Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Bishkek on August 31 on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit. The Modi Pezeshkian meeting focused on India-Iran ties, the West Asia conflict, maritime security, trade and the need for lasting regional peace. India Iran Ties The two leaders revi

Austria recorded an estimated 646 heat-related deaths during June and July 2026, the highest figure documented for the two-month period. The Austria heat deaths record comes as extreme temperatures, drought and rising heat-health risks place growing pressure on vulnerable people and public services. June-July Heat Toll Austria's Agency for Health and Food Safety, known as AGES, estimated 646 he

The Trump Canada trade war has entered a sharper phase after negotiations between Washington and Ottawa collapsed and new US tariffs took effect. Canada is preparing dollar-for-dollar retaliation from September 8, adding fresh pressure to one of the world's largest and most integrated trading relationships. Canada Tariffs The United States imposed tariffs of up to 50% on a new group of Canadian

The Nepal Tibet floods have become one of the Himalayan region's deadliest disasters in years, with the latest reports on August 29 putting the combined death toll at more than 630. Thousands remain missing as rescue teams search devastated villages, hydropower sites and transport corridors after a massive glacial collapse. Glacial Collapse Disaster The disaster began on August 26 when a catast

The SCO Bishkek 2026 summit will bring Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders to Kyrgyzstan as the organisation marks its 25th anniversary. Modi-Putin talks and wider regional security issues are expected to draw particular attention. Bishkek Summit The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation will hold its Council of Heads of Sta

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is beginning a significant diplomatic stretch with visits to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan ahead of India's BRICS Summit in September. The Modi SCO BRICS diplomacy agenda places security, connectivity, bilateral relations and wider Global South cooperation at the centre of India's engagement. Modi Tashkent Visit Prime Minister Modi will visit Tashkent on August 29 and 3

Russia’s Defence Ministry said on August 28, 2026, that a Russia mobile ICBM test from Plesetsk sent training warheads to the Kura range in Kamchatka. The drill also tested Plesetsk launch procedures, mobile TEL readiness, solid fuel ICBM performance and missile flight characteristics.   Plesetsk launch The Russian Defence Ministry said the Strategic Missile Forces carried out a combat-training launch from the Pl

Mumbai will host the second edition of the Global Impact Forum on September 5 and 6, bringing together diplomats, business leaders, scholars, artists and investors from BRICS countries ahead of the bloc’s leaders’ summit in New Delhi. The two-day event, titled Global Impact Forum II: Civilisational Legacy, will be held at The Taj Mahal Palace. It will be the forum’s first edition in India and is expected to serve as a cultural and economic platform in the run-up to the BRICS S

Nepal flood aid is expanding after catastrophic flash floods devastated Rasuwa and downstream districts, killing more than 150 people and leaving hundreds missing. The US has pledged $500,000 in emergency relief as India, China and the World Bank mobilize additional assistance. US relief supports Nepal rescue effort The US State Department

Germany’s cyber threat has intensified, with foreign intelligence services playing a much larger role in attacks on businesses. A new Bitkom study says 37% of affected companies linked at least one incident to a foreign intelligence service, up sharply from 28% last year and just 7% in 2023. Foreign spies target more German companies Bit

Nepal floods on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, left at least 95 people dead and 484 travelers reported missing near the Tibet border. The disaster disrupted a key Kailash Mansarovar route as rescuers searched for survivors and investigators examined a possible quake-linked glacier collapse. 484 travelers reported missing near Tibet border At least 95 bodies have been recovered in Nepal after catas

US Iran sanctions have triggered a fresh diplomatic clash after Tehran accused Washington of using economic pressure to force countries into compliance. The dispute comes as President Donald Trump says mines have been cleared from the Strait of Hormuz while Iran and Oman discuss a temporary shipping corridor. Iran row grows over US economic pressure

A Barron Trump Iran threat aired by Iranian state television has prompted scrutiny from the US Secret Service. The agency says it is aware of the broadcast and investigates anything perceived as a threat to its protectees, as tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high. USSS probe follows Iran TV video The US Secret Service confirme

Trump Korea drill cuts have changed the scale of one of Washington’s most important military exercises in Asia. President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to sharply reduce US participation in drills with South Korea, citing their cost and his effort to reopen diplomacy with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. ROK drills reduced after Trump order

Bangladesh has renewed its Rohingya return appeal as the displacement crisis enters its tenth year, calling for sustained Myanmar pressure, stronger aid funding and conditions for safe repatriation. Dhaka says prolonged displacement cannot become a permanent solution for refugees or host communities. Myanmar pressure central to Rohingya return

Ontario Premier Doug Ford sharply escalated his feud with US President Donald Trump, calling him a “bully,” “dictator” and “loser” as the Canada-US tariff dispute moved from trade negotiations into an increasingly personal political confrontation. Ford Trump row turns personal Ford made the remarks during a news conference in Ha

Bangladesh journalists jailed in a crimes-against-humanity case linked to the 2024 uprising have triggered renewed concern over press freedom. A special tribunal ordered Farzana Rupa, Mozammel Babu and Shyamal Dutta to remain in custody while investigators continue their case. ICT press case sends journalists back to jail Bangladesh’s Int