While You Were Sleeping: 5 stories you might have missed, Oct 27, 2025
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The flight took off from Kolkata’s Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in eastern India at 10:00 pm (1630 GMT) for Guangzhou.
PHOTO: EPA
India and China resume direct flights as ties improve
India and China resumed direct flights on Oct 26 after a five-year suspension, a move important both for trade and a symbolic step as Asia’s giants cautiously rebuild relations.
Data from tracking website Flightradar24 showed the flight, operated by India’s largest commercial airline IndiGo, took off from Kolkata’s Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in eastern India at 10:00 pm (1630 GMT) for Guangzhou in China.
The neighbours – the world’s two most populous nations – remain strategic rivals competing for regional influence, but ties have eased gradually since a deadly Himalayan border clash in 2020.
Singapore leaders send condolences to Thai people and family of Queen Mother Sirikit
PHOTO: EPA
Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit, who died aged 93 on Oct 24, led an extraordinary and inspiring life, and was a constant and supportive presence beside the late king Bhumibol Adulyadej, said President Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
In a letter to Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn on Oct 26, Mr Tharman said the former queen’s initiatives brought the beauty of Thai textiles and culture to the attention of the world, and preserved local handicrafts.
Her initiatives also uplifted livelihoods of rural communities, and improved the health of women and children.
German foreign minister to meet India’s Goyal, Nato’s Rutte after postponing China trip
PHOTO: REUTERS
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul will meet Nato’s Secretary General Mark Rutte, Indian Trade Minister Piyush Goyal and other senior policymakers during a trip to Brussels starting on Oct 27, a spokesperson for his ministry said.
The visit comes after Mr Wadephul postponed a trip to China, originally scheduled to start on Oct 26, because Beijing confirmed only one of his requested meetings, in a sign of rising tension with Berlin over trade and security matters.
During the trip to Brussels, Mr Wadephul will also meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, EU Trade Commissioner Sefcovic and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, the spokesperson for Germany’s foreign ministry said.
Striking Boeing employees reject contract offer for fourth time: Union
PHOTO: REUTERS
More than 3,000 Boeing defense workers on strike in the US Midwest since August voted to reject the company’s latest contract offer, their union said Oct 27 – the fourth time they have vetoed a potential deal.
“Boeing claimed they listened to their employees – the result of today’s vote proves they have not,” International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) President Brian Bryant said in a statement. No vote tally was given.
Workers are waiting for bigger wage increases, a larger ratification bonus and retirement contributions on par with those earned by Boeing workers in the Pacific Northwest, the statement said.
Sinner fights back to beat Zverev and claim second Vienna Open title
PHOTO: REUTERS
Italian top seed Jannik Sinner produced a spirited comeback to defeat Germany’s Alexander Zverev 3-6 6-3 7-5 in the Vienna Open final on Oct 26, securing his fourth ATP Tour title of the season and his second triumph in Austria’s capital.
Sinner, who beat Zverev in straight sets at this year’s Australian Open, has now won 21 consecutive matches on indoor hardcourts. The 24-year-old has now also notched 22 tour-level titles and 51 career wins against fellow top-10 players.
The world number two banged down 11 aces and unleashed 44 winners in a thrilling contest that lasted two hours and 28 minutes.
