International
Japan votes today as PM Takaichi risks her fate in snap election
Voting began across Japan on Sunday in a high-stakes general election that will decide whether Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s ruling coalition retains its majority—and with it, her own political future.
Thailand holds general election today
Thailand began voting in a general election today, with no party expected to win a clear majority, setting the stage for likely coalition talks amid security concerns and political instability.
Talks held with Iran were very good: Trump
US Donald Trump on Friday described recent indirect talks with Iran as “very good,” following a meeting between US and Iranian representatives in Muscat, Oman.
At least 31 killed in suicide blast at Islamabad mosque
A suicide attack at a Shia mosque in Islamabad has killed at least 31 people and wounded dozens more, in one of the worst such incidents to hit Pakistan’s capital.
Iran–US talks begin in Oman
Direct talks between Iran and the United States have begun in Oman, Iranian state television reported on Friday. At the same time, Tehran stated that it remains prepared for self-defense if necessary, while US President Donald Trump did not completely rule out the possibility of military action.
18 killed in coal mine explosion in India’s Meghalaya, many trapped
At least 18 people were killed in a coal mine explosion in the East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya, India. Following the blast inside the mine on Thursday, several workers were trapped. Police later recovered the bodies during rescue operations, though many remain trapped, BBC reported.
Earthquake hit Sikkim, tremors felt in northern Bangladesh at midnight
Mild tremors were felt in several northern districts of Bangladesh following a series of earthquakes in India’s Sikkim region.
Iran finally allows women to ride motorcycles
Women in Iran can now formally obtain a license to ride a motorcycle, local media reported Wednesday, ending years of legal ambiguity surrounding two-wheelers.
Iran, US to hold nuclear talks in Oman amid tensions; Trump issues warning to Khamenei
Iran and the United States have agreed to hold nuclear talks on Friday in Oman, Iran’s foreign minister said, as tensions remain high following Tehran’s deadly crackdown on nationwide protests.
Elon Musk becomes 1st person ever worth $800bn
Elon Musk just became the first person ever worth $800 billion or more after his rocket maker SpaceX acquired his artificial intelligence and social media company xAI. Forbes estimates that the deal, which values the combined company at $1.25 trillion, boosted Musk’s fortune by $84 billion, to a record $852 billion.