North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has presided over a major military parade featuring the nation’s latest intercontinental ballistic missile as international dignitaries looked on, state media KCNA reported.
The Friday night parade commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Workers’ Party of Korea’s founding, following Thursday’s celebrations. Among the foreign guests in Pyongyang were Chinese Premier Li Qiang, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Vietnam’s Communist Party leader To Lam.
During the parade, North Korea showcased its advanced Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile, which KCNA characterised as the nation’s “strongest nuclear strategic weapon system”.
While the Hwasong ICBM series provides North Korea with the theoretical capability to strike anywhere in the United States, experts remain uncertain about its guidance precision and whether its warhead could survive atmospheric re-entry.
“The Hwasong-20 represents, for the moment, the apotheosis of North Korea’s ambitions for long-range nuclear delivery capabilities. We should expect to see the system tested before the end of this year,” said Ankit Panda of the US-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
“The system is likely designed for the delivery of multiple warheads … Multiple warheads will increase stresses on existing US missile defence systems and augment what Kim sees as necessary to achieve meaningful deterrence effects against Washington.”
In his address during the parade, Kim offered “warm encouragement” to North Korean troops serving abroad, notably in Russia’s Ukraine war, noting their heroism would extend beyond national defence to “outposts of socialist construction,” according to KCNA.
“Our army should continue to grow into an invincible entity that destroys all threats,” Kim declared.
With nine goals in his first seven Premier League games, Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has started the season on fire.
While it is not his best start to a campaign – he scored 11 goals in his first seven games in 2022-23 and 10 last season – it still puts him three goals ahead in the early running for this season’s Premier League Golden Boot.
Of course, injury could definitively intervene in the destination of the Golden Boot, but there are two reasons why Haaland is such a strong favourite for the award so early.
First, the number of goals he has already scored – and, just as importantly, the number and quality of chances he is getting. And second, the slow start his usual rivals for the prize have made.
A player’s expected goals number (xG) signifies how many goals a Premier League player has historically scored from the number and quality of chances he has had.
It is not a number randomly picked by statistics boffins, but by Premier League history.
And if we look at players’ xG in the Premier League so far this season from normal play, the Norway forward is getting so many more good opportunities to score than anyone else.
That is demonstrated by breaking down the number and quality of chances that players have had in the top flight so far.
Haaland has taken 29 shots so far this season, 12 more than any other player.
That is actually not that remarkable for him – he had actually taken more non-penalty shots at this point in the last two seasons (30 in 2023-24 and 34 in 2024-25).
What is, however, unprecedented even for him is the quality of chances he has had this season. His shots have had a xG value of 0.27 on average.
What that figure means is that players have historically converted the shots he has had at a rate of 27%.
Of players to take at least 10 shots, only Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has had easier chances to score on average – thanks to a couple of tap-ins against West Ham and Brighton.
Haaland’s xG of 0.27 is much higher than the 0.17 xG per shot he had at the start of last season.
Starting a season so strongly is, as mentioned above, not unusual for Haaland. After seven games last season he had scored 10 goals – four more than anyone else and six more than Mohamed Salah.
But it was the Liverpool forward who won the Golden Boot with 29 goals, seven more than the Manchester City striker.
In the new campaign, while Haaland has started in blistering form, Salah has scored half the number of goals and had half the chances (xG) than at this stage last season.
It is not just Salah who has started slowly either. If we look at the top 11 scorers in the Premier League last season, Haaland has scored as many goals as the other 10 players put together so far.
While Haaland looks the clear favourite for the Premier League Golden Boot, what about the European Golden Shoe that is awarded to the player with the most goals in Europe’s top-five leagues?
That race is far more competitive at this early stage because Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe have also started in great form, with 11 and nine goals respectively.
The fact Haaland has scored so many times and has the highest xG of the three without yet taking any penalties makes him the favourite.
Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay reflects on a brilliant first season at Napoli and says he wants to keep giving his “absolute best” following a Serie A title, player of the year award, and finishing in the top 20 for the Ballon d’Or.
LISTEN: Scott McTominay: Our Brother of Naples, part of the Football Daily feed on BBC Sounds
The new Tesco dress has gone viral on TikTok, with shoppers calling it the “dress of the season”
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Customers browse F&F brand clothing for sale inside a Tesco Plc store in Watford, U.K., on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013. U.K. grocery sales rose sharply as the summer heatwave boosted demand for barbecues, soft drinks and frozen food. Photographer: Simon Dawson/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Tesco shoppers are heaping praise on a “pretty” new dress they’ve spotted online. The retailer’s F&F clothing line is well known for its affordable and fashionable outfits, accessories and more – and there might just be a new favourite in stock.
The F&F Edit Sequin Mini Dress in Cream has been shared widely on social media, with many shoppers keen to snap it up. The dress is priced at £36 and is available online and in store.
TikTok user @shoppingwithemma shared a clip showcasing the dress. The video was captioned: “The dress of the season. Best believe 2 of these went in my basket for my bestie and I. Run don’t walk to Tesco!!”
The clip proved popular, racking up views and likes. Beneath the post, one happy shopper said: “oow that’s pretty.” A second wrote: “Can’t wait to match.”
Another user, @ky.x.o, captioned their video: “I’m speechless. How is this @F&F Clothing??? Absolutely stunning.” A different TikToker, @kimberleyr069, also shared a video of the dress, with writing over the clip reading: “New in Tesco F&F sequin dress.”
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The video racked up 67.7k views, more than 1,200 likes and a number of comments from interested shoppers. One person said: “With black tights and a patent heel.”
A second wrote: “omg” and a third commented: “Love this.” A fourth happy shopper said: “This is so cute for a Christmas party.” Another wrote: “So pretty.”
The dress is currently available to buy on the Tesco website. The product is part of the F&F Edit, which is a “collection of must-have items for the season”, according to the retailer.
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Tesco’s full product description reads: “Get heads turning in this sequin mini dress, designed with velour straps for extra style points. The fitted silhouette and textured finish make it a standout choice for evening events. Wear with an oversized clutch, statement jewellery and block heels for a cute and chic party-ready outfit.”
Denmark plans to spend roughly 27.4 billion Danish kroner ($4.26bn) in an effort to shore up its defence capabilities in the Arctic and stave off threats made by United States President Donald Trump against the Danish semi-autonomous Greenland.
The massive cash injection in defence will cover the purchase of two additional Arctic vessels, a new Arctic command headquarters, a North Atlantic undersea cable and maritime patrol aircraft, the Danish Ministry of Defence said Friday.
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Denmark’s military also plans to acquire 16 additional F-35 advance fighter jets, bringing its total fleet to 43 in a move that Chief of Defence Michael Hyldgaard called an “assertion of sovereignty”.
The new jets, he added, will “significantly” boost “the combat power, flexibility and Danish contribution to NATO”.
Denmark has embarked on a fast-moving campaign to build up its defence capabilities in response to both Russia’s war on Ukraine and Trump’s repeated assertions that he wants to acquire – one way or another – Greenland, which was subject to Danish rule for nearly three centuries.
Last month, Denmark made its largest-ever arms purchase of European-made air defence systems worth 58 billion Danish kroner ($9.2bn), and separately announced a “paradigm shift” to acquire – for the first time – long-range missiles in an effort to deter Russia.
Although Trump has not recently returned to his repeated demand earlier this year to “buy” Greenland, Denmark has not forgotten Trump’s threats.
Earlier this week, news outlet Politico reported that Danish President Mette Frederiksen told parliamentarians that while “there is perhaps a feeling that we can breathe a sigh of relief … it is my belief that we cannot”.
The White House has previously defended Trump’s position, saying the president sees Greenland as “a strategically important location, and is confident Greenlanders would be better served if protected by the United States from modern threats in the Arctic region”.
But Greenlandic leaders have roundly rejected the idea, with Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen telling the European Parliament on Wednesday that the territory faces a “pivotal moment” amid geopolitical rivalries.
“Greenland needs the European Union, and the European Union needs Greenland,” he said.
Scramble for the Arctic
The Arctic’s potential opportunities for strategic trade, energy exploration and exploitation of rare earth minerals – which are expected to increase as climate change melts vast swaths of ice – have made the region the unlikely centre of Russia-China-US rivalry.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has built up Russia’s military capabilities in the Arctic in what analysts say is partially an effort to develop the Northern Sea Route, the shortest shipping pathway between Europe and the Asia Pacific region.
Putin’s ambitions have stirred controversy in part because the route covers areas “expected to become increasingly navigable” thanks to climate change and extend far beyond Russia’s current territorial waters, the Atlantic Council has reported.
China has also emerged as Russia’s partner on several Arctic infrastructure projects while pursuing its own interests, including deploying vessels to collect vast amounts of data in pursuit of new shipping routes and natural resources.
In a report last year, the US Department of Defense cautioned that China and Russia “are collaborating in the Arctic across multiple instruments of national power” and warned “their growing alignment in the region is of concern” – a characterisation the duo both denounced.
Putin has also said he is open to Western partnership in the Arctic.
Today’s horoscope for Saturday, October 11 will see Leo address domestic issues, while Aquarius should set some time aside for relaxation
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Find out what’s written in the stars with our astrologer Russell Grant(Image: Daily Record/GettyImages)
It’s Saturday, and one star sign will be itching to set off on an adventure, while another should try not to let their temper take over.
There are 12 zodiac signs – Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces – and the horoscopes for each can give you the lowdown on what your future holds, be it in work, your love life, your friends and family or more.
These daily forecasts have been compiled by astrologer Russell Grant, who has been reading star signs for over 50 years. From Aries through to Pisces, here’s what today could bring for your horoscope – and what you can do to be prepared.
Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
You aren’t in the mood for anything too busy, noisy or boisterous. A need to withdraw will keep you out of the spotlight. You might even think that skipping events you already committed to would be better than attending and not really enjoying them.
Taurus (Apr 21 – May 21)
Professional advice offered by an experienced executive will prove valuable when dealing with financial and legal matters. Domestic projects come with their challenges but they will also provide plenty of amusing stories to share with your friends and family.
Gemini (May 22 – June 21)
If someone seems argumentative as the day begins, count to ten and try not to let your temper take over. As the day progresses, your confidence will build and by the time evening arrives you will find nothing anyone says or does can shake the belief you have in yourself.
Cancer (June 22 – July 23)
If you have no plans to travel, you might suddenly feel as if you need something to look forward to. Book a holiday and give yourself something exciting to talk about. If you have just come back from a trip you might already be itching to set off on another adventure.
Leo (July 24 – Aug 23)
You are ready to address domestic issues that have caused problems in the past and you will do this in a thoughtful and practical way. You don’t mind having to tackle issues that need resolution for this is sure to make things easier in the future.
Virgo (Aug 24 – Sept 23)
Don’t hold back from stepping into the spotlight. You could be working in a group where your skills and knowledge can really make a difference. People around you are eager to follow your lead and respect your practical decisions.
Libra (Sept 24 – Oct 23)
If you find yourself facing something that makes you feel uneasy and anxious, take a deep breath and take it one step at a time. Stay organised and calm and you will notice your nervousness fading as you realise you can handle it. You are doing great.
Scorpio (Oct 24 – Nov 22)
You can’t keep going without a break. Everyone needs to relax at some time and for you, that time has come. Your mind and body crave rest and relaxation and this weekend, you should prioritise these above all else.
Sagittarius (Nov 23 – Dec 21)
You are taking on too much at once and you know it. Just think about how this is affecting your health. Let some responsibilities wait if you feel exhausted and low on energy. There is really no harm and in fact it will do you a lot of good to prioritise your own needs today.
Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 20)
When someone proposes a new idea, your initial reaction might be to dismiss it. Remember that your first instincts can sometimes be misleading so try to keep an open mind. Set aside some time today to tackle tasks around the house or in the garden.
Aquarius (Jan 21 – Feb 19)
Even if you do have a lot on your plate it’s still important that you should set some time aside for relaxation even just a few minutes at a time. Opportunities in your community provide a chance for you to help those who are less fortunate. This helps you gain a broader perspective on life.
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Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20)
If you’re confused or uncertain about a legal or financial issue it makes a lot of sense to consult a professional. Missing documents could be crucial to understanding your current situation. An older relative, too, could provide some valuable assistance.
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