China expectedly keeps benchmark lending rates steady as Beijing assesses stimulus measures

Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan traveled to Damascus to discuss the expulsion of foreign fighters from Syria following an agreement to disband armed groups. The visit comes after Syria's new authorities reached a deal with the Syrian Democratic Forces to integrate the Kurdish administration into the national government, aiming to establish government control over the country after years of civil war. Turkey, which views the Kurdish YPG as a terrorist group, is closely monitoring the...

Christopher Luxon, before becoming Prime Minister, emphasized the importance of India as a growing economic and strategic power. As a business executive at Unilever, Luxon spent time in India, which is now the world's most populous country and fifth largest economy, on track to become the third. Luxon's experience in India has likely shaped his understanding and approach towards the country's significance in global affairs. Full Article

PM Keir Starmer announced the abolishment of NHS England, a non-departmental public body overseeing the operation of the NHS in England, in order to bring its responsibilities under ministerial control and improve efficiency. The move aims to free up funds, increase accountability, and streamline processes within the health service, with plans to absorb NHS England back into the Department for Health and Social Care. This decision follows a recent independent investigation highlighting the need for...

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced he will not run for the U.S. Senate or governor in Michigan next year, opting to focus on supporting Democratic candidates while keeping his options open for a potential 2028 presidential run. His decision leaves both races wide open, with potential candidates like State Sen. Mallory McMorrow and Rep. Haley Stevens considering runs for Senate, while Attorney General Dana Nessel has not ruled out entering the race. The Michigan...

The London Underground's book exchanges, which were removed by TfL due to fire safety concerns, have been saved after Sadiq Khan intervened. The mini-libraries, which allowed commuters to take or leave books for free, had been a fixture in stations for around 20 years. The Mayor of London worked with the London Fire Brigade to reinstate the shelves, ensuring they met safety regulations. Full Article

India and Bangladesh conducted a naval exercise in the Bay of Bengal, with participation from INS Ranvir and BNS Abu Ubaidah, aiming to enhance coordination and tactical planning for seamless maritime operations. The exercise showcased the commitment to countering global security challenges and promoting the SAGAR initiative of India, strengthening coordination and confidence between the two navies. This collaboration improved interoperability, facilitating joint responses to shared maritime security challenges and enhancing the ability to respond...