DAILY NEWS Published: 2026-10-08 Author / editor: Board of Directors Thursday, 16 Mizan 1405 Solar Hijri — October 8, 2026 Afghanistan Afghanistan and Iran discuss increasing electricity exports Afghan and Iranian officials have discussed increasing Iran’s electricity exports to Afghanistan. Reports indicate that the two sides discussed expanding electricity-export capacity to around 2,000 megawatts and broadening energy cooperation. France holds talks with the Taliban over the return of Afghan nationals France has begun discussions with the Taliban authorities concerning the facilitation of returning certain Afghan nationals whom France seeks to deport to Afghanistan. The issue comes amid continuing political debate in Europe over Afghan migration. Russia seeks to strengthen engagement with Afghanistan through the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Russia has proposed strengthening cooperation with Afghanistan through the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Moscow has been seeking to expand its economic and regional engagement with Afghanistan. UN stresses the rights of Afghan women and girls UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo raised the issue of women’s and girls’ access to education and social rights during her visit to Afghanistan. She also met representatives of Afghan women and civil society. Afghanistan’s political and social situation remains deeply challenging Recent analytical reports continue to examine political, economic and social pressures in Afghanistan, alongside the activities of various opposition movements. Political stability remains an unresolved issue. Region and World More than 200,000 people displaced by renewed fighting in Yemen The International Organization for Migration has reported that more than 200,000 people have been displaced in Yemen since the latest fighting began. The number of displaced people has risen sharply in recent weeks. Yemen’s war deepens the humanitarian crisis The intensification of fighting in Yemen has further deteriorated the humanitarian situation in several areas. UN reports indicate that large proportions of families in some areas are facing severe food insecurity. Britain and Germany launch new cooperation against cyberattacks and sabotage Britain and Germany are developing new cooperation against sabotage, cyberattacks and other security threats. The initiative comes amid growing European concern over cyber warfare and hostile disruption. Concerns grow over the use of artificial intelligence in South Korean cyberattacks Cybersecurity company CrowdStrike has said that an actor suspected of recent attacks against South Korea’s financial sector may have used artificial-intelligence tools. The case has renewed concerns over the use of AI in cybercrime. AI investment debt puts pressure on Asian markets Asian stock markets have come under pressure as major technology companies increasingly turn to debt to finance large artificial-intelligence projects. The development has raised concerns over growing financial risks associated with the AI investment boom. World Meteorological Organization warns of strengthening El Niño The World Meteorological Organization has warned that El Niño could continue until February 2027. The phenomenon could intensify drought, heavy rainfall and agricultural disruption in different parts of the world. China and North Korea prepare for expanded border links Preparations are continuing in the Chinese border city of Dandong for the opening of a new bridge linking China and North Korea. The project could strengthen trade and cross-border movement between the two countries. Workers and Social Movements Copper miners strike in Chile Two unions at Chile’s Centinela copper mine have launched strike action after collective negotiations failed. Workers are demanding equal benefits for employees. Chile is the world’s largest copper producer, making the dispute potentially significant for global supply. Student protests expand in France French students have continued protests over education conditions, teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms and inadequate school facilities. Hundreds of schools have been affected by the protests. France suspends the use of some stun grenades against student protesters Following the serious injury of a 15-year-old student, the French government announced that police would stop using certain stun grenades during student protests. Critics have also raised concerns about police conduct during demonstrations. UK public-sector workers prepare for strike ballot Britain’s PCS public-sector union is preparing for a ballot on industrial action. Key demands include higher wages, job security and an end to compulsory redundancies. Communist, Left-Wing and Anti-Imperialist Movements Communist Party of Iran calls for abolition of the death penalty The Foreign Committee of the Communist Party of Iran has called for an end to executions and political repression ahead of the International Day Against the Death Penalty. The party links the death penalty to political power, social inequality and class relations. International anti-imperialist forces call for global action The International League of Peoples’ Struggle has called for international actions against sanctions, economic blockades and war on October 7 and 8. The organisation has encouraged its members and allies to organise public activities, educational programmes and political campaigns. Calls for action against IMF and World Bank policies The International League of Peoples’ Struggle has called for global protests around the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. It criticises austerity, debt and structural-adjustment policies as sources of economic pressure on poorer countries. Workers’ activities in North Korea ahead of the Workers’ Party anniversary Ahead of the anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea, the country’s agricultural workers’ organisation has held activities focused on grain production, political education and the role of the party. Editorial Note The contemporary world is experiencing several crises simultaneously: war, displacement, economic pressure, energy insecurity, youth protests, workers’ struggles and growing concern over the future of public services. In such circumstances, news is more than a record of individual events. Understanding social and economic realities is part of understanding the forces that shape history. From copper mines in Chile to schools in France, and from anti-war mobilisation to opposition to austerity, signs of social discontent continue to emerge across different parts of the world. Daily News — to understand the world; knowledge — to transform it.