Cliff Notes – Israel are still bombing in Gaza much to Trump’s annoyance Israeli forces confirmed the transfer of a deceased hostage’s remains from Gaza via the Red Cross, marking the 16th body returned, with 12 still unaccounted for. Families of hostages expressed anger over the slow return process, urging for immediate action from Hamas, while a spokesperson denied claims of knowledge regarding the locations of remaining bodies. Israel receives body of another deceased hostage…
Cliff Notes – The overlooked power of youth and women’s votes Despite women and youth comprising over 51% and roughly 60% of Tanzania’s demographics, their priorities remain sidelined in the election campaigns, diminishing their potential impact as voters. The disqualification of the Chadema Party has left Tanzanian youth in a political vacuum, as their chief concerns are largely addressed only on the ruling party’s terms, undermining meaningful engagement. Women’s concerns, including health and empowerment, are…
Cliff Notes – Japan PM to nominate Trump for Nobel Prize, White House says Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will formally nominate US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, as acknowledged by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Takaichi praised Trump’s influence on global peace during their meeting in Tokyo, where discussions focused on economic and security matters. Japan PM to nominate Trump for Nobel Prize, White House says Japanese Prime Minister Sanae…
EU hopefuls from the Western Balkans have faced a years-long delay on their membership path. Ahead of its flagship enlargement summit on 4 November, Euronews examines the reasons why the process has lost momentum in recent years and why some of the region’s citizens now have reservations. Western Balkan countries have been pushing for progress for many years. Albania and Serbia applied to join the EU in 2009, Montenegro in 2008, and for North Macedonia…
Cliff Notes – Voters back Milei in midterm elections President Javier Milei’s party, La Libertad Avanza, secured over 40% of the votes for Argentina’s Chamber of Deputies and won in six of eight provinces holding Senate votes. Turnout for the elections reached a historic low at 67.9%, and Milei’s party increased its seats in the Chamber from 37 to more than 101. Despite the gains, Milei will need to build alliances with other parties to…
Cliff Notes – Sirikit, queen mother of Thailand, dies aged 93. Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit passed away at the age of 93, having suffered from a blood infection since October 17. She was married to King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the country’s longest-reigning monarch, who died in October 2016; they had four children, including current King Vajiralongkorn. Born on August 12, 1932, Sirikit was celebrated as the “Mother of the Thai Nation,” with her birthday marking Thailand’s…
Cliff Notes – US Navy strikes smuggling boats in Pacific, killing 5 The US has conducted two strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats in the eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of five individuals identified by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth as “narco-terrorists.” This marks a shift in the US’s anti-drug strategy, targeting vessels in the Pacific rather than the previously focused Caribbean routes, amidst rising tensions with Venezuela and Colombia over drug trafficking issues. US hits…
North Korea fires ballistic missiles, says Seoul, they were not aimed at South Korea, but could be construed as a warning to the US fleet.
Most Southeast Asian countries have strengthened their policies on taxation, packaging, advertising bans, but the biggest hurdles are the Tobacco companies, they own most of the politicians and have a mafia -like lobby group.
Cliff Notes – Japan coalition to back Takaichi as first woman PM — reports Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Japan Innovation Party have agreed to form a coalition, enabling Sanae Takaichi’s candidacy for Prime Minister. Takaichi’s earlier bid faced setbacks after the LDP’s long-standing coalition with Komeito collapsed, leading to political instability in the nation. Japan coalition to back Takaichi as first woman PM — reports Japan’s ruling party and main opposition…
Cliff Notes – The violent Maccabi Tel Aviv have training from the IDF and are a risk to public safety Why Maccabi Tel Aviv fans banned from Aston Villa game Supporters of Israeli football club Maccabi Tel Aviv have been banned from attending their team’s Europa League game away at English Premier League side Aston Villa next month. In a statement, Birmingham-based club Villa said they had been informed that local police had “public safety…
Cliff Notes – Titan sub imploded due to engineering flaws — NTSB report The NTSB’s report indicates that faulty engineering led to critical design flaws in the Titan submersible’s pressure vessel, contributing to the incident. OceanGate’s inadequate testing of the vessel resulted in a lack of awareness regarding its actual strength and durability, which was below required standards. Delays in locating the Titan’s wreckage were attributed to OceanGate’s failure to follow emergency response protocols, hindering…
Cliff Notes – Is the United States under Martial Law? A federal judge has temporarily halted President Trump’s order to deploy National Guard troops in Illinois, citing concerns that their presence would escalate tensions in the area. The judge expressed doubts about the federal government’s claims of violence during protests, describing the narrative as “unreliable.” Illinois Governor JB Pritzker welcomed the ruling, asserting that Trump’s actions violate the law, while the White House announced plans…
Cliff Notes – Ursula von der Leyen is battling another war Ursula von der Leyen faces unprecedented political pressure, with two no-confidence votes scheduled within three months, indicating deepening fragmentation in the European Parliament. Critics from both the far-right and radical left accuse her leadership of lacking transparency and cooperation, asserting that her centralised approach is eroding trust among EU parties. As dissatisfaction grows among centrist parties regarding her policies, von der Leyen must navigate…
Cliff Notes – Takaichi set to become Japan’s first female Prime Minister Japanese stocks, particularly the Nikkei 225 Index, surged by 4.6%, marking a historic high above 46,000 points. The yen depreciated significantly, hitting 149.76 against the dollar and a record low against the euro, following Sanae Takaichi’s election to lead the ruling party. Takaichi, expected to become Japan’s first female Prime Minister, aims to continue expansionist fiscal policies amid efforts to tackle inflation and…
Cliff Notes – Drone sightings disrupt Munich airport Munich Airport suspended operations due to drone sightings on Thursday evening, leading to the cancellation of 17 flights. Nearly 3,000 passengers were affected, with 15 arriving flights diverted to other airports in Germany and Austria. This incident follows similar disruptions in Denmark and Norway last week, coinciding with the busy final weekend of Oktoberfest. Drone sightings disrupt Munich airport Munich Airport said early on Friday that drone…
Cliff Notes – At least 4 dead in shooting at Mormon church A gunman opened fire inside a Mormon church in Grand Blanc, Michigan, killing at least four people and injuring eight others, one critically. The attacker, a 40-year-old former US Marine, was shot dead by police within eight minutes of the incident, which included him ramming a vehicle through the church doors and setting the building ablaze. Investigators are seeking a motive for the…
Cliff Notes – Italian movie star Claudia Cardinale dies at age of 87 Claudia Cardinale, the iconic Italian actress, passed away at the age of 87 in Nemours, France, surrounded by family. Renowned for her captivating performances in classics like 8½, The Leopard, and Once Upon a Time in the West, she starred in over 100 films throughout her career. Celebrated as one of Italy’s greatest post-war icons, Cardinale received numerous accolades, including lifetime achievement…
Cliff Notes – Jair Bolsonaro hospitalised after feeling ‘unwell’ after losing his legal battle Jair Bolsonaro was hospitalised while under house arrest due to severe hiccups, vomiting, and low blood pressure, as reported by his son Flavio. The former president was recently convicted of attempting a coup and sentenced to 27 years in prison, with plans to appeal the verdict. Jair Bolsonaro hospitalised after feeling ‘unwell’ Former Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro, who was recently convicted…
Cliff Notes – Trump deploys National Guard to Memphis, control is everything for Trump President Trump has signed an order to deploy the National Guard to Memphis, claiming it has the highest violent crime rate in the US. Is this is a fascist move from the United States He indicated plans to extend similar actions to other Democrat-run cities, including Chicago and St. Louis, as part of a broader law enforcement effort. Trump deploys National…
Cliff Notes – Germany crowned EuroBasket champions Germany triumphed over Turkey 88-83 to secure the EuroBasket 2025 title, marking their second European championship win in history. Captain Dennis Schröder scored the final six points and ended the match with 16 points and 12 assists, earning the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) honour. Isaac Bonga led Germany’s scoring with 20 points, while German officials and President Steinmeier praised the team’s dedication and performance. Germany crowned EuroBasket…
Cliff Notes – Netanyahu vows ‘there will be no Palestinian state’ Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that “there will be no Palestinian state” during a visit to the Maale Adumim settlement in the occupied West Bank, reinforcing his government’s commitment to expanding Israeli settlements. Netanyahu’s announcement coincided with the formal signing of a proposal to build approximately 3,400 new homes in the controversial E1 settlement project, which critics argue will further isolate Palestinian territories.…
Cliff Notes South Africa’s Constitutional Court has overturned a law prohibiting husbands from adopting their wives’ family names, ruling it discriminatory and a remnant of colonialism. The court suspended the existing legislation and has granted the government two years to revise the Births and Deaths Registration Act to reflect this decision. Reactions on social media are mixed, with some viewing the ruling as progressive while others, predominantly men, express concerns about cultural implications. South Africa’s…
Global patterns show that democracy around the world continued to weaken last year, according to a new report. Democracy is failing worldwide and one of worst times of from press freedom in history, supercharged by Israel’s and America’s actions. Democracy is failing worldwide The Global State of Democracy 2025, published by the Stockholm-based International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), analysed democratic performance in 173 countries in 2024. In the report, 94 countries —…
Cliff Notes – Floods kill at least 23 people in northeastern Nigeria Flash floods in Adamawa state have resulted in at least 23 fatalities and left over 5,500 individuals displaced, according to the UN humanitarian agency (OCHA). As rescue efforts continue, a camp has been established at Aliyu Musdafa College in Yola to provide shelter and basic materials to those affected. Meteorologists advise residents in flood-prone areas to evacuate as further heavy rainfall is anticipated,…
