HUNGARY
A dusty portrait remained in a private collection for decades; a Vienna gallery later identified it as an 1897 Gustav Klimt painting listed for €15 million
A dusty, forgotten painting discovered in Vienna has been authenticated as a rare portrait by renowned Austrian artist Gustav Klimt, potentially worth over $16 million. The 1897 painting depicts Ghanaian leader Prince William Nii Nortey Dowuona and has sparked international attention. However, the Klimt masterpiece is now at the centre of an ownership and restitution dispute involving Hungary, raising important questions about art history, colonial exploitation and the global art market.
‘Doomsday: Friday, November 13, 2026’: Why a 1960 Science journal paper predicted humanity would be ‘squeezed to death’
In the year 1960, a bold prediction warned of a looming population crisis by 2026. However, population growth rates have taken a favorable turn, declining significantly over the decades. Countries that previously imposed strict population controls are now promoting family growth. Experts advise caution against trusting outdated forecasts blindly, advocating for a scientific approach to understanding demographic trends to avoid repeating past mistakes.
17-year-old Indian chess player faces US visa delays, Rs 50 lakh debt and scholarship uncertainty despite two GM norms
Indian chess prodigy Md Imran is caught in a frustrating situation as US visa delays threaten his scholarship. Following the loss of his passport during a tournament in Slovakia, he has encountered numerous visa application challenges. Despite his remarkable achievements in chess, this predicament has heightened his stress and adversely impacted his gameplay.
China's passenger car exports surge in October as domestic demand remains weak
China experienced a significant increase in car exports in October, primarily driven by electric vehicle demand. The country exported approximately 927,000 passenger vehicles, reflecting a 62.3 percent growth compared to last year. In contrast, domestic passenger vehicle sales fell to about 1.7 million units following months of decline. Analysts predict exports could exceed 10 million vehicles, while domestic sales may drop to 18.5 million in 2026.
Do recent electoral setbacks for right-wing parties signal a turning of the illiberal tide?
Recent election setbacks for leaders such as Viktor Orban in Hungary, Aleksandar Vucic in Serbia, Jair Bolsonaro's political camp in Brazil, Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel and Donald Trump's Republicans in the US point to growing challenges for illiberal politics, according to the writer. These countries have experienced different degrees of democratic decline, with leaders using electoral victories to weaken institutions such as courts, the media and other checks on executive power.
China is building inside Europe's trade walls, deepening its grip on critical industries
(The opinions expressed here are those of the author, the director of the Geoeconomics Program of the Center for the Study of Democracy)- China doesn't

Winning at Diwali gifting: Ditch the mithai, bring on the bling
Diwali is celebrated with vibrant decorations, festive gatherings, and traditional rituals in India this year. Businesses are experiencing a significant increase in online sales leading up to the holidays. Families gather to enjoy rich cultural customs and unique gifting practices during this festive season. Various products, ranging from gold coins to luxury home items, are popular during this time.

Jaypal Malviya wins silver, secures India's first shooting quota for 2028 Olympics; Manu, Suruchi falter
Jaypal Malviya achieved India’s first quota for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics by winning silver. He scored 242.2 points in the men’s 10m air pistol event at the ISSF World Championships. Heavyweights Manu Bhaker and Suruchi Inder Singh faced disappointing outcomes in the women's competition.

Multiple flights in Europe diverted because of bomb threats after earlier hoaxes
Several flights across Europe were diverted and made emergency landings due to bomb threats received recently. Airports in Prague, Sofia, and Evreux were among those involved in these emergency responses. Inspections revealed no hazardous materials on board the flights after their safe landings. Authorities suspect these incidents may be hoaxes linked to heightened geopolitical tensions in the region.

World leaders who sparred with Trump express relief mixed with caution at Republican election rout
World leaders welcomed the Democrats' gains in the US midterm elections, hoping the setback for Donald Trump's Republicans could ease tensions over Washington's foreign policy. However, European and other allies cautioned that the results may not change Trump's approach to Iran, Ukraine, tariffs or NATO, as the president retains considerable freedom in foreign affairs.

Dublin-Rome Airbus A320 diverted to France after bomb alert
An Airbus A320, en route from Dublin to Rome, was rerouted to France following a bomb alert, triggering security protocols and increased vigilance from the French authorities. This occurrence comes on the heels of several false bomb threats that have disrupted flights throughout Europe, leading to multiple diversions and delays.

AI turns cyber threat into boardroom crisis
In India, State Bank of India disclosed that 375,000 customer records had been leaked on the dark web, while vulnerabilities in eMudhra’s digital certificate keys exposed websites to potential attacks.

US allies see a chastened Trump but they’re wary of the backlash
US election results are viewed as a potential limit on Donald Trump's power regarding foreign policies. Foreign officials remain cautious, predicting that Trump may continue to act unpredictably despite the political changes. The president's approach toward Iran may signal his handling of Congress's constraints on his authority. European leaders express concern over the implications for international relations amid ongoing conflicts.

Czech TV, radio workers strike against funding overhaul, warn of threat to independence
Czech public television and radio employees initiated a one-day strike to protest government funding cuts and proposed changes. The planned funding shifts have raised concerns over media independence and potential political influence. Public protests supporting the strike were organized, attracting backing from artists and students. Opposition parties warn that these proposals could undermine democratic media practices, similar to changes seen in Hungary.

Tom Jones health update: What happened to the 86-year-old singer? Why has he postponed US tour shows in LA and San Diego?
Tom Jones health update: Sir Tom Jones is alive but has postponed multiple US tour dates after contracting a bad case of the flu. The veteran singer apologised to fans as he rescheduled concerts in Los Angeles, San Diego and California, following medical advice to rest and recover. Tom Jones shared the shows would be rescheduled for early next month on 3 and 4 November, respectively

'You are a liar': US, Cuban officials engage in shouting match during UN debate over economic embargo
US Ambassador Mike Waltz and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez clashed during a United Nations General Assembly meeting. This confrontation was triggered by Waltz's speech condemning Cuba's government amid rising tensions. Cuba is experiencing severe economic challenges exacerbated by US sanctions and tariffs on oil shipments. The annual resolution criticizing the US embargo has regularly received widespread support from UN member states.

Charting the global economy: Euro area business activity cools
The euro area’s private sector slowed more than expected in October, weighed down by France as the region’s No. 2 economy grapples with fiscal and political tensions.

OpenAI flags AI adoption gap in Europe despite 8-fold surge in agent use among small businesses
OpenAI has highlighted a widening opportunity for European businesses to turn growing artificial intelligence (AI) adoption into higher productivity, as AI agents now account for more than half of the output generated through its enterprise and business platforms in the European Union (EU).

World's strongest passports: UAE leads, US ranks 10th; where does India stand?
The United Arab Emirates leads the 2026 Passport Index with a Mobility Score of 182 and access to 182 destinations. India stands at the 72nd position with a Mobility Score of 70, highlighting limited travel access. The rankings reflect significant disparities in international mobility for different nationalities.
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