How a hospital ship helps buoy China’s strategic mission in Africa

South China Morning Post - Oct 18, 2026

By the time the Chinese navy hospital ship had docked in the Guinean capital Conakry earlier this month, patients were already queuing for free consultations. The queues in front of the Auspicious Ark were so long that some people were told to come back the next day, according to Guinean media reports. The ship, operated by the PLA Navy, offers a range of medical services wherever it stops, including surgery to treat cataracts, appendicitis and hernias as well as gynaecological care. On this...

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During World War I, zinc mining helped Rush, Arkansas, grow to 2,000 to 3,000 residents; by 1920, its population had fallen to 344, and mining ruins remain along the Buffalo River
Oct 18, 2026
During World War I, zinc mining helped Rush, Arkansas, grow to 2,000 to 3,000 residents; by 1920, its population had fallen to 344, and mining ruins remain along the Buffalo River

Rush, Arkansas, experienced a boom during World War I, driven by high zinc demand which transformed it into a bustling mining hub. Essential amenities like hotels and stores emerged to support the growing population and mining activities. However, post-war economic shifts resulted in a steep decline, reducing the community to just 344 residents by 1920.

In 1932, Dale Kleist tried to spray molten glass onto building blocks; the failed experiment created tiny fibres and helped make fibreglass insulation affordable
Oct 18, 2026
In 1932, Dale Kleist tried to spray molten glass onto building blocks; the failed experiment created tiny fibres and helped make fibreglass insulation affordable

In 1932, Dale Kleist, while researching the process of sealing glass blocks, inadvertently discovered the art of producing fine glass fibers. This breakthrough was pivotal in the creation of fibreglass insulation, which revolutionized manufacturing. Teaming up with Jack Thomas and Games Slayter, they refined the glass fiber production technique, ultimately leading to the establishment of Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation in 1938.

Kolkata stampede: CM seeks HC judge-led probe, orders Durga Puja pandal safety checks
Oct 18, 2026
Kolkata stampede: CM seeks HC judge-led probe, orders Durga Puja pandal safety checks

A tragic stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal led to 19 fatalities and 25 injuries. A committee led by a Calcutta High Court judge will investigate the incident. Compensation cheques of Rs 25 lakh will be given to each family of the deceased. Inspections of Durga Puja pandals across Kolkata are being conducted to enhance safety measures.

Kolkata stampede: CM seeks HC judge-led probe, orders Durga Puja pandal safety checks
Oct 18, 2026
Kolkata stampede: CM seeks HC judge-led probe, orders Durga Puja pandal safety checks

A tragic stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal led to 19 fatalities and 25 injuries. A committee led by a Calcutta High Court judge will investigate the incident. Compensation cheques of Rs 25 lakh will be given to each family of the deceased. Inspections of Durga Puja pandals across Kolkata are being conducted to enhance safety measures.

Voters can fill Form 6 to get names re-included in electoral rolls: EC to Delhi HC
Oct 18, 2026
Voters can fill Form 6 to get names re-included in electoral rolls: EC to Delhi HC

The Election Commission of India informed the Delhi High Court about two voters whose names were removed from electoral rolls. These voters could not complete the enumeration process for Special Intensive Revision due to a change of address. They sought to restore their names without using Form 6, but the court clarified their options. The court dismissed their plea and stated their concerns about false declarations were misplaced.

Voters can fill Form 6 to get names re-included in electoral rolls: EC to Delhi HC
Oct 18, 2026
Voters can fill Form 6 to get names re-included in electoral rolls: EC to Delhi HC

The Election Commission of India informed the Delhi High Court about two voters whose names were removed from electoral rolls. These voters could not complete the enumeration process for Special Intensive Revision due to a change of address. They sought to restore their names without using Form 6, but the court clarified their options. The court dismissed their plea and stated their concerns about false declarations were misplaced.

FPI selling crosses Rs 52,000 crore in October as Nifty defies foreign exodus
Oct 18, 2026
FPI selling crosses Rs 52,000 crore in October as Nifty defies foreign exodus

Foreign portfolio investors pulled out over Rs 52,000 crore from Indian equities in October, surpassing September outflows. Despite persistent FPI selling driven by rising US Treasury yields and elevated crude oil prices, benchmark indices Nifty and Sensex rebounded sharply, supported by robust domestic institutional buying and IT sector gains.

In 2024, a New York dairy farmer wanted solar income without losing his fields; the 6.5-megawatt project was designed around crops and cows
Oct 18, 2026
In 2024, a New York dairy farmer wanted solar income without losing his fields; the 6.5-megawatt project was designed around crops and cows

A pioneering dairy farmer in northern New York is merging the realms of agriculture and solar energy by partnering with a solar developer on a transformative agrivoltaics initiative. This groundbreaking design features ample spacing between solar panels, enhancing operational efficiency for farming tools. Expected to generate consistent revenue, the project aims to sustain existing agricultural work.

‘Pandal will collapse’: Warning captured on video may have triggered Kolkata stampede that killed 19
Oct 18, 2026
‘Pandal will collapse’: Warning captured on video may have triggered Kolkata stampede that killed 19

A microphone announcement warning that the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata could collapse may have triggered panic, contributing to a stampede that killed 19 people and injured 25 on Saturday. Police are examining a video of the warning while investigating alleged crowd-management lapses, confusing announcements and the sudden rush for shelter from rain.

‘Pandal will collapse’: Warning captured on video may have triggered Kolkata stampede that killed 19
Oct 18, 2026
‘Pandal will collapse’: Warning captured on video may have triggered Kolkata stampede that killed 19

A microphone announcement warning that the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata could collapse may have triggered panic, contributing to a stampede that killed 19 people and injured 25 on Saturday. Police are examining a video of the warning while investigating alleged crowd-management lapses, confusing announcements and the sudden rush for shelter from rain.

NYC Ferry carried 7.4 million passenger trips in FY2025, while the city subsidised each trip by an average of $8.33 across six routes serving all five boroughs
Oct 18, 2026
NYC Ferry carried 7.4 million passenger trips in FY2025, while the city subsidised each trip by an average of $8.33 across six routes serving all five boroughs

New York City's ferry service has seen significant growth, now serving around 7.4 million passengers. To keep fares affordable amidst increasing demand, public funding remains essential. Over the years, rising ridership and fare revenues have lowered the subsidy needed per trip. NYCEDC is committed to balancing operational costs with equitable access, offering seasonal services and discounts to boost passenger numbers from diverse income groups.

China slams Japan’s Takaichi over Yasukuni ritual offering, warns of ‘remilitarisation’
Oct 18, 2026
China slams Japan’s Takaichi over Yasukuni ritual offering, warns of ‘remilitarisation’

China has condemned Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for sending a ritual offering to Tokyo’s war-linked Yasukuni Shrine, a move that threatens to further strain ties between the neighbours. At the start of Yasukuni’s three-day autumn festival on Saturday, Takaichi sent a ritual tree-stand offering to the shrine in her capacity as prime minister, although she did not visit in person. Minoru Kiuchi, minister in charge of economic growth strategy, visited the controversial site the same day,...

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