, the world’s largest contract chipmaker, remained unaffected by the storm.
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China’s Singles’ Day online shopping bonanza’s sales slow as shoppers opt for more affordable deals
China’s Singles’ Day, the nation’s largest online shopping festival, recorded a 17.6% increase in sales this year, reaching an estimated 1.7 trillion yuan ($238 billion). However, the growth rate slowed compared to previous years, reflecting cautious consumer spending amid economic headwinds. The prolonged property market slump, stagnant wages, and high youth unemployment have led shoppers to prioritize affordability over extravagance.
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Bollywood actor Govinda rushed to hospital after losing consciousness
Renowned Bollywood actor Govinda, aged 61, was urgently admitted to CritiCare hospital in suburban Juhu, Mumbai, late Tuesday night after losing consciousness at his residence. The incident occurred around midnight, prompting his legal advisor and close friend, Lalit Bindal, to rush him to the medical facility. Bindal confirmed that Govinda is currently under observation and undergoing a series of tests to determine the cause of his sudden collapse. In a statement to PTI news agency, Bindal revealed, “He fainted in the evening and called me. I brought him to CritiCare hospital. He is under observation and undergoing tests.” Bindal also shared an update on Govinda’s condition via Instagram, expressing his concern and prayers for the actor’s swift recovery. This health scare follows a previous incident in October of last year, when Govinda sustained a bullet wound in his leg after accidentally discharging his licensed revolver. The actor was hospitalized and underwent surgery to remove the bullet. Govinda, a celebrated figure in Indian cinema, rose to fame in the late 1980s and 1990s with a string of successful films, earning acclaim for his versatile acting, comedic prowess, and dynamic dance performances. His contributions to Bollywood have cemented his status as one of the industry’s most beloved stars.
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Xi, King Felipe VI attend signing ceremony of cooperation documents
In a significant diplomatic event, Chinese President Xi Jinping and King Felipe VI of Spain jointly presided over a signing ceremony of cooperation documents in Beijing on Wednesday. This high-profile meeting underscores the deepening bilateral relations between China and Spain, marking a new chapter in their strategic partnership. The ceremony, held in the capital city, highlighted the mutual commitment to fostering economic, cultural, and political collaboration. Both leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening ties to address global challenges and promote shared prosperity. The event also showcased China’s active role in international diplomacy, as it continues to build bridges with key global players. The cooperation documents are expected to pave the way for enhanced trade, investment, and cultural exchanges between the two nations, benefiting both economies and their citizens.
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UAE offers condolences to Philippines over victims of Super Typhoon Fung-wong
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has conveyed its heartfelt condolences and solidarity to the Philippines following the catastrophic impact of Super Typhoon Fung-wong. The typhoon, which ravaged the nation, resulted in numerous fatalities, displaced thousands of residents, and inflicted extensive material damage. In an official statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed profound sympathy for the bereaved families and extended its condolences to both the Philippine government and its citizens during this period of immense loss.
As of now, Typhoon Fung-wong has weakened as it exits the Philippines, but meteorological forecasts suggest a potential re-entry into the country on November 12. The UAE’s gesture of support underscores the importance of international solidarity in times of natural disasters, emphasizing the need for global cooperation to address such crises.
This tragic event highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather phenomena, raising concerns about climate change and its far-reaching consequences. The UAE’s response also reflects its commitment to fostering strong diplomatic ties and humanitarian aid with nations affected by such calamities.
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Nigeria boycott training before World Cup play-off
Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, has thrown their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign into uncertainty after players and technical staff boycotted training on Tuesday. The protest, just two days before their crucial play-off match against Gabon in Morocco, stems from longstanding unpaid allowances and match bonuses. Reports suggest the squad is demanding a special bonus for this month’s African play-offs, adding to the financial grievances.
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Gabon court sentences former first lady and president’s son to 20 years in prison
In a landmark ruling, Gabon’s special criminal court has sentenced former first lady Sylvia Bongo and her son, Noureddin Bongo Valentin, to 20 years in prison for a series of high-profile crimes. The duo, tried in absentia, faced charges including embezzlement of public funds, money laundering, criminal association, and forgery. The court also issued arrest warrants and ordered them to pay millions in damages for crimes against the Gabonese state. The verdict, delivered late Tuesday, was met with criticism from Valentin, who labeled the trial a “predetermined formality” under President Oligui Nguema’s administration. Sylvia Bongo and Valentin were central figures during former President Ali Bongo’s 14-year rule, which ended abruptly in a 2023 coup following a disputed election. The Bongo family’s 56-year political dynasty, initiated by Ali’s father, Omar Bongo, who ruled for 42 years, came to an end with the coup. Prosecutors accused the pair of exploiting Ali Bongo’s health issues to manipulate state funds. Witnesses testified that Valentin, who served as coordinator of presidential affairs, effectively controlled the presidential palace after his father’s 2018 stroke. Following the coup, both were detained for 20 months before being allowed to leave the country. Now residing in London with French citizenship, the Bongos refused to participate in the trial. Prosecutors presented evidence of their lavish lifestyle, including private jets and luxury properties in London and Morocco. “They reigned unchallenged and portrayed themselves as victims of the system they created,” stated Eddy Minang, the prosecutor general at the Libreville Court of Appeal.
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Watch: Russia’s AI robot falls seconds after being unveiled
In an unexpected turn of events, Russia’s highly anticipated anthropomorphic robot experienced a dramatic fall mere moments after its unveiling. The incident, captured on video, has sparked widespread discussion about the challenges of developing advanced robotics. The robot, designed to mimic human movements, was showcased as a significant milestone in Russia’s AI and robotics sector. However, its abrupt collapse during the demonstration highlighted potential technical limitations. Experts suggest that while the mishap is a setback, it underscores the complexities of creating human-like machines. The event has also raised questions about the readiness of such technologies for public presentation and their practical applications in real-world scenarios.