October Current Events 2022: World News

Updated November 4, 2022 | Infoplease Staff

US News | Disaster News | Science & Technology News

The world is a very busy place, and it's hard to stay on top of everything. Infoplease has got you covered. Here are the World news events you need to know so far for October 2022.

  1. Russia Proclaims The Annexation Of Ukrainian Territory As Military Setback Looms
  2. Lyman, A Key City In Eastern Ukraine, was Retaken, As Russian Troops Retreat
  3. A Stampede Which Occurred After A Football Match In Indonesia Killed At Least 130 People
  4. A Ballistic Missile Launched By North Korean Is Believed To Have Flown Over Japan
  5. Ukrainian Tanks Break Through Russian Lines In Kherson, In The Southern Part Of Ukraine
  6. Three United Nations Peacekeepers Killed By Roadside Blast In Central African Republic
  7. Thailand In Mourning, After Mass Shooting And Stabbing Of Nursery Children
  8. Putin’s War Effort Suffers Huge Blow Following Massive Blasts Of Crimean Bridge
  9. Two Members Of Security Forces Killed In A Continuing Protest In Iran
  10. The President Of Austria Secured A Clear Win In Re-Election Bid
  11. King Charles III is To Be Coronated On May 6, 2023
  12. Aung San Suu Kyi’s Prison Term Extended By Myanmar Court To 26 Years
  13. Coup Leader Ibrahim Traore Named As Transitional President Of Burkina Faso
  14. Moscow's Campaign In Ukraine Suffers A New Blow, As Gunmen Killed 11 People In Russia Army Base
  15. President Xi Jinping Announced That China Would Never Renounce The Right To Use Force Over Taiwan
  16. At Least Four People Were Killed When Russia Launched Kamikaze Drone Attack
  17. Chief Of Cybersecurity In Germany Sacked Over Reports Of Ties With Russia
  18. Prime Minister Of The United Kingdom, Liz Truss Resigns
  19. New Italian PM, Giorgia Meloni, Agrees To Form New Government
  20. A Rare Talk Between United States And Russia Defense Ministers, As They Discuss Ukraine War
  21. Xi Jinping Begins His Third Term, Marking Him As The Most Powerful Leader Of China In Decades
  22. Rishi Sunak, The New Prime Minister Of The United Kingdom, Pledges To Lead Britain Out Of The Economic Crisis
  23. China Accused Of Establishing Illegal Police Station In The Netherlands
  24. Germany Moves To Legalize The Use Of Recreational Cannabis
  25. Elon Musk Completes $44bn Deal To Take Over Twitter As Its New Owner
  26. Grain Export Deal Between Ukraine And Russia Brokered By United Nations Suspended By Russia
  27. At Least 149 People Dead In A Halloween Stampede In Seoul, The Capital Of South Korea
  28. Lula Makes Comeback, As He Defeats Bolsonaro In Brazil’s Presidential Election

Russia Proclaims The Annexation Of Ukrainian Territory As Military Setback Looms

Russia Ukraine

Photo Source: AP Photo/Leo Correa

Friday, September 30, 2022 – Four Ukraine regions that were under Russian occupation have been formally annexed by Russia in a move that received wide condemnation from the international community. On Friday, the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, signed “accession treaties” with the region’s Moscow-installed leaders at a ceremony that was held in the Kremlin’s opulent St George’s Hall.

In a reaction from Kyiv, they launched a new, fast-track bid to join the NATO alliance. The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, said Ukraine had long been a “de-facto” member of the security bloc. He also added that Ukraine is taking a decisive step by signing Ukraine's application for accelerated accession to NATO."

Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary-General, was reluctant to be drawn on the bid. He said the decision lies with the bloc’s 30 members. He does, however, condemn the fact that Moscow annexed some of the Ukrainian territories and tagged the move as “the most serious escalation since the start of the war.”

Source: BBC

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Lyman, A Key City In Eastern Ukraine, was Retaken, As Russian Troops Retreat

Russia Ukraine

Photo Source: AP Photo/Francisco Seco

Saturday, October 1, 2022 – Ukrainian troops liberated the key eastern city of Lyman as Russia suffered another military defeat, with videos that showed Ukrainian troops raising a blue and yellow national flag and performing a victory dance.

Russia’s ministry of defense acknowledged that its troops had retreated. Following their encirclement by Ukrainian forces, the ministry said: “they had been withdrawn to more advantageous lines.”

This came hours after Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin, declared on Friday that the city in the Donetsk region belonged to Russia forever. In a ceremony that was held in the Kremlin, he announced the province’s annexation alongside the territories of Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia.

Ukraine’s armed forces said on Saturday that their troops had surrounded the city entirely, trapping thousands of Russian soldiers inside. Serhiy Haidai, the governor of Luhansk province, said the besieged troops had pleaded to be allowed to leave Lyman.

Source: The Guardian 

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A Stampede Which Occurred After A Football Match In Indonesia Killed At Least 130 People

Indonesia stampede

Photo Source: AP Photo/Dicky Bisinglasi

Sunday, October 2, 2022 – The chaos and violence that erupted during an Indonesian league soccer match in the early hours of Sunday have left at least 131 people dead. The Governor of East Java described the incident as one of the world’s deadliest stadium disasters of all time.

Police confirmed that there was a clash in the stands between the supporters of Arema FC and rival Persebaya Surabaya, two of the biggest soccer teams in Indonesia, after a soccer match that was played in the city of Malang in east Java between the two teams.

At a press conference following the events, East Java Police Chief Nico Afinta said the supporters of the losing team invaded the pitch, and the police fired tear gas, which led to a stampede that led to cases of suffocation. Two police officers were also confirmed dead.

Source: CNN

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A Ballistic Missile Launched By North Korean Is Believed To Have Flown Over Japan

Japan North Korea

Photo Source: AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko

 

Monday, October 3, 2022 – According to the report from regional officials, at least one ballistic missile was fired by North Korea on an apparent trajectory over Japan. The Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea also confirmed the launch.

From the tweet posted by the office of the Prime Minister of Japan, the projectile is believed to have been launched over the northern Japanese Island of Hokkaido, which marks a potential escalation for North Korean missile launches.

In a statement from the Premier’s office, Japanese civilians were urged “to not approach anything suspicious that is found and to immediately contact the police or fire department.” The recent launch, according to the count by CNN, marks the 23rd missile launch this year, including both ballistic and cruise missiles.

Launches over Japan are rare; the last time a ballistic missile was fired over territorial Japan by North Korea was September 15, 2017.

Source: CNN

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Ukrainian Tanks Break Through Russian Lines In Kherson, In The Southern Part Of Ukraine

Russia Ukraine

Photo Source: AP Photo/Andrii Marienko

 

Tuesday, October 4, 2022 – On the Dnieper River, northeast of Kherson, Ukrainian forces have broken through the Russian position, a strategic city in southern Ukraine that is held by Russia. The Russian military and Russian-installed officials in the region reported the advancement. They termed it as a heavy defensive fire.

During his evening speech, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, said the fierce fighting continues in many areas, but he gave no further details. After recapturing Lyman's important hub town on Saturday, Russia’s proxy forces in Luhansk said the forces of Ukraine pushed a few Kilometers into the region.

In the south, the Russian-installed leader in Kherson, Vladimir Saldo, said Ukraine troops had broken through Dudchany, a town on the Dnieper that is about 30km (20miles) south of the previous frontline.

Mr. Saldo also added that “there are some settlements that are occupied by Ukrainian troops. Some Russian reports say Dudchany has been completely retaken by Ukraine.

Source: BBC

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Three United Nations Peacekeepers Killed By Roadside Blast In Central African Republic

Central African Republic

Photo Source: AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell

 

Wednesday, October 5, 2022 - United Nations said a roadside bomb explosion in the northwest Central African Republic killed three United Nations peacekeepers from Bangladesh and injured several others. The attack happened near the village of Kaita, close to the Cameroon border, in an area rife with militia activity.

A tweet from the peacekeeping mission MINUSCA said, "the battalion was carrying out a patrol, when 1 of its vehicles hit an explosive device." MINUSCA head, Valentine Rugwabiza, criticized an armed group's use of explosive devices, even though no militia was directly blamed for the attack.

Since 2013, the Central African Republic has been rocked by violence when President Francois Bozize was removed by mainly Muslim Seleka rebels, and since then faced resistance from mostly Christian militias.

According to the United Nations, more than 1 million people have been uprooted due to the conflict.

Source: Reuters

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Thailand In Mourning, After Mass Shooting And Stabbing Of Nursery Children

Thailand nursery shooting

Photo Source: AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit

 

Friday, October 7, 2022 – Thailand on Friday was in a state of mourning as children were left dead in a nursery after a gun and knife attack, which prompted calls for gun control and a crackdown on illicit drugs.

Thirty-seven people were killed after the assailant opened fire and stabbed children as they slept at a preschool in Uthai Sawan, a town 310 miles northeast of Bangkok. After the attacker left the nursery while driving home shot a bystander and then returned home, where he shot his wife, child, and himself.

King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida were also expected to meet the victims and their families on Friday. There was a gathering of the crowd outside the hospital as they watched the motorcade pass by.

The police identified the attacker as Panya Khamrab, a 34-year-old former police lieutenant colonel, who was dismissed from the force for possessing methamphetamine in January and was officially relieved of duty in June.

Source: The Guardian

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Putin’s War Effort Suffers Huge Blow Following Massive Blasts Of Crimean Bridge

Kerch Strait road-and-rail bridge

Photo Source: AP Photo

 

Saturday, October 8, 2022 – A huge explosion severely damaged the only bridge that connects the annexed Crimean Peninsula with the Russian mainland, crippling a supply route for the Russian war efforts in Ukraine.

From the images and the video shown from the scene, a part of the roadway on the Kerch Strait road-and-rail bridge, opened by President Putin himself in 2018, collapsed due to the blast.

There is yet to be confirmation of exactly what caused the blast at Europe’s longest bridge. Officials of Russia said a truck exploded, causing Crimea-bound sections of the bridge’s roadway to fall. A subsequent fire engulfed a train of fuel tanks on a separate, adjacent rail portion of the bridge. 

Russian state media reported that Putin ordered a “government commission” to examine the Kerch bridge immediately.

Source: CNN 

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Two Members Of Security Forces Killed In A Continuing Protest In Iran

Iran protests

Photo Source: AP Photo/Lee Jin-man

 

Sunday, October 9, 2022 - State media reported that two members of Iran's security forces had been killed in continued protest against the authorities. Social media accounts showed footage of students and schoolgirls joining the demonstration across the country.

Since the beginning of the unrest last month, Dozens of protesters have been killed following the death of Mahsa Amini, a 27-year-old Iranian, who was detained by the morality police in Tehran for not covering her hair properly.

According to the report from the Basij News, one member of the Basij paramilitary militia was killed by rioters with a gunshot" at one of the protest sites in Tehran.

A report from Iran media says that, on Saturday, a member of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) was also killed during protests in Sanandaj, the capital of Kurdistan province.

Source: BBC

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The President Of Austria Secured A Clear Win In Re-Election Bid

Alexander Van der Bellen

Photo Source: AP Photo/Theresa Wey

 

Monday, October 10, 2022 – The President of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen, won a majority of votes in an election to avoid a runoff, according to projections based on almost all votes cast with the exemption of postal ballots, and therefore, securing a second six-year term in office.

The 78-year-old former leader of the Greens has gathered broad popularity by projecting calm during times of national crisis, including the government's collapse in 2019 and Chancellor Sebastian Kurz's resignation a year ago over corruption allegations which Kurz denies.

The far-right Freedom Party (FPO) was the only party in parliament to present a candidate against Van der Bellen, who in 2016 won a much tighter race against an FPO opponent. The President had the backing of the Grandees from all other parties.

The role of the President is largely ceremonial but also has sweeping powers that mean overseeing periods of transitions and turbulence.

Source: Reuters

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King Charles III is To Be Coronated On May 6, 2023

King Charles III

Photo Source: AP Photo/Paul Grover

 

Tuesday, October 11, 2022 – Buckingham Palace announced that the coronation of King Charles III is to be held on Saturday, May 6, at Westminster Abbey. The Queen Consort, Camilla, will be alongside the King and also be crowned in the historic Ceremony.

King Charles became monarch when his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, died, but the coronation will mark the symbolic celebration of his new reign. With many rituals, the King will be anointed as sovereign, and a crown will be placed on his head.

The coronation next year will be the first in almost 70 years, with the last coronation being for Elizabeth II in June 1953. The first coronation was held on a Saturday since Edward VII in 1902. There is an indication from Buckingham palace that the ceremony will be a combination of ancient and modern practices.

Source: BBC 

 

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Aung San Suu Kyi’s Prison Term Extended By Myanmar Court To 26 Years

Aung San Suu Kyi

Photo Source: AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye

 

Wednesday, October 12, 2022 – Deposed former leader of Myanmar and Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi has been sentenced to three additional years in jail for corruption by a court in a military-run country. The sentence extends her full prison term to 26 years.

The verdict on Wednesday is the most recent in a string of punishments against the 77-year-old, a figurehead of opposition to decades of military rule, who ruled Myanmar for five years before a military coup in 2021 deposed her from power.

According to a source, Suu Kyi was found guilty of receiving $500,000 in bribes from a local tycoon, but she denied the charge. Her lawyers claimed that the series of allegations against her were politically motivated.

Suu Kyi is at the moment being held in solitary confinement at a prison in the capital Naypyidaw.

Source: CNN

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Coup Leader Ibrahim Traore Named As Transitional President Of Burkina Faso

Ibrahim Traore

Photo Source: AP Photo/Kilaye Bationo

 

Saturday, October 15, 2022 - The military officials, political parties, and civil society leaders of Burkina Faso officially designated army captain Ibrahim Traore as the country's transitional President two weeks after he staged the second coup in Burkina Faso this year to seize power.

About 300 officials are meeting over two days in the capital, Ouagadougou, to lay out plans to return the West African country to constitutional rule.

Burkina Faso has been battling a violent insurgency waged by groups linked to Al Qaeda and Islamic State that started in neighboring Mali in 2012 and has since then spread to other countries South of the Sahara Desert. Thousands have been killed due to the violence, which displaced nearly two million and fueled political instability.

Traore has committed himself to democratic transition timeliness agreed between his predecessor, Paul-Henri Damiba, and the Economic Community of West African State (ECOWAS) to have constitutional order restored by July 2024

Source: Reuters

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Moscow's Campaign In Ukraine Suffers A New Blow, As Gunmen Killed 11 People In Russia Army Base

Russia Ukraine

Photo Source: AP Photo/Leo Correa

 

Sunday, October 16, 2022 - Authorities confirmed that Russia had opened a criminal investigation after 11 people were shot dead at a military training ground near the Ukrainian border by shooters as fighting raged in eastern and southern Ukraine.

Citing the defense minister, Russia's RIA news agency said two gunmen opened fire during a firearm training exercise, targeting a group of people who had volunteered to fight in Ukraine. The news agency also confirmed that the shooters were shot dead.

Russia's defense ministry confirmed that the attackers were from the former Soviet Republic. Oleksiy Arestovych, a senior Ukrainian official, said the two men were from the mainly Muslim, Central Asian Republic of Tajikistan. They opened fire after an argument over religion broke out.

While announcing the criminal investigation, Russia's Investigative Committee said, "as a result of the incident at a shooting range in Belgorod region, 11 people died from gunshot wounds, and another 15 were injured."

Source: Reuters

 

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President Xi Jinping Announced That China Would Never Renounce The Right To Use Force Over Taiwan

President Xi Jinping

Photo Source: AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein

Sunday, October 16, 2022 - During the opening of a major party meeting on Sunday, China's President, Xi Jinping, said it is up to the people of China to resolve the Taiwan issue, and China will never renounce the right to use force but will strive for a peaceful resolution.

Taiwan, which China sees as its territory, responded that it would not give up on its sovereignty or compromise on freedom and democracy.

The tension between Beijing and Taipei rose in August after China staged war games near Taiwan following the visit of United State House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. There is still a continuation of military activities, though at a reduced pace.

While speaking at the ruling Communist Party's 20th party congress in Beijing, Xi said, "they insist on striving for the prospect of peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and best efforts, but they will never promise to give up the use of force and reserve the option to take all necessary measures.

Source: Reuters

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At Least Four People Were Killed When Russia Launched Kamikaze Drone Attack

Russia Ukraine drone attack

Photo Source: AP Photo/Roman Hrytsyna

 

Monday, October 17, 2022 - The officials of Ukraine confirmed that at least four people were killed on Monday when Russia launched a barrage of Iranian-made "kamikaze" drone attacks in Kyiv, after which warning sirens were set off across the capital.

Reports gathered from Kyrylo Tymoshenko, a senior official working for the President of Ukraine, confirms that four people were injured during the attack, and 19 people trapped under the destruction were rescued.

The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed early Monday that it had destroyed 37 Kamikaze drones made in Iran and three cruise missiles in the south and east of the country. Denys Monastyrskyi, the Minister of Interior in Ukraine, said that the security forces were able to shoot down 36 of 42 drones launched on Monday by Russia. Monastyrskyi also said that Kyiv was the target of about 30 drones.

Source: CNN

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Chief Of Cybersecurity In Germany Sacked Over Reports Of Ties With Russia

Arne Schönbohm

Photo Source: AP Photo/Michael Sohn

 

Tuesday, October 18, 2022 - The Minister for Interior of Germany has fired the country's cybersecurity chief after being alleged to have turned a blind eye to a firm linked to Russian security circles.

Reports from security sources confirm that the President of the German Federal Office for Information, Arne Schönbohm, was relieved of his duties immediately on Tuesday. 

Schönbohm, who has been in charge of the agencies since 2016, overseeing the computer and communication security of the government, came under scrutiny after his connections to a Russian company in a previous job were brought to light in a late-night satire show by Jan Böhmermann, who is a German comedian.

Before becoming the Head of the Government cybersecurity agency, Schönbohm had helped found the similarly named Cyber Security Council Germany; a group registered as a voluntary association.

Source: The Guardian

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Prime Minister Of The United Kingdom, Liz Truss Resigns

Liz Truss

Photo Source: AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali

 

Thursday, October 20, 2022 - After 45 days in office, Liz Truss has resigned as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, triggering the second Tory leadership in four months. Ms. Truss made it known that her successor would be elected by next week after a rebellion by Tory MPs forced her to resign.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has ruled himself out of the bid to become the next UK prime minister. On the other hand, Boris Johnson is among the MPs said to be considering bids for the position.

While delivering her speech outside Downing Street, Ms. Truss said the Conservative Party had elected her on a mandate to cut taxes and boost economic growth. But given the circumstances, Ms. Truss said she recognized that she could not deliver the mandate on which the Conservative Party elected her.

Following Ms. Truss's resignation speech, Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, and other parties called for an immediate general election.

Source: BBC 

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New Italian PM, Giorgia Meloni, Agrees To Form New Government

Italy PM

Photo Source: AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino

Friday, October 21, 2022 - Giorgia Meloni, Italy's leader, has formally accepted the job of forming the next government at the head of the country's most right-wing administration since World War Two. Less than a month after the Brothers of Italy party won the elections, President Sergio Mattarella greeted her.

On Saturday, she and her cabinet will be sworn in as the first-ever female Italy prime minister. She succeeds a very different leader in Mario Draghi, who was brought in to run a country struggling to emerge from the effects of the coronavirus and economic crisis.

Italy, which is a NATO member and also the third biggest economy in the European Union, Ms. Meloni has sought to assure its Western allies that nothing will change in its foreign policy.

She made the short trip to the presidential Palace in a White Fiat 50 car and then had a private meeting with the president for about an hour. Following her encounter with the President, she announced who the members of her cabinet would be.

Source: BBC

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A Rare Talk Between United States And Russia Defense Ministers, As They Discuss Ukraine War

Joe Biden

Photo Source: AP Photo/Susan Walsh

 

Saturday, October 22, 2022 - The Minister for Defense of the United States held rare telephone talks with his Russian counterpart after a pro-kremlin official made it known that they were turning Ukraine's Southern city of Kherson into a "fortress" as Kyiv's forces advance.

There were few details of the conversation between Russia's Sergei Shoigu and US defense secretary Lloyd Austin but confirmed to have discussed Ukraine. However, Russia's defense ministry said Topical international security issues, including the situation in Ukraine, were discussed.

No specifics were given by the Pentagon other than saying that Austin, who initiated the conversation, emphasized a need for lines of communication amid the war in Ukraine.

A senior security negotiator, Gavrilov, also said that in the wake of the call, Moscow expected clarification about the nuclear deterrence exercise that NATO is carrying out.

Source: The Guardian

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Xi Jinping Begins His Third Term, Marking Him As The Most Powerful Leader Of China In Decades

Image removed.

Photo Source: AP Photo/Ng Han Guan

 

Sunday, October 23, 2022 - The president of China, Xi Jinping, revealed a new leadership team stacked with loyal allies and has formally stepped into his norm-breaking third term ruling China with a tight grip on power.

After a close of the five-yearly Communist Party Congress on Sunday, Xi announced six men; Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, and Li Xi, to stand with him as members of the Politburo Standing Committee, the top ruling body in China.

With the lineup filled with core Xi loyalists, it made it clear that Xi had not only broken with recent precedent to take on a third term at the party's helm but also had the power concentrated at the very top to an extent unseen in decades.

Also, the full lineup of the 24-member Politburo was revealed Xi, which for the first time in at least 25 years, includes no women, highlighting the minimal level of female representation in the Party's top echelons.

Source: CNN

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Rishi Sunak, The New Prime Minister Of The United Kingdom, Pledges To Lead Britain Out Of The Economic Crisis

Rishi Sunak

Photo Source: AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth

 

Tuesday, October 25, 2022 - After Meeting King Charles at Buckingham on Tuesday, Rishi Sunak becomes Britain's new Prime Minister and the third in two months. He pledged to lead the country from a profound economic crisis and rebuild trust in politics.

After becoming the Prime Minister, Sunak immediately reappointed Jeremy Hunt as his minister of finance in a move that was designed to calm the markets and had balked at his predecessor's debt-fueled economic plans.

While delivering his speech outside of his official Downing Street residence, Sunak praised the ambition of his Liz Truss to reignite the economic growth but acknowledged there were mistakes made.

Sunak, who broke the tradition of standing beside his family and cheering political supporters, said, "he has been elected as leader of his party and Prime minister of the UK, and in part to fix them."

Source: Reuters 

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China Accused Of Establishing Illegal Police Station In The Netherlands

Photo Source: AP Photo/Ng Han Guan

Chinese police officers

Wednesday, October 26, 2022 - There were accusations against the Chinese government for establishing at least two undeclared "police stations" in the Netherlands. A spokesperson for the Dutch foreign ministry confirmed that the existence of the unofficial police outposts was illegal.

Dutch media got hold of evidence that the "overseas service station" which promised diplomatic services is being used to try to silence dissidents of China in Europe. The foreign ministry of China has rejected the allegations of the Dutch.

A Spain-based NGO launched an investigation after a report entitled Chinese Transnational Policing Gone Wild. According to the organization, 54 overseas police service centers have been established by the public security bureaus from two Chinese provinces across five continents and 21 countries. Most of the established police services are in Europe, including nine in Spain and four in Italy. Two were found in London and one in Glasgow in the United Kingdom.

Source: BBC

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Germany Moves To Legalize The Use Of Recreational Cannabis

Cannabis

Photo Source: AP Photo/Markus Schrieber

Wednesday, October 26, 2022 – The German government has hinted that Personal possession of up to 30g (1oz) would be permitted. The measure still has to be approved by parliament, as well as by the European Commission. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said the initiative might become law in 2024.

The German plan would also enable adults to grow three cannabis plants at home. Mr. Lauterbach, who presented the initiative, stated that decriminalization would assist preserve the health of young people because the cannabis ban had had "no discernible success" in recent years. He remarked that cannabis usage had increased, as had an adult drug addiction. "We want to regulate the market extremely strictly," he said. He stated that the government would explore limiting the maximum potency of cannabis products marketed to individuals under 21.

Bavaria's conservative government objected. CSU's Klaus Holetschek said it "sends a frightening signal to Germany and Europe." Legalization might stimulate "drug tourism" in Germany, he said.

Source: BBC 

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Elon Musk Completes $44bn Deal To Take Over Twitter As Its New Owner

Musk Twitter

Photo Source: AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

 

Friday, October 28, 2022 – According to the United States and an investor in Twitter, the wealthiest man in the world has completed his $44bn (£38.1bn) takeover of Twitter. In what seems like a reference to the deal closing, Musk Tweeted, "the bird is free."

After Musk's Take over, some top executives were fired, including CEO Parag Agrawal. Mr. Agrawal and two other executives were escorted to the headquarters of Twitter in San Francisco.

Musk's takeover as the new owner of Twitter ended months of legal wrangling. Still, it has prompted questions about the platform's future direction. 

Alongside Mr. Agrawal, chief financial officer Ned Segal, and the firm’s top legal and policy executive, Vijaya Gadde, are leaving. The co-founder of Twitter, Biz Stone, appeared to confirm the departure of the executives. They praised the three in a tweet for their collective contribution to Twitter by referring to them as massive talents and beautiful humans.

Source: BBC

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Grain Export Deal Between Ukraine And Russia Brokered By United Nations Suspended By Russia

Ukraine Russia grain contention

Photo Source: AP Photo/Khalil Hamra

 

Saturday, October 29, 2022 – The Russian Minister for Defence announced that it would suspend its participation in the brokered grain export deal of the United Nations with Ukraine after the Crimean city of Sevastopol was attacked by a drone. Though the report from Russia cannot be independently verified, Russia blames Kyiv for the attacks.

On Saturday, Russia was accused by a top Ukrainian official of inventing "fictitious terrorist attacks" on its facilities in Crimea, and Moscow is also accused of blackmail. In a telegram post, the head Ukrainian President's office, Andrii Yerma, blames Russia for "nuclear blackmail, energy blackmail, and food blackmail."

In July, Ministers from Ukraine and Russia signed an agreement brokered by the United Nations and Turkey following months of negotiations. Russia promised to unblock the Black Sea's port to allow the safe passage of grain and oilseeds, some of the most important exports of Ukraine.

Source: CNN

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At Least 149 People Dead In A Halloween Stampede In Seoul, The Capital Of South Korea

Seoul Stampede

Photo Source: AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon

Sunday, October 30, 2022 – Officials confirmed that more than 149 people, primarily teenagers and young adults in their 20s, were killed when there was a surge in the huge crowd celebrating Halloween in a nightlife area of the South Korean Capital, Seoul. The head of the Yongsan Fire Station, Choi Sung-beom, confirms that 65 other people were injured in the stampedes in Seoul's Itaewon district.

For the first time in three years, the Halloween event was the first after COVID restrictions and social distancing were lifted by South Korea. Many of the people who attended the party wore masks and Halloween costumes.

Choi further added that "a number of people fell during the Halloween festival, and there were many casualties. He confirms that many of the deceased were women in their twenties.

Source: Reuters

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Lula Makes Comeback, As He Defeats Bolsonaro In Brazil’s Presidential Election

Lulu Brazilian president

Photo Source: AP Photo/Andre Penner

 

Monday, October 31, 2022 - In Brazil, the incumbent far-right President, Jair Bolsonaro, was defeated by a former President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, as Brazil turned to the left in the presidential election. The two rivals on opposite sides of the political spectrum go head-to-head after a very divisive campaign, Lula won 50.9% of the votes.

It is seen as a rather stunning comeback for Lula. She could not run in the last presidential election in 2018 because he was imprisoned and banned from holding office.

He was found guilty of receiving a bribe from a construction firm in Brazil in return for contracts with Brazil's state oil company Petrobras. After spending 580 days in jail, his conviction was annulled, and he returned to the political fray.

He chooses a former rival, Geraldo Alckmin, who ran against him in previous elections as his vice-presidential running mate.

Source: BBC

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