World
US says India halves Russian oil imports, sources say no cuts seen
By Reuters India has become the biggest buyer of seaborne Russian oil sold at a discount after Western nations shunned purchases and imposed sanctions on Moscow for its 2022 invasion of its neighbour.
Israel, Hamas trade blame over truce violations amid delay in return of dead hostages
By Reuters A dispute over the return of hostages’ bodies held by Hamas threatens to derail the truce and other unresolved elements of the plan, including disarmament of militants and Gaza’s future governance.
India to force drugmakers to upgrade plants after fatal cough syrup crisis
By Reuters The recent deaths have reignited a public debate in India about selective enforcement of safety standards.
France and Britain refine plans at UN for Gaza force resolution
By Reuters Diplomats said the stabilisation force would not be a formal United Nations peacekeeping force paid for by the world body.
Trump says he will meet Putin in Budapest, touting progress in Ukraine talks
By Reuters Trump said he may meet Putin in Budapest within two weeks after a productive two-hour call. The Kremlin confirmed the meeting but gave no date.
China blames US for global panic over rare earths controls
By Reuters US-China trade relations had appeared relatively stable following a September 19 call between Trump and Xi
French PM survives no-confidence votes after making pension concession
By Reuters Despite the outcome of Thursday’s votes, Lecornu still faces weeks of arduous negotiations in parliament over passing a slimmed-down 2026 budget during which he could be toppled at any point.
India’s Modi faces tough Bihar state election; voters angry over unemployment, distrust electoral rolls
By Reuters Bihar, one of India’s poorest and third most populous states with over 130 million people, is led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, a key ally in Modi’s National Democratic Alliance.
Trump says Modi assured him India will stop buying Russian oil
By Reuters Trump has recently targeted India for its Russian oil purchases, imposing tariffs on Indian exports to the US to discourage the country’s crude buying as he seeks pressure Moscow to negotiate a peace deal in Ukraine.
Pakistan, Afghanistan agree to temporary truce after fresh fighting, airstrikes
By Reuters Tensions rose after Islamabad urged the Afghan Taliban to curb militants launching attacks in Pakistan from Afghan soil.
US judge blocks Trump’s plan to lay off thousands of government workers
By Reuters The decision is likely to be appealed quickly, but it offers a reprieve for federal workers facing a nearly year-long push by the Trump administration to slash their ranks.
China raises age limits for civil servants as part of campaign against ageism
By Reuters Dwindling job opportunities for older applicants come as competition for coveted state sector jobs increases and has accelerated calls to ease age restrictions for government roles.
Myanmar junta chief admits election won’t be nationwide, as war continues
By Reuters The junta has invited ASEAN countries to send observers for the election, due to start on December 28 and to continue in phases into January.
IMF, Pakistan reach staff-level deal on $1.2 billion payout
By Reuters Countries under IMF lending programs need to pass regular reviews, which, once signed off by the fund’s executive board, trigger loan tranche payments.
Hamas hands over hostage bodies after Israel threatens aid cut
By Reuters Hamas has now handed over eight coffins of dead hostages, leaving at least 19 presumed dead and one unaccounted for still in the Gaza Strip.
US, China roll out tit-for-tat port fees, threatening more turmoil at sea
By Reuters China hit back last week, saying it would impose its own port fees on US-linked vessels from the same day the US fees took effect.
Kremlin says it welcomes Trump’s desire to focus on search for peace in Ukraine after Gaza ceasefire
By Reuters Russia’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia remained open to peace talks.
Madagascar’s military takes power, says colonel
By Reuters President Rajoelina has said he has moved to a safe place because of threats to his life.
Bangladesh garment factory fire kills nine, with toll likely to rise, official says
By Reuters The fire started on the third floor of the seven-storey factory in Dhaka's Mirpur area before spreading to the chemical warehouse
Hamas fighters tighten grip in Gaza, clouding future of ceasefire
By Reuters Hamas’ resumption of power in Gaza and continued flashes of violence underscore the daunting hurdles facing efforts to move Trump’s ceasefire plan towards a longer-term resolution of the conflict.