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Iran is reportedly considering an invitation to join the Mecca Defence Pact, a security framework led by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey. If confirmed, the move could mark a significant shift in regional geopolitics, given the long history of rivalry between Tehran and Riyadh and Iran's ties to Yemen's Houthi movement. While no official confirmation has been issued by the governments involved, reports suggest the proposal is under review in Tehran. Could the Mecca Pact evolve into a broader regional security alliance, and what would Iran's entry mean for Middle East power dynamics, security cooperation and strategic rivalries?

Bangladesh is facing a deepening energy challenge as natural gas shortages disrupt industrial production, electricity generation, and transportation networks. The crisis is increasing costs for businesses and placing additional strain on an economy that has become increasingly reliant on imported energy supplies. Manufacturers are reporting operational difficulties, while policymakers search for solutions to stabilize fuel availability and support economic growth. As demand rises and supply constraints persist, concerns are growing about the long-term impact on exports, investment, and industrial competitiveness. How serious is Bangladesh's energy crunch, and what could it mean for the country's economic future?

Police, fire brigade personnel, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams responded to the scene and initiated rescue and neutralisation efforts, with NDRF staff donning protective suits to enter the facility and contain the leaked gas.

Saudi Arabia is creating a new oil route through the Red Sea to keep exports moving, as security threats disrupt shipping around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The kingdom is now using tankers to move crude from its Red Sea port of Yanbu to Egypt's Ain Sokhna. From there, the oil can travel north through Egypt's pipeline.

Qatar is facing one of its sharpest economic shocks in years as the war in West Asia disrupts its vital liquefied natural gas industry. That has forced Doha to cut spending at home and abroad.

Latest News Today Live Updates: Stay connected to WION News for the latest updates from India and around the globe, including India's immediate neighbourhood, major developments in Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, global security, and other breaking stories shaping the world.

India's space program has long been praised for delivering ambitious missions at comparatively low costs. But as global competition in the space sector intensifies, questions are emerging about the true economics of satellite launches and space exploration. How do Indian launch vehicles compare with those developed in the United States and other major space powers? As commercial space companies expand and governments invest heavily in next-generation capabilities, the debate over cost efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness is gaining momentum. This report examines the numbers behind space launches and whether India's reputation for low-cost space missions still holds true today.

India is witnessing a significant shift in healthcare behavior as more people embrace preventive wellness over reactive treatment. Rising awareness about lifestyle diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, and heart-related conditions, is encouraging individuals to undergo regular health screenings and diagnostic tests. Industry data shows preventive health checkups are growing rapidly across urban and semi-urban regions, reflecting a broader cultural transformation in healthcare priorities. Experts believe early detection and routine monitoring can reduce long-term medical costs and improve quality of life. What is driving India's wellness revolution, and how could it reshape the country's healthcare landscape in the years ahead?

For millions of young people entering the workforce, landing a first job is becoming increasingly difficult. New data from the International Labour Organization highlights a growing global youth employment crisis, with unemployment among 15-to-24-year-olds remaining alarmingly high. At the same time, artificial intelligence is transforming entry-level roles that traditionally served as the first step into the job market. As automation reshapes industries and employers seek new skills, governments and businesses face mounting pressure to create opportunities for the next generation. Can economies adapt quickly enough to prevent a widening employment gap among young workers?

19 year old Kaziah Liz Mejo from Kerala has won the title of Miss Universe India 2026. The winner was announced on Sunday at the grand finale in Jaipur. Read on to know more.

Former Indian diplomat Navdeep Suri has raised concerns over Punjab's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls after being told that his details did not match records from 2003. Suri, who represented India as ambassador to Egypt, the UAE, and Australia, said he was asked to provide additional proof of Indian citizenship despite submitting his voter ID and Aadhaar card. The incident has reignited debate over voter roll verification, documentation requirements, and potential errors in the electoral revision process. As Punjab updates its electoral rolls ahead of the 2026 publication deadline, questions are being raised about the challenges faced by ordinary citizens.

Tension erupted in Mumbai's Mazgaon after unidentified people allegedly threw eggs at a Ganesh idol during an arrival procession, triggering a confrontation. Police registered a case against unidentified persons and deployed additional personnel, while CCTV footage is being examined

In 11 Tests and 20 innings played since Boxing Day Test 2024, Labuschagne has the best of 65 against England in Ashes at the Gabba and 51 not out in the second innings of Perth Test. Overall, he has managed just 392 runs at an average of nearly 22 - half of his career average.

UK PM Andy Burnham will announce British support for Ukraine's long-range missile production during his Kyiv visit on August 24. Britain will allow MBDA to share classified information on UK-made SCALP missile components, enabling France and Ukraine to establish local assembly lines.

At least 30 people have been killed after a massive landfill collapse triggered by heavy rains engulfed homes and shelters in Guinea's capital, Conakry. The disaster struck in the early hours of the morning when a huge mound of waste gave way, burying residents as they slept. Rescue teams continue searching through debris for survivors and victims. The tragedy has renewed concerns about urban safety, waste management, and infrastructure in Guinea, where authorities had already warned about the dangers posed by the landfill. Watch the latest updates on the rescue operation and the unfolding humanitarian crisis.

Iran is facing a worsening economic crisis as the Iranian rial has plunged beyond the historic 2 million mark against the U.S. dollar on the open market. The sharp currency collapse comes amid renewed international pressure, escalating sanctions, and growing concerns over inflation and economic instability. President Masoud Pezeshkian has acknowledged the hardships facing ordinary Iranians, describing the situation as a full-scale economic and security war. As businesses and households struggle with rising prices and a weakening currency, questions are mounting over Iran's economic future and its ability to withstand mounting external pressure.

A figure dressed as the Cat in the Hat is terrorising people in the UK and Ireland. Videos on social media have lent credibility to the scare. The police have said the videos are AI-generated, but this has done little to stop the rumours of the creepy killer.

A US Army unit in Georgia is offering soldiers a four-day pass to play GTA 6 if they agree to reenlist for at least two years. The incentive applies to around 130 eligible soldiers at Fort Stewart and could potentially be expanded across the military.

The relationship between England players and alcohol has been a point of discussion in the last 12 months or so and the Carse incident is the latest in the series.