South Korea president apologises for abusive foreign adoption scheme

South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung has issued a heartfelt apology for the country's poorly managed adoption program from the 1970s and 1980s, which resulted in tens of thousands of children being sent abroad. An inquiry revealed that many of these children were wrongfully taken, with some even being stolen from their biological parents. This apology marks a significant step towards acknowledging past injustices and could pave the way for healing and reconciliation for affected families.

Slovakia has taken a significant step backward in LGBTQ+ rights with a recent constitutional amendment that recognizes only male and female sexes, effectively making adoption nearly impossible for same-sex couples. This move has been labeled a 'dark day' by LGBTQ+ advocates, who argue it reflects a broader trend of diminishing human rights and rule of law in the country. The implications of this decision are profound, as it not only affects the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals but also signals a worrying shift in societal values.

In a significant ruling, a military court in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has sentenced former president Joseph Kabila to death in absentia for war crimes, treason, and crimes against humanity. This verdict not only highlights the serious allegations against Kabila but also raises concerns about the ongoing political tensions in the country. As Kabila has been a prominent figure in Congolese politics, this decision could have far-reaching implications for stability and governance in the region.

Madagascar's president has taken the drastic step of dissolving his government following violent protests led by youth that resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 22 individuals. This decision highlights the escalating tensions in the country and the urgent need for dialogue and reform to address the grievances of the youth, who are increasingly voicing their frustrations over social and economic issues.

In Madagascar, tensions have escalated as police resorted to firing tear gas to disperse protesters following the president's inability to address their grievances. The situation has turned dire, with the UN reporting 22 fatalities and over 100 injuries since the protests began. This unrest highlights the growing discontent among the populace and raises concerns about the government's response to civil unrest, making it a critical moment for Madagascar's political stability.

South Korea has raised its national cyber threat level to 'caution' following a significant fire at a government datacentre that disrupted critical digital infrastructure. This incident has sparked fears that hackers might exploit the ensuing chaos to launch cyberattacks. The urgency to restore government systems is paramount, as the intelligence agency works to safeguard against potential threats. This situation highlights the vulnerabilities in digital security and the importance of robust measures to protect essential services.

A comedy festival in Saudi Arabia is stirring controversy as prominent comedians face backlash for performing there. Critics argue that accepting lucrative deals to perform in a country with a troubled human rights record sends the wrong message, especially since Saudi Arabia was largely inaccessible until 2019. This situation highlights the ongoing debate about the ethics of entertainment in regions with questionable human rights practices, raising questions about the responsibilities of artists and the impact of their choices.

UN experts have raised alarm over the alarming rise in executions in Iran, with over 1,000 recorded in just the first nine months of 2025, already exceeding last year's total. This surge highlights a troubling trend in human rights violations within the country, drawing international attention and condemnation. The situation underscores the urgent need for global advocacy and intervention to address these human rights abuses.

Paloma Shemirani's tragic death highlights the dangers of rejecting conventional cancer treatments like chemotherapy. Diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, she chose to forgo chemotherapy, influenced by her mother's anti-chemo beliefs. This situation raises critical questions about the impact of personal beliefs on health decisions and the importance of seeking professional medical advice.

In a significant development, the Gaza aid flotilla faced interception by Israeli forces, yet one vessel, the Mikeno, reportedly managed to breach the maritime blockade and reached Palestinian territorial waters. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions in the region and the international efforts to deliver aid to Gaza, raising questions about humanitarian access and the implications for Israeli-Palestinian relations.

Former President Trump is set to meet with Russ Vought, a key figure behind Project 2025, to discuss potential cuts to federal agencies as the government enters its second day of shutdown. This meeting highlights the ongoing political maneuvering surrounding the shutdown and the implications it has for federal operations and services. Understanding these discussions is crucial as they could shape future government policies and funding, particularly in light of the current economic climate.

Israel's interception of a Gaza flotilla, which included prominent activist Greta Thunberg, has sparked international criticism from countries like South Africa and Turkey. While Israel assures that those on board are safe, the incident raises significant concerns about freedom of movement and the ongoing tensions in the region. This situation highlights the complexities of international relations and the impact of activism on global issues.

A tragic attack occurred at a synagogue in Manchester during Yom Kippur, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. The police responded swiftly, shooting the suspect who was involved in the violent incident that included both stabbings and a car being driven into the crowd. This event has shocked the community and prompted strong reactions, including condemnation from the Prime Minister, highlighting the ongoing concerns about safety and violence against places of worship.

Brussels is taking a bold step by proposing a €140 billion reparations loan, which would be funded by profits from frozen Russian assets. This initiative aims to bolster the EU's weapons industry while providing much-needed support for Ukraine. By leveraging these frozen funds, the EU is not only addressing the ongoing conflict but also strengthening its defense capabilities. This move highlights the bloc's commitment to security and solidarity in the face of geopolitical challenges.