China’s remarkable strides in advancing gender equality have positioned it as a global exemplar, according to analysts at the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women held in Beijing. The event, which commenced on Monday, brought together international leaders to discuss strategies for empowering women and addressing persistent challenges. President Xi Jinping, in his opening address, emphasized the shared global commitment to women’s development, noting that over 600 million women and girls worldwide remain affected by conflict and extreme poverty. Xi outlined four key proposals to accelerate women’s progress: fostering supportive environments, driving high-quality development of women’s initiatives, establishing governance frameworks to protect women’s rights, and enhancing global cooperation on women’s issues. Experts, including Namtip Aksornkool, former UNESCO Gender Focal Point, praised China’s achievements in women’s education and leadership, urging the nation to share its successful policies to inspire other countries. Anna Rosario Malindog-Uy of the Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute highlighted the dual significance of Xi’s speech, reinforcing domestic commitment to gender equality while positioning China as a leader in global women’s rights dialogues. The summit also provided a platform for China to announce new initiatives aimed at advancing women’s rights both domestically and internationally. Sayamol Charoenratana of Chulalongkorn University underscored the importance of the meeting in challenging gender stereotypes, particularly in developing countries. Zoe White of the Australia China Economics, Trade and Culture Association hailed the event as a milestone in promoting global women’s causes, fostering a positive environment for women’s growth and empowerment.
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3 Italian carabinieri killed in apparently deliberate farmhouse explosion
A tragic incident unfolded near Verona, Italy, early Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of three Carabinieri officers and injuries to 13 others during an eviction operation. Authorities reported that the explosion occurred at a two-story farmhouse in Castel d’Azzano, approximately 10 kilometers southwest of Verona. The explosion was allegedly triggered by a gas tank intentionally set off when law enforcement officers opened the door of the property. Verona’s Carabinieri commander, Col. Claudio Pagano, described the act as “an absolutely crazy gesture.” The farmhouse had been filled with gas, according to regional governor Luca Zaia, who also revealed that this was the second eviction attempt. The previous attempt last year was thwarted when the occupants, two middle-aged brothers and a sister, threatened to blow up the house. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni and Defense Minister Guido Crosetto expressed their condolences for the fallen officers, emphasizing the critical role the Carabinieri play in Italy’s law enforcement.
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US and Malaysia work to expand Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire in advance of ASEAN summit
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Malaysia and the United States are spearheading efforts to secure an expanded ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, with hopes of finalizing the deal during the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit later this month. Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan announced the initiative on Tuesday, emphasizing the urgency of de-escalating tensions between the two neighboring nations. The conflict, which erupted in late July, resulted in five days of intense combat, claiming dozens of lives and displacing over 260,000 people. A temporary ceasefire was brokered in August through the mediation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened to withhold trade privileges unless both parties agreed to a truce. However, tensions have persisted, particularly after Thai soldiers were injured by land mines in August while patrolling a buffer zone. Thailand accused Cambodia of violating the ceasefire by laying new mines, a claim vehemently denied by Phnom Penh. Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has outlined four conditions for a lasting peace, including the removal of heavy weapons from the border, land mine clearance, cooperation in curbing cross-border crime, and effective management of sensitive border zones. Mohamad revealed that ongoing negotiations aim to expand the ceasefire to address these issues, expressing optimism that the Kuala Lumpur Accord could be signed during the ASEAN summit, scheduled for October 26-28 in Kuala Lumpur. The summit is expected to attract over two dozen global leaders, including President Trump, who is slated to attend on October 26. ASEAN, comprising Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore, continues to play a pivotal role in fostering regional stability.
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Trump to welcome Argentina’s President Milei as US extends $20 billion lifeline
Argentina’s libertarian President Javier Milei is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday, marking a pivotal moment in their burgeoning alliance. Milei, known for his dramatic cuts to state spending and vocal opposition to leftist ideologies, has cultivated a strong rapport with Trump, positioning Argentina as one of the Trump administration’s closest allies. This relationship has already yielded significant benefits, including a $20 billion bailout to stabilize Argentina’s faltering economy. Milei’s effusive praise for Trump, particularly his role in brokering a Gaza ceasefire, underscores the depth of their political camaraderie. ‘Your commitment to life, freedom, and peace has restored hope to the world,’ Milei wrote on social media, hailing Trump as a ‘dear friend’ and a leadership exemplar. The meeting comes at a critical juncture for Argentina, which is grappling with a currency crisis, rising unemployment, and dwindling foreign reserves. Milei’s objectives include negotiating tariff exemptions for Argentine exports and securing the implementation of a $20 billion currency swap to bolster the peso ahead of crucial midterm elections. Despite concerns over Argentina’s ability to repay its debts, Milei remains optimistic, touting U.S. support as a lifeline against ’21st-century socialism’ and envisioning an economic resurgence. Critics, however, question the sustainability of this aid, warning that it may only provide temporary relief without addressing Argentina’s systemic issues.
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Kenyan officer killed in bow-and-arrow attack at gate of president’s residence
A tragic incident unfolded at the heavily guarded State House in Nairobi, Kenya, when a police officer lost his life after being shot with an arrow by an assailant. The attack occurred on Monday morning as a 56-year-old man, armed with a bow and arrows, approached the gates of the presidential residence. Despite orders to surrender, the man advanced and fatally shot PC Ramadhan Matanka in the ribs. The officer was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries during treatment. This shocking event has sparked concerns over potential security vulnerabilities at one of Kenya’s most secure locations. The assailant, who reportedly disguised himself as a homeless person carrying a sack that concealed his weapons, was swiftly apprehended. Video footage later showed the handcuffed suspect with visible injuries being transported to a hospital. Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga condemned the attack, praising the officers’ quick response and extending condolences to PC Matanka’s family. An investigation is underway to determine the motive behind the assault, and the suspect is expected to appear in court soon.
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Palestinians and Israelis cheer reunions as hostages released
In a landmark development, Israelis and Palestinians celebrated the release of hostages and prisoners on Monday, marking a significant step toward peace in the region. The exchange, facilitated by a US-backed ceasefire deal, saw the release of all 20 living hostages held by Hamas and the freeing of 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences. However, reports indicate that at least 154 of the released Palestinian prisoners will be forced into exile by Israel. The deal also includes the return of the bodies of 28 deceased Israeli hostages, signaling a humanitarian breakthrough after over two years of conflict. Emotional reunions were broadcast globally, with scenes of Palestinian prisoners being welcomed by jubilant crowds in Ramallah. US President Donald Trump, addressing the Knesset in Jerusalem, hailed the event as “the end of war in Gaza” and emphasized the demilitarization of Gaza and the disarmament of Hamas. Trump also acknowledged that Hamas had been rearming in Gaza with US approval for a limited period, citing the group’s significant losses. He expressed hope for regional stability and urged more nations to join the Abraham Accords. Despite the progress, challenges remain as Gaza faces extensive reconstruction, with Trump warning of potential risks as residents return to the devastated region.
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Venezuela shuts embassy in Norway following opposition leader’s Nobel award
Venezuela has announced the closure of its embassy in Oslo, just days after opposition leader María Corina Machado was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The Venezuelan government, in a statement, attributed the closure to a restructuring of its foreign service, avoiding any direct mention of Machado’s accolade. Norway’s foreign ministry confirmed the embassy’s shutdown but did not provide a specific reason, labeling the decision as ‘regrettable.’ The Nobel Committee honored Machado for her ‘tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela,’ a move that drew sharp criticism from Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who referred to her as a ‘demonic witch.’ Machado, a long-time critic of Maduro’s regime, has been living in hiding for much of the past year. In her response to the award, Machado described it as ‘an injection of energy, hope, and strength’ for her political movement, emphasizing that it reassures Venezuelans they are not alone in their struggle. The embassy closures in Oslo and Australia, coupled with the opening of new diplomatic outposts in Zimbabwe and Burkina Faso, signal Venezuela’s strategic realignment amid escalating tensions with the United States. The U.S. military’s recent strikes on boats allegedly carrying narcotics from Venezuela have further strained relations, drawing international condemnation. This incident echoes past diplomatic fallout over the Nobel Peace Prize, notably with China in 2010, when the award to dissident Liu Xiaobo led to a six-year suspension of ties with Norway.
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An estimated 1 million cats prowl the streets of Cyprus as officials scramble to check their numbers
Cyprus, a Mediterranean island nation renowned for its feline-friendly culture, is facing a burgeoning crisis with its feral cat population. Estimates suggest there is approximately one feral cat for every one of its 1 million residents, though activists argue the number is significantly higher. The issue has prompted urgent discussions among officials, with the parliamentary environment committee highlighting the inadequacy of the current sterilization program. Environment Commissioner Antonia Theodosiou emphasized that the program, which conducts around 2,000 sterilizations annually on a budget of €100,000, is insufficient to address the scale of the problem. Cyprus has gained notoriety for its disproportionately large cat population relative to its human inhabitants, a situation that poses ecological and welfare challenges. In response, Environment Minister Maria Panayiotou announced on World Animal Day (October 4) that the government would triple annual sterilization funding to €300,000. While this move was welcomed, Charalambos Theopemptou, chairman of the Parliamentary Environment Committee, cautioned that funding alone is not enough. He stressed the need for a comprehensive plan to manage the population effectively. The unchecked growth of feral cats threatens the island’s ecosystem and exacerbates the suffering of these animals, many of which roam urban areas in search of food and shelter. Cyprus’s historical affinity for cats dates back millennia, with archaeological evidence suggesting domestication as early as 9,500 years ago. The island’s cats have become a tourist attraction, often seen lounging near restaurants where visitors feed them. However, the current population explosion is attributed to uncontrolled breeding and increased kitten survival rates due to public care. Veterinary Association President Demetris Epaminondas proposed a unified sterilization plan involving private clinics and a smartphone app to identify cat concentration areas. He also suggested establishing a donation fund to offset costs. Theodosiou revealed that her team is developing a long-term strategy to legalize private sanctuaries and implement a mass sterilization program. Despite the challenges, activists like Eleni Loizidou of Cat Alert remain optimistic, asserting that solutions are within reach.
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US shipping chaos: I fear my wedding sari is destroyed
The Trump administration’s abrupt changes to U.S. import regulations have triggered widespread chaos in the shipping industry, leaving customers like Nicole Lobo and Janani Mohan in distress. Nicole, a 28-year-old graduate student, shipped 10 boxes of her belongings from the UK to Philadelphia in late August, expecting them to arrive within days. Six weeks later, she fears her possessions may be lost or destroyed by UPS, which is struggling to handle a surge in packages under new customs and tariff rules. ‘It’s been horrific,’ she says, recounting frantic efforts to prevent the disposal of her items after receiving a notification last month. Similarly, Janani, a 29-year-old engineer, is devastated by the potential loss of a box containing her wedding dress, an heirloom sari, and wedding photos sent by her parents in India. ‘Everything in there is very close to my heart,’ she says, describing tearful phone calls with UPS. The new rules, implemented in late August, require parcels worth less than $800 to undergo inspections, taxes, or tariffs, subjecting an estimated 4 million packages daily to more rigorous processing. This has led to longer processing times, higher costs, and widespread confusion. Businesses like Mizuba Tea Co. and Swedish Candy Land are also feeling the impact. Mizuba, which imports matcha from Japan, has five shipments worth over $100,000 stuck in processing, while Swedish Candy Land has lost $50,000 due to destroyed packages. Experts warn the ripple effects could worsen, with FedEx executives describing it as a ‘very stressful period’ for customers. The National Foreign Trade Council fears the issues may persist, as companies struggle to adapt to the new trade environment.
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China sanctions 5 US units of South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean over probe by Washington
In a significant escalation of trade tensions between China and the United States, China’s Commerce Ministry announced on Tuesday a ban on Chinese companies engaging with five subsidiaries of South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean. This move is seen as a direct response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to revitalize the American shipbuilding industry. The sanctioned entities include Hanwha Shipping LLC, Hanwha Philly Shipyard Inc., Hanwha Ocean USA International LLC, Hanwha Shipping Holdings LLC, and HS USA Holdings Corp.