Donald Trump identified twenty-three nations as major drug transit or producing countries. These nations include China, Afghanistan, India and Pakistan. Trump said these countries threaten US safety by manufacturing and trafficking illicit drugs. Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, Colombia, and Venezuela failed to make substantial counter-narcotics efforts. China is the largest source of chemicals fuelling illicit fentanyl production.

Ukraine launched a significant drone attack on Russia, targeting the Kirishi oil refinery and prompting a fire. Russia claims to have downed 361 Ukrainian drones and responded by firing a hypersonic missile during military exercises with Belarus. Amidst escalating tensions, the U.S. is pressuring NATO allies to tighten energy sanctions on Russia, while Trump warns of further U.S.

The IMF expressed condolences for Pakistan's flood losses and will assess if the nation's fiscal policies can handle the crisis during its upcoming review. The mission will evaluate the FY26 budget's agility in addressing flood-related spending needs, as the disaster threatens food inflation and economic hardship. Pakistan, highly vulnerable to climate change, received a $1.

Nationwide protests erupted across France, with demonstrators blocking roads and setting fires in opposition to President Macron's policies. Police responded with tear gas, leading to nearly 200 arrests.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK's Keir Starmer are set to participate in the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) in Mumbai next month. The event, starting October 7, will host over a dozen central banks and regulators from various countries, including Germany, France, and Singapore.

Excavation at Chemmani mass grave in Sri Lanka is on hold. The reason is lack of funds from the Justice Ministry. Lawyers said 240 skeletal remains are already excavated. Items like infant feeding bottles and toys are also found. Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi party claims evidence of war crimes. Human Rights Commission suspects unlawful killings.

Israel's Defense Minister announced the death of Abu Obeida, a Hamas spokesperson, during intensified offensives in Gaza City. This claim follows Obeida's last statement as Israel declared the area a combat zone. Meanwhile, dozens of Palestinians have been killed in airstrikes and gunfire, with hospitals reporting numerous fatalities, including civilians seeking aid, amidst growing concerns over malnutrition and displacement.

A man intentionally ploughed his car into a crowd outside a wine bar in northern France after an altercation early Saturday, killing one person and injuring five others, prosecutors told AFP. 00 am Saturday (0200 GMT). One person went to fetch a vehicle and deliberately reversed at high speed into the crowd outside the establishment, Coutin added, saying the incident had escalated and ended in a terrible tragedy.

Following the recent border talks between India and China, the Chinese military has called for joint efforts to maintain peace and tranquility in the border regions. During the 24th round of talks, a 10-point consensus was reached, with both sides agreeing to utilize diplomatic and military channels for border management.

Microsoft terminated two employees for participating in a sit-in at the company president's office, protesting the firm's connections to Israel amidst the Gaza conflict. The company cited policy breaches and code of conduct violations following the office occupation, while the protest group, No Azure for Apartheid, condemned Microsoft's ties to Israel and demanded reparations for Palestinians.

Vietnam is bracing for Typhoon Kajiki, the strongest storm of the year, prompting widespread evacuations, school closures, and airport shutdowns. With winds reaching 166 kph, the typhoon is expected to make landfall on Monday, bringing heavy rains, flooding, and potential landslides. Authorities are evacuating over half a million people, fearing a repeat of last year's devastating Typhoon Yagi.

Sri Lankan opposition parties have united to condemn the arrest of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, deeming it undemocratic and politically motivated. Wickremesinghe, currently in intensive care due to dehydration suffered during his court appearance, faces charges of misusing state funds. Despite political differences, opposition leaders are protesting what they see as an attempt to silence dissent through intimidation.

President Trump has nominated Sergio Gor, his longtime aide and current Director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office, as the next US Ambassador to India and Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs. Gor, praised by Trump for his essential role in delivering on his political mandate, will succeed Eric Garcetti.

Pakistani police confirmed the arrest of Shahrez Khan, nephew of former PM Imran Khan, concerning the May 9, 2023 riots, refuting abduction claims by Khan's PTI party. Authorities stated Khan will face court proceedings, emphasizing zero tolerance for anti-state activities. PTI leaders condemned the arrest, alleging violence against Khan's sister's household and Shahrez's torture before his children.

Iran has declared its readiness for any potential Israeli aggression, boasting newly developed missiles surpassing the capabilities of those used in the recent conflict. Following a ceasefire established on June 24, tensions remain high, with Iranian officials emphasizing their preparedness for confrontation.

French President Emmanuel Macron cautioned European allies against trusting Vladimir Putin, labeling him a destabilizing force and an ogre at our gates. Macron emphasized Putin's history of not honoring commitments and his ambition to expand power by redrawing borders. He urged Europe to remain vigilant, acknowledging the threat Russia poses to the continent's security.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump hoped for discussions with Vladimir Putin to stop the Russia-Ukraine war. This happened after Trump met Putin. Zelenskyy was open to these talks. Trump met Zelenskyy, Ursula von der Leyen, Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer, Friedrich Merz, Giorgia Meloni, Alexander Stubb and Mark Rutte. European leaders aimed to protect Ukraine.

Wang Yi, China's Foreign Minister, is set to visit Islamabad this week. He will attend the Pakistan-China strategic dialogue. Discussions will cover bilateral relations and key regional issues. Meetings with civil and military leaders are planned. The visit occurs amid evolving geopolitical dynamics. Preparations for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's upcoming China trip will also be finalized.

President Trump has pledged to address homelessness and crime in Washington, D.C., despite Mayor Bowser's assertion that the city is not experiencing a crime spike. Trump plans to evict homeless individuals and jail criminals, raising questions about the legal authority for such actions. Bowser highlights a reduction in violent crime and emphasizes ongoing collaboration with federal law enforcement.

Senior Chinese diplomat Liu Jianchao, a potential future foreign minister with ties to President Xi Jinping, has reportedly been detained for questioning after returning from an overseas trip. This news surfaces ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in China.

A British F-35 stealth fighter jet executed an emergency landing at Kagoshima airport in Japan due to a malfunction, causing temporary disruptions to commercial flights. This incident follows a similar emergency landing in India last month due to a hydraulic system fault. The UK is currently engaged in joint drills with Japan and the US in the western Pacific.

A new round of Moscow's shelling and drone attacks killed five people in Ukraine Sunday, authorities said, while Kyiv hit an oil refinery in Russia's Saratov region. The Ukrainian army claimed its drones had hit a large oil refinery in Russia's western Saratov region, almost 1,000 kilometres (600 miles) away from the front line.

Iran has arrested 20 individuals accused of being Mossad operatives, with some charges dropped and releases occurring. The judiciary vows strict punishment, exemplified by the recent execution of Rouzbeh Vadi, convicted of spying for Israel. This year has seen a rise in executions for those spying for Israel, amidst heightened tensions including Israeli airstrikes and Iranian retaliation.

Russia alleges some nations will attempt to sabotage the upcoming meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. Kirill Dmitriev claims these countries aim to prolong the Ukraine conflict. He anticipates provocations and disinformation. The Kremlin confirms the summit. Yuri Ushakov says the leaders will discuss a peaceful resolution to the Ukrainian crisis. The process is expected to be challenging.