United News of Bangladesh

Typhoon Kalmaegi has killed at least 26 people in the Philippines, mostly due to severe flooding caused by the storm that swept across the central part of the country Tuesday, officials said. Floodwaters left many residents stranded on rooftops, while vehicles were submerged or swept away. A Philippine Air Force Super Huey helicopter carrying five personnel crashed in southern Agusan del Sur province while on a mission to deliver humanitarian aid, the military said. Rescue efforts are underway, but further details about the condition of the crew and cause of the crash remain unclear. Kalmaegi, the 20th tropical cyclone to hit the Philippines this year, was last tracked over coastal waters near Jordan town in Guimaras province, with sustained winds of 130 kph (81 mph) and gusts up to 180 kph (112 mph). It was expected to move into the South China Sea by Tuesday night or early Wednesday. Deputy civil defense administrator Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV said most fatalities occurred in Cebu and other central islands. Victims included villagers drowned by floodwaters in Southern Leyte and a person struck by a fallen tree in Bohol. The Philippine Red Cross reported multiple residents trapped on rooftops in Cebu, with floating cars and debris complicating rescue operations. The province is still recovering from a 6.9 magnitude earthquake in September that killed at least 79 people. Authorities said over 387,000 people were evacuated ahead of the storm. Ferries and fishing boats were barred from venturing out, stranding thousands, and at least 186 domestic flights were canceled. The Philippines, one of the world’s most disaster-prone nations, faces around 20 typhoons each year, along with frequent earthquakes and active volcanoes. Source: AP 

The death toll from a powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck northern Afghanistan early Monday has risen to at least 10, with around 260 others injured, officials said. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake’s epicenter was located about 22 kilometers west-southwest of Khulm town and struck at 12:59 a.m. local time at a depth of 28 kilometers. Sharafat Zaman, spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Health, confirmed the casualties and said most of the injured suffered minor wounds and were released after treatment. Rescue and relief teams from the Ministry of Defense have reached the affected areas in Balkh and Samangan provinces — the hardest hit — to evacuate the injured and assist affected families. The tremor was felt across northern Afghanistan, including in Mazar-e-Sharif, where parts of the historic Blue Mosque were slightly damaged, though the centuries-old structure remained intact. The quake also triggered a temporary rockslide that blocked the main highway between Kabul and Mazar-e-Sharif, later cleared by authorities. The United Nations mission in Afghanistan said its teams are on the ground assessing needs and delivering emergency assistance, pledging continued support for affected communities. Afghanistan, prone to frequent seismic activity, struggles to respond effectively to natural disasters due to its poor infrastructure and vulnerable housing. A 6.0 magnitude quake struck eastern Afghanistan on August 31, killing more than 2,200 people, while a similar quake in October 2023 left at least 4,000 dead, according to the Taliban government.   Source: AP

At least 20 people were killed and about two dozen injured early Monday when a truck carrying concrete stone chips rammed into a passenger bus in southern India’s Telangana state, local authorities said. The state-run transport bus, carrying around 70 passengers bound for Hyderabad, collided head-on with the truck near Chevalla town, district official K. Chandrakala told The Associated Press. The front of the bus was completely crushed, trapping several passengers inside. Rescue teams and police rushed to the scene to extricate the victims. Rajendra Prasad, superintendent at Chevalla Hospital, said 20 bodies were sent to the mortuary and would be handed over to family members after identification. The collision occurred barely a day after another deadly crash in western Rajasthan, where a minibus carrying pilgrims rammed into a parked truck late Sunday, killing at least 15 people and injuring two others. Officials said the passengers were returning to Jodhpur after offering prayers at the pilgrimage town of Kolayat. Among the dead were 10 women, four children, and the driver, according to senior government official Shweta Chauhan. The injured were admitted to a local hospital. Chauhan said the victims were trapped in the mangled wreckage of the tempo traveler minibus, while senior police officer Kundan Kanwaria noted that the driver appeared to have been overtaking another vehicle when the crash occurred. “It seems the driver couldn’t even apply the brakes before hitting the truck,” Kanwaria said. In India, it is common for trucks and trailers to be parked haphazardly along highways without warning lights or reflectors — a major cause of deadly nighttime accidents in recent years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, expressed condolences to the victims’ families. The Rajasthan tragedy followed another deadly incident in the state less than three weeks ago, when a suspected electrical short circuit sparked a fire on a passenger bus, killing at least 20 people.   Source: AP

A powerful, 6.3 magnitude earthquake shook northern Afghanistan before dawn Monday, killing at least 20 people and injuring more than 300 others, a health official said. The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake's epicenter was located 22 kilometers (14 miles) west-southwest of the town of Khulm, and that it struck at 12:59 a.m. at a depth of 28 kilometers (17 miles). Sharafat Zaman, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Health, said the quake killed at least 20 people and injured 320 others. Yousaf Hammad, a spokesman for Afghanistan’s disaster management agency, said most of the injured suffered minor wounds and were discharged after receiving initial treatment. In the Afghan capital of Kabul, the Ministry of Defense announced that rescue and emergency aid teams have reached the areas affected by last night’s earthquake in the provinces of Balkh and Samangan, which suffered the most damage, and have begun rescue operations, including transporting the injured and assisting affected families. Afghanistan earthquake kills over 2,200, Taliban reports The Taliban government’s chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, in a post on X platform said the earthquake hit Afghanistan's Balkh, Samangan and Baghlan provinces, causing casualties and financial loss. He expressed his sorrow and grief over the losses and said relevant governmental organizations were busy trying to get needed help to the people affected by the quake. According to the Afghan officials, the earthquake was also felt in Mazar-e-Sharif, the capital of northern Balkh province. In Mazar-e-Sharif, footage circulating on social media showed damage to the historic Blue Mosque. Several bricks had fallen from the walls but the mosque remained intact. The centuries-old site is one of Afghanistan’s most revered religious landmarks and a major gathering place during Islamic and cultural festivals. The quake was felt in Kabul and several other provinces in Afghanistan. The Defense Ministry said in a statement that a rockslide briefly blocked a main mountain highway linking Kabul with Mazar-e-Sharif, but the road was later reopened. It said some people who were injured and trapped along the highway were transported to the hospital. The United Nations in Afghanistan said on X that Monday's earthquake came just weeks after a deadly earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan. The U.N. said its teams are on the ground assessing needs and delivering urgent aid. “We stand with the affected communities and will provide the necessary support,” the post said. Afghanistan has been rattled by a series of earthquakes in recent years and the impoverished country often faces difficulty in responding to such natural disasters, especially in remote regions. Buildings tend to be low-rise constructions, mostly of concrete and brick, with homes in rural and outlying areas made from mud bricks and wood, many poorly built. A magnitude 6.0 earthquake hit eastern Afghanistan on Aug. 31 near the border with Pakistan, killing more than 2,200 people. On Oct. 7, 2023, a magnitude 6.3 quake followed by strong aftershocks left at least 4,000 people dead, according to the Taliban government. Read more: Earthquake Safety: Do’s and Don’ts during an Earthquake Source: AP 

Canada and the Philippines are set to sign a major defense agreement on Sunday to strengthen military cooperation, including joint drills, amid growing concerns over China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea, Philippine officials confirmed. The Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA), to be signed by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and his Canadian counterpart David McGuinty in Manila, will allow Canadian troops to join training and exercises in the Philippines. Teodoro said the accord will help uphold a “rules-based international order” and resist attempts by powerful nations to reshape global norms for their own interests. The Philippines already has similar pacts with the U.S., Australia, Japan, and New Zealand, and is negotiating others with France, Singapore, and Britain. The new defense deal is part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s push to expand alliances to modernize the country’s military and strengthen its deterrence amid tensions with Beijing. China claims nearly the entire South China Sea, ignoring a 2016 international tribunal ruling that invalidated its sweeping claims. Chinese coast guard ships have repeatedly used water cannons and dangerous maneuvers against Philippine vessels, causing injuries and damaging boats. At a recent ASEAN defense ministers’ meeting, Teodoro denounced Beijing’s plan to establish a “nature reserve” in the disputed Scarborough Shoal, calling it a disguised military move. Canada also condemned China’s actions, accusing it of using environmental claims to justify control over the area. Canada has been increasingly active in Indo-Pacific security, signing defense cooperation deals and providing satellite-based “Dark Vessel Detection” technology to help Manila track illegal and Chinese maritime activities.

Pakistan on Saturday partially reopened the Torkham border crossing with Afghanistan to allow thousands of stranded Afghan refugees to return home, officials said, while restrictions on trade and other cross-border movement remain in place. The border had been closed on Oct. 12 following deadly clashes in which both sides claimed to have killed dozens of troops. The closure left hundreds of trucks stranded and thousands of refugees stuck along the frontier, disrupting key trade routes between the two countries. The partial reopening followed a ceasefire agreement reached between Pakistan and Afghanistan after nearly a week of talks mediated by Turkey and Qatar. Authorities said no new fighting has been reported along the 2,611-kilometer (1,622-mile) Durand Line, which Afghanistan has never formally recognized. Thousands of refugees were moved to temporary camps near the border, while others waited along the roadside. Afghan officials said the gate reopened exclusively for refugees on Saturday morning, with thousands expected to cross back home throughout the day, and urged other travelers to refrain from using the crossing until further notice. A video released by Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province showed officials and soldiers welcoming returning refugees with flowers at the Torkham gate. The reopening comes amid ongoing tensions over immigration, as Pakistan has been repatriating Afghans living illegally in the country, with over a million returned since 2023. The border closure followed escalations in which Pakistan conducted airstrikes on Taliban hideouts in Afghanistan, killing dozens, while Afghan forces reportedly retaliated, killing dozens of Pakistani soldiers. Pakistan acknowledged losing 23 troops. The violence prompted diplomatic mediation, with Qatar hosting initial talks and Istanbul facilitating further negotiations, resulting in the current ceasefire. Pakistan has also faced a rise in militant attacks, primarily by the Pakistani Taliban (Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan), a group distinct from the Afghan Taliban but emboldened by the latter’s takeover of Kabul in 2021.    

At least seven people were killed and dozens injured in a crowd surge at the Swamy Venkateswara Temple in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, southern India, local authorities said Saturday. The incident occurred as hundreds of devotees had gathered to observe “Ekadashi,” a sacred day in Hinduism dedicated to fasting and offering prayers to Lord Vishnu, senior police officer K. V. Maheswara Reddy told the Associated Press. Reddy said the condition of at least three injured people is critical. All victims have been taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. He added that more casualties could be possible. An initial investigation indicates that an iron grille meant to manage the queue of worshippers gave way, triggering the uncontrolled crowd surge, Reddy said. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep grief and offered condolences to the bereaved families. “It is extremely tragic that devotees who came for darshan of the deity lost their lives in this manner,” he said on X. Crowd surges at religious gatherings are common in India, where large numbers of devotees often overwhelm temple infrastructure and security measures. A similar incident in July at a northern Indian temple claimed six lives and left dozens injured.   Source: AP

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday outlined a five-point proposal to promote inclusive economic globalization and bolster the Asia-Pacific community, during his speech at the first session of the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. He emphasized the need for joint efforts across the region, highlighting five key areas: Safeguard the multilateral trading system: Xi called for true multilateralism and reforms within the WTO to better protect the rights of developing countries, while upholding core principles like most-favored-nation treatment and non-discrimination. Build an open economic environment: He urged the promotion of trade and investment liberalization, deeper fiscal and financial cooperation, and closer regional economic integration, citing the RCEP and CPTPP as key drivers for the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP). Ensure stable industrial and supply chains: Xi stressed collaboration to maintain smooth supply chains, enhance connectivity, and expand shared economic interests, referencing the tenth anniversary of the APEC Connectivity Blueprint as an opportunity for tangible results. Advance digitalization and green trade: He encouraged the use of digital technologies to facilitate cross-border trade, paperless procedures, smart customs, and green initiatives, highlighting China-led platforms such as the Asia-Pacific Model E-port Network and the Green Supply Chain Cooperation Network. Promote inclusive and universally beneficial development: Xi advocated a people-centered approach to economic globalization, supporting the modernization of developing countries, expanding the Belt and Road Initiative, and offering zero-tariff treatment to least-developed countries and African nations to foster shared prosperity. Xi reiterated that China pursues an open economic policy, noting that over the past five years, the country has been the world’s largest trader in goods and the second-largest in services, attracting over US$700 billion in foreign investment while steadily increasing outbound investment.  

A 95-year-old man was found hanging at his daughter’s home in Ilambazar, Birbhum district, on Thursday. His family said he had been distressed over fears of being deported to Bangladesh after the Election Commission announced a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of West Bengal’s electoral rolls starting November 4. Police confirmed the man’s death but said there was no suicide note linking it to concerns over the SIR, reports the Indian Express. “Kshitish Majumder, 95, a resident of Paschim Medinipur, has committed suicide. He was living at his daughter’s house in Ilambazar area of Birbhum district. We have come to know that the cause of suicide is the panic over the SIR. However, no written complaint has been lodged with us,” said Superintendent of Police (Birbhum) Amandeep. Majumder’s granddaughter, Nirmala, said, “My grandfather’s name was not on the 2002 voters’ list. He had come from Bangladesh many years ago and had to endure a lot of hardships. He was afraid of being deported to Bangladesh. He was scared of what would happen to him if he were sent to Bangladesh at this old age.” This marks the third such incident since the SIR announcement on Monday. On Tuesday, 57-year-old Pradeep Kar was found hanging at his home. A note in his diary claimed that the NRC (National Register of Citizens) was “responsible.” Although Kar was born and raised in West Bengal, his father had migrated from Bangladesh around six decades ago. The next day, a 70-year-old farmer from Cooch Behar reportedly attempted suicide, fearing his name would be struck off the voters’ list due to a spelling mistake in his documents. The man, Khairul Sheikh, currently in the ICU, said he had consumed poison because “the spelling of his name in the 2002 voters’ list and voter ID was different.”

The United States and South Korea have made progress in trade negotiations during U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Seoul, though a final deal has yet to be signed, officials said Wednesday. Trump met South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in the historic city of Gyeongju, where this year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit is being held. The talks focused on investment, trade, and regional security. Trump told reporters that the deal was “pretty much finalized,” but no agreement was officially announced. According to Lee’s chief policy aide Kim Yong-beom, the framework includes gradual investment cooperation, shipbuilding projects, and a reduction in U.S. tariffs on South Korean automobile exports to 15%. South Korea confirmed a $350 billion investment package, to be divided into $200 billion in direct payments and $150 billion in shipbuilding cooperation and loan guarantees. Payments will be made annually, capped at $20 billion per year. National Security Director Wi Sung-lac said Trump proposed further talks on South Korea’s interest in acquiring nuclear-powered, conventionally armed submarines to enhance deterrence against North Korea. He added that Trump expressed willingness to resume diplomacy with Kim Jong Un to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula. Trump’s visit to South Korea follows his stop in Japan, where he announced $490 billion in investment commitments. While his administration has been pushing for major investment inflows from Asian allies, Korean officials have cautioned that large-scale cash contributions could destabilize their domestic economy. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the U.S.-South Korea alliance and maintaining close coordination on regional defense and economic cooperation.