Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to meet in Kyrgyzstan during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, highlighting their growing strategic partnership. The summit in Bishkek brings together leaders from Russia, China, India, Iran and other member states to discuss regional security, economic cooperation and major international issues. Putin and Xi are expected to discuss their countries’ expanding political and economic … Continue reading Russia, China leaders to meet at Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit

Niger’s army says it has regained control of a major military airbase in the capital, Niamey, after mutinous soldiers attacked it on Saturday. The confrontation involved hundreds of discontented troops and lasted for several hours, with gunfire and explosions reported around the airport, presidential palace and other key locations. The mutiny highlights growing tensions within Niger’s military, which has suffered heavy losses while fighting jihadist … Continue reading Niger says it regains control of airbase after soldiers mutiny

A shooting at a rave in Aarau, Switzerland, early Sunday left one 22-year-old woman dead and five others injured. The victims, four men and one woman between the ages of 24 and 27, were taken to hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to severe. The shooting occurred around 2:30 a.m. at a horse-racing track where the “Aarau Rave VOL. 7” techno event was being held. … Continue reading 1 dead and 5 wounded in a shooting at a rave in Switzerland

Tens of thousands of Norwegians gathered to mourn King Harald V, who died at age 89 after a 35-year reign. His son immediately became King Haakon VIII and delivered an emotional speech honoring his father as a loving parent and dedicated monarch. Mourners across Norway have placed flowers, lit candles and signed condolence books as the country remains in an official period of mourning. Haakon’s … Continue reading Tens of thousands mourn King Harald V in Oslo as Norway enters a new royal era

Nepal has warned of possible new flooding as water levels rise in the Bhotekoshi River following devastating floods earlier in the week. The latest warnings came after Chinese authorities reported increased water flow upstream and alerted Nepal to another potential threat. The catastrophic flooding has killed at least 788 people in Nepal, with more than 2,500 still missing, while additional deaths and missing people have … Continue reading Nepal warns of possible fresh flooding as communities grapple with devastation

The United States carried out strikes against two Iranian launchers on Larak Island, marking the first known U.S. attack on Iran since late July. U.S. officials said the strikes were intended to stop Iran’s Revolutionary Guard from launching rockets carrying sea mines into the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Iran said the strikes killed and wounded several soldiers and civilians and vowed to retaliate against … Continue reading Iran retaliates after first US strikes in a month

A fire broke out in the nursery of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad, killing 14 newborn babies.  The blaze erupted early Wednesday and was reportedly triggered by an exploding air-conditioning unit in the nursery.  Fifteen babies were inside the nursery when the fire started, but hospital staff were able to rescue only one infant.  Pakistan’s government launched an investigation into the tragedy, … Continue reading Fire in a hospital nursery kills 14 newborns in Pakistan’s capital

Torrential rain hit Japan’s north-central Ishikawa and Toyama prefectures on Thursday, causing widespread flooding and landslides. Japan’s Meteorological Agency issued its highest Level 5 heavy-rain warning for parts of the region, while authorities urged more than 380,000 people to move to safer areas. Rescue crews used boats to reach residents trapped by floodwaters, while roads were closed and numerous vehicles were abandoned. In Ishikawa, 270 … Continue reading Heavy rain and flooding in north-central Japan strands people and vehicles

Russia has threatened to strike British military targets inside and outside Ukraine if Kyiv continues using British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles against targets inside Russia.  Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Britain of escalating the conflict and warned that Moscow could respond with what she described as “catastrophic consequences.”  The warning follows Britain’s decision to give Ukraine access to technology that could allow it to … Continue reading Russia threatens strikes on UK military targets, ‘catastrophic consequences’ over Ukraine

A massive glacier collapse along the Nepal-Tibet border triggered catastrophic floods that killed more than 390 people and left over 1,400 missing.  The collapse sent huge amounts of ice, rock and mud into rivers, creating a powerful surge that destroyed villages, roads, bridges and other infrastructure. Rescue teams and military helicopters are searching for survivors and missing people, including hundreds of foreign tourists and pilgrims. … Continue reading Catastrophic floods kill over 390 in Nepal and Tibet, with more than 1,400 missing