A powerful explosion tore through a Chinese-run restaurant in the heart of Kabul's Shahr-e-Naw district on Monday, killing seven people and injuring more than a dozen others. The attack, claimed by the Islamic State's Afghan affiliate, targeted a popular spot frequented by Chinese expatriates and locals alike.

The suicide bombing struck near the restaurant's kitchen during peak hours, blowing a massive hole in the front facade and sending debris flying across the crowded street. Eyewitnesses recounted a deafening blast followed by thick smoke and chaos as diners and passersby scrambled to escape. Among the dead were six Afghans and one Chinese national identified as Ayub, with victims including women and a child rushed to nearby hospitals.

Owned by Chinese Muslim Abdul Majid, his wife, and local partner Abdul Jabbar Mahmood, the eatery served noodles and dishes beloved by Kabul's small Chinese Muslim community. It stood as a symbol of China's expanding footprint in Afghanistan post-2021 Taliban takeover, amid Beijing's interest in mining and infrastructure deals. The IS claim via its Amaq agency fits their pattern of hitting Chinese-linked sites, challenging Taliban security pledges to attract foreign investment.

China swiftly condemned the violence, urging a thorough investigation and enhanced safeguards for its citizens and projects, after five nationals were wounded. Taliban forces cordoned off the area but reopened streets quickly, downplaying the breach in one of Kabul's most fortified zones packed with embassies and offices. The incident underscores ongoing instability, as Afghanistan grapples with economic woes and militant threats despite Taliban rule.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Sina Weibo.

A tragic rail accident occurred on Wednesday in Nakhon Ratchasima province, northeastern Thailand, when a construction crane collapsed onto a moving passenger train, causing it to derail and resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. The incident took place around 9:05 a.m. local time in Ban Thanon Khot, Sikhio district (commonly called Korat), when a large launching gantry crane, used for constructing an elevated section of the high-speed rail project, suddenly fell onto Bangkok-Ubon Ratchathani passenger train No. 21 as it passed beneath the construction site, according to the Bangkok Post.

Initial reports from Thai authorities confirmed at least 32 fatalities, with dozens more injured. Many passengers were trapped in the wreckage, and rescue teams focused on extrication and medical care. Between 64 and 66 people were reported injured, and three remained missing according to provincial health updates.

Eyewitnesses described hearing loud crashes and explosions as the crane’s heavy steel structure and concrete load struck the train’s middle carriages. Two carriages were severely damaged, and one caught fire, sending smoke billowing as rescuers struggled to reach survivors. The train was estimated to be traveling at around 120 km/h (75 mph) when the crane fell. Most casualties were in the second carriage, which bore the brunt of the impact and fire.

The accident occurred on a high-speed rail line that is part of a major Thai-Chinese infrastructure project designed to connect Bangkok with Kunming, China, via Laos. The affected segment is being built by Italian-Thai Development Plc (ITD), which expressed regret over the incident and pledged compensation to victims’ families. Thai authorities, including Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, ordered an immediate investigation and emphasized strict review of safety measures and accountability. The State Railway of Thailand announced service disruptions on the affected route, with rerouting and cancellations continuing as emergency operations proceed.

The incident drew international condolences, including from India. The Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep sorrow for the loss of life, extended sympathy to the injured, and reaffirmed support for Thailand. In a post on X, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives and injuries in the train accident in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, on January 14, 2026. Our heartfelt condolences to the people and Government of Thailand. We extend our deepest sympathies to the affected families and wish a swift recovery to all those injured.” As rescue operations conclude, attention is now turning to structural safety assessments and stronger regulatory oversight for large infrastructure projects in Thailand to prevent future tragedies.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

Bangladesh Interim Government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to holding the general election and referendum on February 12, according to an official statement released Wednesday. Yunus made the remarks during a late-night meeting on Tuesday at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka with two former senior US diplomats, Albert Gombis and Morse Tan, who served during the Donald Trump administration.

He acknowledged the widespread circulation of misinformation and deliberate attempts to create confusion around the election process but emphasized that the Interim Government remains resolute in its decision to proceed with the polls as scheduled. “Regardless of what anyone says, the election will be held on February 12 — neither earlier nor later,” Yunus stated, assuring that the vote would be free, fair, peaceful, and conducted in a celebratory atmosphere. The Chief Adviser further stressed that the Interim Government would maintain strict neutrality during the election period, ensuring fair administration and equal opportunities for all political parties.

Gombis, a former Acting Under Secretary of State, and Tan, a former Ambassador-at-Large, are visiting Bangladesh ahead of the pivotal elections. During their hour-long discussion, the participants covered a broad range of issues including the upcoming elections, the July Revolution and its aftermath, youth activism, the July Charter and referendum, misinformation targeting the polls, the Rohingya crisis, and the potential for truth and reconciliation in post-July Bangladesh.

Yunus said his government is actively advocating for a “Yes” vote in the referendum, noting that public approval of the July Charter would mark the beginning of a new democratic era and eliminate any future possibility of authoritarian rule. He added that supporters of the former autocratic regime were behind much of the fake news campaign but noted that citizens are becoming increasingly capable of identifying AI-generated misinformation. Gombis agreed that disinformation has become one of the major threats to democracy globally and called for stronger measures to counter it. Both diplomats praised Yunus for his leadership in guiding the nation over the past 18 months.

When asked about the feasibility of a truth and reconciliation process similar to post-apartheid South Africa, Yunus said such an initiative was not currently possible in Bangladesh due to the former regime’s refusal to acknowledge its actions. He noted that truth and reconciliation require admission of wrongdoing, remorse, and a supportive environment — conditions he said were still absent. SDG Coordinator and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed was also present at the meeting.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@ChiefAdviserGoB.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Myanmar Ambassador U Kyaw Soe Moe at noon today to express serious concern over a recent incident in which gunfire from Myanmar targeted Bangladesh near Whykong Union in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar. A 12-year-old Bangladeshi girl was seriously injured during the cross-border shooting, according to a statement from the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday.

Bangladesh emphasized that the unprovoked attack constitutes a clear violation of international law and undermines good neighborly relations. The ministry urged Myanmar to take full responsibility and implement measures to prevent such cross-border incidents in the future, stressing that conflicts between Myanmar authorities and armed groups must not endanger the lives and livelihoods of people in Bangladesh. The Myanmar ambassador assured that his government would act to prevent such incidents and expressed sincere sympathy for the injured girl and her family.

Bangladesh shares a 271 km (168-mile) eastern border with Myanmar, which runs through forests and rivers and is largely unmarked. Villagers frequently cross the border to collect firewood or engage in small-scale trade, as has been done for generations. Myanmar has been identified as the world’s most dangerous country for landmine casualties. According to the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, the use of landmines in Myanmar has risen sharply, with over 2,000 casualties reported in 2024—double the previous year.

Over a million Rohingya refugees from Myanmar also live near Bangladesh’s border, caught between Myanmar’s military and separatist forces. Bangladesh authorities reported at least 28 landmine injuries in 2025, including a border guard killed in November when a mine explosion severed both his legs. While the border force has put up warning signs, red flags, and conducts regular mine-clearance operations, villagers continue to face danger, as survival often depends on entering mine-laden forests.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will visit Japan on January 13–14 for a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The leaders are scheduled to meet in Nara City on January 13, followed by a dinner, where discussions are expected to cover regional and global matters, as well as economic and social issues. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman speak with Michiyo Ishida, CNA’s senior correspondent, for more details.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Singapore’s “dead birds” hotline recorded its highest number of reports last year, reflecting a growing toll of birds killed after colliding with glass surfaces on buildings. The museum notes that the problem is expanding beyond sheer numbers, now affecting newer and sometimes rarer species as urban development intensifies. The report explores the causes behind these collisions, the reasons bird-friendly architecture has yet to become common practice, and the practical solutions—such as specially treated glass and façade modifications—that could significantly reduce bird deaths. Andrea Heng and Rani Samtani discuss these issues with Dr Tan Yen Yi, Research Fellow at the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Thailand’s Pheu Thai Party has selected 46-year-old academic Yodchanan Wongsawat, a nephew of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, as its leading candidate for the premiership in the February election. The move brings the influential Shinawatra family back into focus as Thailand grapples with deadly border clashes with Cambodia and internal challenges within the party. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss the implications of his candidacy for party cohesion, border security, and the country’s political trajectory with Kevin Hewison, Emeritus Professor at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

Starting 6 pm tomorrow (13 Dec 2025), train commuters can check a single webpage for updates on trip delays. Daniel Martin talks with Professor Raymond Ong, Transport Analyst and Deputy Head (Research) at NUS’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.