CRYPTO ROAST

🗣 Taxing Frequent Flyers: Could Europe Raise €64 Billion and Save the Planet? ⏺ A new report suggests that a “jet-setter” tax on Europe’s frequent flyers could raise €64 billion annually and reduce carbon emissions by 21%. ⏺ Charging €100 for each return flight beyond the first would primarily target the 5% of travellers responsible for most flights. ⏺ With 72% of the population likely avoiding fees, the funds could enhance public transport while addressing rising aviation emissions. Experts warn that action is needed to ensure equitable contributions from frequent flyers. ➡️ FIVE

🗣 Global Water Crisis Threatens Half of World’s Food Production ⏺ A new report warns that more than half of the world's food production could be threatened in the next 25 years due to the escalating water crisis. ⏺ Over half of the global population is already facing water scarcity, and fresh water demand is expected to exceed supply by 40% by 2030. The Global Commission on the Economics of Water has called for urgent action to conserve water resources and protect vital ecosystems. ➡️ FIVE

🗣 Japan's Tourism Boom: Visitor Spending Hits $39 Billion ⏺ Japan has shattered its annual visitor spending record in just nine months, reaching an impressive $39.27 billion. This surge, driven by a tourism boom fuelled by the weak yen, has exceeded last year's total of 5.3 trillion yen. ⏺ With 26.88 million tourists arriving through September, Japan is on track to surpass the pre-pandemic record of 31.9 million set in 2019. This sector is now poised to become Japan's second-largest after autos. ➡️ FIVE

🔄 North Korea Declares South Korea a 'Hostile State' in Constitution Change 🟢 North Korea has officially designated South Korea as a "hostile state" in its newly amended constitution, signalling a complete shift away from reunification efforts. 🟢 Tensions between the two Koreas have escalated, with North Korea accusing the South of colluding with the U.S. and intruding into its airspace. South Korea condemned the constitutional change but vowed to continue working towards peace. ➡️ FIVE

💬 Russia's Bold Move: BRICS Summit to Challenge Dollar Dominance! ⏺ At the BRICS summit from October 22-24 in Kazan, Russia aims to dismantle the U.S. dollar's global dominance. ⏺ President Putin plans to propose a new payment system using blockchain technology, enabling BRICS nations to transact directly with their currencies—bypassing Western sanctions. With the group's recent expansion, Russia also calls for a BRICS grain trading exchange and an alternative to the IMF. ➡️ FIVE

🗣 Meta Hits Hard: Layoffs Hit WhatsApp and Instagram Teams ⏺ Meta is reportedly laying off employees across key divisions, including WhatsApp and Instagram, as part of a strategy realignment. Although the exact number of job cuts remains undisclosed, sources suggest they are minimal. ⏺ This move follows a series of workforce reductions, totalling around 21,000 jobs since November 2022, as CEO Mark Zuckerberg emphasises a focus on efficiency. Meanwhile, Meta’s stock has surged over 60% this year, buoyed by strong ad revenue and optimistic sales forecasts. ➡️ FIVE

🗣 Western Pacific Fails to Meet UN Health Goals: Lifestyle Diseases Surge ⏺ The WHO warns that Western Pacific nations are unlikely to meet the UN target of reducing premature deaths from lifestyle diseases by 2030. ⏺ While early mortality has decreased by 25%, slow declines in alcohol and tobacco use hinder progress, with some nations seeing rising death rates. WHO officials call for stricter regulations and higher taxes on these substances to address the crisis. ➡️ FIVE

🔄 Fuel Tanker Tragedy in Nigeria: 147 Dead A fuel tanker accident in Jigawa state, Nigeria, resulted in at least 147 deaths after the vehicle overturned and exploded. Fifty others were injured in the incident, highlighting the dangers of poor road conditions in the region. ➡️ FIVE

👉 Toxic Tar Balls Force Beach Closures in Sydney ⏺ Due to hundreds of black tarballs, suspected to be toxic, washing up on beaches across Sydney, including the iconic Bondi and Bronte beaches, authorities have decided to temporarily close them as a precautionary measure. ⏺ Preliminary tests indicate that the debris may contain oil and other pollutants. This has caused concern among residents about potential environmental contamination. Authorities strongly advise against swimming or touching the tarballs while cleanup efforts are ongoing. ➡️ FIVE

👉 Israeli Strike on Lebanese Municipal Building Kills 16, Including Mayor ⏺ An Israeli airstrike on a municipal building in Nabatieh, southern Lebanon, has killed 16 people, including the town’s mayor. Over 50 others were injured. ⏺ Lebanese officials condemned the attack as part of Israel’s escalating military campaign targeting Hezbollah, which is now affecting state infrastructure. ➡️ FIVE

🟢 Hundreds Arrested in Malaysia over Shocking Child Abuse Scandal 🟢 The Malaysian authorities have arrested hundreds of suspects linked to the Islamic Global Ikhwan Group (GISB) in a major police operation targeting child abuse and human trafficking. 🟢 More than 600 children, including some as young as two years old, were rescued from terrible conditions in care facilities associated with the group. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are seeking international assistance from Interpol to locate remaining suspects. ➡️ FIVE

🔄 EU to Boost Migrant Deportations: Radical New Plan Unveiled 🟢 EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced plans to increase migrant deportations, with current return rates at just 20%. 🟢 She praised Italy’s new scheme of processing migrants offshore in Albania and called for EU-wide recognition of deportation decisions to prevent migrants from exploiting loopholes across member states. The proposal comes amid rising pressure from across Europe to tighten migration policies. ➡️ FIVE

🔄 North Korea Shuts Down All Routes to the South: What's Next? North Korea has completely halted all road and rail links with South Korea as part of its territorial separation policy. The country's Ministry of Defence announced that it will soon take measures to strengthen the southern border, turning it into a "fortress." ➡️ FIVE

🗣 Liam Payne tragically passed away in Buenos Aires ⏺Former One Direction singer Liam Payne was found dead outside a hotel in Buenos Aires after falling from his balcony. ⏺ He was reportedly under the effects of drugs and alcohol. ⏺ Hotel manager heard a loud noise at the back of the hotel and when police arrived, they found the man had fallen over the balcony in his room. MTV, Spotify, and the BRITs British music awards have expressed their condolences to his family and loved ones. ➡️ FIVE

👉 1.4 Million North Koreans Apply to Join Army Amid War Threats ⏺ North Korean state media claims 1.4 million people have applied to join the army, blaming Seoul for a drone incursion that heightened tensions. ⏺ Pyongyang blew up inter-Korean roads and rail lines and warned of the South's destruction. Experts believe the regime is using the incident to rally public support. ➡️ FIVE

🟢 Fuel Tanker Explosion in Nigeria Kills 94 After Crash 🟢 A fuel tanker exploded in northern Nigeria, killing at least 94 people who rushed to collect leaking petrol after the crash. 🟢 Despite police efforts to cordon off the area, the crowd couldn't be contained, leading to the deadly fire. Over 50 others are in critical condition in nearby hospitals. ➡️ FIVE

👉 Victoria's Secret Show Returns, but Faces Mixed Reactions ⏺ The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show made a comeback after a five-year hiatus, with Kate Moss and her daughter Lila on the runway. ⏺ The show, which promised inclusivity with transgender and plus-sized models, received mixed reactions. Critics noted the continued dominance of "thin, conventionally attractive" models despite the brand's efforts to diversify. ➡️ FIVE

🗣 Samsung Workers End Month-Long Strike, But Union Recognition Still Lacks ⏺ Workers at Samsung's Tamil Nadu factory have ended a month-long strike involving around 1,500 employees, demanding better pay and conditions. ⏺ While Samsung agreed to address issues like wages and medical insurance, it hasn't recognised the newly-formed Samsung India Labour Welfare Union (SILWU). The future of the workers' union remains uncertain as negotiations continue. ➡️ FIVE

🗣 80% of Countries Fail to Submit Nature Protection Plans ⏺ A shocking 80% of nations have missed the deadline to submit plans for a UN agreement aimed at halting ecosystem destruction. ⏺ Nearly two years after a landmark deal in Montreal, only 25 countries have outlined strategies to protect 30% of land and sea for nature before the biodiversity summit in Colombia. With the majority lagging behind, experts warn that the future of global biodiversity is at serious risk. ➡️ FIVE

🗣 Dog Found at the Top of the Great Pyramid of Giza A paraglider spotted a lively dog atop the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the last remaining wonders of the ancient world. The pyramid, which stands at 140 meters tall and is around 4,500 years old, had a surprise visitor barking at birds. It remains a mystery how the dog made its way to such a high point... ➡️ FIVE