India to break record for world’s largest statue … twice

Sardar Patel statue to stand 182m tall, then be surpassed in 2021 by Shivaji memorial

India says it will unveil the world’s largest statue next month, depicting the independence leader Sardar Patel.

However, the reign of the 182-metre structure as record holder could be short-lived, with work due to begin on an even larger statue of a Hindu king off the coast of Mumbai.

Moon Faces Toughest Challenge Yet in 3rd Summit With Kim

South Korean President Moon Jae-in faces his toughest challenge yet in his third summit with Kim next week in Pyongyang.

SEOUL, South Korea — The first inter-Korean summit of 2018, a sunny spectacle in late April, reduced war fears on the peninsula. The second, an emergency one in May, helped ensure a historic meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump came off.

Typhoon Mangkhut: millions in path of storm and monsoon rains

Evacuations begin in Philippines before storm that threatens harvest amid ongoing rice shortages

The Philippines is bracing for Typhoon Mangkhut, the most powerful storm this year, with millions living in its path and fears its rains could combine with monsoonal storms that could spark landslides and flash flooding.

Philippines officials have ordered evacuations and closed schools and offices as Typhoon Mangkhut approached, carrying sustained winds of 265km/h (165mph) and gusts of up to 325km/h (201mph). It is forecast to make landfall on Saturday.