In October 2025, for the first time in its history, Japan elected a female prime minister. Takaichi Sanae won the race for the leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and was later elected by both chambers of the National Diet (Japan's parliament). She will lead a minority government, formed in a new coalition with the right-leaning Japan Innovation Party (Nippon Ishin no Kai), after Kōmeitō ended its 26-year alliance with the LDP. Takaichi, known for her hardline stance, will face numerous challenges in her new role. She must focus on rebuilding public trust in politics, especially after her party's involvement in a slush-fund scandal, and navigate a fractured political landscape to pass crucial legislation. The government must address the Japanese public's main concerns, such as inflation and declining real wages. The task is complicated by modest growth (about 1 % of GDP) and high gross government debt (about 230 % of GDP), all against the backdrop of acute demographic crisis. Takaichi aims to implement an expansionary fiscal policy and limit the Bank of Japan's autonomy on monetary policy. Japan currently finds itself in a complex geopolitical environment, surrounded by authoritarian and nuclear-armed neighbours. The United States (US) – Japan alliance remains a cornerstone of Tokyo's foreign policy, but it has faced challenges under US President Donald Trump, who is scheduled to visit Japan in late October 2025. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

In this paper, we propose a multistep algorithmic method that enables us to determine the seat allocation for the European Parliament on a permanent basis applicable across various scenarios, including different numbers of Member States and their population sizes. According to the Lisbon Treaty, the allocation of seats must take into account a number of constraints regarding the minimum and maximum number of seats allocated to each Member State, the maximum size of the European Parliament, and degressive proportionality. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

In line with the Erasmus+ Regulation for 2021-2027, the European Commission conducted an evaluation covering Erasmus+ actions for the period 2014-2023. It comprises both an interim evaluation of the current 2021-2027 programme and a final evaluation of the 2014-2020 programme. Across both programme generations, the evaluation found that Erasmus+ delivered significant European added value, performing well against key evaluation criteria and effectively achieving its objectives. It yielded substantial benefits for individuals, organisations and the wider education, training, youth and sport sectors, providing opportunities for personal, educational and professional growth of learners and staff, for cross-border cooperation among organisations and for policy development. Erasmus+ funded learning mobility abroad for over 6.2 million participants in 2014-2020 and around 1.6 million in 2021-2023. The share of participants with fewer opportunities increased from around 10 % in 2014-2020 to around 15 % in 2023. Furthermore, Erasmus+ provided funding to over 136 000 distinct organisations in the 2014-2020 programme and more than 77 000 from 2021 to 2023. For most programme actions, demand for funding exceeded the available resources in both programming periods. The evaluation also highlighted areas for improvement to inform and support enhancements to the programme, such as reinforcing its inclusivity and accessibility, building greater synergies with other EU programmes, and widening international cooperation. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

From 2026, volunteers from the People’s Association (PA) will go back to 'school' to serve their constituencies better.Partnering institutes of higher learning (IHLs) in Singapore, PA will tap into their expertise to “systemically” train some 1,000 grassroots volunteers, who come from all walks of life, including young working adults and new citizens.The new training programme was announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during a dinner for grassroots leaders and advisers at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre on Thursday (Oct 23).PA said in a media release that the training will start with half-day, in-person sessions co-developed with IHLs and “subject matter experts”.These include scenario-based learning and small group discussions “to provide opportunities for practical application of concepts”.“Advanced level training sessions will be introduced in subsequent phases to support development,” said PA.This year, PA marks 60 years of the Citizens’ Consultative Committee (CCC), a grassroots body with presence in every constituency in Singapore.

TASS has compiled the president’s key statements

«There have been no subject matter, detailed talks,» Nikolay Tokarev said

CEO of the Russian oil pipeline operator Nikolay Tokarev added that transportation of petroleum products over the Transneft pipeline system can be about 38-40 mln metric tons in 2025

«The design capacity of our oil loading port of Kozmino is 30 mln tons,» Nikolay Tokarev said

Berlin stands to lose the most if Russian Central Bank funds are planned to be used to purchase weapons for Ukraine, Matthias Schepp said

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has rebuked Donald Trump for announcing India's decisions on Russian oil imports. Tharoor emphasized that India will make its own announcements regarding its energy policy, asserting that New Delhi does not dictate US actions. Trump had claimed India would significantly cut Russian oil purchases by year-end, citing assurances from PM Modi.

Delhi is set to conduct its first-ever artificial rain experiment using cloud seeding to combat severe air pollution. Chief minister Rekha Gupta announced successful tests and anticipates the first artificial rainfall on October 29, following favorable weather predictions. This innovative approach aims to scientifically improve air quality and environmental balance in the capital, as pollution levels remain critically high.

Diwali celebrations turned dangerous in Bhopal and Vidisha as over 100 people, mostly children, were hospitalized due to calcium carbide guns. These makeshift weapons caused serious eye injuries, with some requiring surgery. Authorities have seized hundreds of guns and detained individuals, despite a prior ban. Families are demanding stricter action against sellers.

The Ministry of Lands has transformed dramatically in recent years — and at the heart of that transformation stands one man: Mr. Davie Chilonga, the outgoing Principal Secretary whose leadership has been nothing short of exemplary. Under his watch, the Ministry shifted from chaos to clarity, from suspicion to trust. Chilonga brought order, discipline, and […] The post Davie Chilonga: The Man Who Brought Order, Integrity, and Trust Back to the Ministry of Lands appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Scottish First Minister, John Swinney has commended the development bank model being championed by NBM Development Bank Limited to support the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) for greater impact in their respective societies in the country. Swinney made the remarks after meeting directors and officials from NBM Development Bank Ltd, and other SMEs […] The post Scottish First Minister hails NBM Development Bank model appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

The Lilongwe Water Board (LWB) has disclosed that the construction of its Third Water Treatment plant with a capacity of 50,000 cubic metres per day will be completed in March, 2026. The plant is funded by European Investment Bank (EIB) to the tune of Euros 20million. LWB Chief Executive Officer Silli Mbewe told journalists on […] The post Lilongwe Water Board constructs 3rd Water Treatment: To be ready in May, 2026 appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Malawi and Zambia have signed a landmark maize procurement agreement of 200,000 metric tonnes worth K387.7billion ($76 million). Minister of Agriculture of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Roza Fatch Mbilizi presided over the signing ceremony on Wednesday to finalise the procurement deal of the commodity held in Lilongwe. She said the procurement of maize from […] The post Malawi, Zambia signs a landmark maize procurement deal appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Washington wants to maintain contacts with Moscow after a Trump-Putin summit was postponed Read Full Article at RT.com

Debris from an unidentified drone has been discovered in western Kazakhstan, the Defense Ministry has stated Read Full Article at RT.com

The fentanyl crisis in the US requires serious action from Washington, President Donald Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, has said Read Full Article at RT.com

As Western sanctions target Russia’s defense exports, the global race for tanks reveals a simple truth: no one builds them like Moscow does Read Full Article at RT.com

The Russian president noted that the idea of a meeting in Budapest was initially suggested by Trump Read Full Article at RT.com

[Shabelle] Kigali, Rwanda -- African army chiefs have wrapped up a high-level meeting in Kigali, Rwanda, with a commitment to strengthen military cooperation and information-sharing across the continent, officials said Thursday.

[Daily Maverick] Banyana Banyana scored an important away goal in their Women's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, which they played without head coach Desiree Ellis. The tactician is deadlocked with the South African Football Association after scoffing at the terms of a contract recently offered to her by the federation.

[New Times] Rwandan and DR Congo delegations have renewed their commitment to advancing peace, stability, and cooperation following high-level talks held this week in Washington.

The Public Service Commission (PSC) has appointed Tony Tevi as the Acting Director of the newly established Department of Oceans and Maritime Affairs.PSC Chairman, Martin Mahe, said the government is committed to strengthening ocean and maritime policies at both national…

The government has started payment of outstanding teachers’ allowances following the Council of Ministers (COM) approval.

A heated debate over constitutional rights and parliamentary privilege is unfolding as the Opposition Bloc filed an urgent application in the Supreme Court yesterday, challenging recent amendments to the constitution

«We will not give away our money, we will not give away our weapons, and we will not go to war to die for Ukraine,» the Hungarian Prime Minister said

In contrast, Lieutenant-General Apty Alaudinov asserted that the Russian Armed Forces are currently the most combat-ready military in the world

The embassy reassured French citizens that «Russia has no intention of attacking France or any other EU state, either now, in three or four years’ time, or in the future»

Herman Gref said that growth rates of the Russian economy will be at the level of 1-1.5% during the next two years

«The launch of Russian low-orbit satellites belonging to a private domestic company will help expand the geography of communications to every corner of Russia,» Dmitry Bakanov said

[allAfrica] Every year, rabies silently kills children across East Africa, even though it is one of the few infectious diseases that is 100% preventable. Globally, rabies causes approximately 59,000 deaths a year, mainly in Africa and Asia. In Kenya, 99% of human cases are attributed to dog bites/ scratches. In our region, children are the most vulnerable, often bitten while playing with dogs, and too often not able to access timely post-exposure (PEP) treatment that includes wound washing and vaccines. Families are