Small and medium-sized companies in Germany's more rural areas face huge challenges as labor shortages are increasingly being felt in the countryside.

India urged its citizens to "exercise extreme caution" in Canada amid a diplomatic dispute over the killing of a Sikh separatist leader. Canada suggested that Indian agents might be tied to the killing, angering Delhi.

The suspension of visa services is the latest tit-for-tat move following the murder of an Sikh activist in Canada. India's foreign ministry has confirmed the move.

The Indian government is exploring the idea of holding simultaneous elections at the national, state and local levels. But the opposition has slammed it, saying it goes against the spirit of federalism.

Pakistan's parliamentary elections will be held next January, the country's election authority announced on Thursday, delaying the vote that was initially tabled for November. The Election Commission of Pakistan said the elections are scheduled for the last week of January.

Actor Shah Rukh Khan, known as the "King of Bollywood," happens to be a Muslim. Some analysts say his religion has become a painful thorn in the side of Narendra Modi's India, where Hindu nationalism is on the rise.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said that the US takes "very, very seriously" incidents of "transnational repression," adding that he wants to ensure "accountability."

After beginning a strike one week ago, the United Auto Workers union has increased the number of plants affected by industrial action. Until now, workers have been striking at three sites, one each for Ford, General Motors and Stellantis. UAW leader Shawn Fain says that will be increased to 38 factories, all of them GM and Stellantis parts distribution centres. Ford has been spared of further disruption, with the union saying the company has made "important concessions".

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was taken into custody in 2019, after India revoked Kashmir's autonomous status. Farooq gave a speech at a mosque following his release, where he said he aims for peace in Kashmir.

Authorities in southern Taiwan have launched an investigation into the fire and expressed condolences to victims' families. Officials believe that natural gas may have played a role in the deadly event.

Mali's military leadership has said presidential elections could not be held on schedule due to "technical" reasons. Since taking power in 2020, the junta has promised to hold elections, but has repeatedly issued delays.

It's taken decades, but India's parliament has passed a law guaranteeing more seats for female politicians. But bringing more women into politics remains an uphill battle.