Pakistan's Finance Minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb, has announced plans to privatize Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and outsource Islamabad's international airport by November. The move aims to improve the country's macroeconomic stability and reduce its debt burden. According to Aurangzeb, the delay in privatising PIA was due to ensuring macroeconomic stability and conducting proper due diligence of interested parties.
A rare dust tornado was captured on camera near Sharjah, UAE. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes in Beirut have left 22 dead and over 117 injured. Drone footage shows the moments before Hamas leader Sinwar's killing. The BBC verifies damage caused by strikes, reports from Gaza, and shares perspectives from young Palestinians and Israelis.
Turkey has conducted airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against targets linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), following an attack on a defence company near Ankara. The attack on TUSAS, which designs military aircraft and UAVs, killed five people and wounded over 20. Turkish officials blame the PKK for the assault, while some question whether this escalation will hinder peace efforts.
Thousands in India's eastern coast are being evacuated as Cyclone Dana approaches. The powerful storm is expected to make landfall on Friday, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall. Authorities have suspended flights and trains, while tourists are being urged to leave coastal areas. The cyclone has the potential to cause significant damage, particularly in Odisha and West Bengal, where evacuations are underway.
Fresh allegations have surfaced against former US President Donald Trump, accusing him of groping a former model in 1993. According to Stacey Williams, the incident occurred at Trump Tower while being watched by late sexual abuser Jeffrey Epstein. Trump's campaign has denied the claims, calling them "unequivocally false."
The West Asia crisis continues to unfold, with reports emerging that Hezbollah has claimed over 70 Israeli officers have been killed and around 600 injured in the ongoing ground war in Lebanon. The militant group's operations room stated that it had also destroyed several Israeli military vehicles and downed drones. Israel's official tally puts the number of troops killed at 50, with around 20 lost inside Lebanon and 30 more in Hezbollah attacks on northern Israel.
Beloved actor Ron Ely, best known for his iconic role as Tarzan in the 1960s TV series, has passed away at the age of 86. A talented performer and author, Ely left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. His daughter Kirsten Casale Ely shared her heartfelt tribute to her father, praising his heroic spirit and many accomplishments.
Canada's government has announced a reduction in immigration targets, with plans to bring in 395,000 new permanent residents in 2025, down from 485,000 in 2024. The change aims to address concerns over housing prices and population growth. Migrant advocates have criticized the decision, citing potential negative impacts on migrant rights.
A 14-year-old boy from Florida took his own life after interacting with a "Game of Thrones" chatbot on an artificial intelligence app. The chatbot, named "Dany," had been conversing with the boy for months, and their interactions were sexual in nature. The boy's mother is suing the app's developers, claiming that they failed to alert authorities when her son expressed suicidal thoughts.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for an alternative international payment system to reduce dependence on the US dollar, which he believes is being used as a political weapon. Speaking at the BRICS summit in Kazan, Putin stated that nearly 95% of trade between Russia and China is now taking place in rubles and yuan. The goal is to create a settlement and payment infrastructure that would bypass the Swift payment system based in Belgium. While some BRICS members are supportive, others like Brazil and India are cautious about creating an alternative to the dollar.
Boeing workers on the West Coast have voted to reject a wage deal and extend their strike. The offer, which included a 35% pay rise over four years, did not meet demands for a defined pension plan. The nearly six-week-old strike has halted operations at two Boeing factories in Seattle, affecting production of the 737 Max and 777 aircraft.
The 2024 MLS Cup playoffs are underway, with Inter Miami, led by football icon Lionel Messi, vying for their first championship title. The tournament features a best-of-three knockout format, with the top seven teams from each conference automatically qualifying and the eighth team entering through a wildcard playoff. The regular season winner, Inter Miami, has earned the right to host the MLS Cup final if they remain in contention.
A sudden outbreak of melioidosis has claimed the lives of 12 monkeys at Hong Kong's oldest zoo. The bacterial infection, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, was likely spread through contaminated soil and air. Veterinary epidemiologists are concerned about the rapid spread of the disease among the primates. Autopsies revealed the bacteria's presence in all deceased animals, including critically endangered species.
The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens have closed their mammals section for cleaning and disinfection, with 78 other animals reported to be healthy. Melioidosis is a rare infection that can affect humans, although human-to-human transmission is low. Symptoms include lung infections, fever, and muscle aches.
A deadly terror attack occurred at Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) near Ankara, Turkey, on October 23. Two attackers, a man and a woman, stormed the facility, killing five people and injuring 22 others. The Turkish government has condemned the attack as "heinous" and believes it may be linked to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Authorities have confirmed that six people were killed, including TUSAS employees and a taxi driver. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly purchased a lavish European vacation home in Portugal. The property is located near Princess Eugenie's estate, where the couple will likely spend their summers. This purchase allows Meghan to apply for a Golden Visa, granting her access to 26 Schengen countries without restriction.
Vice President Kamala Harris has expressed openness to reforming the US Supreme Court, citing outrage over its recent abortion rights decisions. While offering few details, she hinted at studying possible changes. The move comes as public trust in the court continues to decline. Harris also touched on other issues, including immigration and criticism of her Republican opponent.
A Malaysian man who was paralyzed after a car accident and spent six years in bed, relying on his wife for care, has divorced her and remarried. The man's wife, Nurul Syazwani, had taken on the majority of his caregiving needs, including feeding him through a nasogastric tube and helping with daily tasks. She shared their experience on social media, gaining followers who were inspired by her devotion. After his recovery, he divorced her and remarried just a week later. The news has sparked controversy online, with many criticizing the man's ingratitude.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has stated that a potential strike on Iran would demonstrate Israel's power and deter enemies. The statement was made during a visit to an airbase, where Gallant praised the pilots' skills and emphasized the importance of preparation and training. This comes as tensions between Israel and Iran have been escalating following a ballistic-missile barrage launched by Iran against Israel.
The US presidential election is just around the corner, and many are looking for clues on who will emerge victorious. One intriguing indicator is the performance of the stock market. According to data from LPL Financial, the S&P 500 has correctly predicted the winner in 20 out of 24 elections since 1928. With the market currently up 11.8% since early August, this trend suggests a win for Vice President Kamala Harris. However, it's essential to consider that not all Americans are invested in the stock market, and many voters may not associate its performance with economic well-being.
The United States has confirmed that North Korean troops have been transported to Russia, with at least 3,000 soldiers arriving in Vladivostok. The US assessed that these troops were trained at multiple military sites in eastern Russia before being deployed. White House Spokesperson John Kirby emphasized that if these North Korean soldiers engage in combat in Ukraine, they will become "legitimate military targets." Both Russia and North Korea have denied the claims, with Russia labeling them as "fake news" and a North Korean representative calling it "groundless rumors."