Southern China, particularly the coastal city of Zhuhai, has been brought to a standstill as Typhoon Ragasa, dubbed the ‘king of storms,’ made landfall with ferocious winds and torrential rains. The typhoon, the most intense the world has witnessed this year, swept through the South China Sea after wreaking havoc in the Philippines and Taiwan, where it claimed at least 15 lives due to a mountain lake bursting its banks. In Zhuhai, a city of nearly three million, the usual hustle and bustle of rush hour was replaced by the eerie silence of evacuated streets, punctuated only by the howling winds and the occasional determined cyclist braving the storm. Police vehicles patrolled the streets, urging residents to stay indoors, though their warnings were often drowned out by the 100mph (160km/h) gusts. The storm, which made landfall at 17:00 local time, had already forced the evacuation of nearly two million people in Guangdong province, with officials issuing a red alert for high tides and coastal surges. The city’s tall buildings bore the brunt of the storm, with rain lashing against windows and winds making it nearly impossible to stand upright. Evacuation centers across the city housed families who had fled their homes, their children finding solace in the unexpected day off school. Despite the severity of the storm, there was no panic, only a sense of resignation among the locals, who are no strangers to typhoons. Authorities, keen to avoid criticism from past natural disasters, had issued warnings days in advance, urging residents to prepare for a ‘catastrophic disaster.’ This year has been marked by extreme weather events in China, from heatwaves to floods, and Typhoon Ragasa is yet another test of the country’s disaster preparedness. With alerts for heavy rain and landslides still in place, the storm’s impact is far from over.
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Visit by US lawmakers expands dialogue
A recent visit by a US congressional delegation to China has been hailed as a significant step toward rebuilding trust and fostering dialogue between the two nations. Led by Representative Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, the delegation engaged in high-level meetings with Chinese leaders, including Premier Li Qiang, top legislator Zhao Leji, Vice-Premier He Lifeng, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Defense Minister Dong Jun. This marked the first such visit by US House lawmakers since 2019. The trip followed a constructive phone call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump, signaling a mutual desire to ease strained relations. During the meetings, Zhao Leji emphasized the importance of strengthening exchanges between the National People’s Congress and the US Congress, inviting more American lawmakers to visit China. Smith, speaking at a press briefing, highlighted the global significance of the US-China relationship, calling it the most consequential for the coming decades. He acknowledged natural disagreements but stressed the need for mechanisms to manage them. Analysts view the visit as a positive start, with institutionalized dialogue between legislatures benefiting both nations. Experts like Lyu Xiang and Li Haidong noted that such engagements foster a more objective understanding of China and underscore the strategic leadership of the two heads of state in guiding bilateral relations. A stable US-China relationship, they argue, aligns with the interests of both countries and the international community.
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Born in India, but not Indian: ‘Stateless’ man fights for citizenship
Bahison Ravindran, a 34-year-old web developer born in Tamil Nadu, India, to Sri Lankan refugee parents, has found himself in a legal limbo after being declared ‘stateless’ by Indian authorities. Despite holding an Indian passport and various government-issued identity documents, Ravindran was arrested in April for possessing an ‘invalid’ passport. Authorities cited a 1987 amendment to India’s citizenship law, which mandates that at least one parent must be an Indian citizen for a child born after July 1, 1987, to qualify for citizenship by birth. Ravindran, born in 1991, was unaware of this rule and has since applied for citizenship through naturalisation. His case highlights the struggles of thousands of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in India, many of whom fled during the island nation’s civil war in the 1980s. Over 90,000 Sri Lankan Tamils reside in Tamil Nadu, with more than 22,000 born in India after 1987 facing similar citizenship challenges. India’s refusal to sign the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and the exclusion of Sri Lankan Tamils from the 2019 Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) have exacerbated their plight. Ravindran, who recently married a Sri Lankan woman, hopes his case will prompt a resolution. His lawyer, Sandesh Saravanan, argues that Ravindran’s passport was issued after police verification, yet the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) flagged his parents’ origins, leading to his arrest. The Madras High Court has temporarily barred authorities from taking coercive action until the next hearing on October 8. Ravindran’s story underscores the broader issue of statelessness among Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in India, a problem that remains unresolved despite political promises.
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In pictures: India’s Kolkata sees worst rains in 39 years
Kolkata, the capital of India’s West Bengal state, is reeling from its heaviest rainfall in nearly four decades, resulting in widespread flooding, loss of life, and significant disruptions to daily life. The torrential downpour, which brought 251.4mm of rain in less than 24 hours, marks the city’s most severe deluge since 1986 and ranks as the sixth-highest single-day rainfall in the region over the past 137 years. The extreme weather, attributed to a low-pressure system over the north-east Bay of Bengal, has claimed at least 10 lives, with nine fatalities caused by electrocution in stagnant water. Residential areas and businesses across the city and its suburbs have been severely affected by waterlogging, with key roads submerged and train services halted, forcing commuters to navigate knee-deep floodwaters. The timing of the disaster is particularly unfortunate, as it coincides with Durga Puja, the region’s most significant annual festival, which draws tens of thousands of worshippers. Temporary temples, known as pandals, erected for the celebrations have also been inundated, dampening the festive spirit. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her shock at the unprecedented rainfall and pledged compensation for the victims’ families. Authorities have taken precautionary measures, including cutting power in affected areas to prevent further electrocution incidents. Efforts to restore normalcy are underway, but with more rain forecasted in the coming days, the city remains on high alert.
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Tourism is helping Uganda’s endangered mountain gorillas make a comeback
In the misty highlands of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the fate of the endangered mountain gorillas has become a shared concern for local communities. These majestic primates, many of whom have been given names, are not just symbols of biodiversity but also pillars of a thriving tourism economy. The park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has witnessed a remarkable transformation, with former poachers now leading conservation efforts and local women taking on roles as porters and guides. This shift underscores the profound economic and cultural impact of gorilla tourism on the region. Joyleen Tugume, a ranger-guide, reflects on the community’s emotional connection to the gorillas: ‘When a gorilla falls ill, everyone is concerned. It’s as if one of our own is suffering.’ This sentiment is echoed by Philemon Mujuni, a reformed poacher who now advocates for the protection of the species. Mujuni, once a hunter who viewed gorillas as threats, now leads a group of former poachers dedicated to safeguarding the primates. Their efforts, combined with the vigilance of armed rangers, have significantly reduced poaching and habitat encroachment. The economic benefits of gorilla tourism are undeniable. Tourists pay $800 per permit to observe these animals in their natural habitat, with $10 from each fee reinvested into local communities. This revenue has funded essential projects, from healthcare to water provision, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among residents. The mountain gorilla population, once teetering on the brink of extinction, has seen a remarkable recovery, with numbers exceeding 1,000 in recent years. This success story is a testament to the power of community-driven conservation and the transformative potential of sustainable tourism. As Tugume aptly puts it, ‘We are all working together to ensure conservation succeeds because we all benefit.’
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Australia journalist unfairly fired over Gaza post awarded A$150,000
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has been mandated to pay A$150,000 in penalties for the unjust dismissal of presenter Antoinette Lattouf, following a controversial social media post related to the Gaza conflict. The Federal Court ruled earlier this year that Lattouf was removed from her role as a fill-in radio host in December 2023 due to her political stance and pressure from pro-Israel groups. While Lattouf had already received A$70,000 in damages, Justice Darryl Rangiah emphasized the necessity of the additional ‘substantial’ penalty to ensure the ABC learns from its mistakes. The broadcaster has since issued a public apology to Lattouf, acknowledging its failure towards both its staff and audiences. Lattouf’s dismissal sparked widespread public outrage and internal turmoil at the ABC, raising concerns about its independence and support for culturally diverse employees. Justice Rangiah criticized the ABC for surrendering employee rights to appease a lobby group, stating that the public scrutiny should have highlighted the unacceptability of its actions. Lattouf, a seasoned media contributor and activist on issues like racism and mental health, was hired for a week-long stint on ABC Radio Sydney’s Mornings show but was dismissed after three shifts. The decision to remove her was leaked to the media shortly after she shared a Human Rights Watch post accusing Israel of using starvation as a war tactic, an allegation Israel denies but which the International Criminal Court has deemed credible. The ABC claimed Lattouf violated its editorial policy by discussing the war on social media, but Justice Rangiah found no evidence she was instructed not to post. He described her Instagram story as ‘ill-advised’ but noted her dismissal was based on a mere suspicion of policy breach, with no opportunity for defense. The judge also highlighted an ‘orchestrated’ campaign by pro-Israel lobbyists to remove Lattouf from the outset, accusing ABC management of sacrificing her to mitigate criticism. He stressed that penalties should not be seen as a cost of avoiding criticism and criticized the ABC for failing to investigate the leak of Lattouf’s dismissal. The case has had ‘very significant consequences’ for Lattouf, with the court ordering the penalty to be paid within 28 days.
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Typhoon bursts Taiwan lake as strongest storm barrels towards China
Super Typhoon Ragasa, the most powerful storm of 2025, has wreaked havoc across Taiwan and is now poised to strike southern China, prompting mass evacuations and widespread disruptions. In eastern Taiwan, the typhoon caused a mountain lake to burst its banks, leading to catastrophic flooding in Hualien County. At least 14 people have died, while 263 others remain trapped or missing. Rescuers are working tirelessly to reach affected areas, but the situation remains dire. The typhoon, equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane, has already unleashed wind gusts of up to 285 km/h (177 mph) and triggered severe flooding, landslides, and storm surges. In Hualien, a bridge was destroyed, trees uprooted, and cars submerged as floodwaters surged through the region. Deputy Chief of Hualien County Fire Department, Lee Lung-sheng, described water levels rising as high as the second floor of buildings in some areas. Meanwhile, Taiwan has recorded nearly 60 cm (24 inches) of rainfall in its eastern regions, with ferry services suspended and over 100 international flights canceled. As Ragasa approaches China’s Guangdong province, authorities have evacuated 370,000 people and issued warnings of a ‘catastrophic’ storm surge of up to five meters. Hong Kong has raised its typhoon warning to the maximum level 10, with supermarkets stripped bare as residents prepare for the storm’s impact. Hong Kong International Airport anticipates significant flight disruptions, with over 500 Cathay Pacific flights canceled. The typhoon, dubbed the ‘King of Storms’ by China’s meteorological agency, is expected to move towards northern Vietnam, potentially affecting millions. In the Philippines, Ragasa has already claimed one life and forced the evacuation of thousands. Experts warn that climate change is intensifying tropical storms, leading to higher wind speeds, heavier rainfall, and increased coastal flooding risks. As Ragasa continues its destructive path, the region braces for further devastation.
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Phone spyware scandal in Greece moves to court as critics claim cover-up
The unfolding saga of Greece’s spyware scandal, often likened to a modern-day Watergate, has sent shockwaves through the nation’s political and judicial systems. At the heart of the controversy is the use of Predator spyware, developed by the Athens-based Israeli company Intellexa, which allegedly targeted the mobile phones of government ministers, senior military officers, judges, and journalists. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has labeled the incident a scandal, yet no government officials have faced charges in court, leading critics to accuse the administration of a cover-up.
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Bollywood stars fight for personality rights amid deepfake surge
In a growing battle against the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI), Bollywood celebrities are taking legal action to protect their personality rights. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Karan Johar, and Abhishek Bachchan are among the high-profile figures who have approached the Delhi High Court to safeguard their identities from unauthorized exploitation, including deepfakes, fake profiles, and unauthorized merchandising. Personality rights, also known as publicity rights, ensure individuals have control over the commercial use of their name, image, voice, and other unique attributes. While India lacks a dedicated law for these rights, courts rely on common law and other legal frameworks, such as copyright and intellectual property laws, to address violations. Recent cases, including Anil Kapoor’s lawsuit over the misuse of his catchphrase ‘jhakaas’ and Jackie Shroff’s legal victory to protect his nicknames, highlight the increasing challenges posed by technology. Legal experts argue that India’s current system, which ties personality rights to privacy rights under Article 21 of the constitution, falls short compared to countries like the US, where such rights are codified and can even be inherited. The rise of AI-generated content, such as deepfakes, has further complicated the issue, with celebrities like Scarlett Johansson also raising concerns globally. While some advocate for codifying personality rights in India to provide clearer protections and deterrence, others believe the flexibility of existing laws allows for broader interpretation. As technology continues to evolve, the need for robust legal safeguards and public awareness about personality rights has never been more critical.
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UN General Assembly 2025: Which Middle East leaders are speaking and when?
This week, New York City becomes the epicenter of global diplomacy as world leaders assemble for the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) debate. The gathering, marking eight decades of international collaboration, unfolds against a backdrop of escalating global conflicts and internal financial struggles within the UN. Over 150 heads of state and government are set to address the assembly, with Middle Eastern leaders expected to spotlight Israel’s actions in Gaza and its regional confrontations. The event, renowned for attracting political heavyweights, kicked off with US President Donald Trump articulating his global vision and critiquing the perceived decline of international institutions. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, alongside leaders from Jordan and Qatar, also took the stage. The UNGA, a cornerstone of the UN, oversees critical functions such as admitting new members, selecting non-permanent Security Council members, and contributing to the election of the UN Secretary-General. It also grants observer status to entities like Palestine and the European Union. This year’s theme, ‘Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights,’ may be overshadowed by national agendas, particularly from Middle Eastern leaders. The assembly’s schedule, running from 9am to 9pm EST, is packed with speeches, though adherence to the 15-minute limit is often lax, a tradition famously exemplified by Fidel Castro’s four-hour address in 1960. The event’s dynamic nature means the speaking order is subject to change, with leaders from across the globe, including Indonesia, South Africa, France, and China, slated to contribute their perspectives. The UNGA continues to serve as a vital platform for addressing pressing global issues, despite the challenges it faces.