Bangladesh
A fire at a food and beverage factory in Bangladesh has killed at least 52 people and injured 30 others, many of whom were trapped behind an illegally locked door, according to local reports. Officials say many workers are missing so the death toll is likely to rise. A wave of high profile fires has angered the public in Bangladesh in recent years and, despite government promises, safety standards remain lax.
More from the Associated Press here.
Syria
“Parents can sleep tonight knowing that for the next 12 months their children will be fed. The humanitarian agreement we’ve reached here will literally save lives.”
After what were reported to be tough negotiations, primarily due to a stand-off between the US and Russia, the UN Security Council has agreed to extend the use of an aid route from Turkey into Syria for another 12 months. The operation is the only remaining supply route getting aid into rebel-held territory in the country’s northwest.
More from The New Arab here.
China
How about some good news for a change? China says giant pandas are no longer endangered after years of conservation efforts. There are now about 1,800 in the wild.
More from BBC here.