SOUTH AMERICA

Trump critic Lula wins reelection in Brazil, securing fourth presidential term

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva secured his fourth term in a close election against Flavio Bolsonaro. The election was marked by confusion at polling places due to a last-minute decision to extend voting. Lula's victory represents a significant moment for leftist leadership in Latin America. Challenges related to the cost of living and security were crucial in the election.

Trump critic Brazil's Lula da Silva wins historic fourth term in dramatic comeback

Cox Enterprises conservation deal: Why 4,400 acres at South Carolina's Clarendon Farms will remain wild

Cox Enterprises has successfully safeguarded approximately 4,400 acres in Clarendon Farms, South Carolina. This pivotal conservation initiative, announced in March 2026, aims to protect freshwater wetlands, lush forests, and vital wildlife habitats while curbing any imminent development. Renowned organisation Ducks Unlimited will manage the easement to ensure the area's environmental integrity, showcasing the essential need for safeguarding interconnected ecosystems against escalating urban expansion.

How fake passport and asylum bid exposed gangster Himanshu Bhau in US

Himanshu Bhau and Neeraj Faridpuria attempted to exploit US immigration laws to secure asylum. They surrendered to US authorities, which resulted in their biometrics being logged into the ICE system. Investigations linked both men to multiple criminal cases in India, including serious violent crimes. Indian and US authorities are now collaborating to expedite their extradition process. A specialized team is expected to assist in the deportation procedure thereafter.

Diversification plan: NMDC scouts for mining assets across four continents

NMDC is actively seeking mining assets worldwide, including critical minerals to support various industries. The company aims to earn 20 percent of revenues from minerals other than iron ore. This expansion aligns with government initiatives to secure raw material supplies and decrease import dependency. NMDC's strategy is expected to enhance its role in India's manufacturing sectors. Industries such as automotive, renewable energy, and electronics will benefit from these efforts.

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.

NBA star LaMelo Ball's Charlotte condo in North Carolina up for grabs for $2.6 million

LaMelo Ball has put his four-bedroom home in Charlotte, North Carolina up for sale for $2.6 million after being traded from the Charlotte Hornets to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The property is located in The Trust. It is a seven-unit residential building in Uptown Charlotte. The house has a private terrace. Ball also owns another unit in the same building.

NASA adopting Apollo's urgency to build a moon base and land astronauts within two years

NASA plans to return astronauts to the moon with the Artemis III mission set for next summer. Following that, Artemis IV aims to accomplish a historic moon landing by 2028, marking the first since the Apollo missions. Administrator Jared Isaacman emphasized the importance of efficiency and a fast-paced approach similar to Apollo's playbook. Docking exercises with SpaceX and Blue Origin's landers will occur before the moon base establishment.

Global Market: Bank Indonesia defends policy mix after market confusion

Bank Indonesia has defended its latest policy package combining an unchanged benchmark rate, a higher deposit facility rate and reserve requirement cuts. The central bank says the measures aim to improve monetary policy transmission, boost banking liquidity and support credit growth.

Could the Atlantic Ocean soon have a new name as Trump suggests changes? Here's what Trump says Google CEO did to his proposal

President Donald Trump recently proposed renaming the Atlantic Ocean during a rally in South Carolina. He discussed his conversation with Google CEO Sundar Pichai about officially changing the ocean's name. Pichai reportedly expressed concerns about renaming an ocean that spans multiple countries. Despite thinking about it, Trump indicated he would probably leave the Atlantic Ocean's name unchanged. The conversation and the proposal leave the ocean's name as it currently stands.

Shelved plan to rename Atlantic after Sundar Pichai's no: Donald Trump

Addressing a rally in South Carolina on Wednesday, Trump appeared to suggest that his move to rename Lake Ontario as Lake America had encouraged him to consider renaming the Pacific or Atlantic Ocean.

Trump suggests renaming Strait of Hormuz, Pacific and Atlantic oceans

Donald Trump suggested renaming the Strait of Hormuz and both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. He recounted how officials initially dismissed a previous naming proposal for the Gulf of Mexico. After some discussion, they recognized its long-standing name and history. Trump justified his ideas by emphasizing the United States' significant coastline share. He humorously speculated about Arab countries' reactions to renaming the Strait of Hormuz.

Money managers say there’s nowhere to hide as Super El Niño forms

Investors are preparing for the impacts of an unprecedented El Niño cycle affecting global markets. The weather phenomenon is linked to rising food prices and inflation estimates, heightening economic concerns. Analysts identify several vulnerable nations, including Indonesia, Brazil, and Colombia, likely to experience spillover effects. Strategies to cope include focusing on businesses developing technologies for extreme weather resilience. The widespread effects of El Niño necessitate adaptations spanning various sectors globally.

Copper supply crunch could push prices higher as new mines take over 16 years to develop: Goldman Sachs

Goldman Sachs Research warns that declining discoveries, lower ore grades and rising development costs are creating a structural constraint on global copper supply. With new mines taking over 16 years to begin production and existing output expected to decline from 2030, established producers and credible expansion projects could attract greater investor value.

A janitor and a hairdresser opened a tiny LA clothing store with $11,000 in 1984; 31 years later, Forever 21 made them worth $5.9 billion

Do Won Chang and Jin Sook did not arrive in America with money, business contacts or a ready-made plan to build a fashion company. They came to Los Angeles in 1981 hoping to find better opportunities. Their journey was built around long working hours, careful spending and a willingness to learn.

Fed sneezes, but emerging markets aren't catching a cold yet: McGeever

Emerging markets are displaying surprising economic resilience in light of the Federal Reserve's tightening measures. Stronger fiscal fundamentals and high bond yields provide emerging market central banks with greater flexibility. Some countries are even considering rate cuts, which may not have been possible in the past. Investor sentiment is shifting towards emerging markets as they are viewed more favorably compared to developed economies.

Stranger dropped a bag of Cheetos in America's largest caves, disrupting an entire ecosystem. It attracted fungi, flies and insects; Staff ended up preserving cave's formation

A bag of Cheetos left in Carlsbad Caverns National Park caused unexpected changes to the delicate cave ecosystem. The snack attracted molds, microbes, and insects, disrupting the natural balance and food sources. Rangers quickly removed the litter and cleaned the affected areas while taking care not to damage the cave formations. This incident underscores the importance of proper waste management in preserving natural habitats.

In 1935, Australian government released 2,400 toads to destroy crop-eating beetles. Almost 100 years later, 200 million giant toads threaten 75 wildlife species

Sometimes, a solution can become an impending disaster. In the 1930s, the Australia government released more than 2000 cane toads imported from Hawaii to curb the beetle population which were wreaking havock on the sugarcane crops. To the Aussie people's horror, as the poisonous amphibians multiplied rapidly, with their population estimated to exceed 200 million by 2011. Today, these have emerged as one of the most unstoppable invasive species in Australia, endangering many wildlife and disrupting the bio-diversity.

US legal immigration falls by half as visa restrictions reshape entry routes: Explained

Legal immigration to United States fell sharply in February 2026, with immigrant visa issuances dropping dramatically. The Trump administration implemented stricter entry rules affecting applicants from numerous countries and regions. Specific declines were noted in Central Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe, resulting in a slower overall process. Student and work visa issuances also decreased significantly, impacting the immigration landscape.

NMDC puts nickel foray on hold on global oversupply concerns, sources say

State-run NMDC has paused its planned entry into nickel, citing oversupply concerns in Indonesia, which accounts for more than 60% of global production. The decision comes as the global market is expected to remain in surplus through 2026. NMDC had also explored Russian nickel assets and supply arrangements with Nornickel.

Lula vs Bolsonaro: As Brazil lies on the brink of tilting right, India watches its major BRICS partner

Flávio Bolsonaro secured leading votes against incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brazil's elections on October 4. The runoff on October 25 could solidify right-wing power across South America, following a regional trend. Lula aims to reduce economic inequality while Bolsonaro focuses on crime and spending cuts. India is observing the elections closely due to its strategic partnership with Brazil in various sectors.

Trump’s super intelligence diplomat: Marco Rubio

Trump changed AI to SI. Now he has created a new breed of SI diplomacy.

Lufthansa to buy 44.9 per cent of TAP Air Portugal in euros 1.2 billion deal

The German airline outbid Air France-KLM, the only other company in the race, Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said. The government set aside 5 per cent of the company for its more than 9,000 employees to buy shares, with the government remaining the main shareholder.