Around The world

GT keeps the newswire ticking by bringing you news from around the globe

SWEDEN
Nobel prized immunity

On October 7, 2025, Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi were awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine in Stockholm for discovering regulatory T cells and linking them to the FOXP3 gene, revealing how the immune system avoids self-attack. The breakthrough helps in treating autoimmune diseases, improving cancer therapies, and ensuring organ transplant tolerance, marking a major leap in understanding human immunity. The trio will share 11 million Swedish kronor; however, Ramsdell remains unreachable, reportedly “living his best life” hiking “off the grid” in Idaho.

INDIA
Antibiotic breakthrough

Pharmaceutical firm Wockhardt has developed Zaynich, the nation’s first homegrown antibiotic in 30 years, designed to combat multi-drug-resistant gram-negative bacteria, such as E. coli and Klebsiella. The drug combines cefepime and zidebactam, that blocks bacterial defences and enhances effectiveness, reportedly 20% higher than current treatments. Amid global antibiotic resistance, Zaynich marks a promising step forward, pending successful clinical trials and
affordable production.

USA
SpaceX secures Pentagon

SpaceX has won a 714 million USD contract to handle five of seven key US military launches through 2027, solidifying its lead in defence space operations despite tensions between Musk and Trump. The deal, part of the NSSL programme, shows Pentagon’s reliance on SpaceX for critical missions, including payloads and satellites. United Launch Alliance got the remaining two missions, while Blue Origin was excluded as its rocket lacks military certification.

GEORGIA
Dissent tightens

PM Irakli Kobakhidze announced a crackdown after protesters tried to storm the presidential palace in Tbilisi. He accused the EU of backing efforts to overthrow his government. Police used pepper spray and water cannon, detaining several people, including activist Paata Burchuladze. At least 27 people were injured. Kobakhidze warned opposition forces would no longer operate politically, deepening tensions.

MADAGASCAR
General becomes PM

In a bid to ease anti government protests President Rajoelina has appointed army general Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as the new PM, replacing Christian Ntsay, a week after dissolving the government amid protests over resource shortages. Rajoelina said Zafisambo’s priority will be restoring power and water supply. Demonstrations entered their third week, with protesters demanding that the president steps down.

TIBET
Everest blizzard rescue

A severe blizzard trapped nearly 1,000 trekkers near Mt Everest, with rescue teams guiding 350 to safety and maintaining contact with over 200 others. Heavy snowfall cut off access routes, prompting locals and rescue teams to clear blocked paths. Trekkers reported hypothermia risks and unusually harsh weather. The region’s rare storm coincided with heavy rains across neighbouring areas, triggering landslides and floods.

SINGAPORE
Russell reigns

Mercedes’ George Russell dominated the humid Grand Prix at Marina Bay Street Circuit, converting pole into a flawless win ahead of Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, with a fifth career victory. Despite a clash between Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri, their P3 and P4 finish secured McLaren the Constructor’s Championship for the second time in a row, even with six more races to the season’s end.

►France: PM Sébastien Lecornu steps down a day after cabinet announcement ►Australia: AI-generated report found with errors; Deloitte refunds 4,40,000 AUD to the govt ►China: Typhoon Matmo forces evacuation of more than 1,50,000 people before landfall