Around the World

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

UK

Extinct no more

Conservationists received 1,50,000 GBP to reintroduce the regionally extinct Chequered Skipper to England. In May, 46 butterflies were released in Rockingham Forest, Northamptonshire, from a Belgian donor population. Funding from Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme will support a self-sustaining population and eventual reintroduction to Peterborough. Five translocation efforts have released 200+ butterflies, producing England’s first Checkered Skipper caterpillars in decades.

SCOTLAND

UK union threatened

First Minister John Swinney has signed a tripartite pact with the leaders of Wales and Northern Ireland, declaring their right to ‘self-determination’. It raises questions over the UK’s future. Swinney and Northern Ireland’s Michelle O’Neill called for independence and unification referendums respectively, while Rhun ap Iorwerth declined to set a timetable for Wales. The UK dismissed the pact and ruled out a second Scottish independence vote after 2014.

 

 

　

CHINA

Drone rules tighten

Beijing has introduced some of China’s strictest drone regulations, banning all unmanned flights and drone possession, storage, and transport of drones across the capital. A no-fly zone began September 20, while the possession restrictions take effect on November 15. Authorities will allow owners to sell drones through designated channels or transport them outside Beijing via subsidised China Post EMS. The government said the measures aim to strengthen airspace security and address safety risks.

 

 

 

USA

US Open champs crowned

The US Open concluded with Alexander Zverev and Elena Rybakina claiming the men’s and women’s singles titles. Zverev defeated Ben Shelton in four sets to secure his second Grand Slam of the year after the French Open title. Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the 3-set final to become World No 1. In the doubles, Neal Skupski and Christian Harrison, won the men’s title; while top seeds, Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend, clinched the trophy in the women’s category.

 

 

 

 

YEMEN

Houthis expand control

Iran-backed Houthi rebels seized the islands of Greater and Lesser Hanish in the Red Sea, strengthening their control over a key global shipping route. After capturing Mokha port and Perim island near the Bab al-Mandab strait, their advance has pressured Yemen’s Saudi-backed government. Nearly 94,000 people fled from their homes since fighting escalated this month, while concerns over oil supplies have intensified as Brent crude rose 1.17% to 106.92 USD a barrel.

 

INDIA

BRICS backs reform

The 18th BRICS Summit adopted the New Delhi Declaration, supporting reformed multilateralism and greater representation for developing countries. Members backed UN Security Council reform, opposed unilateral tariffs and sanctions, and called for stronger intra-BRICS trade and local-currency settlements. The declaration urged peaceful conflict resolution and ‘maximum restraint’ in West Asia, condemned the April 2025 J&K terror attack, and backed zero tolerance for terrorism.

 

SINGAPORE

Bookworms turning profits

The city has launched a gamified scheme to battle against doomscrolling by paying citizens to read for 15 minutes daily. Readers must log five sessions on a government website to earn one SGD. Each 15-minute session earns 20 virtual coins, with 1,000 coins worth one SGD. Limited to one session daily, the initiative aims to boost critical thinking and imagination amid excessive stimulation, especially among young people.