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ver five decades, ties between the two countries have grown into a comprehensive strategic partnership. That partnership spans the economy, investment, energy and technology. Cooperation in artificial intelligence, advanced technology, clean energy and digital infrastructure is also emerging as a key area for expanding bilateral relations.

Phobos is the larger and closer of Mars’ two moons. MMX is expected to become the first spacecraft to orbit Phobos and the first to collect samples from its surface. It also aims to be the first mission to return to Earth from the Mars system. JAXA leads the effort in collaboration with NASA, the French space agency CNES, the German Aerospace Center DLR and the European Space Agency. The rocket flew as planned, and spacecraft separation was later confirmed.

The meeting explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation across several sectors. These included the economy, trade, investment, finance, culture and energy. Both sides also discussed other areas that support sustainable economic growth and prosperity for their countries and peoples. Sheikh Abdullah said the deep-rooted historical ties between the UAE and India represent an advanced model of international partnership. He added that the relationship rests on mutual trust, a shared vision and common interests.

Sheikh Mohamed and Macron reaffirmed their commitment to supporting UAE-France cooperation in vital sectors. They also reviewed progress on joint projects, including work in energy, advanced technology and artificial intelligence. The UAE President hosted a banquet in honour of the French President after the talks. Macron signed the VIP guestbook, expressing pride in the continued development of UAE-France relations. He also wished the two countries’ ties further growth.

The GFZ issued the magnitude and depth figures through its global earthquake monitoring service. The Potsdam-based centre publishes rapid estimates for significant seismic events worldwide. Such early readings can be revised as more seismic data becomes available. Initial reports on Saturday’s tremor relied on the GFZ estimate. Further details on the quake’s effects in Khuzdar and nearby districts had not been released in the first reports.

Guterres urged governments to increase investment in solutions that protect ecosystems. He also called for stronger involvement from the private sector and local communities in conservation efforts. The Secretary-General said climate disruption, overgrazing and the excessive use of fertilisers and pesticides are driving a triple planetary crisis. That crisis combines pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change. He warned that it is bringing the planet ever closer to becoming uninhabitable.

Thailand floods kill 71 people and impact nearly 909,000 households, with 20 provinces and Bangkok still facing active flooding as of October 12. Recovery efforts focus on restoring infrastructure, cleaning up communities, and providing relief supplies to affected areas. Central Thailand remains among the hardest-hit regions, with persistent heavy rain and runoff from the north driving prolonged flooding. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul orders immediate rehabilitation work in areas where floodwaters have receded, emphasizing the restoration of basic access and services for returning residents.

The emergency follows months of tension between the federal government and PTI over security policy and political demands. Talks between the two sides broke down in early October. PTI supporters then continued a protest march that sought the release of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan. Khan has remained in prison since August 2023 and faces multiple criminal cases. PTI rejects the cases against him and has condemned the federal intervention.

Pakistan accounts for about 48% of people living in extreme poverty across the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan region, according to the World Bank’s October 2026 economic update. The measure uses the international extreme poverty line of $3 a day in 2021 purchasing power parity terms. Pakistan’s poverty rate at that threshold rose 6.4 percentage points between 2018-19 and 2024-25. The increase made Pakistan the largest contributor to extreme poverty in the MENAAP regional grouping.

India’s water governance reforms link infrastructure, institutions and community participation. The article traces water-governance changes over roughly 25 years, starting with reforms in Gujarat during Modi’s tenure as chief minister. It identifies four broad lessons for developing economies. These include stronger governance, joint management of water resources and services, community ownership and planning for scale. The approach also uses a framework built around political leadership, public financing, partnerships and public participation. The article links these ideas to national programmes covering drinking water, sanitation, groundwater management, river conservation and water-use efficiency.