Japan’s political landscape is poised for a significant shift as the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan have agreed to elect a new prime minister on October 21, 2025. This decision comes as the current Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, prepares to step down. The parliamentary vote will coincide with the commencement of an extraordinary Diet session, which is scheduled to run for 58 days, concluding on December 17. Sanae Takaichi, who recently secured victory in the LDP presidential election on October 4, is the frontrunner for the position. However, her appointment as prime minister is contingent upon approval by the Diet, Japan’s parliament. The Diet’s two houses will cast their votes, with the lower house’s decision taking precedence in case of a discrepancy. A candidate must secure a majority in the first round to be named prime minister; otherwise, a runoff will be held between the top two candidates. If elected, Takaichi is expected to swiftly address pressing economic issues, including rising prices, and propose a supplementary budget bill for parliamentary review by early December.
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UAE: 2-year licence fee exemption for businesses amid infrastructure works in some RAK areas
In a significant move to bolster the private sector and mitigate the challenges posed by ongoing infrastructure developments, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, has announced a two-year exemption from commercial licence fees for businesses in the Al Riffa and Al Jazeera Al Hamra areas. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a resilient and competitive economic environment while ensuring the continuity of local enterprises. The Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development emphasized that this decision aligns with the leadership’s vision to empower businesses, enhance economic confidence, and stimulate growth across the Emirate. By alleviating financial burdens on businesses affected by construction works, the government aims to strengthen Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a regional business hub and promote sustainable development. This strategic measure reflects the UAE’s broader efforts to support the private sector and create a conducive environment for economic prosperity.
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Can Putin’s ‘Flying Kremlin’ travel through EU airspace to Budapest?
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s potential visit to Budapest for a summit with US President Donald Trump faces significant logistical and diplomatic challenges, despite the willingness of both leaders to engage in talks. The meeting, which has yet to be finalized, would require Putin to navigate complex airspace restrictions imposed by the EU and NATO, as well as geopolitical tensions stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Putin’s preferred mode of travel, his heavily modified Ilyushin Il-96 aircraft—often referred to as the “Flying Kremlin”—would necessitate special permissions to traverse EU airspace, which has been off-limits to Russian planes since the war began. Hungary, a NATO member and one of Putin’s closest allies within the EU, has expressed confidence in facilitating the visit. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has maintained strong ties with both Putin and Trump, has already initiated preparations for the summit, emphasizing its potential to advance peace efforts in Ukraine. However, the EU’s executive commission has indicated that while it supports dialogue aimed at achieving a “just and lasting peace,” it will not directly participate in the talks. The logistical challenges of Putin’s journey to Budapest are compounded by the need to avoid airspace over Ukraine and Poland, both of which have strained relations with Moscow. Potential routes include flying through Turkey, Bulgaria, and Serbia, though each would require individual approvals from the respective countries. The summit, if realized, could bolster Orban’s domestic standing ahead of Hungary’s upcoming elections, while also testing the limits of EU unity in addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
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Watch: Dubai Police seize vehicle for reckless driving, nearly hitting delivery rider
In a recent incident highlighting the dangers of reckless driving, Dubai Police seized a vehicle after its driver endangered the life of a delivery rider. The incident, captured in a video shared on X (formerly Twitter), shows the car abruptly changing multiple lanes, narrowly avoiding a collision with the motorbike. The delivery rider is seen attempting to maintain a safe distance from the erratic vehicle and other traffic. Dubai Police emphasized the severe consequences of such behavior, warning that reckless driving not only jeopardizes the driver’s safety but also endangers the lives of others on the road. Under UAE traffic laws, driving in a manner that threatens lives incurs a fine of Dh2,000, 23 black points on the driver’s license, and a 60-day vehicle impoundment. The police urged motorists to prioritize road safety and adhere to traffic regulations to prevent such incidents. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible driving in ensuring public safety.
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Thousands rally in Albanian capital against EU-backed court prosecuting Kosovo war veterans
Thousands of Kosovo war veterans and their supporters gathered in Tirana, Albania, on Friday to protest against the European Union-backed Kosovo Specialist Chambers, which is prosecuting former fighters of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA). The demonstrators, who filled Skanderbeg Square, accused the tribunal of bias and injustice, claiming it unfairly targets those who fought for Kosovo’s independence from Serbia during the 1998-1999 war. The rally, organized by the veterans’ association OVL-UCK and supported by the Albanian government, featured national Albanian and KLA flags, with some participants donning KLA uniforms and singing songs about freedom. The protest’s motto, ‘Freedom has a name. Justice for the liberators,’ underscored their demands for fairness. High-profile defendants, including former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci and other ex-leaders, are currently on trial at The Hague for charges such as murder, torture, and persecution of civilians. The court was established following a 2011 Council of Europe report alleging KLA involvement in human organ trafficking and killings, though these allegations were not included in the indictments. The rally remained peaceful, with former Albanian President Alfred Moisiu calling for justice and criticizing the court’s processes as biased. The event highlighted ongoing tensions between Kosovo and Serbia, with Kosovo’s 2008 independence still unrecognized by Serbia and its allies.
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Army colonel Michael Randrianirina sworn in as Madagascar’s President
In a dramatic turn of events, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, the leader of Madagascar’s CAPSAT army unit, was sworn in as the nation’s president on Friday, October 17, 2025. This follows a military coup that ousted former President Andry Rajoelina, who fled the country amid widespread youth-led protests. The military’s takeover has drawn sharp criticism from international bodies, including the African Union and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Randrianirina, who previously commanded the elite CAPSAT unit, played a pivotal role in the 2009 coup that brought Rajoelina to power. However, he broke ranks with Rajoelina last week, urging soldiers not to fire on anti-government protesters. During his swearing-in ceremony at the High Constitutional Court, Randrianirina pledged to ‘fully, completely, and justly fulfil the high responsibilities’ of his new role, vowing to strengthen national unity and human rights.
The military has dissolved all government institutions except the National Assembly, establishing a transitional committee to rule alongside a provisional government for up to two years before organizing new elections. This political upheaval comes against a backdrop of severe economic challenges in Madagascar, where 75% of the population lives in poverty, and GDP per capita has plummeted by 45% since independence in 1960.
Rajoelina, who was impeached by lawmakers after fleeing the country, has condemned the coup and refused to step down. The situation remains volatile, with the international community closely monitoring developments in the island nation.
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Ace Frehley, Kiss’ original lead guitarist and founding member, dies at 74
Ace Frehley, the iconic lead guitarist and founding member of the legendary rock band Kiss, has died at the age of 74. His family confirmed his passing on Thursday, attributing it to complications from a recent fall at his home. Frehley’s representative, Lori Lousararian, shared the tragic news with Rolling Stone magazine. In a heartfelt statement, Frehley’s family expressed their profound grief, describing his loss as ‘of epic proportions’ and celebrating his enduring legacy. Bandmates Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley also paid tribute, calling Frehley an ‘essential and irreplaceable rock soldier’ who played a pivotal role in shaping Kiss’s groundbreaking history. Born in the Bronx on April 27, 1951, Frehley’s passion for music was ignited after attending concerts by The Who and Cream. He joined Kiss in the early 1970s, helping to define the band’s signature hard rock and glam rock style with his electrifying guitar riffs, theatrical stage presence, and iconic ‘Spaceman’ persona. Frehley remained with the band through its 1970s heyday and later rejoined for a reunion in the 1990s. As a solo artist, he achieved success with hits like ‘New York Groove.’ Kiss’s influence on rock music remains unparalleled, with 26 gold albums and 14 platinum records to their name. Frehley’s contributions to the band and the rock genre will forever be remembered.
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UAE: New ‘smart safety tracker’ to detect health risks at workplaces, offer solutions
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken a significant leap forward in workplace safety with the launch of its innovative Smart Safety Tracker, a cutting-edge system powered by generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). Unveiled at Gitex Global 2025 by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), this advanced tool aims to modernize field inspections and enhance regulatory oversight across workplaces in the UAE. The system leverages Deep Learning algorithms trained on thousands of real-world scenarios, enabling it to detect unsafe practices and health risks instantly. By analyzing field images and data, the Smart Safety Tracker identifies violations such as the absence of protective equipment, unsafe work practices, or hazardous material accumulation with unparalleled accuracy and speed. The GenAI component generates natural-language reports detailing the type, location, and severity of violations, along with recommended corrective actions. This innovation streamlines the inspection process, allowing field inspectors to focus on analysis and decision-making rather than routine tasks. Shayma Yousef Alawadhi, acting undersecretary of Labour Market Development & Regulation at MoHRE, emphasized that the project aligns with the UAE Government’s vision of public service excellence and innovation. Additionally, MoHRE introduced ‘The Eye,’ an AI-powered system for verifying documents, further enhancing the UAE’s push toward smart government services. Together, these initiatives underscore the UAE’s commitment to fostering safe, sustainable, and efficient workplaces.
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US has seized survivors after strike on suspected drug-carrying vessel in Caribbean, AP sources say
In a significant escalation of its anti-narcotics operations, the United States military launched a strike on a suspected drug-carrying submarine in the Caribbean, marking the first instance of survivors being captured since President Donald Trump initiated these aggressive measures last month. The strike, confirmed by Trump during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House, targeted a vessel allegedly designed for transporting large quantities of drugs. Secretary of State Rubio acknowledged the presence of survivors but deferred detailed comments pending further investigation. This operation brings the death toll from the Trump administration’s military actions in the region to at least 28. The survivors, now in U.S. custody aboard a Navy vessel, face an uncertain legal future, with questions arising about their status as prisoners of war or criminal defendants. The administration has justified these strikes under the legal authority used in the post-9/11 war on terror, though some legal experts have raised concerns about the legality and international implications of such actions. The strikes have also sparked bipartisan unease in Congress, with lawmakers demanding more transparency and oversight. Meanwhile, reports suggest Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has attempted to negotiate with the U.S. by offering stakes in Venezuela’s oil and mineral wealth, though these overtures have been rejected by the White House.
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Former PM Murayama leaves behind notable legacy of confronting history head-on
Tomiichi Murayama, former Prime Minister of Japan, passed away on October 17, 2025, at the age of 101 in Oita City. His death marks the end of an era for a leader who profoundly shaped Japan’s post-war identity through his commitment to historical accountability and fostering cross-border friendships, particularly with Asian neighbors. Murayama, who led a coalition government in the mid-1990s, is best remembered for the landmark Murayama Statement issued on August 15, 1995. This declaration acknowledged Japan’s wartime aggression and colonial rule, expressing remorse for the immense suffering inflicted on Asian nations. The statement played a pivotal role in rebuilding trust between Japan and its neighbors, including China. On his 100th birthday in 2024, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning praised Murayama as a steadfast advocate for Sino-Japanese friendship, emphasizing the enduring significance of the Murayama Statement as a solemn commitment to peace. Murayama’s leadership also navigated domestic crises, including the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake and the Tokyo subway sarin gas attack. His visit to China in 1995, where he paid respects at the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression Memorial Hall, underscored his dedication to reconciliation. Born in 1924, Murayama’s political career spanned decades, culminating in his premiership from 1994 to 1996. His legacy remains a cornerstone of Japan’s post-war diplomacy and its pursuit of a peaceful future.