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On the evening of October 6, during Myanmar’s traditional Buddhist festival known as the Thadingyut Festival, around a hundred people gathered in the central town of Chaung-U. The gathering was both a cultural celebration and a protest against the military junta’s policies. According to officials from the anti-junta People’s Defence Force (PDF), there had been intelligence of a potential airstrike, but there was not enough time to cancel the event.

The protest site was attacked by the military using a paramotor (powered paraglider), which dropped two bombs on the crowd, resulting in severe casualties.

According to a report by the BBC, the explosions were extremely powerful, killing at least 24 people and injuring 47. Since the military coup in 2021, the junta has faced armed resistance from ethnic militias and various armed groups, resulting in thousands of deaths and millions displaced. Having lost control of over half the country, the junta has increasingly resorted to airstrikes and bombings to suppress resistance. This airstrike is just one of hundreds of similar attacks.

In recent months, the junta has acquired numerous Chinese drones and received technical support from Russia. While Beijing supports the junta, it has also pressured rebel groups along the China-Myanmar border to stop supplying arms to resistance forces, leading to the rebels’ withdrawal from several territories.

Joe Freeman, a researcher at Amnesty International, condemned the attack and called on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to increase pressure on the military junta. Although the junta has announced its first general election will be held in December, the fairness of the election has been widely questioned. The attacked protest aimed to peacefully oppose military conscription and the upcoming national election. Protesters also called for the release of political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, who was ousted and imprisoned following the coup.

France’s newly appointed Prime Minister Gabriel Le Cnuc, who had just formed his cabinet, was scheduled to hold his first cabinet meeting on the 6th. However, in a surprising turn of events, Le Cnuc held a press conference early that morning to announce his resignation.

Le Cnuc stated, “The positions of the various political parties remain unchanged. Apart from myself, who was willing to compromise, the other parties insist on having their proposals fully accepted by others.”

The French political scene has once again been thrown into turmoil. The resignation of the new prime minister after only 27 days in office has drawn significant domestic and international attention. This sudden political storm has once again highlighted the deadlock between the presidency and parliament, casting a shadow over France’s future policy-making.

According to a statement from the Élysée Palace, the Prime Minister officially submitted his resignation on the evening of the 7th, citing the lack of a stable majority in parliament and the difficulty in advancing policies. The President accepted the resignation after a brief consultation and emphasized that a new prime minister would be appointed as soon as possible to maintain normal government operations. However, many observers believe the sudden resignation is a result of long-standing internal divisions within the ruling party and strong resistance from the opposition.

Following the announcement, Paris’s financial markets experienced temporary turbulence, and the euro weakened in the short term, reflecting shaken investor confidence due to political instability. Several media outlets noted that the prime minister’s resignation after less than a month in office marks one of the shortest tenures in the history of France’s Fifth Republic. Opposition leaders seized the opportunity to criticize the President for a “lack of leadership” and called for the immediate dissolution of parliament and fresh elections.

Analysts pointed out that the crisis stems from a hung parliament following the recent elections. The ruling party failed to secure a majority and was forced to negotiate and compromise with various factions. Although the new prime minister had pledged “cross-party cooperation,” repeated rejections of tax reforms and social welfare bills stalled governance and paralyzed the administration. Facing continued setbacks in parliament, the prime minister felt powerless and ultimately chose to step down.

Public opinion in France has generally expressed dissatisfaction with the political deadlock. Interviewed citizens bluntly stated that whoever takes office should “focus on the economy and people’s livelihoods first,” rather than being trapped in partisan conflict. Recent polls show that up to 60% of French citizens believe the government has become inefficient and express widespread distrust toward politicians.

The European Union is also closely monitoring the situation. Officials in Brussels are concerned that prolonged instability in France—a core EU member—could affect regional economic cooperation and security policies. The German government has called on France to restore political stability as soon as possible, stressing that “Europe needs a strong Paris.”

Currently, attention is focused on who the President will nominate as the next prime minister. Rumored candidates include a former finance minister, a senior diplomat, and several regional leaders. The President is reportedly leaning toward choosing someone with cross-party appeal to help bridge the divide with parliament. However, most observers agree that regardless of who the new prime minister is, without changes to the current parliamentary structure, the political crisis will be difficult to truly resolve.

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was announced on October 6 in Sweden and jointly awarded to three scientists — Mary E. Brunkow and Fred Ramsdell of the United States, and Japanese immunologist Shimon Sakaguchi. The Nobel Committee recognized their pioneering discoveries in the field of peripheral immune tolerance, confirming the existence of regulatory T cells, a breakthrough that has had profound implications for autoimmune diseases, cancer therapy, and organ transplantation.

The three laureates’ research centers on regulatory T cells (Tregs), a subset of immune cells that prevent the immune system from attacking the body’s own tissues, thus maintaining immune balance. In 1995, Shimon Sakaguchi first identified the existence of these cells, challenging the prevailing belief that immune tolerance stemmed solely from the elimination of self-reactive immune cells in the thymus—a process known as central tolerance. In 2001, Brunkow and Ramsdell further discovered the link between mutations in the Foxp3 gene and the autoimmune disorder IPEX syndrome, demonstrating that this gene is essential for the development of regulatory T cells.

According to the Nobel Committee, this groundbreaking work has deepened humanity’s understanding of the immune system and opened new frontiers in clinical medicine. Several therapies based on their discoveries are now in clinical trials and may eventually enhance the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies, improve organ transplant success rates, and treat various autoimmune diseases.

The three laureates are affiliated with the Institute for Systems Biology in Seattle, the Immunology Frontier Research Center at Osaka University, and the U.S.-based biotechnology firm Sonoma Biotherapeutics. Their cross-national collaboration and enduring commitment to research embody the spirit of this year’s Nobel Prize.

Japanese media reported on Saturday (October 4) that the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has elected its first female president, Sanae Takaichi, who is expected to become Japan’s first female prime minister by mid-October. While the public holds high expectations for her leadership, analysts warn that Takaichi will face numerous challenges, including restructuring party factions, building cooperation with opposition parties, and restoring public trust in the LDP.

According to Yomiuri Shimbun, Takaichi defeated the highly popular Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Shinjiro Koizumi, to secure the LDP’s top post — a historic milestone in Japanese politics. However, after consecutive defeats in the House of Representatives, the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, and the House of Councillors elections, the party’s morale has plummeted. Reuniting the LDP through strategic personnel appointments will be Takaichi’s first major task.

Key figures under consideration for major party and cabinet positions include Shinjiro Koizumi, Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato, Aso faction’s Policy Council Chairperson Shunichi Suzuki, and former Policy Research Council Chairperson Koichi Hagiuda as potential candidates for LDP Secretary-General. Possible contenders for Policy Research Council Chairperson include former Economic Security Minister Takayuki Kobayashi and Election Strategy Committee Chairperson Seiji Kihara, a close ally of former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Since the LDP currently lacks a majority in both houses of the Diet, collaboration with opposition parties will be crucial. The role of Diet Affairs Committee Chairperson is expected to be pivotal, with former Deputy Finance Minister Nobuhide Mikazuki and current Secretary-General Hiroshi Moriyama among the likely candidates.

Takaichi must also confront the lingering impact of the “dark money” scandal that erupted in late 2023, which led to the dissolution of major party factions. During the leadership race, she received strong backing from the former Abe faction, but if she appoints lawmakers previously entangled in the scandal, public backlash could quickly resurface.

Although the LDP’s election of a female leader has been hailed as a breath of fresh air, real power within the party remains concentrated among veteran heavyweights — former prime ministers Taro Aso, Fumio Kishida, and Yoshihide Suga. Analysts note that Takaichi’s victory was largely secured thanks to the Aso faction’s support in the second round of voting. If she relies too heavily on these party elders and fails to pursue bold reforms, public trust in the LDP may erode further.

On foreign policy, Takaichi’s reputation as a hardline conservative could strain Japan’s relations with China and South Korea and potentially alienate the LDP’s coalition partner, Komeito. Observers caution that if she cannot strike a balance between domestic reform and diplomatic pragmatism, her administration may follow the path of previous short-lived governments.

Several European countries — including Denmark, Norway, Poland, Romania, Belgium, and Germany — have recently reported incursions by unidentified drones targeting airports and military bases. Although France has not yet experienced similar incidents, its Ministry of Defense emphasized that counter-drone operations have become a key priority of national air defense, with more than 70 radars deployed across the country and about 450 pilots on constant 24-hour alert.

France’s air defense system operates under a “permanent air defense posture,” capable of intercepting suspicious aircraft within minutes. The military handles large drones, while smaller ones fall under civilian authorities. Defense measures include radar networks, electro-optical tracking systems, electronic jamming, and fighter jet interceptions. The military is also testing laser and microwave counter-drone technologies. According to the Defense Ministry, during the 2024 Paris Olympics, France detected nearly 400 drones and neutralized over 100 potential threats, demonstrating its robust defensive capabilities.

Étienne Marcuz, a researcher at the Foundation for Strategic Research (FRS), told Le Figaro that if the drone incursions were indeed orchestrated by Russia, they could be interpreted as an intimidation tactic aimed at testing the European Union’s unity and proving that all European countries — not only those in the east — are vulnerable to attack.

At the EU summit in Denmark, President Emmanuel Macron stated that Europe has the right to destroy drones violating its airspace. He also announced plans to convene a meeting of European chiefs of staff to discuss countermeasures against Russia’s so-called “ghost fleet.” Recently, the French Navy intercepted an oil tanker off the country’s western coast suspected of helping Russia evade sanctions. Danish media speculated that the same vessel might have served as the platform for drones that disrupted Danish airspace in late September.

Multiple U.S. media outlets reported that on the 2nd, President Donald John Trump submitted a classified report to Congress, stating that the United States is currently at war with drug cartels designated as terrorist organizations. According to the report, the situation has reached a critical point, and the U.S. must resort to military force in self-defense. Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López responded by saying that five U.S. fighter jets were detected near the Venezuelan coast, calling it an act of illegal intrusion and provocation that seriously endangers aviation safety in the Caribbean region.

The classified report, delivered to congressional committees by the Pentagon, aims to justify the legality of attacking drug cartels. It includes details of Trump’s September order to carry out operations in the Caribbean against illegal vessels. However, the report does not specify the names of the cartels involved in armed conflict with the U.S., nor the dates or regions affected. It does state that those killed in the operations were classified as unlawful combatants, drawing significant public concern.

In September, U.S. drones were used to sink at least three suspected smuggling vessels off the coast of Venezuela, resulting in at least 17 deaths. This has sparked widespread criticism regarding the legality of using military force against drug trafficking suspects, with accusations that Trump is abusing presidential power. Both Democratic and Republican senators and representatives have voiced strong opposition, urging that the administration act in accordance with the War Powers Act and refrain from using military force without congressional authorization.

Venezuelan Defense Minister López issued a strong statement condemning the U.S., saying that on the day of the conflict, at least five U.S. military aircraft were detected in the Maiquetía Flight Information Region. Although some of the aircraft did not enter Venezuelan airspace, their presence posed a serious threat to Venezuela’s national sovereignty, violated international law, and breached the International Civil Aviation Convention. He added that Venezuela would appeal to the United Nations, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and Latin American and Caribbean nations to take necessary measures to prevent such actions from happening again.

The U.S. federal government has once again shut down after lawmakers from both parties vetoed each other’s proposals to extend federal funding. With Congress in recess for Yom Kippur, the earliest possible time to reschedule a vote is October 3. As a result, government departments are once again left in limbo, and reports indicate the White House may initiate a new round of federal employee layoffs within the next couple of days.

President Donald Trump stated on September 30 that he intended to use a government shutdown to target Democratic priorities and institutions. Russell Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), said the administration aims to halt funding for infrastructure projects in Democrat-led states, announcing the cancellation of $8 billion in green energy programs and warning that funding for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition assistance program will be cut.

Federal funding for two major New York infrastructure projects—the Second Avenue Subway and the Hudson Tunnel to New Jersey—amounting to roughly $18 billion, has also been frozen. Decisions on which services will continue to operate will be based on safety considerations and remaining budget resources, as determined by the President and the OMB.

During Trump’s first term in 2018, the government experienced its longest-ever shutdown, lasting 35 days. The impasse ended only after Trump compromised on funding for the U.S.–Mexico border wall. Historically, all federal shutdowns have resulted from bipartisan negotiation failures, with federal employees being the most directly affected. Around 420,000 workers are forced to work without pay, while 380,000 are furloughed. Although back pay is often issued afterward, the shutdowns still cause widespread disruption to people’s lives.

Travelers heading to South Korea should take note: starting October 1, a large-scale, indefinite strike has begun at 15 airports across the country. The strike may continue through the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday. The labor union behind the strike includes 15,000 workers responsible for runway and terminal maintenance, and the action is expected to disrupt airport operations.

The nationwide airport workers’ union in South Korea launched the strike to demand improved scheduling systems and an end to unequal treatment of subcontracted employees. Workers at all 15 airports — including Incheon and Gimpo — began a full-scale, indefinite strike at 6 a.m. on October 1 and will continue until their demands are met.

Incheon International Airport Corporation and Korea Airports Corporation stated that they will work with subsidiaries and partner organizations to minimize inconvenience to passengers. Incheon Airport Corporation also urged workers to suspend the strike, emphasizing that preparations are underway for the upcoming APEC summit in just a month, and that ensuring national safety and public convenience should be the top priority during this critical time.

Reuters reports that the United Nations (UN) reimposed sanctions on Iran on the 27th after last-ditch negotiations between Iran and the UK, France, and Germany failed to resolve the deadlock over Tehran’s nuclear program.

After months of stalled talks, negotiations between Iran and major world powers have officially collapsed. The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting in New York and unanimously passed a resolution to reimpose partial economic sanctions on Iran effective immediately, in response to Tehran’s continued expansion of its nuclear program. The move has heightened global concerns over Middle East stability and caused renewed turbulence in energy markets.

According to the Security Council's statement, Iran has gradually exceeded the uranium enrichment purity and storage limits set by the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) over the past year and has refused full inspection requests from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Despite multiple mediation efforts by the EU, including phased de-escalation proposals, Tehran has insisted its nuclear program is for “peaceful purposes” and refused to make further concessions. One negotiator stated, “We will not accept any conditions that compromise Iran’s sovereignty.”

The resolution was backed by the five permanent members of the Security Council and a majority of non-permanent members. Sanctions include restrictions on Iran’s oil exports, the freezing of certain overseas financial assets, and bans on the import of military and high-tech equipment. The U.S. State Department stated afterward that Washington remains open to diplomacy if Iran returns to the negotiating table, but warned that if Tehran continues to advance its nuclear program, additional unilateral sanctions could follow.

In response, Iran’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning the Security Council’s decision as “unfair and politically motivated,” stressing that Iran will not abandon nuclear development due to external pressure. The statement added that Iran is prepared to face economic blockades and will strengthen trade and economic cooperation with friendly nations such as Russia and China to counter Western sanctions.

International analysts believe the collapse of the talks will further escalate tensions in the Middle East. As one of the world’s key oil exporters, Iran’s sanctions could lead to reduced crude supply, and global oil prices surged immediately after the resolution was announced. Several European countries expressed concern, warning that uncertainty in energy markets could intensify inflationary pressures and hamper global economic recovery.

Meanwhile, neighboring Israel voiced support for the reimposed sanctions and again warned that if Iran continues to develop high-purity enriched uranium, it may be forced to take “necessary actions.” Many fear that if the situation spirals out of control, it could trigger a regional military conflict.

Although the UN resolution has been finalized, diplomatic experts emphasize that there is still room for maneuver. If Iran is willing to return to the negotiating table and demonstrate transparency in its nuclear program, the international community may still find a path to avoid full-scale confrontation. However, in the short term, mutual trust between Iran and the West has nearly collapsed, and the future trajectory of the situation remains a key concern for the global community.

U.S. President Donald Trump on September 30 urgently convened the four top congressional leaders from both parties in a last-ditch effort to resolve the looming government shutdown set to begin on October 1. With Congress yet to approve discretionary spending for the new fiscal year, the federal government is on the verge of its 15th partial shutdown since 1981. Vice President J.D. Vance said afterward that the administration was prepared for a shutdown, blaming Democrats for blocking a deal; Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer countered that wide divisions remain and talks have seen no breakthrough.

If Congress fails to act in time, thousands of federal employees could face unpaid furloughs, and services at NASA, national parks, federal courts, and small business grant programs may be disrupted. However, Social Security payments to seniors, Medicare and Medicaid services, federal student loans, and Pell Grants for low-income students would continue. The White House has already ordered agencies to prepare for staff cuts, framing the shutdown as an opportunity to reduce waste and abuse — though it could have significant repercussions for the labor market. Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen criticized Republicans for giving Trump a “blank check” and politicizing funding.

Republicans are pushing for a “clean” short-term spending bill to extend government operations for seven weeks at current funding levels, while Democrats are demanding the inclusion of provisions such as extended health care subsidies. Despite Republican majorities in both chambers, the Senate requires at least 60 votes to advance any bill, meaning some Democratic support is necessary. If even the stopgap continuing resolution (CR) fails to pass, the government could begin shutting down as early as the morning of October 1.