News
US may double support for Argentina to $40bn conditional on policy reforms
Washington buys Argentine pesos and mulls creating a new private sector-led $20bn debt facility, which would bring total support to $40bn with the existing swap line, Treasury Secretary Bessent said.
Malaysia plans social media ban for children under 13, following Singapore's lead
Under Kuala Lumpur’s proposal, all social media platforms will be required to implement mandatory identity verification systems to prevent underage users from creating accounts.
Following airstrikes, Pakistan and Afghanistan agree peace deal
In just the past few hours, Pakistan and Afghanistan have reportedly agreed to a temporary ceasefire following several days of cross-border clashes.
Turkey widens doorway to workers from Turkic-speaking countries
Move coincides with decision by Russia to kick out hundreds of thousands of largely Central Asian nationals.
Lawmakers of Turkey’s main opposition party urge Nato nations to sharpen focus on threats posed by Iran
Report presented to annual session of defence bloc's parliamentary assembly.
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Syria’s al-Sharaa seeks to rebuild ties with Russia in first Kremlin talks
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa met with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time since assuming power in Syria, marking a significant moment in the political trajectory of the war-torn nation.
Iranian oil tankers begin shutting off locations after mass reveal
Most Iran-flagged oil tankers have, for the first time since 2018, begun transmitting genuine location signals over the Automatic Identification System (AIS),but others are going "dark" again.
New clashes erupt on Pakistan–Afghanistan border
Fresh violence has broken out along the Pakistan–Afghanistan frontier, as forces aligned with the Taliban engaged Pakistani border guards in what sources say was a heavy exchange of fire.
Do 60,000 maps seized by authorities in China identify Taiwan as independent?
Chinese customs authorities in Shandong province have reportedly confiscated 60,000 maps destined for export after alleging they contained “serious mistakes” related to the depiction of Taiwan and the South China Sea.
Trump's $20bn boost for Argentina comes with electoral strings
Argentine President Javier Milei met with US President Donald Trump at the White House on October 14 to strengthen bilateral ties, securing a crucial - but conditional - endorsement ahead of Argentina's midterm legislative elections.
Kazakhstan’s EDB signs Abu Dhabi Fund MoU to development to strengthen strategic cooperation
The Eurasian Development Bank and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development have signed a MoU aimed at enhancing strategic, technical and operational cooperation to support sustainable socioeconomic development in countries of mutual interest.
US strikes new suspected drug vessel near Venezuela, killing six
The United States carried out a military operation off Venezuela’s coast on October 14, destroying a vessel suspected of drug trafficking and killing six people, according to President Donald Trump.
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Bolivia’s first-ever runoff tests a nation in crisis
Bolivia heads to its first-ever presidential runoff on October 19, with centrist Rodrigo Paz and conservative ex-president Jorge Quiroga vying for power amid economic crisis and the collapse of Evo Morales’ once-dominant MAS party.
Eurasian Economic Union planning operational changes
Kremlin-led group wants to be more like Brussels.
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Argentina to use US currency swap to cover FX debt payments
Argentina has confirmed that its $20bn currency swap agreement with the United States can be deployed to cover foreign currency debt payments in 2026 if the country cannot secure refinancing in voluntary markets.
Russia aiding North Korea’s submarine programme: Seoul
The revelation lends weight to long-standing suspicions that Moscow is exchanging military know-how for munitions, manpower, or other support in its ongoing war with Ukraine.
Japan to recycle soiled adult diapers
Traditionally, the soiled products are burned with general waste, but their high moisture content hampers combustion and reduces energy efficiency.
Havana rejects US claims over Cuban fighters in Russia's ranks in Ukraine
Cuba's Foreign Ministry has denied allegations from Washington regarding Cuban military participation in Ukraine, as diplomatic tensions ratchet up over recruitment schemes that have allegedly sent thousands of nationals to fight for Russia.
US, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey sign agreement to end Gaza war at Sharm El-Sheikh Summit
The US, Egypt, Qatar and Turkey signed a binding peace document on October 13, guaranteeing a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, marking what President Trump called “perhaps the greatest achievement” of his presidency.
770,000 migrants told to leave Russia
Deportation regime activated for largely Central Asian nationals amid crackdown critics describe as xenophobic.