At least 13 people have died after a massive fire spread across several high-rise buildings at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district. Officials said nine victims died at the scene, while four others died in hospital. A firefighter is among the dead. Many people are still trapped, and around 700 residents have been moved to temporary shelters. The fire began around 2:51pm and quickly spread through bamboo scaffolding used for renovation work. Several firefighters were injured while battling the flames. Thick smoke and strong flames continued into the night as rescue efforts carried on. (PC: Reuters)

A massive fire broke out Wednesday afternoon at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in Tai Po District, northern Hong Kong. Flames, ignited on bamboo scaffolding during renovation work, spread rapidly across multiple high‑rise towers — reaching a No. 5 alarm, the city’s most severe fire alert. Authorities confirmed at least 13 people were killed, including a firefighter; others remain unaccounted for as rescue efforts continue into the night. Thick black smoke and high flames engulfed seven of the estate’s eight blocks, forcing evacuations and closure of nearby roads. Emergency shelters have been opened for evacuees while officials investigate the cause and assess the full scale of the damage. 

Severe flooding in southern Thailand has claimed at least 33 lives, as rain-swollen waters have displaced nearly 45,000 people across nine provinces. In the hardest-hit city of Hat Yai, the ground floor of a major hospital was submerged, forcing authorities to airlift critically ill patients—around 50 in intensive care—via more than 20 helicopters. The Thai navy even deployed its only aircraft carrier, the Chakri Naruebet, to assist in relief operations. Meanwhile, rescue teams are using boats to transport food, generators, and medical supplies as rain continues.

A major fire swept through several apartment blocks in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, killing at least four people, including a 37-year-old firefighter. Officials said three people are in critical condition and another is seriously injured. The fire began in the Wang Fuk Court estate, which houses about 4,600 residents. Flames spread quickly through bamboo scaffolding around the buildings, making the rescue operation harder. The fire was classified as level five, the highest level in Hong Kong. The fire service said they lost contact with the firefighter before finding him and rushing him to hospital, where he later died. (PC: BBC)

Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff will meet Russian officials at the Kremlin next week to discuss a peace plan for Ukraine. The visit follows Ukraine saying it has reached a “common understanding” with the US on the outline of a potential deal. Trump said the plan may involve land concessions “both ways” and aims to resolve the border. Ukrainian President Zelensky said he is ready to meet Trump to discuss sensitive points. Russia has raised concerns over changes to the plan. European leaders remain cautious, warning that peace could take time after years of conflict. (PC: BBC)

Ukraine says it has reached a “common understanding” with the US on a new peace plan to end the war with Russia. The plan is based on a 28-point proposal that both sides discussed during talks in Geneva. US President Donald Trump said the plan has been “fine-tuned” and will now be presented to Russia. His envoy Steve Witkoff will meet President Vladimir Putin in Moscow next week. President Zelensky said he is ready to meet Trump soon to resolve “sensitive points”. Russia says it has not received the new draft yet. Fighting continues in eastern Ukraine as talks move forward. (PC: BBC)

Britain's Business Secretary Peter Kyle has expressed concern over wealthy individuals, including Indian-origin billionaire Lakshmi N Mittal, leaving the UK due to Labour government's tax increases. Mittal's tax residency has shifted to Switzerland, with plans to relocate to Dubai amid growing tax burdens. Kyle acknowledged that Labour's taxation regime, particularly the closure of the non-dom tax loophole effective April 2025, is driving the exodus. Around half of wealthy UK non-dom residents have decided to leave since Chancellor Rachel Reeves scrapped the policy. The primary concern is inheritance tax, levied at 40 percent in the UK but absent in Dubai and Switzerland. Mittal, worth 15.4 billion pounds, joins other entrepreneurs like Herman Narula exiting Britain. (PC: NDTV) 

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has publicly admitted that Islamabad's attempts to rebuild relations with Afghanistan's Taliban regime have completely failed. Speaking on Geo News, Asif revealed he personally welcomed the Taliban after their 2021 Kabul takeover and traveled to Afghanistan multiple times, but achieved no success. Pakistan expected the Taliban to remain dependent, but the situation reversed entirely. Asif stated Pakistan has "completely lost hope" and sees "no scope for positive change" from Kabul. He criticized the Taliban as a "ragtag group" lacking discipline, traditions, and proper conduct, contrasting them with Pakistan's military. Asif also questioned which Islamic law permits living in a neighbor's home for decades before violence. (PC: X)

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Ukraine is ready to move ahead with a US-backed plan to end the war with Russia. He said Kyiv will discuss the most sensitive issues directly with US President Donald Trump and wants Europe involved in the talks. Ukraine supports the main idea of the plan but key points, including territorial demands, remain unresolved. US, Ukrainian and Russian officials met in Geneva and Abu Dhabi as talks gained pace. The push for peace comes as Russian missiles and drones hit Kyiv, killing seven people. Ukraine says any deal must protect its security and sovereignty. (PC: X)

Ukraine has called for President Volodymyr Zelensky to meet US President Donald Trump in the US this month. Ukraine’s security chief said both sides now share a “common understanding” on key parts of a possible peace deal discussed in Geneva. The White House has not confirmed any meeting. The US will also hold talks with Russian officials in Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, heavy overnight strikes hit Kyiv and Russian regions, killing several people. Ukraine said Russia launched missiles and drones, while Russia claimed it shot down hundreds of Ukrainian drones. Peace efforts continue, but major differences remain between Ukraine and Russia. (PC: X)