Beyond Meat Inc., the pioneer of plant-based burgers, has experienced an extraordinary surge in its stock price, rising approximately 1,000% over just four days. This remarkable rally comes despite the company’s ongoing struggles with sluggish sales and a lack of quarterly profits for over five years. The sudden spike has reignited debates about the frothiness of the stock market, particularly fueled by online enthusiasm among retail investors. The momentum began last week when a Reddit user sparked a wave of purchases, reminiscent of the meme stock rallies seen with GameStop and AMC. The surge was further amplified when Roundhill Investments added Beyond Meat to its meme stock ETF, triggering a short squeeze as investors betting against the company scrambled to cover their losses. Additionally, a newly announced distribution deal with Walmart provided another boost to the stock. However, market strategists caution that the company’s fundamentals remain weak. Mark Hackett of Nationwide noted that while the Walmart deal is a positive catalyst, it doesn’t address all underlying issues. Beyond Meat’s stock, trading at just over $4, is still far below its 2019 peak of $230. This meme stock frenzy occurs against a backdrop of broader market concerns, including fears of an overvalued AI industry and potential market corrections. The Securities and Exchange Commission has also flagged risks tied to meme stock manipulation, though calls for stricter regulations have yet to gain significant traction.
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Bangladesh court detains army officers for landmark trial
In a groundbreaking legal proceeding, a Bangladeshi court has remanded 15 high-ranking army officers, including five generals, into custody on charges related to enforced disappearances and atrocities committed during the 2024 uprising that led to the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This marks the first time formal charges have been brought for enforced disappearances in Bangladesh, and the first instance of such a large number of senior military officials facing a civilian trial. The officers are accused of operating a secret detention center during Hasina’s tenure, with all defendants having served in military intelligence or the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), a paramilitary force notorious for its alleged human rights abuses. The army has pledged cooperation with the judicial process, though tensions remain high following the issuance of arrest warrants earlier this month. Chief prosecutor Tajul Islam emphasized the defendants’ respect for the legal process, while UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk hailed the trial as a significant step toward accountability for victims and their families. The officers were transported to court under heavy police guard. Meanwhile, Sheikh Hasina, now a fugitive in India, faces a separate trial in absentia for crimes against humanity, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty. Her Awami League party denies all charges, maintaining her innocence.
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No camera covered Louvre wall where jewel thieves broke in, reveals director
In a shocking revelation, Laurence des Cars, the director of the Louvre Museum, has admitted that the institution’s security systems were inadequate to prevent the theft of French crown jewels valued at €88 million (£76 million). Speaking publicly for the first time since the heist on Sunday, des Cars addressed French senators, highlighting the museum’s aging and insufficient CCTV infrastructure. The only camera monitoring the exterior wall where the thieves entered was misaligned, failing to capture the first-floor balcony that led to the Gallery of Apollo, where the jewels were housed. ‘We failed these jewels,’ des Cars lamented, emphasizing that even the Louvre was not immune to ‘brutal criminals.’
The heist, carried out by a gang of four in less than 10 minutes last Sunday morning, saw the thieves make off with eight priceless pieces of jewelry, including a diamond and emerald necklace gifted by Emperor Napoleon to his wife. During their escape, they dropped a 19th-century diamond-studded crown belonging to Empress Eugenie, which was later recovered but damaged. Des Cars noted that the crown had likely been crushed as the thieves forcibly removed it from its display case. While initial assessments suggest a delicate restoration is possible, the incident has exposed significant vulnerabilities in the museum’s security.
The thieves used a truck equipped with a mechanical ladder to access the first-floor gallery at 09:30 (07:30 GMT), just half an hour after the museum opened. Des Cars praised the security guards for their swift evacuation of the building but conceded that the museum’s perimeter protection was weak and outdated. The Louvre reopened on Wednesday, though the Gallery of Apollo remains closed.
Des Cars, who became director in 2021, revealed that she had been warning about the museum’s deteriorating infrastructure and cuts to surveillance and security staff over the past decade. She expressed her intention to double the number of CCTV cameras and begin security upgrades in early 2026, though the aging infrastructure of the former royal palace poses significant challenges. Following the heist, des Cars tendered her resignation to the culture ministry but was refused. ‘I am wounded as chair and director that the warnings I was raising, as a whistle-blower, have come to pass,’ she said, taking full responsibility for the museum’s failure.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez expressed confidence that the thieves would be apprehended, with prosecutors theorizing that the robbery was orchestrated by a criminal organization. The incident has raised questions about the security of one of the world’s most renowned cultural institutions, home to priceless works such as Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.
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Over 1,600 delegates attend regenerative medicine conference in Wuhan
The 2025 Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society—Asia Pacific (TERMIS-AP) conference recently concluded in Wuhan, Hubei province, marking a significant milestone in the field of regenerative medicine. Held from Friday to Sunday, the event attracted over 1,600 delegates from more than 30 countries and regions, including distinguished members of national academies and leading scholars. The conference aimed to accelerate the translation of cutting-edge research in organ and tissue regeneration into practical clinical applications. Keynote speeches and panel discussions delved into groundbreaking topics such as whole-organ and tissue regeneration using functional biomaterials, 3D bioprinting, and the clinical translation of tissue engineering innovations. Since its inception in 2006, TERMIS has emerged as one of the most influential global academic organizations in the field. The event also featured industry roadshows and exhibitions, with participation from over 50 companies hailing from Sweden, Australia, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and other regions. The conference underscored Wuhan’s growing prominence as a hub for scientific innovation and international collaboration in regenerative medicine.
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UAE: 100km of hiking, biking trails to be carved out in Ras Al Khaimah’s mountain
Ras Al Khaimah is set to transform its mountainous landscapes into a hub for active tourism with the development of 100 kilometers of hiking and biking trails over the next five years. Spearheaded by master developer Marjan, this ambitious project aims to showcase the emirate’s natural beauty while promoting outdoor activities and sustainable tourism. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to position Ras Al Khaimah as a premier destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. In addition to the trails, Marjan plans to host over 20,000 festival visitors annually through cultural and entertainment events, further enhancing the emirate’s appeal. The project aligns with RAK Vision 2030, which seeks to attract 3.5 million visitors annually and expand the emirate’s hospitality capacity. The announcement coincides with Marjan’s strategic merger with RAK Hospitality Holding (RAKHH), creating a unified entity focused on real estate development, hospitality, and lifestyle experiences. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of Marjan, emphasized that the merger will drive sustainable prosperity, create high-value jobs, and reinforce Ras Al Khaimah’s reputation as a beacon of innovation. Among the key projects under Marjan’s portfolio are Al Marjan Island, RAK Central, Marjan Beach, and the upcoming Jebel Jais masterplan. The 85-million-square-foot Marjan Beach development, featuring 22,000 residential units and 12,000 hotel keys, is expected to accommodate 74,000 residents and 32,000 workers, with capacity for up to 180,000 visitors annually. The project also includes 6.5 million square feet of green space and eight distinct neighborhoods, further enhancing the emirate’s livability and appeal.
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‘Peaceful protests do not involve attacking police’
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly has strongly denounced the violent incidents that erupted in Dublin on Tuesday night, emphasizing that such acts were deliberate attempts to intimidate individuals within the Citywest building. Commissioner Kelly clarified that peaceful protests should never involve aggression or attacks on law enforcement officers. The disturbances, which escalated into clashes with police, have raised concerns about public safety and the integrity of lawful demonstrations. Authorities are now investigating the incident to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the violence. The Commissioner reiterated the importance of maintaining order and ensuring that protests remain non-violent, in line with democratic principles.
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UK king to be first to pray with pope in five centuries
King Charles III of the United Kingdom is set to make history during his state visit to the Vatican, marking the first public prayer between a British monarch and a pope since the 16th-century schism between the Church of England and the Catholic Church. The visit, which began on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, will see Charles and Queen Camilla meet Pope Leo XIV for the first time since his succession in May following the passing of Pope Francis. This momentous event underscores a significant step in the reconciliation of the two Christian denominations, which have been estranged since King Henry VIII broke away from the Catholic Church in 1534. The highlight of the visit will be an ecumenical service in the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, focusing on environmental conservation, a cause close to Charles’s heart. The service will feature a joint choir from the Sistine Chapel and Saint George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, symbolizing unity between Anglican and Catholic traditions. Buckingham Palace described the visit as a pivotal moment in the relationship between the two churches. Additionally, Charles will be honored as a ‘Royal Confrater’ at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, a gesture recognizing the spiritual connection between the denominations. The visit coincides with preparations for the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year, a major event that attracts millions of pilgrims. However, the trip occurs amid personal challenges for the king, including new revelations about his brother Prince Andrew’s involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal and Charles’s ongoing battle with cancer. Despite these difficulties, the monarch’s visit to the Vatican highlights his commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue and unity.
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US strikes eighth alleged drug-carrying boat, this time in the Pacific Ocean
The U.S. military has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking with its eighth strike targeting an alleged drug-carrying vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in two fatalities, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Wednesday. This marks a significant expansion of the Trump administration’s campaign against South American drug cartels, shifting focus from the Caribbean to Colombia, a major cocaine producer. Hegseth emphasized the administration’s resolve, drawing parallels between the war on drug cartels and the post-9/11 war on terrorism. “Just as Al Qaeda waged war on our homeland, these cartels are waging war on our border and our people,” he stated, vowing no refuge or forgiveness for the cartels. The strike brings the total death toll from these operations to at least 34 since last month. The Trump administration has justified these actions by classifying drug cartels as unlawful combatants, invoking the same legal authority used in the war on terrorism. Despite the aggressive measures, the administration has refrained from prosecuting occupants of the targeted vessels, instead repatriating survivors to their home countries. The U.S. military has also bolstered its presence in the Caribbean and off Venezuela’s coast, fueling speculation about potential moves against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who faces narcoterrorism charges in the U.S. While fentanyl from Mexico remains the primary driver of U.S. overdose deaths, Colombia’s cocaine, smuggled largely through the eastern Pacific, remains a critical focus of the administration’s efforts.
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Russian strikes kill six, cut power across Ukraine
In a devastating overnight assault, Russian missile strikes killed six individuals, including two children, and left 17 injured in and around Kyiv, Ukrainian authorities confirmed on Wednesday. The attack also targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, plunging thousands into darkness and cutting off heating during the harsh winter season. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strikes, stating on social media that they underscored Russia’s lack of urgency to end the protracted conflict. The bombardment followed the cancellation of a planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, which was intended to address the nearly four-year war. Trump had initially proposed peace talks in Budapest but later shelved the plans, citing concerns over their potential futility. Meanwhile, Ukraine remains steadfast in its refusal to cede territory, a stance supported by its European allies, who advocate for freezing the conflict along current frontlines. Russia, which launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, claims its actions are aimed at demilitarizing the country and curbing NATO expansion. However, Kyiv and its allies denounce the war as an illegal land grab, responsible for tens of thousands of casualties and widespread devastation. As of now, Russia occupies approximately one-fifth of Ukrainian territory, much of it scarred by relentless fighting.
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2025 Xinjiang Tacheng Baktu Forum opens, strengthening regional cooperation
The 2025 Xinjiang Tacheng Baktu Forum commenced on Tuesday, uniting government officials, business leaders, and experts from China, Kazakhstan, Russia, and other nations involved in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Held under the theme of fostering development through openness and creating a shared future, the forum emphasized strengthening cross-border cooperation in trade, industry, and technology, alongside promoting cultural exchanges. Tacheng, strategically located on China’s border with Kazakhstan, serves as a vital gateway for China’s westward expansion. Its historic Baktu Port, once a key node on the ancient Silk Road, now handles 3 million metric tons of cargo annually and facilitates 500,000 border crossings. The forum spotlighted multilateral infrastructure and logistics projects, including the Baktu-Ayaguz Railway, which is expected to increase transport capacity by 25 million tons by 2027. Germany’s North Rhine-Westphalia introduced a ‘twin hub’ logistics model to enhance freight connectivity with Xinjiang and explore green energy and hydrogen technology partnerships. The event culminated in the signing of 30 cooperation agreements worth 13.1 billion yuan ($1.8 billion), spanning cross-border tourism, new materials, and automotive assembly. Four thematic seminars addressed opportunities in e-commerce, logistics, cultural tourism, and institutional innovation. Tacheng aims to further develop its cross-border economic cooperation zone and solidify its role as a bridge for regional connectivity and economic integration. As the Baktu Forum becomes an annual fixture, it will continue to serve as a pivotal platform for deepening collaboration among BRI partner countries.