Noontime News Recap: Black Sea shipping hit as Iran and Russia tighten ties, Germany's AfD hacked
The European Union says suspected Russian drone strikes have hit civilian shipping in the Black Sea six times in 10 days, raising fresh alarm over attacks on commercial vessels and the safety of sea lanes in the region. đź”—In Tehran, Iran said it and Russia were working more closely than ever after talks focused on expanding economic and nuclear cooperation during a visit by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. đź”—Germany's Alternative for Germany party has been hit by a major cyber breach, with hackers reportedly accessing email accounts linked to members and stealing more than 421,000 messages. đź”—Storm Austen is... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews Recap | 20 Oct 2026 12:25 LONDON
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South Korea to pull more embassy staff from Ukraine after POW row
South Korea says it will withdraw additional embassy personnel from Ukraine after Kyiv failed to provide what Seoul described as a constructive response to a dispute over two captured North Korean soldiers. The move comes after an earlier decision this month to recall South Korea's ambassador from Kyiv, deepening a diplomatic row linked to the war in Ukraine. A charge d'affaires will remain in the Ukrainian capital, along with consular staff, to keep diplomatic and citizen services operating.The South Korean foreign ministry said it had conveyed its position to Ukraine through multiple channels, but had not received a sufficient reply.... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 20 Oct 2026 11:32 LONDON
Tokyo and Asia-Pacific close sharply lower as Nikkei, Kospi and Hang Seng sell off, while oil and silver firm
Executive summary: Asia-Pacific markets ended the session under heavy pressure, led by a steep drop in South Korea’s Kospi and a broad retreat in Japan and Hong Kong. The Nikkei 225 fell -5.4%, the Kospi slumped -8.2%, and the Hang Seng lost -1.5%. In contrast, WTI crude and silver advanced, while gold eased and the yen strengthened modestly against the dollar. The move points to a risk-off session in regional equities, with market stress concentrated in Korea and Japan. [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews Markets Intelligence | 20 Oct 2026 07:45 LONDON
Kenya confirms third Ebola case amid first-ever cluster and quarantine row
Kenya has confirmed a third case of Ebola in what officials and health experts are describing as the country's first known cluster of the disease. The new positive test involves Bundibugyo ebolavirus, adding to concern about how quickly the outbreak may be spreading. The development comes as Kenya is also facing controversy over a quarantine centre at Laikipia air base.The reported case was confirmed on 19 October 2026, according to the supplied material. The outbreak is being described as part of a wider regional Ebola crisis that has already killed more than 4,300 people and sickened more than 9,000 across... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 19 Oct 2026 14:00 LONDON
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Tokyo and Asia-Pacific Close Mixed as Seoul and Tokyo Selloff Deepens, Gold and Silver Surge
Executive summary: Asia-Pacific trading ended with a sharp risk-off tone, led by a steep selloff in Seoul and Tokyo, while Australia held up and precious metals extended a powerful rally. The Kospi fell -9.8%, the Nikkei 225 dropped -4.2%, and the Nikkei 225 ETF tracked the move lower. By contrast, the ASX 200 rose +0.7%. Gold climbed above 4,190 dollars, silver jumped more than 4%, and WTI crude added about 2%, while USD/JPY eased slightly and the yuan strengthened modestly against the dollar. [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews Markets Intelligence | 19 Oct 2026 07:45 LONDON
Tokyo Opens Under Pressure as Nikkei Slides, Kospi Rout Deepens and Oil Jumps on Asia-Pacific Risk Reset
Executive summary: Asia-Pacific trading opened with a sharp risk-off tone, led by a steep Nikkei drop and an even larger selloff in Seoul. Japan equities were lower alongside a firmer oil tape, softer natural gas, and a modestly stronger yen. Australia held up better, while Hong Kong and mainland China were little changed at the open. The move points to a broad reassessment of growth, rates and sector exposure across the region. [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews Markets Intelligence | 19 Oct 2026 01:15 LONDON
At least 17 killed in stampede at Durga Puja gathering in Kolkata
At least 17 people were killed and 25 others injured in a stampede at a Durga Puja gathering in north Kolkata, in India's West Bengal state, officials said. The incident happened on Saturday evening at a temporary pavilion, or pandal, where worshippers had gathered for the Hindu festival. Police said heavy crowds and rainfall contributed to the crush.A seven-year-old girl was among those killed, according to the state chief minister. Officials said six of the bodies had so far been identified. Police said the injured were taken to hospital after the stampede, which broke out as people were waiting outside... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 17 Oct 2026 21:30 LONDON
Rare protests erupt in Azerbaijan over school hijab ban
Azerbaijan has seen rare protests outside schools after the education ministry began enforcing new uniform rules that bar pupils wearing hijabs from state schools. Demonstrations were reported in the capital, Baku, and in southern districts including Masally and Jalilabad. The dispute has also drawn in Turkey, adding a regional dimension to a domestic issue over secular education rules.The rules were approved on 21 September and began being enforced last Monday, according to the supplied material. They ban clothing that contradicts what officials describe as the principle of secularism in education, although the text does not specifically name the hijab. Similar... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 15 Oct 2026 18:05 LONDON
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US reportedly weighs MOAB strikes on Iran energy and nuclear sites amid ongoing conflict
The US military has drawn up plans to potentially use the Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, known as the MOAB, against Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear sites if Donald Trump orders a return to combat, according to reports. The proposed strikes would mark a significant escalation in the conflict and could involve the largest non-nuclear bomb in the US arsenal. The plans are reported to include underground nuclear facilities, including the site known as Pickaxe Mountain.According to the reports, multiple US officials said the weapon under consideration is the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, a conventional bomb weighing nearly... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 15 Oct 2026 17:35 LONDON
Fear the Shia, Arm the Sunnis: The Uncomfortable Numbers Behind America’s War Narrative
“When fear is managed carefully enough, a nation can be taught to look away from the blood on the floor and stare instead at the shadow on the wall.” A friend of mine, whose name I will not reveal because he asked me not to, sat across from me over dinner and placed a question on the table that would not leave me alone. He was born into a Muslim Shia background, and for the angle of this article, that detail matters, not because I wish to reduce a man to a sect, but because sect has become one of... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews-Opinion | 23 May 2026 08:00 LONDON
