October 18, 2026

Today's Briefing

A deadly fire at an Alberta military base, a stampede at a Kolkata Durga Puja pandal, record rain in Chennai, a probe into Sri Lanka's blackout, and a Chinese port project in Colombo called off.

1
Defence Minister David McGuinty confirmed that people were killed and injured when a serious incident sparked a major fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta on Saturday. The cause has not been released, and Prime Minister Mark Carney said Ottawa is working closely with the province.Read at source · BBC News →
2
At least 19 people, including a seven-year-old girl, died and 25 were hurt in a crush at Kolkata's Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal during heavy rain on Saturday night. Police have arrested several people, including organisers, and a sitting High Court judge will lead an inquiry.Read at source · The Hindu →
3
Extremely heavy rain on Friday flooded many parts of Chennai, with Parrys alone logging 363 mm. More heavy rain is forecast for Chennai and several Tamil Nadu districts today, and the city corporation has deployed extra crews.Read at source · The Hindu →
4
Sri Lanka's National System Operator says it will fully investigate Saturday's island-wide blackout, blamed on a total failure of the national grid, and report within a month. Power returned to most areas by evening, but the Norochcholai plant is still not fully back online.Read at source · Athavan News →
5
A planned South Asia commercial and logistics hub at Colombo Port, backed by China Merchants Port, has been scrapped. The Sri Lanka Ports Authority has agreed to pay about US$21.9 million to settle the investment already made.Read at source · Sri Lanka Mirror →

Today's Briefing

Earlier briefings