Katie Zacharia, US President Donald Trump’s new White House press secretary, was reportedly fired on Friday after less than a week in the role. According to three people familiar with the matter who spoke to The New York Times, her brief tenure followed a difficult press briefing and controversy over whether she had overstated her legal qualifications. Neither the White House nor Zacharia responded to requests for comment. Trump told reporters he had urged her to reconsider taking the position, questioning whether she needed the job. He recalled telling her, “Honestly, if I were you, I’d reconsider,” and asking, “Katie, do you need this? I don’t think you need this.” (PC: X)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has defended renewed strikes on Russian oil refineries after US President Donald Trump called them a “disgrace” and criticised Kyiv’s approach to peace negotiations. Speaking at an EU summit in Brussels, Zelensky said he was defending Ukraine’s interests and warned that the US-Russia diesel deal could lead to further agreements benefiting Moscow. Trump accused Zelensky of raising global oil prices and said he was harder to deal with than Russian President Vladimir Putin. Meanwhile, EU leaders discussed Ukraine’s funding and winter defence needs. Zelensky said the war would cost €155 billion next year, with at least €70 billion needed from Europe for defence and weapons. (PC: X)

Pakistan will chair the Boards of Governors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group in 2027, despite awaiting approval for another $1.2 billion in IMF funding. The country will assume the role for the first time since 1953, according to its Ministry of Economic Affairs. Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Pakistan’s governor to the World Bank, was announced as the incoming chair during the World Bank-IMF Annual Meetings in Bangkok. The position gives Islamabad a prominent platform to facilitate discussions among member countries’ finance ministers and central bank governors, but does not grant control over lending decisions. Pakistan’s government called the appointment a “historic milestone.” (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump has said Washington may strike Iran’s underground Pickaxe Mountain facility as he seeks to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. In an interview with Newsmax on Thursday, Trump ruled out using a nuclear bomb in the conflict, which began in February with US-Israeli strikes. Describing Iran’s nuclear infrastructure as buried beneath millions of tons of mountain, Trump said the US might target Pickaxe Mountain, adding, “We’ll knock it out fast.” The heavily fortified underground facility is located near one of Iran’s main nuclear sites, making it challenging to damage militarily. Trump also reiterated that deploying American ground troops to Iran was not under consideration.

Air India has extended the cancellation of all flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia until October 20, 2026, amid the evolving regional situation. The airline is closely monitoring developments and continuously assessing conditions to determine when operations can safely resume. Air India has confirmed that affected passengers will receive full refunds. The decision prioritises the safety and security of passengers and crew amid ongoing regional disruptions. Travellers are advised to check their flight status and monitor official airline updates before making travel arrangements. (PC: X)

A controversy at Bangladesh’s Jagannath University in Dhaka has intensified after a beef khichuri feast near a Hindu temple sparked protests. Hindu students objected to the location, while organisers said they had unintentionally used temple bricks and later apologised. The university initially restricted animal slaughter on campus but subsequently clarified that student events could proceed if others’ activities were not disrupted. A group of students then announced a beef feast and cow slaughter on October 16, Maha Shashthi, describing it as a protest against the initial notice. The dispute has raised concerns over religious sensitivities and campus harmony. (PC: India Today)

Saudi Arabia is facing renewed human rights criticism over the imminent execution of Youssef al-Manasif, who was arrested in 2017 for alleged offences linked to protests and funerals he attended between ages 15 and 17. His death sentence has reportedly been upheld by the Supreme Court. Rights group Reprieve alleges he was tortured, coerced into confessing and denied timely access to legal counsel. Critics say the case contradicts Saudi Arabia’s 2020 decree abolishing capital punishment for crimes committed by minors. Human rights organisations have urged authorities to halt his execution and respect international protections for children. (PC: AP)

A Houthi attack targeting Yemen’s Al-Maashiq Presidential Palace in the southern city of Aden killed five people and injured 16 others on October 15, 2026, according to Yemeni Health Minister Qasim Mohammed Buhaibeh. The casualties included security personnel and civilian employees. Yemen’s government said the assault involved missiles and drones, while Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed responsibility, stating that the target was a Saudi military operations headquarters. Prime Minister and cabinet members remained safe. The attack highlights escalating hostilities between Houthi rebels and Saudi-backed government forces, raising concerns about regional stability and Yemen’s worsening humanitarian crisis.

At least 34 children and a female teacher were killed when the roof of the privately run Al-Khair Education Center collapsed during classes in Peshawar, north-western Pakistan, on October 15, 2026. More than 50 people were injured, with some in critical condition. Rescue workers spent several hours pulling students from the rubble as distressed parents gathered outside the school. Police said the building had a weak structure, and authorities arrested the school’s owner while launching an investigation. The tragedy has renewed concerns about unsafe school buildings, poor construction standards and inadequate enforcement of safety regulations across Pakistan. (PC: Reuters)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared Kyiv would resume strikes on Russian oil refineries, rejecting US President Donald Trump’s demand to halt attacks. “The block (on attacking refineries) is out,” Zelenskyy told the Financial Times. The announcement followed Trump’s easing of sanctions on Russia in exchange for Moscow supplying diesel to global markets. Zelenskyy called the agreement a “weak decision” and said it could encourage Russia to intensify its war. Trump blamed Ukrainian refinery strikes for rising diesel prices and suggested Ukraine needed a new president. Ukrainian drones struck a refinery in Russia’s Ryazan region on October 15. Zelenskyy travelled to Brussels for talks with European leaders, seeking stronger pressure on Russia and increased defence support for Ukraine. (PC: X)