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New Zealanders abroad urged to enroll for the election as new law locks out last-minute voters

New Zealanders abroad urged to enroll for the election as new law locks out last-minute voters

New Zealand’s Electoral Commission has launched a campaign urging citizens to register to vote or update their details

Pakistan to Reopen Border Crossings with Afghanistan to Boost Trade

Pakistan to Reopen Border Crossings with Afghanistan to Boost Trade

Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced the reopening of border crossings and transit routes with Afghanistan. This decision, made during a meeting with business community representatives, aims to remove obstacles to bilateral trade and facilitate the movement of goods. The Torkham crossing, a key trade route, was closed in October 2025 following clashes, disrupting trade and transportation. The closure has strained Afghanistan's economy, causing delays in essential goods movement and increasing costs. The reopening is expected to ease these disruptions, benefiting traders and communities on both sides.

Russia Proposes Ambitious Rail Link to India to Enhance Trade Connectivity

Russia Proposes Ambitious Rail Link to India to Enhance Trade Connectivity

Russia has proposed exploring the feasibility of a direct rail connection to India, aiming to strengthen trade connectivity and reduce reliance on maritime routes. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin suggested potential routes through Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. This proposal comes amid concerns over disruptions in major shipping lanes, such as the Strait of Hormuz. The rail link could offer an alternative overland trade route, enhancing Russia's access to the Indian Ocean and supporting its broader push to expand transport connectivity.

Pakistan says US and Iran close to 'some sort' of deal despite attacks on shipping

Pakistan says US and Iran close to 'some sort' of deal despite attacks on shipping

By Tala Ramadan and Elwely Elwelly DUBAI, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Pakistan said on Tuesday the United States and Iran were close to "some sort" of deal, and fellow mediator Qatar said talks on managing the Strait of Hormuz were at an advanced stage, despite reports of new attacks on shipping in regional

China Launches Platform to Support Businesses Entering BRICS+ Markets

China Launches Platform to Support Businesses Entering BRICS+ Markets

China has launched a new platform in Xiamen to assist Chinese businesses in entering overseas markets, particularly in BRICS+ countries. The platform, reported by Belt and Road News Network, includes dedicated sessions for each country and plans thematic events such as foreign policy briefings and presentations by specialist service providers. The initiative aims to match offers with demand, ensuring mutually beneficial outcomes for bilateral trade and economic cooperation. The platform will coordinate with official bodies, including foreign embassies and consulates, to facilitate face-to-face negotiations and establish official channels for Chinese enterprises entering the global market.

Iranian-backed Houthis kill 6 in attack on vessel, and other developments in the Mideast

Iranian-backed Houthis kill 6 in attack on vessel, and other developments in the Mideast

Authorities in Yemen say at least six people were killed when Iran-backed Houthi rebels fired missiles on a vessel in the Bab el-Mandeb strait

Houthis Claim Attack on Saudi Aramco's Jazan Refinery, No Injuries Reported

Houthis Claim Attack on Saudi Aramco's Jazan Refinery, No Injuries Reported

Yemen's Houthis have claimed responsibility for an attack on Saudi Aramco's Jazan refinery, using drones to target the facility. The attack comes shortly after Saudi Arabia signed a defense pact with Turkey and Pakistan, aimed at strengthening regional security. The Saudi energy ministry reported a fire at the refinery, which was extinguished without injuries. The Houthis have previously targeted Aramco sites, raising concerns about threats to Red Sea shipping and Saudi oil infrastructure. The attack is part of a broader conflict involving regional powers and ongoing tensions between the US and Iran.

Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia Sign Defense Pact Open to More Nations

Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia Sign Defense Pact Open to More Nations

Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia have signed the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, a pact aimed at strengthening strategic cooperation and addressing security challenges in the region. The agreement, described as purely defensive, allows for other countries to join and does not replace existing bilateral or multilateral agreements. It emphasizes collective self-defense, aligning with the United Nations Charter, and aims to promote peace and stability across the region.

Pakistan Emphasizes Defensive Nature of Mecca Defense Pact

Pakistan Emphasizes Defensive Nature of Mecca Defense Pact

Pakistan has clarified that the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, signed with Saudi Arabia and Turkey, is purely defensive and open to other nations. The agreement, signed in Mecca, aims to strengthen regional security cooperation and is not directed against any specific country. Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized the pact's focus on peace and stability, aligning with the right of collective self-defense under the UN Charter. The agreement allows for other countries to join, provided they adhere to its principles.

Wellington Weather Forecast Predicts 14°C High on August 9

Wellington Weather Forecast Predicts 14°C High on August 9

Meteorological forecasts for Wellington on August 9, 2026, predict a maximum temperature of 14°C. The forecast, provided by MetService and supported by model consensus, suggests partly cloudy skies with light northerly winds. This prediction aligns with historical climatology for early August, which typically sees average highs around 13°C. The forecast is part of a trading market on Polymarket, where participants speculate on weather outcomes based on available data.

Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Alumni Cruise in Sydney

Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Alumni Cruise in Sydney

On August 6, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) marked its 20th anniversary with an alumni cruise event in Sydney Harbour. Over 100 alumni gathered at King Street Wharf for the first Southern Hemisphere stop in the university's 'Next Together' series. The event featured a two-and-a-half-hour cruise, allowing alumni to reconnect and network against the iconic backdrop of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Professor Youmin Xi, Executive President of XJTLU, delivered a keynote address highlighting the university's growth from its inception in 2006 with just over 160 students to its current enrollment of over 26,000 students. The event also included speeches from alumni working in various sectors in Australia, emphasizing the importance of language skills and internship experience for career advancement.

Russia Proposes New Rail Link to India to Bypass Maritime Chokepoints

Russia Proposes New Rail Link to India to Bypass Maritime Chokepoints

Russia is considering the development of a direct rail link to India as part of its strategy to enhance trade connectivity and reduce reliance on maritime routes like the Strait of Hormuz. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin has suggested exploring a rail corridor that could pass through Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. This proposal aims to create an alternative overland trade route to the Indian Ocean, potentially mitigating risks associated with maritime chokepoints. The initiative reflects Russia's broader efforts to expand its transport infrastructure and reduce geopolitical vulnerabilities.