Volkswagen Arena Prepares for Pope Leo XIV’s Mass in Istanbul

Intensive preparations are underway at Istanbul’s Volkswagen Arena, where Pope Leo XIV will hold a public mass during his visit to Türkiye. The venue has been surrounded by iron barriers, and nearby schools have suspended activities due to heightened security. Aerial footage shows extensive arrangements ahead of Saturday’s event. Student Umut Yıldız said they were […]

Japan Denies Reports Trump Urged Restraint on China-Taiwan Issue

Tokyo rejected claims that US President Donald Trump urged Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi not to escalate tensions with China over Taiwan. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said the phone call focused on strengthening cooperation, regional issues, and Trump’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Kihara stressed that reports about Trump warning Japan over Taiwan […]

Death Toll from Indonesia Floods Rises to 49

  Severe floods and landslides triggered by days of heavy rain across Indonesia have killed 49 people, officials said. In North Sumatra alone, 34 deaths were recorded across several districts, including South Tapanuli, Sibolga, and Central Tapanuli. The disaster also hit Aceh Province, where nine people died and around 47,000 residents were displaced, with 1,500 […]

Pope Leo XIV Arrives in Türkiye for First Official Overseas Visit

  Pope Leo XIV landed in Ankara on his first international trip since being elected in May. Traveling from Rome on a private A320neo, the pontiff arrived at Esenboğa Airport at 12:22 p.m. at the official invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy welcomed the Pope, who is accompanied […]

Sri Lanka Landslides Kill 31 After Days of Heavy Rain

In Sri Lanka, days of intense rainfall have triggered floods and landslides, killing 31 people and leaving 14 missing. Homes, fields, and roads were submerged, while fallen rocks and trees forced rail services to stop. The Disaster Management Center said 16 deaths occurred in the central tea-growing region of Badulla, where houses were buried. Four […]

Türkiye Rejects Claims of Sending Troops to Ukraine

Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defense denied allegations that Turkish troops would be sent to Ukraine, saying any mission would require a Russia–Ukraine ceasefire and a clearly defined international mandate. The Ministry emphasized that the Turkish Armed Forces stand ready to support initiatives that ensure regional stability but said no such mission framework currently exists. The […]

Train Along Lake Erçek Offers Scenic Views in Eastern Türkiye

  In Van, eastern Türkiye, a freight train traveling toward Iran creates striking postcard-like views as it moves along the shores of Lake Erçek. The blue lake, wildlife-rich shoreline, and surrounding mountain silhouettes make the route a favorite for passengers and photographers. Located on the flamingo migration path, Lake Erçek looks especially dramatic at sunrise […]

Death Toll Rises to 29 in Indonesia’s North Sumatra Floods

Floods and landslides triggered by days of heavy rain in Indonesia’s North Sumatra province have left 29 people dead and 67 injured, officials said. Nine people remain missing, and more than 7,000 residents have taken shelter after over 400 homes, bridges, and key infrastructure were damaged. A state of emergency has been declared in Mandailing […]

Barzani Urges US Support After Drone Strike on KRG Gas Field

KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani condemned the drone attack on the Kormor Gas Field in Sulaymaniyah and called on the United States and international partners to supply defensive equipment to protect vital energy infrastructure. He urged Baghdad to find the perpetrators and warned against repeating “past mistakes” such as releasing criminals. Iraq’s Joint Operations Command […]

Hong Kong High-Rise Fire Death Toll Climbs to 44

The death toll from the massive fire at a 31-story residential tower in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district has risen to 44, with 45 injured and 279 people still missing. The blaze, which spread through the Wang Fuk Court complex during renovation work, intensified due to bamboo scaffolding and non–fire-resistant exterior materials. Police have detained […]