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Indonesia's president Prabowo has replaced five ministers amid widespread protests over economic hardship and lawmakers' allowances. The protests, sparked by a housing allowance scandal and youth unemployment, resulted in deaths and unrest. The government has revoked perks and taken security measures to restore calm. This highlights deep economic and political tensions.
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Despite a ceasefire in November 2024, Israel continues near-daily airstrikes in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah, causing civilian casualties and damage. Recent attacks include strikes on villages, infrastructure, and Hezbollah sites, with civilian deaths including U.S. citizens. UN peacekeepers report Israeli grenades near their personnel, highlighting ongoing tensions.
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In Seychelles' presidential race, incumbent Wavel Ramkalawan and opposition candidate Patrick Herminie are separated by less than 3%, with most votes counted. A runoff is likely, as no candidate has surpassed 50%. Key issues include the drug crisis, environmental concerns, and sovereignty disputes. The election results remain pending.
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Since the ceasefire in November 2024, Israel has maintained near-daily airstrikes targeting Hezbollah sites and infrastructure in Lebanon. Recent attacks have resulted in civilian casualties, displacement, and damage to civilian infrastructure, despite international calls for a durable truce and respect for humanitarian law. The UN reports over 100 civilian deaths since the ceasefire.
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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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The WTO reports a significant upward revision in merchandise trade growth for 2025 to 2.4%, driven by AI-related goods and resilient trade among developing countries. Predictions for 2026 are lowered to 0.5%. The report highlights trade dynamics amid tariffs and economic shifts, with a focus on regional impacts.
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Patrick Herminie has been declared the winner of Seychelles' presidential runoff with 52.7% of the vote, defeating incumbent Wavel Ramkalawan. Herminie, representing United Seychelles, promises to address economic issues, environmental concerns, and social reforms. The election followed a closely contested campaign focused on development and sovereignty.
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On October 8, 2025, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva warned that global economic resilience is untested amid rising uncertainty. Despite 3% growth forecasts and easing tariffs, gold prices hit $4,000 an ounce as investors seek safe havens. She urged the US to address federal debt and highlighted risks from trade tensions and geopolitical instability ahead of IMF-World Bank meetings.
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Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon have killed at least two people, including a Hezbollah logistics chief, and targeted infrastructure linked to the group. Despite a ceasefire, Israel continues strikes claiming they prevent Hezbollah's military rebuilding. Lebanon condemns these actions as violations of the ceasefire agreement.
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China advances its climate goals with a focus on resilience and renewable energy, while the US and Europe face criticism for insufficient action. Meanwhile, global efforts to address air pollution and hunger remain underfunded, highlighting disparities in climate and development priorities amid rising inequalities.
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On October 15, 2025, Colonel Michael Randrianirina led a military coup in Madagascar, ousting President Andry Rajoelina amid weeks of youth-led protests over poverty, corruption, and utility outages. Rajoelina fled the country and was impeached for desertion. Randrianirina was sworn in by the High Constitutional Court and pledged a transitional government with elections in 18-24 months. The African Union suspended Madagascar following the coup.
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The IMF reports that the global economy is expected to grow by 3.2% in 2025, slightly higher than July forecasts, amid ongoing trade tensions and tariffs. While growth is better than feared, uncertainties from tariffs and protectionism continue to weigh on long-term expansion.
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After over a decade of civil war, Syria's new authorities face a reconstruction bill estimated at $216 billion. The damage includes infrastructure, housing, and public services, with ongoing challenges like unexploded ordnance and strained infrastructure due to returning refugees. International support is seen as crucial for stability.
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Rising borrowing costs and aid cuts are worsening debt crises in the global south, with countries like Ethiopia, Zambia, and South Sudan struggling to restructure debt. Meanwhile, France faces a political deadlock over its budget, raising concerns about its economic stability. Both stories highlight urgent need for reform and international cooperation.
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CBCX, a Hong Kong-based trading platform, announced a strategic investment to grow its presence in Asia-Pacific and global markets, focusing on digital assets, gold, and forex. The move aims to bridge traditional finance with emerging digital markets, including launching new crypto and tokenized products.
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On November 10, 2025, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa will meet U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, marking the first Syrian presidential visit since 1946. This follows the lifting of U.N. and U.S. sanctions on al-Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Khattab, as Syria seeks to join the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State and rebuild after years of civil war.
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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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The US circulated a draft UN resolution supporting a two-year Gaza governance plan and international force, while Russia proposed a counter-resolution emphasizing a balanced approach to ceasefire. Both aim to influence the Security Council's response amid ongoing tensions and fragile ceasefire conditions.
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A major climate impact study published in Nature in 2024 has been retracted after scientists identified significant data errors, notably with Uzbekistan's economic data. The original paper estimated a 62% decline in global economic output by 2100, but corrected figures suggest a 23% drop. The authors plan to revise and resubmit.