A United Airlines Boeing 737-800 en route from Tokyo’s Narita Airport to Cebu, Philippines, was forced to make an emergency landing at Kansai International Airport in Osaka on September 12, 2025, following concerns of a potential fire in the cargo hold. The aircraft, carrying 135 passengers and seven crew members, was evacuated using emergency slides. Two individuals sustained minor injuries and were transported to a hospital for treatment. United Airlines confirmed that an initial maintenance inspection revealed no evidence of a fire. The incident occurred shortly after takeoff, prompting the diversion to Osaka. Authorities, including Kansai Airport officials, local police, and fire departments, were unavailable for comment outside regular business hours. The airline has not yet disclosed further details regarding the cause of the emergency or the nature of the injuries. The event underscores the importance of swift emergency response protocols in aviation safety.
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Exclusive: Neil Kinnock says Palestine Action are not terrorists in split with Starmer
In a rare public dissent, former Labour Party leader Neil Kinnock has openly criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s decision to designate Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. Speaking exclusively to Middle East Eye, Kinnock argued that the move has weakened Britain’s anti-terror laws by conflating activism with terrorism. Palestine Action, a group advocating for an end to Israel’s military operations in Gaza, was proscribed on July 4 after its activists vandalized RAF Brize Norton air base. The designation places the group alongside notorious organizations like al-Qaeda and ISIS, making support for it punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Kinnock, who abstained from voting on the proscription in the House of Lords, emphasized that protesting against the dire situation in Gaza does not equate to terrorism. He also expressed concern over the mass arrests of nearly 900 demonstrators in London, including elderly individuals and Holocaust survivors’ relatives, on terrorism charges. The Labour government, however, has defended its decision, with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood praising the Metropolitan Police’s handling of the protests. The controversy has exposed a significant divide within Labour ranks, with only 10 MPs voting against the proscription in the House of Commons. Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to escalate, with over 64,000 Palestinians killed since October 2023 and famine declared by the UN-backed global hunger monitor. While Kinnock acknowledged Israel’s war crimes in Gaza, he refrained from labeling the conflict as genocide, citing the need for legal proof. The ongoing war has drawn international condemnation, with Israel facing charges of genocide at the International Court of Justice. Despite Hamas’s acceptance of a US-backed ceasefire proposal, Israel’s recent failed airstrike on Doha has further complicated efforts to end the conflict. Kinnock commended Israeli protesters for their courage in opposing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes.
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BOJ should watch out inflation risks from weak yen, ex-Japan FX diplomat says
In a recent interview with Reuters in Tokyo, Toyoo Gyoten, Japan’s former vice minister of finance for international affairs, highlighted the risks posed by Japan’s ultra-low interest rates and the prolonged weakness of the yen. At 94, Gyoten, who played a pivotal role in the 1985 Plaza Accord, emphasized that the Bank of Japan (BOJ) must remain vigilant about the potential acceleration of inflation driven by higher import costs due to the yen’s depreciation. ‘Japan’s interest rates have been excessively low, and this is undeniably contributing to the yen’s weakness,’ Gyoten stated. He urged the BOJ to consider the broader economic implications of this situation. The BOJ ended its decade-long stimulus program last year and raised short-term rates to 0.5% in January, aiming to sustainably achieve its 2% inflation target. However, consumer inflation has consistently exceeded this target for over three years. BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda has adopted a cautious approach to rate hikes, citing uncertainties surrounding U.S. tariffs on Japan’s economy. The yen hit a 38-year low of 161 per dollar last year and has remained weak, currently trading around 147 per dollar. Gyoten, now an honorary advisor to Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, suggested that Japan could correct the yen’s weakness by gradually tightening monetary policy, thereby narrowing the interest rate gap with the United States. Reflecting on the 1985 Plaza Accord, Gyoten noted that Japan’s response to the yen’s appreciation at the time—massive monetary easing—fueled asset bubbles that later burst, leaving lasting economic scars. He argued that Japan should have embraced a stronger yen as an opportunity to reduce its reliance on exports and transition to a new growth model. Gyoten also observed a shift in sentiment among export-oriented industries, which now recognize the importance of considering the impact of a weak yen on ordinary consumers facing rising living costs.
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As Russian army inches closer, Ukrainians must decide to stay or go
In the war-torn town of Bilozerske, eastern Ukraine, the White Angels—a specialized police unit—embark on a perilous mission to evacuate civilians amidst relentless Russian drone attacks. The town, once home to 16,000 residents, now lies in ruins, with only an estimated 700 inhabitants remaining. The White Angels’ armored van, equipped with a steel cage and drone-jamming technology, offers scant protection against the ever-present threat of Russian drones. Despite the dangers, the team presses on, navigating shattered streets and burned-out homes to rescue those willing to leave.
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‘For peace, prepare for war’: How Turkey sees Israel’s attack on Qatar
Israel’s recent daylight strike on Hamas leadership in Doha has sent shockwaves across the Gulf region, validating Turkey’s long-standing warnings about Israel’s willingness to disregard international norms and sovereignty. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has repeatedly highlighted Israel’s expansionist strategy, which many Gulf states believed would be restrained by U.S. security guarantees, particularly in Qatar, home to a major U.S. military base. However, the strike has underscored the limits of such assumptions. Turkey, a close ally of Qatar, swiftly condemned the attack, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan pledging joint steps with Qatar in response. Despite this, Turkey’s options remain constrained, given its modest military presence in Doha and Qatar’s multi-layered security framework involving the U.S., the UK, and the Gulf Cooperation Council. The incident has exacerbated tensions between Turkey and Israel, raising concerns about potential confrontation. In response, Turkey has heightened its air patrols and accelerated defense investments, including the development of advanced missile and air defense systems. While Turkey remains cautious, officials emphasize that any violation of its airspace would provoke a decisive response. Despite the escalating rhetoric, both nations are likely to manage tensions through U.S. mediation and established intelligence channels.
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A new world order isn’t coming–it’s already here
On September 3, 2025, China commemorated the 80th anniversary of its victory over Japan with a meticulously orchestrated event showcasing its military prowess. The spectacle, attended by 26 world leaders, reignited discussions in Western media about the emergence of a China-centric ‘new world order,’ potentially replacing the US-dominated ‘rules-based order.’ This event underscored China’s growing influence on the global stage, prompting geopolitical analysts to argue that the transition to a new world order is already underway, albeit in a state of flux. Historically, global dominance has shifted from the British Empire (1815–1880) to the bipolar Cold War era (1945–1991) and the unipolar US-led order post-1991. However, the US’s global position has been challenged by events such as the 2008 financial crisis, the war on terrorism, and the rise of economic nationalism. Today, a multipolar world is emerging, with the US, China, and Europe as key players. China, under Xi Jinping, is actively pursuing a Sino-centric order, forming alliances with nations like Russia, while Europe is remilitarizing to address regional threats. Despite their strengths, all three power centers face internal challenges, including economic stagnation, aging populations, and political instability. The Global South, comprising nations like Brazil, India, and Indonesia, remains a fluid bloc, hedging between major powers. As the world navigates this transitional phase, questions arise about the durability of alliances, the management of internal crises, and the potential for cooperation on global issues like climate change. The hope is that the transition to a new world order will occur peacefully, avoiding outright conflict.
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From political outsider to a president like no other: Bolsonaro’s rise and fall
In a landmark ruling, Brazil’s Supreme Court has convicted former President Jair Bolsonaro of orchestrating a coup attempt, sentencing him to over 27 years in prison. The verdict marks a dramatic fall from grace for Bolsonaro, whose political career was once propelled by his outsider image and a shocking assassination attempt during his 2018 campaign. Despite his conviction, Bolsonaro remains a polarizing figure, with allies pushing for amnesty and his influence still looming over Brazil’s political landscape. Bolsonaro’s rise to power in 2018 was fueled by widespread disillusionment with Brazil’s political establishment, exacerbated by years of economic turmoil, corruption scandals, and the imprisonment of former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro capitalized on this discontent, rallying a coalition of conservative evangelicals, far-right militants, and frustrated middle-class voters. His presidency, marked by pro-business policies, environmental deregulation, and controversial handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, drew both domestic and international criticism. Bolsonaro’s relationship with Brazil’s Supreme Court was particularly contentious, culminating in his refusal to accept the 2022 election results, which saw Lula narrowly defeat him. In the aftermath, Bolsonaro’s supporters stormed government buildings in Brasília, echoing the U.S. Capitol attack. Investigations revealed plans to overturn the election and even assassinate Lula and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. Bolsonaro, now barred from public office until 2060, faces an uncertain future as his allies seek amnesty and potential pardons. The case underscores Brazil’s fragile democracy and the enduring divisions within its society.
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Major Australian gas project extended until 2070
The Australian government has officially extended the operational lifespan of the North West Shelf, one of the nation’s largest fossil fuel projects, by four decades to 2070. This decision comes just days before the federal government is set to announce its 2035 emissions reduction targets. Australia, one of the world’s highest per capita polluters, has committed to reducing emissions by 43% by 2030 but faces criticism for its continued reliance on fossil fuels. Critics argue that the extension undermines global climate goals, while Environment Minister Murray Watt defended the decision, citing 48 new strict conditions imposed on oil and gas giant Woodside Energy. These conditions mandate the reduction of specific gas emissions by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050. Additionally, safeguards have been introduced to protect the ancient Indigenous rock art in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. Woodside Energy’s Chief Operating Officer, Liz Westcott, welcomed the extension, emphasizing the company’s commitment to providing reliable energy. The North West Shelf project, which includes a processing and export plant in Karratha, is located near the 60,000-year-old World Heritage-listed Murujuga rock art. Watt highlighted that the new conditions would prevent unacceptable impacts on the heritage site, including restrictions on air emissions that could accelerate damage. The decision also includes legal requirements for industry consultation with Indigenous communities and a robust monitoring system to ensure compliance with emissions limits. Further protections for the heritage site were announced under a ‘partial declaration.’ Peter Hicks, chair of the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation, praised the additional protections for an area of great cultural significance. However, climate groups, including the Australian Conservation Foundation, condemned the extension, labeling the project a ‘carbon bomb’ that jeopardizes global efforts to combat rising temperatures. Australian Greens leader Larissa Waters described the decision as a ‘betrayal and disastrous for the planet’s future.’ Australia has faced successive natural disasters in recent years, with climate experts warning of more crises unless significant emissions reductions are achieved. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who came to power in 2022 promising stronger climate action, has been criticized for his government’s continued support of coal and gas projects.
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How AI is helping some small-scale farmers weather a changing climate
In the wake of Cyclone Freddy’s devastation in 2023, Alex Maere, a 59-year-old farmer from Malawi, faced the loss of his farm and livelihood. The catastrophic floods stripped his land of fertile soil, leaving behind a barren wasteland of sand and rocks. Once producing 850 kilograms of corn annually to support his family, Maere salvaged a mere 8 kilograms from the wreckage. Determined to adapt, he turned to an AI chatbot developed by Opportunity International, a non-profit organization, for farming advice. Supported by the Malawi government, the AI tool suggested Maere diversify his crops by growing potatoes alongside corn and cassava. Following the guidance, Maere cultivated half a soccer field’s worth of potatoes, earning over $800 in sales and securing his children’s education. This success story highlights the transformative potential of AI in sub-Saharan Africa, where smallholder farms account for 70-80% of the food supply. Despite challenges like language diversity, low literacy, and poor digital infrastructure, AI is empowering farmers with critical insights on crop diseases, drought forecasting, and yield optimization. The Ulangizi app, accessible via WhatsApp and available in Chichewa and English, bridges the gap for farmers without smartphones through on-the-ground support agents. However, scaling up remains a hurdle due to limited internet access and affordability. Trust in AI is fragile, as inaccurate advice could devastate already vulnerable farmers. Yet, by combining AI with traditional community collaboration, Malawi is fostering resilience and productivity in its agriculture sector.
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Bolsonaro sentenced to 27 years in prison for plotting Brazil coup
In a landmark ruling that has sent shockwaves through Brazil and beyond, former President Jair Bolsonaro has been sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison for orchestrating a military coup to retain power after his 2022 election defeat. The verdict, delivered by a panel of five Supreme Court justices, marks a pivotal moment in Brazil’s democratic history. Four justices found Bolsonaro guilty of leading a conspiracy to undermine the electoral process, while one dissented, calling the charges unfounded. Bolsonaro’s legal team has denounced the sentence as “absurdly excessive” and vowed to appeal, though legal experts suggest the odds are slim. The court also barred Bolsonaro from holding public office until 2060, effectively ending his political career. Bolsonaro, who was placed under house arrest prior to the trial, did not attend the proceedings but has repeatedly dismissed the case as a politically motivated “witch hunt.” His claims have found resonance with former U.S. President Donald Trump, who likened the trial to his own legal battles, calling the verdict “very surprising.” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized the ruling as unjust, prompting a swift rebuke from Brazil’s foreign ministry, which defended the independence of its judiciary. The trial revealed chilling details of Bolsonaro’s alleged plot, including attempts to assassinate his political rival, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and a Supreme Court justice. While the coup attempt ultimately failed, it culminated in the storming of government buildings by Bolsonaro’s supporters in January 2023, a stark reminder of the fragility of Brazil’s democracy. Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who presided over the trial, warned that Brazil had narrowly avoided a return to authoritarianism, drawing parallels to the country’s 20-year military dictatorship. The case has reignited debates about the resilience of democratic institutions in the face of rising authoritarianism, with Justice Cármen Lúcia likening the coup plot to a “virus” that threatens societal stability. As Bolsonaro faces the prospect of spending the rest of his life in prison, the ruling underscores the enduring struggle to safeguard democracy in Brazil and beyond.