Thailand has announced the suspension of its recently signed border agreement with Cambodia, citing ongoing security concerns. The decision comes just two weeks after the deal was ceremoniously signed in Malaysia under the auspices of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The Thai government’s move follows a landmine explosion near the Cambodian border in Sisaket province, which left several Thai soldiers injured, including one who lost a foot. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, addressing the media, stated that the security threat in the region ‘has not actually decreased,’ aligning with the stance of the country’s defense chiefs. Cambodia, however, has reaffirmed its commitment to the agreement, which was intended to bring lasting peace after border clashes in July that resulted in over 40 deaths and displaced 300,000 people. The disputed border, a century-old issue stemming from the French occupation of Cambodia, has been a recurring source of conflict. The October agreement, referred to as the ‘Joint Declaration by the Prime Ministers of Thailand and Cambodia on the Outcomes of Their Meeting in Kuala Lumpur,’ included provisions for the withdrawal of heavy weapons and the establishment of an interim observer team. The next phase was expected to involve the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers detained in Thailand. Despite the suspension, both nations had initially expressed optimism about the deal’s potential to stabilize the region.
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Prison is gruelling, says Sarkozy as he seeks release after three weeks
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, currently serving a five-year prison sentence, has appealed to a Paris court for his release pending further legal proceedings. Sarkozy, 70, was convicted on October 21 for allegedly conspiring to finance his 2007 election campaign with funds from the late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. Describing his three weeks in jail as ‘gruelling’ and ‘a nightmare,’ Sarkozy vehemently denied any wrongdoing, stating he never entertained the ‘mad idea’ of soliciting money from Gaddafi. His legal team has filed a request for his release, with a decision expected by early afternoon local time. If approved, Sarkozy could walk out of La Santé prison as soon as Monday evening. Public prosecutor Damien Brunet has recommended granting the request but imposed restrictions, including a ban on contacting witnesses related to the ‘Libyan dossier.’ Sarkozy, who has been held in isolation with two bodyguards stationed nearby, praised prison staff for their ‘exceptional humanity.’ His wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, and two sons were present in court to support him. Sarkozy, president from 2007 to 2012, is the first French ex-leader imprisoned since World War II. His legal troubles have persisted since leaving office, including a recent conviction for attempting to bribe a magistrate. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has emphasized the need for Sarkozy’s protection due to ongoing threats.
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Bangladeshi workers protest over unpaid wages and mistreatment claims
In a significant demonstration of discontent, approximately 100 Bangladeshi workers employed by Malaysian companies staged a protest in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Monday. Organized by the Migrant Welfare Network, a group advocating for migrant workers’ rights in both Malaysia and Bangladesh, the rally took place outside the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment. The workers demanded unpaid wages, fair compensation, and an end to alleged mistreatment by their Malaysian employers.
The protest highlighted the plight of 431 Bangladeshi workers who claim to have been exploited by two Malaysian companies, Mediceram and Kawaguchi Manufacturing. Mediceram, a manufacturer of medical, industrial, and domestic gloves, and Kawaguchi, a supplier of plastic components to major Japanese firms like Sony and Panasonic, are accused of withholding wages and subjecting workers to poor conditions. The Migrant Welfare Network has filed formal complaints against both companies, urging Bangladeshi and Malaysian authorities, as well as international buyers, to intervene.
Malaysia, one of Southeast Asia’s wealthiest nations, heavily relies on migrant labor from countries like Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Nepal for labor-intensive jobs in manufacturing, plantations, and construction. However, these workers often face systemic abuse, low wages, and harsh working conditions, which local workers typically avoid. The issue has strained diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Malaysia, with workers’ rights groups calling for stricter oversight of recruitment agencies and middlemen who dominate the industry.
Former employees shared harrowing accounts of their experiences. Omar Faruk, who worked at Kawaguchi, revealed that the company paid partial salaries before withholding wages entirely, leading to financial distress. Similarly, Harun Or Rasid Liton, a former Mediceram employee, accused the company of ignoring a Malaysian Labor Court order to pay compensation. The workers’ struggles underscore the urgent need for systemic reforms to protect migrant workers’ rights and ensure fair treatment.
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Empowering wellness through AI-driven healthcare solution
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the healthcare landscape by offering personalized wellness solutions that cater to individual needs. By analyzing data from wearables, mobile apps, and health records, AI provides tailored health insights, predicts risks, and recommends preventive measures in real-time. This technological advancement is not only enhancing diagnostics and treatment planning but also empowering individuals to take proactive control of their health. Industry experts highlight that AI-driven platforms are revolutionizing mental health support by offering adaptive therapy options and personalized wellness programs. These platforms assist healthcare professionals in making informed decisions, leading to targeted interventions that improve patient outcomes. The global AI healthcare market is projected to grow from $32.3 billion in 2024 to $208.2 billion by 2030, driven by increasing adoption across hospitals, clinics, and health systems. Investments are focused on predictive analytics, telemedicine, personalized medicine, and robotic surgery, reflecting a growing recognition of AI’s potential to enhance patient care and reduce costs. However, challenges such as data privacy, integration into clinical workflows, and ensuring accuracy across diverse populations remain. Experts emphasize the need for multidisciplinary collaboration and continuous validation to address these issues. AI’s role in healthcare is set to expand, with 75% of leading healthcare companies testing or planning to expand AI applications, and 64% of patients ready to use AI-powered virtual nurse assistants. This transformative approach fosters a proactive healthcare ecosystem, reducing costs associated with late-stage interventions and empowering patients to manage their health more effectively.
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Over 10,000 US flights delayed on Sunday: Worst day for aviation since shutdown began
The ongoing federal shutdown, now in its 40th day, has plunged the US aviation industry into chaos, with over 10,000 flights delayed and more than 2,700 cancellations on Sunday alone. This marks the worst day for air travel since the shutdown began on October 1. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has warned that air travel could dwindle to a ‘trickle’ in the lead-up to Thanksgiving, one of the busiest travel periods in the US, due to severe shortages of air traffic controllers. Many of these essential workers, along with other federal employees, have not been paid for weeks, leading to a surge in retirements and staffing crises. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has mandated flight reductions at 40 major airports, with cuts escalating to 10% by November 14. Airlines like United have already announced significant cancellations, while industry officials express growing concerns about the system’s ability to function under worsening conditions. The economic impact is also alarming, with estimates suggesting daily losses of $285 million to $580 million. The shutdown has forced 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 security screeners to work without pay, raising safety concerns as fatigue-related errors increase.
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Obama dig may have triggered Trump’s White House demolition
In April 2011, President Barack Obama delivered a biting roast of Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, an event that would later be seen as a pivotal moment in their political rivalry. At the time, Trump, a reality TV star, had been a vocal proponent of the ‘birther’ conspiracy theory, falsely claiming that Obama was not born in the United States and thus ineligible for the presidency. Obama’s decision to release his long-form birth certificate just days before the dinner set the stage for his humorous yet pointed remarks. During his speech, Obama joked about Trump’s presidential ambitions, suggesting that a Trump presidency would bring unconventional changes to the White House, including turning it into a hotel, casino, or golf course. The President even displayed a satirical image of a remodeled White House adorned with Trump’s name. While the audience laughed, Trump sat stone-faced, visibly humiliated. Many political observers, including Trump’s former adviser Roger Stone, believe that this public shaming motivated Trump to run for president in 2016. Fast forward to Trump’s presidency, and Obama’s jest about White House renovations took on a surreal twist. The Trump administration razed the East Wing to build a lavish, gold-encrusted ballroom, a project that mirrors the ostentatious style of Trump’s private properties. Although Trump denied plans to name the ballroom after himself, senior officials reportedly referred to it as ‘The President Donald J. Trump Ballroom.’ This episode underscores the enduring impact of political humor and the complex dynamics between Obama and Trump, whose rivalry reshaped American politics.
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Jacob Zuma’s daughter denies terrorism charges as her trial starts
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, has entered a plea of not guilty to terrorism-related charges as her trial commenced in Durban. The charges stem from social media comments she allegedly made during the widespread protests in July 2021, which erupted following her father’s arrest. These protests, marked by looting, arson, and violence, resulted in over 300 deaths and caused an estimated $2.8 billion in damages. Zuma-Sambudla, 43, is accused of inciting public violence and terrorism during this period of unrest, which primarily affected Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. Her legal team has consistently argued that the state’s case lacks substantial evidence, describing it as weak and politically motivated. Zuma-Sambudla has maintained that the charges are an attempt to target her father, who has since formed his own political party, uMkhonto weSizwe, and has been critical of the ruling African National Congress (ANC). The trial has drawn attention from supporters of the Zuma family, including her father and other party leaders, who were present at the KwaZulu-Natal High Court. The case highlights the ongoing political tensions in South Africa and the broader implications of social media in inciting public unrest.
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Zelenskyy seeks Patriot systems from US to counter Russia’s power grid attacks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Monday his intention to request 25 Patriot air defense systems from the United States, as Ukraine grapples with relentless Russian aerial assaults that have plunged the nation into rolling blackouts on the cusp of winter. Zelenskyy acknowledged the high cost and lengthy production timeline for such a large order but suggested that European nations could temporarily transfer their existing systems to Ukraine while awaiting replacements. He emphasized the urgency, stating, “We would not like to wait.”
Russia’s intensified missile and drone strikes on Ukraine’s power grid have coincided with its military push to capture the eastern city of Pokrovsk. Despite recent deliveries of Patriot systems from Germany, Ukraine’s air defenses remain critically stretched, leaving vast territories vulnerable. The energy crisis has heightened concerns over heating and water supply during the harsh winter months.
NATO continues to coordinate large-scale weapons deliveries to Ukraine, with European allies and Canada procuring much of the equipment from the U.S. However, the Trump administration has not provided arms to Ukraine, a departure from the Biden administration’s policy.
Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have grown increasingly effective, employing hundreds of drones equipped with cameras for precision targeting. This year, Russia has shifted its strategy to strike local switchyards and substations rather than the centralized national grid. Ukraine’s Energy Ministry reported significant damage to power infrastructure, prompting scheduled blackouts across most regions and urging citizens to conserve electricity during peak hours.
Meanwhile, the battle for control of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region intensifies, with Zelenskyy noting that Russia has amassed 170,000 troops for a renewed offensive. While recent days have seen a relative lull in fighting, the Institute for the Study of War predicts an escalation as Russian forces reinforce their positions.
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Chinese film week builds bridges with Australian audiences
The 2025 Chinese Film Week, held in major Australian cities, has successfully bridged cultural gaps between China and Australia through the power of cinema. Organized by the Chinese embassy in Australia, China Lion Film Entertainment Co, and CMC Pictures Group, the event showcased six of this year’s most popular Chinese films, including the record-breaking animated feature *Ne Zha 2*. The festival attracted hundreds of attendees, including Australian retiree Denis Doherty, who expressed his enthusiasm for Chinese animation and its portrayal of traditional values like family ties and filial piety. Chinese Consul General in Sydney Wang Yu emphasized the significance of the event, linking it to China’s recent economic and social development plans, which underscore the nation’s commitment to openness and global cooperation. He highlighted cinema as a universal language that fosters cross-cultural dialogue and mutual understanding. Robert Kok, a Sydney city councillor, praised the festival for its ability to expose audiences to new cultural perspectives, while Peter Weitzel of the Australia-China Friendship Society noted the historical role of film in promoting bilateral ties. Indarjit Khuman of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of New South Wales lauded the enduring strength of Chinese family values, which resonate across cultures. The event not only entertained but also deepened cultural appreciation and strengthened the bonds between China and Australia.
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Malian TikToker killed by suspected jihadists after pro-army posts
The brutal execution of Mariam Cissé, a young TikTok influencer from Mali, has sent shockwaves across the nation as the country grapples with a deepening jihadist insurgency. Cissé, in her 20s and boasting over 100,000 followers on TikTok, was known for her videos showcasing life in her hometown of Tonka in the northern Timbuktu region. She often expressed support for the Malian army, a stance that reportedly led to her tragic demise. According to reports, she was seized by suspected jihadists while live-streaming from a market in a neighboring town and later executed in Tonka’s Independence Square. Her brother, who witnessed the horrific event, revealed that she had been accused of aiding the army by revealing jihadist movements. Cissé’s death has intensified concerns over Mali’s deteriorating security situation, exacerbated by a fuel blockade imposed by jihadist groups. The blockade has severely disrupted daily life, forcing schools and universities to remain closed for weeks. The African Union has expressed deep concern over the crisis, condemning the attacks on civilians and pledging support for Mali and other Sahel nations. The military junta, which seized power in 2021, has struggled to contain the insurgency, with large swathes of the country still outside government control. The French foreign ministry has advised its citizens to leave Mali immediately, highlighting the escalating humanitarian and security challenges.