Diwali, celebrated by over a billion people, is India’s most important festival, especially for Hindus. Spanning five days, it features gatherings, fireworks, feasts, and prayers. Derived from “Deepavali,” meaning “a row of lights,” it symbolizes light’s victory over darkness. Based on the Hindu lunar calendar, it usually occurs in late October or early November. This year, it coincides with Halloween, sparking #Diwaloween memes. While primarily a Hindu festival, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists also observe Diwali. Noah Prescott 31/10/2024 5:30 pm
North Korea tested an upgraded intercontinental ballistic missile, claiming it as a warning to adversaries. The test drew condemnation from South Korea, Japan, and the U.S., amid concerns over North Korea’s military ties with Russia, possibly aiding its missile technology. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un emphasized the test as a counteraction to perceived threats. Analysts suggest the launch might test improved ICBM performance, potentially with Russian assistance, and could be a response to international pressure over North Korea’s engagement with Russia. Noah Prescott 31/10/2024 2:00 pm
Typhoon Kong-rey, the largest storm to hit Taiwan in nearly 30 years, made landfall on the east coast, causing widespread disruption. It knocked out power to nearly half a million households, canceled hundreds of flights, and reduced rail services. The storm, equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane, brought strong winds and heavy rain, particularly affecting Taitung. One person died in central Taiwan due to a fallen tree. Authorities warned of high winds and urged residents to stay indoors. Environmental officials worked to prevent oil leaks from a stranded Chinese cargo ship. Penelope Kingsley 31/10/2024 2:00 pm
Israeli forces attacked Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, injuring four staff and disabling the dialysis unit, according to health officials. The hospital’s medicine supply was also targeted. The Israel Defense Forces are reviewing the incident. The humanitarian situation in northern Gaza has worsened since Israel resumed military operations on October 6, aiming to disrupt Hamas. Only two doctors remain at the hospital, and relief groups warn of dire conditions, with 100,000 people at risk of death from airstrikes or starvation, according to the U.N. Ava Sinclair 31/10/2024 2:00 pm
Russia is demanding over 2 undecillion rubles from Google for blocking pro-Russian YouTube channels, a sum far exceeding the global economy. The penalty, equating to $20 decillion, doubles weekly. A Russian court ordered Google to restore the channels, blocked since 2022. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the symbolic nature of the figure. Google, facing ongoing legal issues in Russia, stated these matters won’t materially affect earnings. Despite curtailing operations after Russia’s Ukraine invasion, Google continues offering services like Search and YouTube in the country. Ava Sinclair 31/10/2024 2:00 pm
Torrential rain in southern and eastern Spain caused devastating floods, killing at least 95 people, with numbers expected to rise. Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city, saw cars piled atop each other due to mud and debris. A year’s worth of rain fell in eight hours, marking Spain’s worst modern natural disaster. Over 1,000 soldiers were deployed for rescue efforts, with many still missing. The storm disrupted public services and affected areas beyond Valencia, including Cadiz and Letur. The flooding’s intensity shocked the nation, rivaling Germany’s 2021 floods. Penelope Kingsley 31/10/2024 2:00 pm
British Treasury chief Rachel Reeves announced a £40 billion tax increase to address a financial gap and support public services, marking Labour’s first budget since regaining power. Reeves altered debt rules to enable more government borrowing for investment, a move criticized by opponents. The budget includes a £25 billion boost for the NHS to tackle pandemic-induced waiting lists. Reeves emphasized the budget’s focus on stabilizing finances, protecting workers, and rebuilding Britain. The tax hike, the largest in over 30 years, primarily targets business employment taxes, addressing an economic shortfall attributed to the previous Conservative government. Penelope Kingsley 31/10/2024 2:00 pm
Five agricultural workers were killed and one injured by a rocket from Lebanon near Metula, Israel. The victims included one Israeli and four foreign nationals. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed two rockets were fired, and further attacks followed, with Hezbollah launching 30 rockets toward northern Israel. No additional injuries were reported. The IDF warned residents in northeast Lebanon to evacuate ahead of airstrikes targeting Hezbollah. An Israeli drone also struck a motorbike near Naqura, Lebanon. Ava Sinclair 31/10/2024 2:00 pm
The search for missing people in Valencia, hit by torrential rain claiming at least 92 lives, resumed with 1,000 Military Emergency Unit members and thousands of Civil Guards, firefighters, and police officers involved. Valencia’s government announced a €250 million aid plan, including €6,000 direct aid per victim. Heavy rains continue, with alerts in Castellón, Tarragona, Cádiz, Huelva, Seville, and Extremadura. Thousands lack electricity, roads are cut off, and train services are suspended. Portable morgues were provided amid fears of more bodies. Videos helped locate trapped individuals. National mourning was declared. Penelope Kingsley 31/10/2024 10:30 am
Businesses warn that tax hikes in the Budget, including increased National Insurance rates, will reduce funds for pay raises and job creation. Chancellor Rachel Reeves aims to raise £40bn, with employers shouldering over half through a £25bn annual increase in National Insurance. Despite some relief for small firms, the hikes, alongside rising minimum wages and business rates, could hinder economic growth. Larger corporations may absorb these costs, but smaller businesses could struggle. Reeves argues that investment is essential for growth, acknowledging the broader impacts on businesses. Ava Sinclair 31/10/2024 10:30 am
