Asia
Pakistan and Türkiye to Send Forces to Saudi Arabia as the Three Countries Activate Their Makkah Defence Pact
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye have agreed to put the collective defence commitments of their Makkah alliance into immediate effect, with Pakistani and Turkish forces to be made available for rapid deployment in the kingdom. A retired Pakistani general becomes the alliance's first secretary-general.
World
North Cyprus ferry disaster: 8 dead, 22 missing as rescue operation continues
A passenger ferry capsized off Kyrenia in northern Cyprus on its way to Taşucu in Turkey, killing at least eight people. About 270 people were on board; 237 were rescued and 22 were missing.
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World
Turkey–Saudi–Pakistan defence pact: first committee meeting on August 31 — what it means for India
The first meeting of the committee set up under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is due in Istanbul on August 31. What the pact says, and what India should watch.
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India
Kolkata Chorbagan Tragedy: Bengal Announces ₹25 Lakh Aid and Jobs for Bereaved Families
KOLKATA, October 18, 2026: West Bengal has announced ₹25 lakh in assistance and a...
Asia
Singapore Haze Hits a Season-High PSI of 230 on Its 14th Straight Day; Seven Indonesian Firms Face Legal Notices as ASEAN Issues Top Alert
Air in western Singapore hit a season-high 24-hour PSI of 230 on Sunday, the 14th straight day of unhealthy air. Singapore will serve legal notices on seven Indonesian companies, ASEAN's weather centre has raised its top haze alert, and Indonesia has agreed to accept foreign help.
Asia
Rubio Heads to Samarkand for C5+1 Talks With a 200-Strong Business Delegation Before Visiting Mumbai and Jamnagar
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets the foreign ministers of all five Central Asian states in Samarkand on October 19, bringing more than 200 business leaders, before travelling to Mumbai and Jamnagar. Critical minerals, energy and trade top the agenda.
Asia
IMF Meetings End in Bangkok With “Optimism and Worry”: Georgieva Warns Inflation, Debt and War Spillovers Are Squeezing Poorer Countries
The IMF and World Bank annual meetings closed in Bangkok with a chair's statement calling the world economy resilient but at risk, a walkout during Russia's remarks, and a warning from Kristalina Georgieva that low-income countries are being squeezed.