VILNIUS, Lithuania — Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has strongly denounced the violation of Lithuania’s airspace by Russian military aircraft on Thursday evening, labeling it a flagrant infringement on the territorial integrity of the European Union and NATO member state. In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Nausėda announced that Lithuania’s foreign ministry would summon representatives from the Russian Embassy in Vilnius to formally protest the incident. He emphasized that the breach constitutes a direct violation of international law and underscores the urgent need to bolster European air defense capabilities. The Baltic region has been on high alert following a series of recent drone incidents and airspace violations by Russian warplanes, which have raised fears that President Vladimir Putin may be testing NATO’s resolve. Some European leaders have accused Russia of engaging in a hybrid war strategy, a claim Moscow vehemently denies.
博客
-
China’s electricity consumption maintains steady growth in September
China’s electricity consumption, a critical indicator of economic vitality, demonstrated consistent growth in September 2025, increasing by 4.5 percent year-on-year to reach 888.6 billion kilowatt-hours, as reported by the National Energy Administration. This upward trend was particularly notable in the primary and secondary industries, which saw rises of 7.3 percent and 5.7 percent, respectively. The tertiary sector also experienced a significant boost, with a 6.3 percent increase in power usage. However, residential electricity consumption declined by 2.6 percent, totaling 128.7 billion kilowatt-hours. The China Electricity Council attributed the overall growth to a combination of unusually hot summer weather and government initiatives aimed at stabilizing industrial output. Jiang Debin, deputy director of the council’s statistics and data center, highlighted the sustained impact of robust macroeconomic policies supporting economic recovery, which drove high electricity consumption levels in July and August. From January to September, China’s total electricity use climbed 4.6 percent to nearly 7.77 trillion kilowatt-hours. Notably, the rapid expansion of mobile internet, big data, and cloud computing fueled a 33.8 percent year-on-year surge in electricity consumption by the internet and related services sector during the third quarter. Additionally, the electric vehicle industry continued its rapid growth, with electricity consumption for charging and battery swap services skyrocketing by 49.6 percent year-on-year.
-
Vapor swirls over water in spectacular weather phenomenon at Tianchi Lake
A breathtaking weather phenomenon recently unfolded at Tianchi Lake, located within the Changbai Mountain Nature Reserve in Jilin Province, China. Strong winds combined with a sharp temperature drop created a mesmerizing scene of vapor swirling over the lake’s surface, resembling a boiling pot. This natural spectacle, known as ‘sea smoke,’ occurs when cold air causes water vapor to condense into mist, which then drifts with the wind, forming what is scientifically termed evaporation fog. Experts from the Jilin Provincial Meteorological Observatory explained that the unique conditions at Changbai Mountain contribute to this phenomenon. As cold air descends the volcanic crater and meets the warmer, unfrozen lake surface, the temperature contrast causes the water vapor to condense into fog. The synchronized movement of the water and air further enhances the visual effect, creating a dreamlike and ethereal atmosphere. The Integrated Media Center of Changbai Mountain captured the event on video, showcasing the lake’s natural beauty and the interplay of weather elements. This rare occurrence highlights the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the region’s environment, drawing attention to the wonders of natural phenomena.
-
Indian rupee shows modest recovery; should expats remit now?
The Indian rupee has recently displayed a modest recovery against the US dollar, sparking discussions among Indian expatriates in the UAE about the optimal timing for remittances. Over the past month, the rupee has shown resilience, climbing from a peak of 88.87 to 87.80 against the dollar, marking its longest stretch of gains since June. This uptick has been bolstered by the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) proactive interventions in the foreign exchange markets, aimed at stabilizing the currency. As of October 23, 2025, the rupee was trading at 23.92 per UAE dirham, up from 24.20 earlier in the month. Despite these gains, analysts caution that the rupee remains vulnerable to persistent macroeconomic challenges, including a widening trade deficit and geopolitical uncertainties. The RBI’s strategic interventions, including dollar-selling operations and liquidity infusions, have provided short-term support, but the currency’s medium-term outlook remains uncertain. With forecasts predicting continued volatility, expats are advised to consider remitting funds while the rupee shows signs of strength, before potential further depreciation.
-
Dinosaurs were thriving in North America before the mass-extinction asteroid strike, study suggests
The long-standing debate among scientists about whether dinosaurs were already in decline before the catastrophic asteroid impact 66 million years ago has taken a new turn. Recent research indicates that dinosaur populations in North America were flourishing right up until the asteroid struck, which triggered a mass extinction event. However, experts caution that this finding represents only a fragment of the global scenario. The study, published in the journal Science, focuses on the Kirtland Formation in northern New Mexico, a site renowned for its dinosaur fossils for over a century. Analysis of fossils and surrounding rocks suggests these remains date back to approximately 400,000 years before the asteroid impact—a brief period in geological terms. The dating was achieved by examining volcanic glass particles in sandstone and magnetic minerals in mudstone. Daniel Peppe, a paleontologist at Baylor University and co-author of the study, emphasized that the findings reveal diverse dinosaur communities thriving shortly before their abrupt extinction. The fossils discovered include species like Tyrannosaurus rex, a long-necked dinosaur, and a Triceratops-like herbivore. However, independent experts like Mike Benton from the University of Bristol warn that evidence from a single location may not reflect broader trends across North America or globally. Andrew Flynn, a paleontologist at New Mexico State University and study co-author, highlighted the challenges of accurately dating fossils, as carbon-based materials do not survive in them. Further research is needed to paint a comprehensive picture of dinosaur diversity worldwide on the eve of the asteroid impact.
-
‘Disappointing’: ICJ grants Israel another extension in South Africa genocide case
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague has granted Israel a second extension to submit its evidence in response to South Africa’s allegations of genocide in Gaza. In an order dated 20 October and published recently, the ICJ accepted Israel’s request to extend its deadline by two months to 12 March 2026, following an earlier extension to 12 January. The original deadlines for South Africa and Israel to file their written arguments were 28 October 2024 and 28 July 2025, respectively. While South Africa adhered to its deadline, Israel sought a six-month extension in April, which South Africa opposed. The ICJ compromised by granting a five-and-a-half-month extension to 12 January 2026. Israel then requested a second extension of at least five months on 14 October, citing unresolved evidentiary issues related to South Africa’s submission and its focus on the ICJ’s Advisory Opinion on Israel’s humanitarian obligations. South Africa urged the court to reject the request, arguing it contradicted the case’s urgency and the principle of equality between the parties. Gerhard Kemp, a professor of international criminal law, criticized the ICJ’s decision as ‘disappointing,’ emphasizing that Israel had ample time to prepare its response and that the alleged genocide’s structure remains unchanged. The ICJ has previously issued provisional measures against Israel on three occasions, and a recent UN report found Israel responsible for genocide in Gaza. The case, which began with South Africa’s accusation in December 2023, is expected to conclude by early 2028.
-
Eddie Murphy reflects on his comedic career in documentary ‘Being Eddie’
Netflix is set to release a groundbreaking documentary titled ‘Being Eddie,’ offering an intimate look into the life and career of comedy legend Eddie Murphy. Directed by two-time Academy Award winner Angus Wall, known for his work on ‘The Social Network’ and ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,’ the film promises to capture the essence of Murphy’s unparalleled journey in entertainment. The documentary traces Murphy’s rise from a teenage stand-up comedian sharing stages with Jerry Seinfeld to his iconic roles on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and in blockbuster films. Netflix unveiled the trailer on Instagram, describing the project as ‘raw, real, and unapologetic,’ with Murphy telling his story like never before. The film highlights Murphy’s versatility, from playing a cop, a doctor, and even a donkey, to maintaining his A-list status for over four decades without succumbing to Hollywood’s darker temptations. ‘Being Eddie’ features testimonials from Hollywood heavyweights like Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, Jamie Foxx, and Tracy Morgan, celebrating Murphy’s nearly 50-year career. Director Angus Wall noted that while Murphy has portrayed countless characters, this marks the first time he reveals his true self on screen. The documentary premieres on Netflix on November 12, offering fans a rare glimpse into the life of one of comedy’s most enduring icons.
-
James Gunn has discussed ‘Constantine 2’ with Keanu Reeves
Filmmaker James Gunn has revealed discussions with Keanu Reeves about a potential sequel to the 2005 supernatural superhero film ‘Constantine.’ Directed by Francis Lawrence and loosely based on the Hellblazer comic book series, the original film starred Reeves as John Constantine, a cynical exorcist. In a recent interview on the BobaTalks podcast, Gunn confirmed that while he has not yet read a script, he has engaged in ongoing conversations with Reeves about the project. Reeves, who has long expressed interest in reprising his role, shared that the team has been working on the sequel for over a decade. After pitching a story to DC Studios, they received approval to move forward with scripting. Director Lawrence also hinted at a ‘great idea’ for the sequel, developed over years of revisiting the comics and brainstorming. However, the project faced delays due to the 2023 writer’s strike and challenges in regaining control of the character. Despite these hurdles, the team remains committed to bringing the sequel to life.
-
What to know about the French militants who clashed with Syrian forces in Idlib
Tensions escalated in northern Syria’s Idlib province this week as Syrian government forces clashed with fighters in Al-Fardan camp, led by Omar Diaby, a French militant with an international arrest warrant. The camp, located near the Turkish border, houses a small group of French and Francophone militants and their families. The confrontation began after residents reported severe violations, including the kidnapping of a girl by an armed group under Diaby’s command. Syrian security forces surrounded the camp, demanding Diaby’s surrender, but he refused, barricading himself and initiating gunfire, which led to intense exchanges and drone strikes. Videos on social media depicted damaged structures and civilians fleeing for safety. Diaby’s son, Jibril, appealed for mercy, emphasizing the presence of families and children in the camp. The arrival of Uzbek militants to defend the camp and fears of political fallout prompted a truce, with Diaby agreeing to surrender heavy weapons. Diaby, also known as Omar Omsen, is a Senegal-born French citizen notorious for recruiting jihadists via YouTube. Designated a terrorist by the U.S. in 2016, he previously led French fighters aligned with the Nusra Front, al-Qaida’s Syrian affiliate. His history includes faking his death in 2015 and conflicts with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the militant group that controlled northwest Syria before Assad’s fall. The presence of foreign fighters in Syria remains a contentious issue, with many Syrians opposing their extremist views. While some foreign fighters have been integrated into the new national army, their future remains uncertain, posing challenges for Syria’s interim government and its relations with Western nations.
-
Bangladesh court to deliver verdict against Hasina on November 13
A Bangladesh court is set to deliver its verdict on November 13 in the high-profile crimes against humanity case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been tried in absentia. The trial, which concluded on Thursday, October 23, 2025, accused Hasina of orchestrating a deadly crackdown during a student-led uprising in July and August 2024, resulting in the deaths of up to 1,400 people, according to the United Nations. Hasina, 78, has defied court orders to return from India to face charges, including failure to prevent murder, which prosecutors argue constitute crimes against humanity under Bangladeshi law. The prosecution has demanded the death penalty if she is found guilty. Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman emphasized that Hasina’s refusal to return to Bangladesh undermines her claims of innocence, stating, ‘If she believed in the justice system, she should have returned.’ The trial, which began on June 1, 2025, included months of testimony and evidence, including audio tapes allegedly showing Hasina ordering security forces to use lethal force against protesters. Hasina, represented by a state-appointed lawyer, has refused to recognize the court’s authority, while her defense claims she was forced to flee the country. Her now-banned political party, the Awami League, has denounced the trial as a ‘show trial’ and maintains her innocence. The verdict comes ahead of Bangladesh’s first elections since Hasina’s overthrow, scheduled for early February 2026.