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On September 22, 2025, the autumnal equinox marks equal day and night globally, signaling the start of fall in the Northern Hemisphere. This year, it coincides closely with a partial solar eclipse on September 21 visible mainly in the Southern Hemisphere. Earlier, a total lunar eclipse on September 7-8 was widely observed across Asia, Australia, and parts of Africa and Europe.
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China has unveiled its Global Governance Initiative (GGI) during the SCO summit in Tianjin, aiming to reshape international cooperation amid global instability. The initiative emphasizes sovereignty, multilateralism, and development, contrasting with US-led approaches. It seeks to address governance gaps and promote a multipolar world, especially appealing to the Global South.
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A new interactive map from Climate TRACE reveals that fossil fuel facilities and wildfires are releasing dangerous PM2.5 particles, exposing 1.6 billion people worldwide to toxic air. The tool tracks pollution sources in real-time, emphasizing the urgent need for policy action to protect public health and address climate change.
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Researchers in Japan and Japan-based farmers have won an Ig Nobel Prize for a humorous study showing that painting cows with zebra-like stripes reduces fly landings and stress. The research, inspired by zebra evolution, involved painting Japanese Black cattle and observing fly behavior, with promising results for small-scale, chemical-free pest control.
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With US tariffs of up to 50% on steel, China and other nations are increasing exports to India, Africa, and Southeast Asia. This surge occurs as China maintains its export momentum despite US restrictions, causing concern among governments over potential economic and geopolitical impacts.
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Chad has terminated its 15-year partnership with African Parks, citing misconduct, disrespect, and a resurgence in poaching. The government accused the charity of financial mismanagement and poor investment, leading to concerns over conservation efforts. African Parks is engaging with authorities to address the issues.
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On October 7, 2025, the first of three supermoons this year, known as the Harvest Moon, appeared. It was the largest and brightest full moon of 2025 so far, appearing up to 14% larger and 30% brighter due to its close orbit to Earth. Meanwhile, two comets, Lemmon and SWAN, are making close passes to Earth this month, visible with binoculars or the naked eye under dark skies. Comet Lemmon will be closest on October 21, and both comets may be seen through the end of October. The UAE and other regions are hosting viewing events for these celestial phenomena.
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Recent reports highlight persistent youth unemployment in Asia, especially in China and Indonesia, where one in seven young people are unemployed. The World Bank warns that the share of those vulnerable to poverty now exceeds the middle class in many countries, despite high overall employment rates.
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UN Secretary-General Guterres warns of climate change's existential threat amid US political pushback. Recent reports highlight record CO2 levels and environmental devastation in Gaza, threatening health, food security, and regional stability. The stories underscore urgent global environmental and geopolitical crises today.
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At the CPHIA 2025 conference in Durban, Africa CDC's Director-General declared the continent unprepared for future pandemics. Recent outbreaks of mpox and Ebola in Congo highlight ongoing vulnerabilities, including weak health infrastructure, reliance on imports, and fragmented response systems. Progress in local manufacturing is noted, but significant challenges remain.
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African startups face exit challenges due to limited liquidity and rare IPOs, leading to reliance on trade sales. Experts call for reforms like growth IPO lanes and secondary markets to improve investor confidence and foster local wealth creation. Recent listings, including Optasia in South Africa, highlight progress.
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The UN climate talks in Belém, Brazil, are focusing on climate finance and fossil fuel phase-out. Recent reports confirm renewables will grow faster than any other energy source, making the transition away from fossil fuels inevitable despite political setbacks. The talks highlight the economic and geopolitical implications of this shift.
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As COP30 in Belém nears its conclusion, negotiations stall over a fossil fuel roadmap, with key countries rejecting the proposal. The summit highlights the ongoing global struggle to balance climate action with economic interests, amid disagreements over climate finance and the US absence. The outcome will influence future climate policies.
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Harare reports 501 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease, while cholera cases surpass 300,000 across Africa. Ethiopia and Rwanda investigate Marburg virus, with ongoing support from WHO and Africa CDC. No deaths reported yet, but health authorities remain vigilant.
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As of December 11, 2025, the EU faces internal divisions over a €90 billion 'reparations loan' to fund Ukraine's 2026-27 budget using frozen Russian assets, mainly held in Belgium's Euroclear. Belgium opposes the plan, fearing legal and financial risks, demanding risk-sharing guarantees. The European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, insists the plan is crucial for Ukraine's defense and peace leverage, while Russia condemns it as theft.
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Guinea-Bissau's military seized power after disputed elections, suspending the government and arresting President Embaló. The AU and ECOWAS condemned the coup, which follows a pattern of regional instability and political crises fueled by corruption and drug trafficking. The military plans a one-year transition.
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Six endangered African wild dog pups were killed by a vehicle on a road in Zimbabwe. The incident highlights the impact of budget cuts on wildlife protection, as a planned fence to prevent such accidents was halted due to funding reductions. Conservationists warn this loss threatens the species' survival.
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On December 5, 2025, the US released a 33-page National Security Strategy (NSS) outlining a major shift in foreign policy. It prioritizes American dominance in the Western Hemisphere, military strength in the Indo-Pacific, and adopts a critical stance on Europe’s future, warning of "civilizational erasure" due to migration and political trends. The strategy downplays ideological promotion abroad, focusing on pragmatic trade and alliances, and signals a distancing from traditional European partnerships.
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South Africa has revised its policies to allow foreign companies to meet affirmative action requirements through 'equity equivalent' programs, such as skills training. This move follows criticism of its ownership laws, notably from Elon Musk, who accused the country of racial discrimination. The US has also criticized South Africa's policies and excluded it from upcoming G20 events.