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G7 foreign ministers, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, met in Niagara-on-the-Lake to discuss increasing sanctions on Russia and supporting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure as winter approaches. The meeting also addressed broader geopolitical tensions and military aid.
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European countries face increasing drone incursions linked to Russian activity. Germany is preparing legislation to shoot down drones, while other nations grapple with detection and defense. Ukraine's use of low-cost interceptor drones highlights evolving battlefield tactics. The threat underscores growing hybrid warfare concerns.
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UAE travelers face higher airfares for regional and European trips amid school holidays, while Disney increases ticket prices, prompting families to adjust plans. New airline routes and premium options aim to meet demand, but affordability remains a concern for many.
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On October 13, 2025, Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion, and Peter Howitt won the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for their research explaining innovation-driven economic growth. Mokyr received half the prize for historical analysis of technological progress, while Aghion and Howitt shared the other half for their mathematical model of creative destruction, highlighting innovation's role in sustained prosperity.
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Recent updates to the Henley Passport Index show notable declines for the US, UK, Pakistan, and India, while China and several Asian countries have improved their rankings. The US has fallen out of the top 10 for the first time in 20 years, reflecting changing global mobility and diplomatic shifts.
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Hong Kong singer Danny Chan died on October 25, 1993, after 17 months in a coma following a suspected drug overdose. His health crisis began in May 1992, and he was moved from intensive care shortly before his death. Fans and industry figures mourned his passing.
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France and Germany are planning to push for a UN-backed security force in Gaza, aiming to influence the region's stabilization. The US remains non-committal, while the UK signals support for ceasefire monitoring. The move reflects European efforts to gain more influence in Gaza's post-conflict arrangements amid ongoing negotiations.
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Greece has approved legislation allowing 13-hour workdays, up from eight, aiming to increase labor market flexibility. The law has sparked protests and union opposition, amid stagnant wages and ongoing economic recovery from the debt crisis. The legislation limits overtime application and offers more short-term hiring options.
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A Ukrainian man, detained near Warsaw on a German warrant over the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosions, has been released after the court rejected extradition. The judge deemed the attack a military action in a 'just war,' citing international waters and Poland's opposition to the pipelines. The case highlights ongoing tensions over energy security and Ukraine's role.
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On October 18, 2025, the 2015 Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) officially expired amid the reimposition of UN sanctions via the snapback mechanism. Iran declared all deal provisions terminated, suspended cooperation with the IAEA, and rejected sanctions as unjust. Despite ongoing diplomatic rhetoric, nuclear talks remain deadlocked following recent military strikes and mutual accusations.
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Regional capitals see Gaza's war as over, marking a political reordering. New alliances aim to exclude Hamas and political Islam, pushing for managed Palestinian reforms. The shift signals a fundamental change in regional stability and governance, with implications beyond Gaza.
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Recent reductions in UK and US aid threaten progress against HIV, malaria, and TB in Africa. Funding cuts could lead to hundreds of thousands of preventable deaths, with international summits and political decisions shaping future support. The global fight against these diseases faces significant financial and political challenges.
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AI companies in the US, China, and Europe are building large data centers near fossil fuel sites, often generating their own power from natural gas. This trend raises environmental concerns amid ongoing debates over energy security, climate goals, and local impacts. Today's date: Fri, 24 Oct 2025 03:24:43 +0100.
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The EU is seeking to persuade China to ease restrictions on critical material exports, which threaten to disrupt European industries like EV batteries and military manufacturing. EU leaders are considering retaliatory measures, including the bloc’s anti-coercion instrument, amid ongoing economic tensions with Beijing.
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European leaders are advancing efforts to reduce reliance on China and the US, focusing on raw materials and supply chains amid geopolitical tensions. The Netherlands' election results show a shift away from populism, but EU faces challenges in uniting member states on economic and security issues. Today's summit highlights these tensions.
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The UK and Germany are increasing joint military efforts against Russian naval activity. The Royal Navy monitored a Russian destroyer under NATO command for the first time, while Germany plans to deploy submarines alongside the RAF from Lossiemouth. These moves strengthen NATO's northern defenses amid ongoing tensions with Russia.
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Australian scientists have detected signs of the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu strain on Heard Island, a sub-Antarctic territory. Dead seals and seabirds suggest possible infection, raising concerns about the virus's spread toward Australia. Samples are being tested, but no confirmed detection has been made yet.
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Daylight saving time ends this weekend in many regions, with clocks set back an hour. New Stanford research supports adopting permanent standard time, citing health benefits linked to circadian rhythm alignment. The change impacts sleep, health, and international coordination, especially between Europe, North America, and Israel.
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Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed an £8bn agreement with Turkey for 20 Typhoon fighter jets, marking the largest UK fighter jet order in nearly two decades. The deal supports thousands of British jobs, boosts NATO cooperation, and concludes long-running negotiations, with deliveries expected from 2030. Critics highlight human rights concerns in Turkey.
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A 28-year-old Indian national, Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli, was arrested after attacking two 17-year-old passengers with a fork on a flight from Chicago to Germany. The flight was diverted to Boston, where he was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon. He does not have lawful US immigration status.
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Eurozone growth remains weak, hindered by US tariffs and sluggish German and Italian economies. The ECB keeps rates steady despite the US Federal Reserve cutting rates. Meanwhile, the US faces rising debt levels, with the IMF warning of surpassing Greece and Italy in debt-to-GDP by 2030.
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Turkey and reaffirmed Germany's support for Israel's right to self-defense amid tensions with Turkish President Erdogan. Erdogan criticized Israel's actions in Gaza, accusing it of genocide and seeking to suppress Palestinians through famine and violence. The visit highlighted NATO tensions and differing views on the Gaza conflict.
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Two iconic religious sites, Notre-Dame in Paris and Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, have achieved significant milestones. Notre-Dame hosted its first wedding since 1995, while Sagrada Familia became the world's tallest church after a central tower was installed. Both projects symbolize cultural resilience and architectural ambition.
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This week, diverse cultures observed their traditional holidays honoring the dead. Mexico celebrated El Día de los Muertos with colorful altars and sweets, while Poland and Spain marked All Saints’ Day with cemetery visits and candles. The observances blend ancient customs with modern influences, emphasizing remembrance and family connection.
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Fighting in Sudan's el-Fasher has led to mass killings, sexual violence, and a humanitarian crisis. Leaders call for an immediate ceasefire as thousands are displaced and civilians face famine-like conditions. Reports indicate widespread atrocities committed by the Rapid Support Forces, with the situation deteriorating rapidly.
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Between November 4 and 7, 2025, multiple drone sightings forced temporary shutdowns and flight cancellations at Brussels and Liège airports, Belgium’s main international hubs. The incidents followed weekend drone incursions near the Kleine-Brogel military base, where U.S. nuclear weapons are stored. Defense Minister Theo Francken described the drone activity as a coordinated spying operation testing Belgian security systems. Belgium plans to enhance airspace monitoring by January 2026 amid rising European drone threats.
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German authorities detained an Afghan suspect linked to a planned attack on Jewish targets in Berlin. The suspect, in contact with a Danish national for Iranian intelligence, promised weapons for an attack. Searches uncovered items for explosives. The arrest follows increased security measures amid regional tensions.
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Brazil's President Lula announced a new initiative, the Tropical Forests Forever Facility, at COP30 in Belém. The fund aims to pay 74 countries to preserve forests, with initial pledges totaling $5.5 billion, including Norway’s $3 billion. The fund emphasizes Indigenous participation and aims to transform climate finance.
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Germany has suspended its program to relocate about 2,000 Afghans at risk under Taliban rule, citing migration concerns. Approved individuals in Pakistan face delays or offers of financial incentives to return to Afghanistan or third countries. Some approved refugees have arrived in Germany, but the scheme remains largely halted.
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Russia announced successful tests of two nuclear-capable weapons, including a nuclear-powered underwater drone and a missile designed to penetrate U.S. defenses. The tests come amid ongoing tensions with the U.S. and efforts by Moscow to leverage its nuclear arsenal in negotiations.
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German authorities arrested a Lebanese-born man linked to Hamas, accused of procuring weapons for potential attacks on Jewish and Israeli sites across Europe. The suspect, believed to have acquired firearms in Berlin, handed them to a suspected Hamas member in Berlin, with arrests also made in Denmark, Austria, and the UK. The investigation highlights increased European counter-terrorism efforts amid rising threats.
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On November 7, 2025, Tesla shareholders approved a $1 trillion pay package for CEO Elon Musk, contingent on ambitious targets over the next decade, including boosting Tesla's market cap to $8.5 trillion, selling 12 million vehicles annually, and deploying one million robotaxis and humanoid robots. The package is the largest in corporate history but has drawn criticism over its size and Musk's political controversies.
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Ireland beat Portugal 2-0 at the Aviva Stadium, with Troy Parrott scoring twice and Cristiano Ronaldo receiving his first red card. The result keeps Ireland's World Cup hopes alive, with key matches upcoming in Budapest and Armenia.
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On November 13, 2015, jihadists carried out coordinated attacks in Paris, killing 130 people. Today, France commemorates the victims with ceremonies at attack sites, a memorial garden, and a football match. Survivors and officials reflect on the enduring impact of the tragedy, a decade on.
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Professional golfer Justin Thomas has had lower back surgery after discovering a herniated disk. The procedure went as planned, and he expects a slow recovery, aiming to return to play in two months. Thomas had previously won the RBC Heritage and returned to top-tier golf rankings.
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The host for COP31 in 2026 remains unresolved, with Australia and Turkey competing. Ethiopia is confirmed to host COP32 in 2027, after regional consensus. The decision on COP31 is pending, with a potential fallback in Bonn, Germany, risking an unprecedented deadlock.
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On November 13, 2015, Paris was struck by coordinated terrorist attacks killing 130 people, including at the Bataclan concert hall. Commemorations mark the decade since, with memorials, ceremonies, and ongoing reflection on the trauma and security impacts. Survivors and victims' families continue to grapple with lasting trauma.
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On November 12-13, 2025, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune pardoned Boualem Sansal, a French-Algerian writer jailed for undermining national unity. The pardon followed a humanitarian appeal from German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who secured Sansal's transfer to Germany for medical treatment. The move eases tensions between Algeria and France, amid strained diplomatic relations over Western Sahara and migration issues.
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Israeli settlers set fire to a mosque in Deir Istiya, near Salfit, damaging the site and burning copies of the Quran. Separately, two Palestinian children were killed during a raid in Beit Ummar. The violence coincides with a surge in settler attacks amid ongoing tensions in the West Bank.
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Recent stories highlight evolving family models, including a family traveling in an RV to escape routines, friends becoming co-parents, and parents using AI tools for childcare. These narratives reflect shifts toward flexible, community-based, and tech-supported parenting, illustrating diverse approaches to family life today.
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On November 13-14, 2025, the US State Department designated four European groups—Germany's Antifa Ost, Italy's International Revolutionary Front, and Greece's Armed Proletarian Justice and Revolutionary Class Self-Defense—as "Specially Designated Global Terrorists" and plans to list them as "Foreign Terrorist Organizations" by November 20. This move builds on President Trump's September executive order labeling Antifa a domestic terrorist organization, targeting groups accused of violent anarchist and Marxist activities across Europe.
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Recent data shows a 17% drop in first-time international students entering US colleges this fall, the sharpest decline since COVID-19. Overall enrollment fell slightly, but many universities face revenue shortfalls. Visa processing delays and restrictive policies are key factors, raising concerns about future international education trends.
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Germany will lift its weapons export restrictions to Israel on November 24, following a ceasefire in Gaza. The move reverses a suspension from August amid international pressure and ongoing conflict, with Berlin emphasizing case-by-case reviews and support for peace efforts.