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World Bank Raises South Asia Growth Forecast to 6.9%

The World Bank has raised South Asia’s 2026 growth forecast to 6.9%, largely because of India’s stronger-than-expected performance. India is projected to grow 7.1% in FY27, but the region excluding India will expand by only 3.6%, exposing a widening economic divide.

Australian Opposition Proposes Country’s Largest Immigration Reduction

Australia’s opposition Coalition has proposed cutting net overseas migration to 100,000 and reducing the temporary-visa population by approximately 650,000 over four years. Graduate, student and humanitarian visas would face the largest reductions.

Yemeni Forces Retake Bab el-Mandeb Coast From Houthis

Saudi-backed Yemeni forces say they have retaken Mocha, Dhubab and key positions along the Bab el-Mandeb coast, reversing recent Houthi gains. The status of strategically important Perim Island, however, remains uncertain.

Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan Convene Mecca Pact Committee

Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are convening the Mecca Pact’s strategic committee in Riyadh to discuss Houthi attacks, a possible political channel with the group and the alliance’s military structure as Yemen’s war intensifies.

Britain Reportedly Preparing Tariffs on Chinese Electric Vehicles

Britain is reportedly considering tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles as ministers confront rapidly rising imports, pressure from the European Union and warnings that protecting domestic carmakers could raise prices and provoke retaliation from Beijing.

US Military Strike Kills Four on Suspected Drug Boat in Caribbean

The US military has killed four people aboard a vessel accused of drug trafficking in the Caribbean. The strike is part of a disputed campaign that has killed at least 235 people, while Washington has released little evidence identifying its targets or their cargo.

Weak US Bond Demand Fuels Alarm as Treasury Yields Reach Multi-Decade Highs

Weak demand for long-term US government bonds is pushing Treasury yields to multi-decade highs. Buyers have not disappeared, but investors are demanding greater returns as inflation, rising interest costs and Washington’s $40 trillion debt intensify concerns.

Women Rally Under #IamJaneDoe to Protect Cornell Rape Accuser

Women are using #IamJaneDoe to defend a Cornell rape accuser’s anonymity after online attempts to reveal her identity. The campaign has spread as New York’s attorney general takes control of the reopened criminal investigation into the disputed 2024 fraternity-house allegations.

Russia Vows to Continue “Massive” Strikes on Kyiv

Russia has warned that “massive retaliatory strikes” on Kyiv will continue and urged foreign nationals and diplomats to leave Ukraine, as repeated attacks on bridges, energy facilities and industry raise fears of a far more destructive winter.

Saudi-backed Yemeni forces Forces Strike Houthi Targets in Sanaa and Saada

Yemeni government forces say they struck Houthi targets in Sanaa, Saada and Taiz as renewed fighting threatens to widen the war and place Red Sea shipping routes under greater pressure.

Christa Pike Unconscious on Ventilator After Failed Execution

Christa Pike remains unconscious and dependent on a ventilator after surviving Tennessee’s attempt to execute her. Her lawyers say failed intravenous lines caused pentobarbital to enter surrounding tissue, leaving both arms swollen, burned and blistered.

G7 Approves 100 Million-Barrel Fuel Reserve Release as Diesel Crisis Deepens

G7 countries will release up to 100 million barrels of diesel and crude oil from strategic reserves as disrupted shipping, refinery outages and the Middle East conflict drive fuel prices higher and place renewed pressure on households, transport and industry.