Ontario Premier Doug Ford has called for an apology from US Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra following a heated exchange between the envoy and Ontario’s trade representative, David Paterson. The confrontation, described by CBC News as an “expletive-laced tirade,” stemmed from a TV advertisement funded by the Ontario government that criticized President Trump’s tariffs. The ad featured a quote from former President Ronald Reagan, stating that tariffs “hurt every America,” taken from his 1987 national radio address on foreign trade. Ford deemed Hoekstra’s remarks “absolutely unacceptable” and urged him to make amends, saying, “Pete, you gotta call Dave up and apologize. It’s simple.” The ad, which aired during the World Series games between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers, was hailed by Ford as “the most successful ad in North American history,” garnering over one billion impressions globally. However, it has sparked frustration within the Trump administration, with President Trump threatening to impose an additional 10% tariff on Canadian imports. Last week, Trump suspended trade talks with Canada over the ad, though the US Senate recently voted 50-46 to block these tariffs. The resolution, however, is unlikely to pass the House of Representatives. Ford defended his actions, stating, “What do they expect me to do? Sit back and roll over like every other person in the world?” The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between the US and Canada over trade policies.
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‘Dh2,700 profit in silver’: UAE investors cash in on metal cheaper than gold
In the United Arab Emirates, silver is emerging as a lucrative investment option, offering substantial returns to both small and large investors. With its lower cost compared to gold and expanding industrial applications, silver has captured the attention of the investment community. Ashraf Malik, a Dubai-based businessman, exemplifies this trend. On September 1, 2025, Malik invested Dh9,614 in two kilograms of silver, purchasing it at Dh4,807 per kilogram. By October 20, silver prices had surged to Dh6,192 per kilogram, allowing Malik to sell his holdings for Dh12,384 and secure a profit of Dh2,770—a remarkable 30% return in less than two months. Malik remarked, ‘I didn’t expect such a quick rise. The returns were good enough to show silver can really be rewarding.’ The surge in silver prices is not an isolated phenomenon. According to Khaleej Times, silver has outperformed gold in 2025, with prices jumping from $28.78 per ounce in 2024 to nearly $50, a 73% increase. In contrast, gold prices rose by 52% during the same period. This trend has been fueled by silver’s growing industrial use in sectors such as technology, solar panels, and electronics, as well as its appeal as a more affordable alternative to gold. Retailers in the UAE have reported a significant uptick in silver demand. Chintan Patni, senior manager at Jewel Trading, noted, ‘There has been a massive increase in silver buyers as prices have continued to rise.’ During Diwali, the demand was so high that temporary shortages occurred. Vivek J, retail head at Malabar Gold and Diamonds, added that silver is becoming a preferred choice for investors seeking to diversify their portfolios or start with smaller investments. Analysts predict that silver’s upward trajectory will continue in the near to medium term, making it an attractive option for investors looking to capitalize on its potential.
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Serbia youth lead thousands on march for weekend rally marking deadly canopy collapse last year
Thousands of predominantly young Serbians commenced a two-day march from Belgrade on Thursday, converging in the northern city of Novi Sad to commemorate the anniversary of a catastrophic train station disaster. The incident, which occurred on November 1, involved the collapse of a concrete canopy at Novi Sad’s central train station, claiming 16 lives. The tragedy has galvanized a youth-led protest movement, targeting President Aleksandar Vucic’s administration, which protesters accuse of corruption and negligence in the station’s renovation. Demonstrators are demanding accountability for the disaster and advocating for early parliamentary elections to oust Vucic’s populist government. The march, spanning 90 kilometers (58 miles), was spearheaded by flag-waving university students, with Saturday’s rally expected to draw tens of thousands, intensifying pressure on the president. Over the past two weeks, various student groups have trekked across Serbia, uniting in Novi Sad for the anniversary. Belgrade residents showed solidarity, honking car horns, waving, and blowing whistles as protesters passed. Participants like Mihajlo Jovanovic and Ana Marija Seslija expressed hope for change and determination to continue their struggle. Authorities have detained numerous protesters in recent months, with allegations of police brutality. While 13 individuals have been charged in connection with the disaster, no trial date has been set, raising doubts about accountability. Vucic has dismissed the protesters as Western-backed “terrorists,” exacerbating political tensions. Serbia’s EU accession process remains stalled amid concerns over democratic freedoms and Vucic’s ties with Russia and China.
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When Asian culture goes global: voices meet, bridges form
The global fascination with Asian culture is reaching unprecedented heights, as people from diverse corners of the world—ranging from Germany and France to Canada and Brazil—are increasingly engaging with it through digital platforms. A Brazilian enthusiast eloquently expressed this sentiment: ‘Watching through the screen, I can feel the culture coming alive in real time.’ This immersive experience is not only enriching their understanding but also inspiring them to add more destinations to their travel itineraries. The allure of Asian traditions, arts, and lifestyles is resonating deeply, fostering cross-cultural connections and mutual appreciation. To witness this cultural phenomenon firsthand, viewers are encouraged to explore the accompanying video, which showcases how Asian culture is captivating hearts globally.
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Expert: China’s market is reshaping East Asia’s economic integration
The burgeoning influence of China’s market is fundamentally transforming the economic integration of East Asia, according to Choi Pil-soo, a distinguished professor of Chinese trade and commerce at South Korea’s Sejong University. In a recent statement, Choi highlighted that the future of regional cooperation depends on the synergistic development of ideas, technology, and talent. He underscored the critical role of cross-border collaboration among industry, government, and academic sectors in driving sustainable growth. This evolving dynamic signals a shift in the economic paradigm of East Asia, with China’s market playing a pivotal role in shaping the region’s economic future.
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Louvre heist suspects ‘partially admit’ involvement; stolen jewels still missing
Two individuals arrested in connection with the audacious theft of jewels from the Louvre Museum have partially admitted their involvement, according to Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau. The stolen treasures, valued at an estimated $102 million, remain unaccounted for. The heist, which occurred on October 19, saw four hooded thieves break into the museum’s Apollo Gallery during opening hours, exploiting significant security lapses. The thieves used a stolen elevator truck to access an exterior balcony, smashed a window, and made their escape on motorbikes within six to seven minutes. The museum’s surveillance system failed to detect the intrusion promptly, raising concerns about its security measures. The two suspects, aged 34 and 39, were identified through DNA evidence and are currently in custody. One was apprehended while attempting to board a flight to Algeria, and the other was already under judicial supervision for a prior theft case. Both reside in Aubervilliers, a low-income suburb of Paris. Prosecutor Beccuau emphasized that there is no evidence suggesting the heist was an inside job but indicated the possibility of a larger group, including a potential commissioner of the theft. The Louvre has since transferred some of its most valuable jewels to the Bank of France under police escort. The incident has sparked global attention and introspection in France, with many viewing it as a national embarrassment.
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‘They slit my son’s throat’ says mother of teen killed in Rio police raid
A devastating police raid in Rio de Janeiro has left at least 119 people dead, exposing the violent underbelly of a city renowned for its picturesque beaches and vibrant culture. The operation, which targeted drug gangs entrenched in the city’s impoverished favelas, has drawn widespread condemnation from families of the victims and international observers. Among the dead were 115 suspected criminals and four police officers, according to provisional figures released by state authorities. The raid, described by officials as a success against organized crime, has been criticized for its excessive use of force, with families alleging that many victims were executed in cold blood. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has called for a coordinated approach to combat drug trafficking without endangering civilians or police officers. The incident has cast a shadow over Brazil’s security challenges, just days before the country is set to host the COP30 UN climate talks in the Amazon. The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the high number of casualties, urging swift investigations into the matter. Meanwhile, residents of the affected communities continue to mourn their loved ones, with harrowing accounts of brutality emerging from the scene.
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Hurricane leaves trail of destruction across Caribbean
The Caribbean region is reeling from the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, a record-setting storm that has claimed at least 32 lives and caused widespread devastation across Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba. Despite being downgraded from a Category 5 to a Category 1 hurricane, Melissa’s ferocity has left communities in ruins, with sustained winds reaching 298 km/h (185 mph) at its peak—surpassing even the destructive force of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The storm’s path of destruction has been particularly severe in Jamaica’s southwestern parish of St Elizabeth, where knee-deep mud and washed-out bridges have isolated towns like Black River. In Cuba, Santiago de Cuba, the nation’s second-largest city, suffered extensive damage, with residents using machetes to clear debris-clogged streets. President Miguel Díaz-Canel described the hurricane’s impact as “considerable,” though no official casualty figures have been released. The Bahamas, while spared the worst of the storm, saw nearly 1,500 people evacuated in one of the largest operations in the country’s history. Despite flooding in some areas, major tourist destinations like Nassau and Freeport remain largely unaffected. Haiti, already grappling with gang violence and a humanitarian crisis, reported at least 23 deaths, including 10 children, primarily due to flooding from relentless rains. Communication and power networks in Jamaica’s hardest-hit regions remain severed, leaving families unable to contact loved ones. Amid the devastation, a glimmer of hope emerged as a baby was safely delivered under emergency conditions, earning the name “Baby Melissa.” The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns that hazardous conditions will persist in Cuba, Jamaica, and Hispaniola for several days, even as floodwaters in the Bahamas begin to recede.
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India to impose 30% import duty on yellow peas from November 1
In a significant move to safeguard domestic agricultural interests, the Indian government has announced a 30% import duty on yellow peas, effective November 1, 2025. According to a government notification issued late on Wednesday, shipments with a bill of lading dated on or before October 31, 2025, will be exempt from this duty. This decision comes after domestic farmers raised concerns over the influx of cheap imports, which have been exerting downward pressure on local prices. Previously, India had allowed duty-free imports of yellow peas until March 31, 2026. As the world’s largest importer of yellow peas, India primarily sources this commodity from Canada and Russia. The new tariff is expected to provide relief to local farmers by reducing competition from imported goods and stabilizing market prices.
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Police in Mumbai rescue 17 children taken hostage by man
In a dramatic operation, Mumbai Police successfully rescued 17 children and two adults from a hostage situation at an acting school in the bustling Powai neighborhood. The incident unfolded in the Mahavir Classic building, where the children were reportedly attending an audition. Authorities received a distress call at 13:45 local time (08:15 GMT) alerting them to the crisis. Initial attempts to negotiate with the hostage-taker proved futile as he remained unyielding, prompting police to use force to enter the premises. The suspect, who claimed to have ‘simple moral and ethical demands,’ was subsequently taken to a hospital for treatment, with media reports indicating he sustained injuries. Police are currently conducting a thorough investigation at the scene and have refrained from providing further details until the inquiry is complete. The motive behind the hostage-taking remains unclear, though the individual denied any terrorist affiliations or financial demands.