Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday, October 16, that Islamabad is ready to hold talks with Afghanistan to resolve their ongoing conflict, as a temporary ceasefire largely held after days of intense fighting between the two former allies. The South Asian neighbors had clashed on the ground, and Pakistan conducted airstrikes along the disputed border, killing dozens and injuring hundreds, before agreeing to a 48-hour truce starting at 1300 GMT on Wednesday. Sharif told his cabinet that Pakistan had “retaliated” after losing patience with Afghanistan following a series of militant attacks.

Sharif emphasized that Pakistan is open to dialogue on its terms and that the ball is now in Kabul’s court, warning that if the ceasefire is merely a tactic to buy time, Pakistan will not accept it. Kabul did not immediately respond, though Afghan Defence Ministry spokesperson Enayatullah Khowarazmi said the ceasefire was holding so far. The Afghan Taliban’s Interior Ministry added that Interior Minister Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani met senior Iranian officials, expressing Afghanistan’s desire for good relations with all countries, especially its neighbors, and stressing that just as they respect others’ sovereignty and dignity, they expect the same in return.

The latest clashes mark the worst fighting between the two countries in decades. Tensions escalated after Pakistan demanded that Afghanistan curb militants who have increased attacks in Pakistani territory, claiming they operate from Afghan havens. The Taliban denies these allegations and accuses Pakistan of spreading misinformation, provoking border tensions, and harboring ISIS-linked militants to undermine Afghanistan’s stability. Pakistan rejects these claims. Since October 10, at least 18 Afghan civilians have been killed and over 360 wounded, according to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). Pakistan reported killing 34 militants in three operations during the same period.

In Kabul’s Taimani neighborhood, residents are still recovering from an airstrike that occurred hours before the ceasefire took effect. Bashir Ahmad, a doctor at EMERGENCY’s Surgical Centre, said 34 people were brought in with serious injuries, including fractures and burns. Abdul Kabir, who works in the area, recalled the terrifyingly loud explosion, describing how everything suddenly went dark and how a nearby building was completely destroyed. Taimani, a mixed residential and commercial area with high-rise buildings about 20 minutes from central Kabul, saw another victim, Mawludin, trapped under glass and rescued by friends. He described the scene outside as dark and dusty, with people of all ages badly injured.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

A Bangladesh fire official said on Wednesday (Oct 15) that a locked roof door and toxic gas caused most of the fatalities in a major fire at a garment factory and adjacent chemical warehouse. The incident, which claimed 16 lives and left several critically injured, highlights the country’s ongoing struggles with industrial safety despite improvements following high-profile disasters in 2012 and 2013.

Thick smoke billowed from the burned building as firefighters continued cooling operations a day after the fire broke out on the third floor of a four-storey structure in Dhaka, quickly spreading through the warehouse storing plastics and chemicals. “Victims could not escape because the roof door was locked,” said fire service official Talha Bin Jashim. “Most died from inhaling toxic gas rather than from burns.” He added that smoke from the stored chemicals was still present, making firefighting efforts difficult.

Dozens of relatives gathered outside the charred building, some holding photos of missing loved ones. Authorities are identifying bodies at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. The government has launched an investigation to determine the fire’s cause and hold responsible parties accountable for safety violations. Many nearby garment workers suffered smoke inhalation, prompting authorities to temporarily close surrounding factories as a precaution. Although safety standards in Bangladesh’s garment industry have improved since the 2012 Tazreen Fashions fire and 2013 Rana Plaza collapse, small factories and warehouses often operate with limited oversight.

Bangladesh, the world’s second-largest apparel exporter, supplies major retailers like Walmart, Gap, and H&M, employing about 4 million people and generating roughly US$40 billion annually—over a tenth of its GDP. Fires are common in densely populated Dhaka, often caused by faulty wiring, gas leaks, or unsafe chemical storage. In recent years, deadly incidents include a 2021 food processing factory fire that killed 54 and a 2019 fire in the city’s old quarter that killed at least 70.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

North Korea was anticipated to hold a military parade on Friday, October 10, to demonstrate its expanding military capabilities, as leader Kim Jong-un proclaimed that the country’s global influence was increasing during an event celebrating the founding of the ruling Workers’ Party. Echoing his recent visit to Beijing for China’s World War Two anniversary, Kim stood alongside allied leaders, describing North Korea as a “faithful member of socialist forces” and a “bulwark for independence” against Western global dominance.

Kim praised the party’s legacy, stating it had made “not a single mistake or error” over its 80-year history and had guided the nation’s rise through the people’s wisdom and strength, according to state news agency KCNA. “Today, we face the world as a powerful people with no obstacles we cannot overcome and no achievement beyond our reach,” Kim said during a speech at May Day Stadium on Thursday, attended by senior foreign delegations.

A South Korean military official indicated that a parade was likely on Friday evening, pointing to ongoing rehearsals featuring troops, missiles, and military equipment. North Korea, which possesses nuclear weapons, often uses such parades—frequently at night during key anniversaries—to display its advancing military power, including new ballistic missiles and other hardware. This week’s parade is closely monitored for a potential unveiling of a new solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of reaching the US mainland.

On Thursday, Kim appeared on the main podium at May Day Stadium alongside Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Vietnamese leader To Lam, and Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev, with additional foreign diplomats in attendance. KCNA reported that the cheering crowd “shook the capital’s night sky,” with mass games and artistic performances adding to the festivities.

Kim received Vietnam’s Communist Party chief To Lam and his large delegation with an honor guard, holding talks on enhancing cooperation to address global challenges. Despite international sanctions restricting North Korea’s external engagement, Lam’s sizable delegation highlights Hanoi’s intention to strengthen longstanding ties from the Cold War era. Analysts note Vietnam views North Korea as both an economic partner and a potential intermediary for communication with the West while Russia faces isolation and China remains cautious. Kim also met with China’s Li Qiang, with both leaders describing the visit as marking a “new chapter” in bilateral relations, committing to expand strategic dialogue and high-level exchanges, KCNA reported.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

A private plane met with an accident in Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh, when it lost control during takeoff and crashed into nearby bushes on Thursday morning. The incident occurred at the Mohammadabad airstrip around 10:30 am, involving a jet operated by Jet Service Aviation Pvt Ltd bearing the registration VT-DEZ. Fortunately, all onboard, including two pilots and passengers, emerged unscathed without any injuries reported.

The aircraft was carrying the managing director of a beer factory currently under construction in Farrukhabad’s industrial zone. The MD was en route to inspect the project site when the accident took place. Reports indicate the plane veered off the runway after losing control during the critical takeoff phase, crashing into bushes adjacent to the airstrip.

District Magistrate Ashutosh Kumar Dwivedi confirmed the safety of everyone on board and stated that no injuries were sustained. He added that officials and police responded swiftly to the scene to assess the situation and secure the area. Visual footage from the site shows the aircraft with minimal damage, resting with its front tilted downward but wings and propeller largely intact. Preliminary assessments suggest that low air pressure in the plane’s tires might have contributed to the loss of control. The private airstrip in Farrukhabad mainly handles chartered and private flights, often facilitating visits by business executives as in this case.

This close call highlights the importance of meticulous pre-flight checks, particularly on smaller airstrips where weather and runway conditions can quickly impact flight safety. Thankfully, quick response and possibly the pilot’s skill ensured no casualties. Incidents like this often underscore the need for stringent aviation safety protocols and regular maintenance to prevent recurrence.

Private jets, while offering flexibility and time savings for business travelers, demand the highest safety standards since emergency infrastructure at small airstrips may be limited. This event could prompt local authorities and private aviation operators to revisit operational procedures to enhance safety at regional airfields.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan News.

Singaporean students keep choosing the US for higher education, remaining undeterred by uncertainties from the Trump administration. Lance Alexander and Daniel Martin explore this topic further with Dr. Chan Khai Leok, Managing Director of theRightU.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

Kim Jong Un’s daughter, Kim Ju Ae, who is thought to be around 13, has been appearing more frequently at public events, leading analysts to believe she may be preparing to succeed him. While a female leader would be unprecedented in North Korea, the regime appears more focused on keeping power within the Kim family than on following traditional gender roles. Hairianto Diman and Syahida Othman explore this topic further with Andrew Yeo, Professor of Politics at Catholic University and Senior Fellow at the SK-Korea Foundation Chair in Korea Studies, Brookings Institution.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

Seven-year-old Theodore Kwan is attending chemistry lectures at NTU, impressing undergraduates with his remarkable knowledge at such a young age. Earlier this year, he earned an A in IGCSE Chemistry. Hairianto Diman interviews him and his mother, Crystal Tang, about his experience in these classes.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

This year’s FutureChina Global Forum gathered delegates to explore China’s rise as a leading global economy. Why is it significant that Singapore is hosting the event? Daniel Martin discusses this with James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies at the University of Tasmania.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.