Ordos (AFP) – Across the deserts of Inner Mongolia, China has been carrying out a colossal greening project for decades. Over 90 million hectares of the desert have been transformed into forest so far. For farmers like Bai Lei, the campaign has brought new business opportunities. But for some ethnic Mongolians, it poses a threat to their traditional farming practices.
Taipei (AFP) – A restaurant in Taiwan is introducing mooncakes aimed at a very special clientele: pets. The treats, which are traditionally eaten and given as gifts during the Mid-Autumn Festival, are allowing furry companions to join in the festive fun.
Buenos Aires (Argentine) (AFP) – Argentina’s struggling President Javier Milei suffers a new setback after Congress overturns his vetoes of laws increasing funding for public universities and the country’s biggest pediatric hospital. Senators invalidate both vetoes, which were rejected last month by the lower house Chamber of Deputies, bringing to three the number of laws validated by Congress despite vehement opposition from the cost-cutting Milei. IMAGES
Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) – “I think I’ve lost a friend today,” says Sam Martin, one of those gathered near the scene of a car and stabbing attack in Manchester, north England, where two people were killed and three others badly wounded outside a synagogue. Described by local police as a “terrorist” act, the attack took place on Yom Kippur, a prominent holiday celebrated by the Jewish community. Responding officers shot the suspect and later confirmed their death. Two others have been arrested so far, according to authorities.
Tchibanga (Gabon) (AFP) – “It’s very, very reassuring for us, as consumers, to know where our products come from,” says Mathieu Msellati who, eating in a Gabonese restaurant, has just tucked into something of a rarity. Msellati’s steak was produced just 50 kilometres away, an uncommon proximity in a country highly reliant on food imports, but where a movement is growing to champion local produce and develop a greater degree of food self-sufficiency.
Ankara (AFP) – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemns Israel’s interception of an aid flotilla as it approached Gaza, describing the boarding of the vessels as an “attack”. Delivering a speech to his AKP party, Erdogan says the flotilla — which was transporting humanitarian aid in an attempt to breach the Israeli blockage of Gaza — “has ensured the atrocities in Gaza and Israel’s murderous face are once again seen around the world.”
Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) – California-based space company Inversion unveils its Arc autonomous delivery craft, which the firm says is capable of delivering goods to any location on Earth in under an hour. Initially, the space-based delivery vehicles will be used in the defense sector, explains Inversion co-founder and CEO Justin Fiaschetti. According to Inversion, Arc vehicles will be pre-positioned in low-earth orbit, ready for use, with an eventual network of thousands of craft being built up over time.
Caracas (AFP) – Festive lights, baubles and trees adorn the Venezuelan capital, bringing Christmas cheer to the city more than two months early. Beginning on 1 October, this year marks the second time Venezuela has celebrated Christmas early, as decreed by President Nicolas Maduro. Last year, Maduro brought the holiday forward during a crisis following a disputed presidential election which opponents and the United States accused him of stealing.
Copenhagen (AFP) – Europe is “not moving quickly enough” to rearm in the face of the Russian threat, says Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. Speaking in Copenhagen, where a summit of European leaders is taking place, Frederiksen says “we have to look at Ukraine as the first line of defence.”
Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Police stand guard outside a synagogue in Manchester, north England, after a car and stabbing incident in which four people were wounded, according to officials. Greater Manchester Police declared a “major incident” shortly after 9:30am local time. The suspect was shot by police.
At sea (AFP) – Israeli naval forces have intercepted ships from the Global Sumud Flotilla, including one carrying climate activist Greta Thunberg, as they head towards Gaza. The flotilla says dozens of its boats are still “sailing strong” despite the disruption. TO COMPLETE VIDI77FD89E_EN AND VIDI77FF763_EN
Sidoarjo (Indonesia) (AFP) – Families cry out in despair after rescuers in Indonesia say they have detected “no more signs of life” at a collapsed school. The Al Khoziny school in Sidoarjo collapsed on Monday as students were gathering for afternoon prayers. Five people have been confirmed dead and scores of others are feared buried under the rubble. IMAGES
