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.
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Rahul notches an unbeaten 58 as India defeats West Indies by 7 wickets to clinch series
In a commanding display of cricketing prowess, India clinched a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over West Indies on Tuesday, completing a 2-0 sweep in their test series. K.L. Rahul emerged as the standout performer, crafting an unbeaten 58 to guide India to the win. The triumph was sealed on Day 5, with India resuming at 63-1 and needing just 58 more runs to secure the second test. This victory followed their earlier success in the first test at Ahmedabad, where India triumphed by an innings and 40 runs. West Indies, forced to follow on after being dismissed for 248 in response to India’s formidable first-innings total of 518-5 declared, managed to put up a fight in their second innings. Shai Hope and John Campbell both notched centuries, with Hope scoring his first test century in eight years and Campbell posting his maiden test ton. Their efforts propelled West Indies to 390, ensuring India had to bat again to win. This marked only the fourth instance since 1961 that India was compelled to bat twice after enforcing the follow-on. The result extends West Indies’ winless streak against India to 26 tests, a drought that dates back to 2002.
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Renewed anger in Indonesia over new allowance raise for lawmakers
Indonesia is once again grappling with widespread public discontent as lawmakers’ recess allowances have been significantly increased, sparking fresh protests. The new allowance, set at 702 million rupiah ($42,400; £31,800), nearly doubles the previous amount of 400 million rupiah. This decision, announced by the country’s deputy house speaker, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, has reignited controversy over the perceived impunity of the political elite. The recess allowance is intended to support lawmakers in their official duties, such as visiting constituents, during parliamentary recesses. However, the timing of this hike, following earlier protests in August over housing allowances, has fueled public anger. In August, thousands took to the streets to protest against lawmakers’ $3,000 monthly housing allowances, which were nearly ten times the minimum wage in Jakarta. Although the housing allowances were later cut to quell the unrest, the latest increase in recess allowances has renewed calls for accountability. Dasco Ahmad defended the hike, citing increased activities by lawmakers during recesses and rising food and transport costs. He also announced plans to launch a publicly accessible app where lawmakers must report their expenditure of recess funds, aiming to enhance transparency. Critics, however, remain skeptical. Lucius Karus from Formappi, a parliamentary watchdog, likened the situation to a ‘prank,’ expressing dissatisfaction with the emergence of another ‘fantastic allowance.’ Reports of some lawmakers receiving an extra 54 million rupiah due to human error have further exacerbated public frustration. This incident underscores a broader discontent with economic inequality and corruption in Southeast Asia’s largest economy, as many Indonesians question the government’s priorities and accountability.
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Trump’s Gaza victory lap: A Nobel prize, lots of money and ‘a beautiful woman’
President Donald Trump’s recent Middle East tour was a masterclass in political theater, blending high-profile engagements with significant diplomatic achievements. The journey began with a landmark address at the Israeli Knesset, where Trump reaffirmed his commitment to the Gaza peace deal and the Abraham Accords. He also urged Israel’s president to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is embroiled in a corruption trial. The tour’s second leg took Trump to Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh, where he declared the end of the Gaza war and the start of reconstruction efforts. Dozens of world leaders, including Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, gathered to sign documents recognizing the ceasefire. Trump’s visit was marked by praise for Sisi’s role in brokering the deal and a public nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. However, behind the pageantry, Arab states expressed concerns about Trump’s sustained interest in the peace process. Analysts noted that the summit’s internationalization of the Israel-Palestine conflict was unprecedented. While phase one of the ceasefire is complete, with Israeli troops withdrawing from central Gaza and captives released, the hard questions of Hamas’s demilitarization and Gaza’s governance remain unresolved. Trump’s expectation of Gulf funding for Gaza’s reconstruction faces skepticism, as regional powers like Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia have divergent priorities. Despite the diplomatic successes, the absence of direct references to Palestinian suffering in Trump’s speeches drew criticism, underscoring the complexities of the ongoing conflict.
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Watch: Dolphin calf rescued from fishing line entanglement
In a remarkable display of human compassion and wildlife conservation, a dolphin calf was successfully rescued after becoming entangled in a fishing line. The incident, which occurred in late September, involved a mother dolphin and her calf swimming off the coast. Observers noted that the young dolphin’s mobility was severely restricted due to the fishing line wrapped tightly around its tail. Marine rescue teams were promptly alerted and sprang into action. Using specialized equipment and techniques, they carefully approached the distressed pair, ensuring minimal stress to the animals. After a delicate operation, the fishing line was removed, allowing the calf to swim freely once again. This rescue highlights the ongoing challenges marine life faces due to human activities and underscores the importance of conservation efforts. Experts have urged the public to dispose of fishing gear responsibly to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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Renewed jitters over China-US trade tensions pull world shares lower
Global markets experienced a downturn on Tuesday as China’s imposition of sanctions against U.S. subsidiaries of South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean reignited concerns over escalating trade tensions with Washington. European and Asian markets bore the brunt of the fallout, with France’s CAC 40 dropping 0.8% to 7,873.25, Germany’s DAX losing nearly 0.9% to 24,181.83, and Britain’s FTSE 100 shedding 0.2% to 9,426.92. Futures for the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average also declined by 0.8% and 0.5%, respectively, reversing gains from Monday’s recovery. In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 plummeted 2.6% to 46,847.32, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng and Shanghai Composite fell 1.7% and 0.6%, respectively. The sanctions, targeting five Hanwha Ocean subsidiaries, are seen as a direct response to U.S. efforts to bolster its shipbuilding industry, which has been overshadowed by China’s dominance in the sector. Hanwha Ocean’s shares fell 5.8% in Seoul, and the benchmark Kospi dropped 0.6%. Meanwhile, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 edged up 0.2%, and energy markets saw declines in crude oil prices. Investors are now closely monitoring remarks by U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell for insights into the economic outlook. The sanctions and their ripple effects underscore the fragility of global trade relations and the potential for further market volatility.
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Private numbers of Australia PM and Donald Trump Jr publicly listed on website
A controversial US-based website has sparked widespread concern after publishing the private phone numbers of several prominent individuals, including Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Donald Trump Jr. The platform, which leverages artificial intelligence to scrape and compile data from various online sources, has listed personal contact details that remain publicly accessible. The BBC, while verifying the authenticity of the numbers, has opted not to disclose the site’s name. The issue was first brought to light by Ette Media, an independent Australian outlet, prompting Prime Minister Albanese’s office to acknowledge the situation and initiate an investigation. Similarly, the office of Australia’s opposition leader, Sussan Ley, whose private number was also exposed, described the incident as ‘obviously concerning’ and has requested the removal of the information. The website, which claims to possess contact details for hundreds of millions of professionals, is reportedly utilized by recruiters and sales representatives. While it remains unclear how the site obtained the data, Australia has recently experienced a series of significant data breaches. Users can access a limited number of contacts for free or subscribe to a paid service for broader access. According to its website, the platform aggregates public information, such as filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, and employs AI to gather data from social media networks, web crawlers, and job portals.