In a significant development, East Timor’s President José Ramos-Horta has expressed his willingness to personally intervene in Myanmar’s ongoing civil war, just one day after his country was granted membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Speaking in Kuala Lumpur during the ASEAN summit, Ramos-Horta highlighted East Timor’s unique diplomatic experience in reconciliation and conflict resolution, despite being one of the region’s youngest and poorest nations. He emphasized the need for ASEAN to address Myanmar’s crisis, which has defied the bloc’s 2021 Five-Point Consensus aimed at ending hostilities. Ramos-Horta proposed a pragmatic approach, including engaging Myanmar’s military leaders to secure an immediate ceasefire without preconditions, followed by a roadmap for political stabilization. He acknowledged the challenges but remained hopeful that direct dialogue could yield progress. East Timor’s accession to ASEAN, overcoming initial opposition from Myanmar’s military, marks a new chapter for the nation, offering economic and educational opportunities. However, Ramos-Horta also pointed to domestic challenges, including youth unemployment and poverty, while expressing optimism about diversifying the economy and resolving long-stalled gas development talks with Australia. He dismissed concerns over East Timor’s ties with China, asserting the country’s independence, and praised U.S. President Donald Trump’s pragmatic approach to international relations.
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First China-India direct commercial flight in over 5 years lands in Guangzhou
In a significant milestone for bilateral relations, the first direct commercial flight between India and China in over five years landed in Guangzhou on Monday. The IndiGo flight, originating from Kolkata, marked the official resumption of nonstop air links that had been suspended since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent geopolitical tensions. This development comes as the two Asian giants cautiously rebuild their strained relationship, which had been further exacerbated by a deadly border clash in the Himalayas in 2020. Passengers on the flight, many of whom were Indian business professionals, expressed relief and optimism about the renewed connectivity. Rashika Mintri, a 44-year-old interior designer from Kolkata, described the journey as ‘smooth and lovable,’ adding that she would ‘come again and again.’ The resumption of flights is seen as a ‘first step’ in normalizing bilateral exchanges, according to India’s government. The move also comes at a time when India’s ties with the U.S. are faltering, following Washington’s imposition of punitive tariffs and accusations of India fueling Russia’s war in Ukraine. While the two nations remain strategic rivals, recent gestures, such as the exchange of sweets during the Hindu festival of Diwali, suggest a gradual easing of tensions. However, experts caution that managing an increasingly assertive China remains a long-term challenge for India.
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UAE: Use cruise control? Here’s when it can actually put you in danger
Cruise control, a feature designed to enhance driving convenience, can occasionally malfunction, posing significant risks to drivers. Experts warn that such failures, though rare, can occur in both new and older vehicles due to mechanical faults, electronic errors, or extreme heat conditions prevalent in the UAE. Certified automotive technician Syeda Aisha Atif emphasizes that machines are not infallible, and even minor malfunctions can disrupt the system’s functionality. ‘In older cars, issues like bad wiring or blown fuses can be culprits, though complete cruise control failures are uncommon,’ she noted. Recent incidents have highlighted the dangers. Last week, Dubai Police swiftly responded to a driver whose cruise control became stuck on Emirates Road, averting a potential accident. Automotive expert Sudeep Koshy explains that disruptions in loop mechanisms, faulty electronic components, or speed sensor issues can trigger such malfunctions. Jowana Burgen, founder of Girls Mechanic Team, points out that newer vehicles, with their advanced technologies like adaptive cruise control, are particularly susceptible. ‘Extreme heat can affect electrical components, increasing the risk of failure,’ she said. In case of a malfunction, experts advise drivers to remain calm, shift to neutral gear, and call Dubai Police at 999 for immediate assistance. Regular vehicle maintenance is crucial to prevent such issues, as wear and tear can lead to unexpected failures. Drivers are also encouraged to test cruise control at lower speeds before using it on highways to ensure safety.
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Trial to begin for ten accused of sexist cyber-bullying of Brigitte Macron
This week, a high-profile trial is set to commence in Paris, where ten individuals face charges of cyber-bullying Brigitte Macron, the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron. The defendants are accused of disseminating baseless claims regarding her gender and sexuality, alongside making derogatory comments about the 24-year age difference between the couple. If convicted, they could face up to two years in prison. Among the accused are an elected official, a gallery owner, and a teacher, as reported by French media. Notably, two of the defendants, Natacha Rey and Amandine Roy, were previously convicted of slander for asserting that Brigitte Macron did not exist and that her brother had transitioned genders. However, an appeals court later acquitted them, ruling that their statements did not meet the legal threshold for defamation. The Macron family is appealing this decision. The conspiracy theory alleging that Brigitte Macron is transgender has been circulating since Emmanuel Macron’s first presidential term in 2017. These unfounded claims have gained traction in the United States, largely propagated by right-wing influencer Candace Owens. In July, the Macrons filed a lawsuit against Owens, accusing her of spreading false information and aligning with far-right ideologies. Their lawyer, Tom Clare, described the ordeal as deeply distressing for Brigitte Macron and a significant distraction for the president. Emmanuel Macron emphasized that the legal action was a matter of defending his honor against harmful misinformation. The couple first met when Brigitte was a teacher at Emmanuel’s secondary school, and they married in 2007.
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Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau pictured holding hands at Paris event
Pop sensation Katy Perry and former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have seemingly confirmed their romantic relationship after being photographed holding hands at an event in Paris. The images, captured by celebrity news outlet TMZ, show the duo walking hand-in-hand before entering a vehicle, with Trudeau assisting Perry into the back seat amidst a flurry of camera flashes. Neither Perry nor Trudeau has publicly addressed the relationship, but speculation has been mounting for weeks following multiple sightings of the pair together. Earlier this year, Trudeau was spotted attending one of Perry’s concerts, further fueling rumors of a budding romance. The Paris outing coincided with Perry’s 41st birthday, marking what appears to be their first public appearance as a couple. Representatives for both Perry and Trudeau’s Liberal Party have yet to comment on the matter. During a recent performance in London, Perry seemingly hinted at her relationship status when she humorously responded to a fan’s marriage proposal by saying, ‘I wish you’d asked me 48 hours ago.’ This remark came shortly after photos of her and Trudeau first surfaced online. Perry was previously in a decade-long relationship with actor Orlando Bloom, with whom she shares a daughter. The couple separated earlier this summer. Trudeau, who served as Canada’s prime minister from 2015 to 2025, was married to Sophie Grégoire for 18 years before their divorce in 2023. They have three children together.
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Nature’s light show: UAE shores glow blue with unique bioluminescence
Dubai’s shores have recently been transformed into a mesmerizing natural light show, as bioluminescence has illuminated the waters, captivating nature enthusiasts and locals alike. This rare phenomenon, caused by tiny microorganisms called plankton, emits a bluish glow under specific environmental conditions—warm, calm waters, and complete darkness, away from city lights. The spectacle has drawn crowds to various beaches across the emirate, with many describing it as a “magical” experience. Muhammed Sajjad, known as the ‘UAE weatherman’ on social media, first spotted the phenomenon last week and shared the news with his followers. He emphasized that witnessing bioluminescence is a bucket-list experience for nature lovers due to its breathtaking beauty. Sajjad also identified a public beach at Dubai Islands as an ideal spot for viewing, prompting many to visit and share their awe-inspiring encounters. While the phenomenon is not entirely rare, it requires precise conditions to be visible. This marks the second time in recent years that bioluminescence has been observed in the UAE, with previous sightings in Jumeirah and Umm Al Quwain. The event has sparked interest among residents, with some even planning trips to Oman’s Sur city, where similar occurrences have been reported. Despite the challenge of capturing the glow in photographs, the experience remains unforgettable for those fortunate enough to witness it.
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Australia sues Microsoft for misleading customers into paying 45% more for AI-linked software
Australia’s competition watchdog, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), has initiated legal proceedings against Microsoft, accusing the tech giant of misleading millions of customers into paying significantly higher prices for its Microsoft 365 software. The lawsuit centers on Microsoft’s bundling of its artificial intelligence tool, Copilot, with the software, which allegedly forced users to upgrade to more expensive plans without clear disclosure of cheaper alternatives. According to the ACCC, the annual subscription cost for Microsoft 365 personal plans surged by 45% to A$159 ($103.32), while family plans increased by 29% to A$179 after the integration of Copilot. The regulator claims that Microsoft failed to inform users about the availability of a cheaper ‘classic’ plan without Copilot until they initiated the cancellation process. This omission, the ACCC argues, violates Australian consumer law by withholding critical information and creating a false impression of available options. Microsoft has stated that it is reviewing the ACCC’s claims. The regulator is seeking penalties, consumer redress, injunctions, and costs from both Microsoft Australia Pty Ltd and its U.S. parent company, Microsoft Corp. The potential penalties could reach up to A$50 million per breach or three times the benefits obtained from the alleged misconduct. The ACCC emphasized that any penalties would ultimately be determined by the court.
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Ten people face trial accused of cyberbullying French president’s wife Brigitte Macron
A high-profile trial commenced in Paris on Monday, involving ten individuals accused of cyberbullying Brigitte Macron, the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron. The defendants, comprising eight men and two women aged between 41 and 60, are alleged to have disseminated malicious online comments questioning Brigitte Macron’s gender and sexuality, as well as making unfounded claims about her age gap with her husband, insinuating inappropriate behavior. Among the accused are a self-proclaimed medium, an advertising executive, an elected official, a teacher, and a computer scientist. Some of the defendants have significant social media followings, with posts garnering tens of thousands of views. The case highlights the persistent conspiracy theories surrounding Brigitte Macron, including baseless claims that she was born male and transitioned to female. This trial follows a defamation lawsuit filed by the Macrons in July in a Delaware court against U.S. conservative influencer Candace Owens, who has propagated similar allegations. Owens, known for her controversial views, has a substantial online presence, with her YouTube channel boasting 4.5 million subscribers. The Paris trial is part of a broader legal battle, as the Macrons continue to combat defamatory claims. In September 2024, Brigitte and her brother Jean-Michel Trogneux won a defamation case against two women, though the ruling was later overturned by a Paris appeals court. The Macrons have since appealed to France’s highest court. The couple, married since 2007, first met when Emmanuel Macron was a student and Brigitte was his teacher. Brigitte, 24 years older than her husband, has faced relentless scrutiny and misinformation, which this trial seeks to address.
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Backbenchers call for discussion about taoiseach’s leadership
Micheál Martin, the Taoiseach of Ireland and leader of Fianna Fáil for 14 years, is under increasing pressure from senior party members to address the future of his leadership. This comes in the wake of a tumultuous presidential election campaign that saw the party’s candidate, Jim Gavin, withdraw due to controversy over overpaid rent by a tenant. Despite Gavin’s withdrawal, his name remained on the ballot, and the party’s leadership faced criticism for backing him over other potential candidates, including European Parliament member Billy Kelleher. The election ultimately resulted in a landslide victory for independent candidate Catherine Connolly, further exacerbating internal party tensions. Senior Fianna Fáil backbenchers, including TD John McGuinness, have called for a leadership discussion, citing “serious errors” in the campaign. However, TD Darragh O’Brien maintains that the “vast majority” of parliamentary party members still support Martin. The party has decided to postpone leadership talks until a review of the presidential campaign concludes in two weeks. Martin’s position has been significantly weakened by his staunch support for Gavin, and while some believe his time as leader is numbered, others speculate that a leadership change may not occur until after Ireland’s EU Council presidency ends in December 2026. This would also mean Martin would not assume the role of tánaiste in 2027, as per the coalition agreement with Fine Gael.
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Lithuania draws up plans to shut Belarus border crossings indefinitely after balloon disruptions
Lithuania’s Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė announced on Monday that the government has prepared plans to indefinitely shut its border crossings with Belarus. This decision comes in response to repeated disruptions at Vilnius Airport caused by suspected sightings of balloons allegedly used for smuggling cigarettes across the frontier. The National Security Commission convened after air traffic at Vilnius Airport was suspended on three consecutive evenings—Friday, Saturday, and Sunday—leading to widespread flight cancellations, diversions, and delays. Kaunas Airport, located farther from the Belarusian border, was also affected on Friday. These incidents follow similar disruptions earlier in the week and in recent months. Both Medininkai and Šalčininkai border crossings were temporarily closed following each balloon sighting, with the border guard service extending the closure for 24 hours on Sunday night. Prime Minister Ruginienė stated that the restrictions will remain in place until Wednesday, when the Cabinet will decide on a potential indefinite closure. The draft decision includes exemptions for diplomats, diplomatic mail, and EU citizens entering from Belarus. Lithuania, a member of both the EU and NATO, shares borders with Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave and Belarus, a key ally of Russia. Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, exiled in Lithuania, described the balloon incidents as a form of hybrid aggression by the Belarusian regime. She expressed support for Lithuania’s actions and called for stronger sanctions against those involved in cigarette smuggling.