Xi Jinping urges military readiness amid rising tensions with Taiwan

In a stark reminder of escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait, Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for enhanced military preparedness, emphasising the need for the People's Liberation Army to bolster its war capabilities

Malaysia seeks BRICS membership

Malaysia is aiming to become the latest member of the BRICS bloc, which was originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa

India and China agree on border disengagement ahead of BRICS summit

India's Ministry of External Affairs confirmed an agreement with China on disengagement and border patrols along the Line of Actual Control. The announcement comes as Indian Prime Minister Modi prepares to attend the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia.

F-35B stealth jet makes historic landing on Japanese warship

In a significant advancement for Japan's naval capabilities, a US military F-35B stealth fighter jet successfully landed on the Japanese destroyer Kaga off the coast of San Diego on October 20

Russia, Iran trade in national currencies reaches 96% of mutual settlements

Russia and Iran have shifted to using national currencies for over 96% of their mutual settlements, while bilateral trade increased by 12.4% in 2024.

Albania's former president Ilir Meta arrested in corruption case

Meta is accused of engaging in illegal financial activities and failing to declare significant assets.

Mexico set for energy shake-up as Sheinbaum rewrites the rules

Mexico’s energy landscape is set for a major transformation as President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government seeks to balance the power of state-controlled companies with the need for private investment.

US envoy Amos Hochstein says US is working to end Israel-Hezbollah conflict

US envoy Amos Hochstein arrived in Beirut, Lebanon on October 21 for diplomatic talks aimed at brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

IranAir redirects flights to Istanbul to avoid EU sanctions

Close race in Moldova’s pro-EU referendum and presidential election

Partial results show very small advantage for 'yes' camp in referendum, while incumbent President Maia Sandu leads in presidential race.

MOL warns of fuel delivery disruptions to Czechia

The head of MOL’s Czech subsidiary has warned of potential disruptions to fuel deliveries after the EU's exemption on the import of Russian oil-derived products expires in December.

China Development Bank chief discusses joint projects in Hungary

Hungary has become the number one destination for Chinese investments in Central and Eastern Europe.

Indian PM Modi could meet Iranian President Pezeshkian at the BRICS Summit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian could meet on the sideline of the BRICS Summit. New Delhi and Tehran remain in touch to finalise the meeting.

South Korean users flock to YouTube and Instagram as local platforms struggle

In September, a significant shift in digital engagement was observed among South Korean users, as American social media giants YouTube and Instagram reported impressive gains in usage, while domestic platforms like KakaoTalk and Naver faltered

Georgians march in pro-EU rally days before watershed elections

Georgia's pro-Western opposition frame the upcoming general election as a referendum on the country's future in the EU.

Israel strikes Hezbollah-linked banks in Lebanon

Israel launched strikes on branches of Al-Qard Al-Hassan, a Hezbollah-linked financial association, across Lebanon late on October 20.

Serbian President Vucic speaks to Putin for first time in over two years

Phone conversation renews direct diplomatic communication between the two leaders, amid growing claims that Serbia is shifting its foreign policy Westward.

Bird flu outbreak forces closure of Skopje Zoo

Management threatens to sue Food and Veterinary Agency, claiming bird "massacre" was intended to damage zoo's reputation.

Iran's Pezeshkian administration approves pension hike for retirees after protests

Iran's government has approved a proposal to increase pensions for retirees to 90% of the salary and allowances of their working counterparts, in a landmark move which puts increasing pressure on tight government finances.

Hezbollah leader relocated to Tehran

Hezbollah's Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem has been residing in Tehran since early October, in a new revelation.