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- 1BOJ October Rate Hike a Real Possibility, Ex-Official Says▼BOJ Rate Hike in October Is Real Possibility, Ex-Official Says
A former Bank of Japan official says an interest rate hike at the central bank's October meeting is a genuine possibility, keeping alive expectations that Japan's era of ultra-low rates is ending. The comments feed into ongoing speculation about when the BOJ will raise borrowing costs again, a topic closely watched by currency and bond markets worldwide.
- 2Houthis accused of forcing children to fight in Yemen▼Houthis forcing children to fight on Yemen’s battlefields, civil society groups warn
Civil society groups warn that the Houthi movement is forcing children to fight on Yemen's battlefields, a long-standing concern documented by human rights monitors during the country's decade-long war. Yemeni civil society organisations are renewing calls for accountability and international attention to child recruitment as fighting continues across the country.
- 3Trump says new Iran strikes before midterms 'not ruled out'▼Trump says fresh Iran strikes before midterms 'not ruled out'
Donald Trump has said that fresh military strikes against Iran are 'not ruled out' ahead of the US midterm elections, keeping open the possibility of renewed action against Tehran. The remarks signal continued hardline posture toward Iran and are drawing attention to the risk of escalation in the Middle East during a sensitive domestic political period.
- 4Terrorist Behind Noa Argamani's Kidnapping Killed in Gaza▼Terrorist Who Kidnapped Noa Argamani Eliminated in Gaza
Israeli media report that a terrorist involved in the abduction of Noa Argamani during the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack has been eliminated in Gaza. Argamani, who was rescued by Israeli forces in June 2024, became one of the most recognized hostages of the war. Reports of the operative's death are drawing attention to the ongoing Israeli campaign against those responsible for the October 7 attacks.
- 5High Court: Israel defying ruling on Red Cross visits to detainees▼High Court: Israel defying ruling on Red Cross visits to Palestinian detainees
Israel's High Court has found that the state is not complying with its ruling requiring Red Cross visits for Palestinian detainees. The decision puts the government in direct conflict with the country's top judicial authority over prison conditions and access to detainees by the International Committee of the Red Cross. The ruling is likely to intensify debate over detainee treatment and the enforcement of court decisions.
- 6Zelenskyy: Russia seeks to cut Ukrainians' internet, Kyiv countering▼Zelenskyy: Russia wants to leave Ukrainians without internet or communications, we are countering it
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia is trying to leave Ukrainians without internet and mobile communications, adding that Kyiv is taking measures to counter these efforts. The statement comes as Ukraine continues to face attacks on its communications infrastructure, with officials stressing that keeping Ukrainians connected remains a priority during the war.
- 7Security tightened in Kashmir after deadly attack on tourists▼Security tightened in Kashmir after deadly attack on tourists sparks massive manhunt
Security forces have been placed on high alert across Kashmir following a deadly attack on tourists, with a large-scale manhunt underway for the attackers. Authorities have increased patrols and checkpoints in the region as they work to track down those responsible for the assault, which has drawn widespread condemnation and renewed attention to the safety of visitors in the area.
- 8EU urges member states to cut gas demand●EU tells EU countries to cut gas demand amid rising supply concerns
The European Union is asking member countries to reduce their gas consumption as concerns grow over supply. The call reflects worries about energy security, and countries across the bloc are expected to respond with measures to lower demand in the coming period.
- 9DRC plane crash kills 17, including two top military officials▼DRC plane crash kills 17, including two of the country's most senior military official
A plane crash in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has killed 17 people, among them two of the country's most senior military officials. The dead include high-ranking members of the armed forces, making the crash a significant loss for the DRC military. Details on the cause of the crash and the identities of all the victims have not yet been fully released.
- 10Pope warns in Lourdes medicine must never serve programmed death●Pope in Lourdes: 'Medicine must never be servant of programmed death'
Pope Leo spoke during a visit to the French shrine of Lourdes, a major Catholic pilgrimage site associated with healing, declaring that medicine must never become a servant of programmed death. The remarks were reported by Vatican News and read as a reaffirmation of Church teaching opposing euthanasia and assisted dying, framed in defence of care for the sick and vulnerable.
- 11Gaza prepares to hold elections for 1.25 million voters▼Gaza prepares for 1.25M voters amid destruction caused by Israeli attacks and security fears
Election preparations are underway in Gaza, where around 1.25 million people are registered to vote. Officials are working amid widespread destruction from Israeli attacks and serious security concerns. Observers are watching how logistics, safety and access to polling will be managed in conditions described as among the most difficult for any election.
- 12Fed Rate Hikes Pressure Asian Markets, But Banks May Gain▼Fed Rate Hikes Put Asian Markets Under Pressure, but Banks and Insurers May Benefit
US Federal Reserve rate hikes are weighing on Asian equity markets, with investors concerned about capital outflows and higher borrowing costs. However, analysts note that banks and insurers across the region could benefit, as rising interest rates tend to improve lending margins and returns on invested assets. Commentary is focusing on this split impact across Asian financial sectors.
- 13Iran Insists on Diplomacy After Trump Rejects Proposal▼Iran Insists on Diplomacy After Trump Rejects Proposal...
Iran is signalling continued commitment to diplomatic negotiations despite US President Donald Trump rejecting a proposal, according to reporting carried by Jordan News. The development underscores ongoing tension between Tehran and Washington over nuclear and regional issues, with Iran publicly maintaining that talks remain the preferred path even as the US side turns down the latest offer on the table.
- 14Iran war squeezes Iraq's economy as oil revenues fall and prices rise▼Iran war squeezes Iraq’s economy as oil revenues fall and prices rise
Iraq's economy is coming under strain from the war involving Iran, with falling oil revenues hitting state finances while consumer prices rise. Iraq depends heavily on oil exports for government spending, making it vulnerable to regional conflict and disrupted trade routes. Observers warn the squeeze could deepen hardship for ordinary Iraqis if the conflict continues and energy markets remain volatile.
- 15Russia raises taxes to fund growing military budget▼Russia's finance ministry raises taxes to bolster military budget
Russia's finance ministry has announced tax increases aimed at shoring up the country's military budget, as the war in Ukraine continues to strain public finances. The move signals Moscow's willingness to place more of the tax burden on businesses and households to sustain defence spending. Observers see it as evidence that the costs of the conflict are increasingly being passed on to ordinary Russians.
- 16Mpox case confirmed in DR Congo city at heart of Ebola outbreak▼Mpox case confirmed in northeastern Congolese city at center of Ebola outbreak
Health authorities have confirmed a case of mpox in a northeastern Congolese city that has also been the centre of an Ebola outbreak. The diagnosis raises concerns about overlapping disease outbreaks straining the region's already fragile health system, and officials are monitoring for further spread of the virus in the area.
- 17EU ministers meet on Ukraine aid as Trump rejects Iran's Hormuz offer●Live - EU ministers meet on Ukraine aid as Trump rejects Iran's Hormuz deal
EU ministers are holding a meeting focused on continued aid for Ukraine, while in parallel diplomatic news has broken that Donald Trump has rejected a deal proposed by Iran concerning the Strait of Hormuz. The simultaneous developments keep both the Ukraine war funding question and Gulf shipping tensions at the centre of international attention today.
- 18
A new Ebola outbreak in Africa is raising concerns about whether health authorities can contain it following steep cuts to USAID funding, which previously supported outbreak response across the continent. The question is whether African health systems, partly dependent on American aid, can mount an effective containment effort without that support. Commentators are weighing the risks of a wider spread if funding gaps slow testing, contact tracing and treatment.
- 19UNHCR: 55,000 Sudanese Flee to Chad This Year▼UNHCR: 55000 Sudanese Flee to Chad Since the Beginning of the Year
The UN refugee agency reports that 55,000 Sudanese have crossed into Chad since the start of the year, fleeing the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The arrivals add to a large existing refugee population in eastern Chad and are straining humanitarian resources, with aid agencies warning of growing needs for shelter, food and medical care in border areas.
- 20Russian attacks force closure of Ukraine's largest steelmaker▼Ukraine war briefing: Russian attacks force closure of Ukraine’s largest steelmaker
Metinvest has suspended operations at its flagship steel plant in Ukraine following Russian strikes on energy infrastructure. The closure of the country's largest steelmaker underlines how renewed attacks on the power grid are hitting heavy industry and the wider economy, coming as air defences across Ukraine scrambled to repel waves of drones and missiles.
- 21EU prepares accession roadmaps for Ukraine and three other candidates●EU prepares accession roadmaps for Ukraine and three other candidates — Politico Europe
The European Union is preparing accession roadmaps for Ukraine and three other candidate countries, according to Politico Europe. The plans would set out the steps each country must take to join the bloc, covering reforms, rule-of-law requirements and alignment with EU law. Enlargement has gained urgency since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and the roadmaps signal Brussels is moving from promises toward concrete timetables, though actual membership will still require unanimous approval from all member states.
- 22Poland's surging military spending raises economic growth questions▼Poland is racing ahead with military spending – but will it help or damage its economic growth story?
Poland is dramatically increasing its defence budget, positioning itself as one of NATO's fastest-growing military spenders amid security concerns on its eastern flank. Analysts are now debating whether this heavy rearmament will stimulate industrial growth and jobs or strain public finances and slow the country's long-running economic expansion.
- 23
The UN Human Rights Chief has warned that escalating violence in Yemen is worsening the suffering of civilians caught in the conflict. The statement highlights growing concern over the humanitarian toll as fighting intensifies, with ordinary Yemenis bearing the brunt of the deterioration in security and living conditions.
- 24IDF says Gaza militant used child to move weapons▼Terrorist used child to transfer weapons into civilian home in Gaza, IDF footage reveals
The Israeli military has released footage it says shows a terrorist in Gaza using a child to transfer weapons into a civilian home. The claim highlights how militants allegedly exploit children and civilian structures during the conflict. The footage has drawn attention as the war in Gaza continues, with the IDF using such material to support its public case against Hamas and armed groups operating among civilians.
- 25India's elections face unprecedented scrutiny over credibility concerns▼‘Shaken faith’: Why are India’s elections under unprecedented scrutiny?
India's electoral process is facing unprecedented scrutiny, with growing debate over public faith in how the country's elections are conducted. Questions are being raised about the independence and transparency of election institutions, prompting national and international discussion about whether trust in the world's largest democratic exercise has been shaken and what reforms might follow.
- 26Two overnight shootings kill 27 in South Africa▼South Africa reels from two shootings that kill 27 in one night
Two separate shootings in South Africa left 27 people dead in a single night, according to Reuters. The killings have shocked the country and drawn attention to its persistent problem with gun violence. Authorities have not been quoted in available reporting on suspects or motives, and further details about the locations and victims remain limited.
- 27Iran says awaiting formal US answer after Trump rejection●Live - Iran says awaiting formal US answer after Trump rejection
Iran says it is waiting for a formal response from the United States after President Trump rejected a proposal, according to live coverage by Iran International. The development keeps tensions high between the two countries, with Tehran signaling it will not move until Washington communicates its position officially. Observers are watching for any US reply that could ease or escalate the standoff.
- 28
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, has been declared a disaster zone amid ongoing flooding, according to a Reuters report. The designation suggests authorities are treating the flood situation as a serious emergency, though the limited coverage available does not detail the extent of the flooding, how many people are affected, or what the disaster declaration means for residents in practical terms.
- 29Iran's push for a war-ending deal appears to be stalling●Why Iran's new push for a deal to end the war appears to be stalling - analysis
An analysis by The Jerusalem Post argues that Iran's latest diplomatic effort to secure a deal ending the war is losing momentum. The report suggests negotiations are not progressing, with obstacles emerging that have slowed Tehran's push toward an agreement. Observers are watching closely as the stalled effort raises questions about the prospects for de-escalation and whether renewed talks can be revived in the near term.
- 30
Iranian officials have declared that the war between Iran and the United States is not over, despite any pause in fighting. The statement signals Tehran's refusal to frame the conflict as concluded and keeps tensions high in the region. Commentators are watching for whether this signals further retaliation or is negotiating rhetoric aimed at leverage.
- 31Economists divided on whether the Fed will raise rates●Will the Fed raise interest rates this year? Divided economists weigh in
Economists are split over whether the US Federal Reserve will raise interest rates this year. ABC News reports that analysts disagree on the outlook, with arguments on both sides about inflation pressures, labor market strength, and the risk of slowing growth. The division reflects genuine uncertainty about how the economy will perform in the months ahead, leaving markets and businesses unsure about borrowing costs.
- 32Hamas criticises Board of Peace over UNRWA refusal▼Hamas slams Board of Peace for refusal to work with UNRWA in Gaza
Hamas has condemned the Board of Peace for refusing to work with UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, in Gaza. The dispute centres on which body should deliver aid and services in the territory. The row highlights growing friction over the international framework being set up to govern Gaza's reconstruction and relief efforts.
- 33
The US Supreme Court has ruled against most of the tariffs imposed by Donald Trump, striking them down in a decision with wide-ranging trade and legal implications. The ruling limits the administration's use of tariff powers and is drawing attention for its impact on US trade policy and presidential authority.
- 34Russia targets Ukraine's data centres and internet infrastructure●Russia strikes at heart of Ukraine's digital economy with attacks on data centres, internet |Stewart
Russia is attacking Ukraine's data centres and internet infrastructure, moves analysts describe as strikes at the heart of the country's digital economy. The attacks threaten government services, banking and communications that increasingly depend on connected systems, adding a new dimension to the conflict beyond strikes on energy and military targets.
- 35US Congress briefed that Saudis have not ruled out nuclear weapons▼US Congress received intel Saudis haven’t ruled out nuclear weapons program — report
US Congress has received intelligence indicating that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out pursuing a nuclear weapons program, according to a report. The assessment raises fresh concerns in Washington about Riyadh's nuclear intentions at a time when US-Saudi relations, regional security and any future civil nuclear cooperation remain under scrutiny.
- 36EU tells member states to cut gas demand●Breaking news. - EU tells EU countries to cut gas demand amid rising supply concerns
The European Union has called on member countries to reduce their gas consumption as concerns grow over supply. The request reflects fears that gas flows may become insufficient, and it asks national governments to take measures lowering demand. The move is drawing wide attention across Europe as countries weigh how to respond and what it means for households and industry.
- 37Serbia's President Vucic resigns before October elections▼Serbia's President Vucic resigns ahead of October parliamentary elections
Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic has resigned ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for October, according to reporting carried by Reuters and U.S. News & World Report. The move comes at a sensitive political moment, with the country preparing to go to the polls, and it is drawing close attention both in Serbia and internationally. Details about the reasons for the resignation and what it means for the upcoming vote remain limited in the early coverage.
- 38Saudi Arabia's Houthi crisis tests its global alliances▼Saudi Arabia’s Houthi crisis tests its global alliances
Saudi Arabia faces renewed pressure over the Houthi conflict in Yemen, with the crisis straining its relationships with key international partners. Commentators note that Riyadh's handling of Houthi attacks and regional security is becoming a measure of how far the United States, China and other allies will back the kingdom. The standoff highlights the growing gap between Saudi security needs and the priorities of its global partners.
- 39Israeli ministers back calls to restore Gaza settlements●Israeli ministers back calls to restore settlements in Gaza — Anadolu Agency
Israeli ministers have voiced support for rebuilding Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip, which were dismantled in 2005 when Israel withdrew from the territory. The calls come amid the ongoing war in Gaza and add to debate over the territory's future, with Palestinian officials and much of the international community opposing any renewed Israeli presence there.
- 40Anthropic and OpenAI push for control over AI safety●Anthropic and OpenAI sound the alarm on AI safety — and seek to shape how it’s controlled
Anthropic and OpenAI, two of the leading artificial intelligence companies, are publicly warning about the risks of advanced AI while simultaneously working to influence how the technology will be regulated. The story, widely picked up by US broadcasters and the AP, frames the companies as both sounding the alarm and seeking a hand in shaping the rules that will govern their own industry.
- 41Iran backs diplomacy as Saudi seeks Hormuz status quo▼Iran backs diplomacy as Saudi FM seeks return to pre-Feb. 28 status in Strait of Hormuz
Iran has expressed support for diplomatic efforts after Saudi Arabia's foreign minister called for a return to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz as it stood before February 28. The statement signals continued regional engagement over tensions surrounding the key oil shipping route, with Riyadh pushing to restore earlier conditions in the strategic waterway.
- 42
The European Union has warned of a possible energy price crisis and, according to a letter reported by Reuters, has asked member countries to consider curbing their energy demand. The news is circulating among readers following EU politics and energy markets. The letter suggests officials are preparing for potential price pressures, though details about which measures might be taken or how countries would respond are not included in the available coverage.
- 43Russia and Germany Hold First High-Level Talks Since 2022▼Russia and Germany Hold First High-Level Diplomatic Talks Since 2022 at UN
Russian and German diplomats have held their first high-level talks since 2022, meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations. The encounter marks the most significant direct contact between the two governments since Germany radically reoriented its Russia policy after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The talks signal a possible, cautious thaw in diplomatic channels between Berlin and Moscow, though no concrete outcomes have been announced.
- 44Category 3 Hurricane Polo Bears Down on Mexico's Pacific Coast▼Category 3 Hurricane Polo Threatens Mexico’s Coast, Landfall Expected Monday
Hurricane Polo has strengthened to a Category 3 storm and is threatening Mexico's Pacific coast, with landfall expected on Monday. Authorities in coastal states are on alert as forecasts point to damaging winds, heavy rain and possible flooding. Residents are being urged to monitor official warnings and prepare for the storm's arrival.
- 45Iran Still Awaits Official US Response on Cease-Fire Offer●Iran Still Awaits ‘Official’ U.S. Response Despite Trump’s Rebuff of Cease-Fire Offer
Iran says it has received no official response from Washington to its cease-fire proposal, even after President Donald Trump dismissed the offer. Tehran is waiting for a formal signal through diplomatic channels before deciding its next steps, while the Trump administration's public rebuff has deepened uncertainty over prospects for de-escalation between the two countries.
- 46
The US-led Board of Peace has announced that UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, will have no role in Gaza going forward. The statement marks a significant decision about the administration of humanitarian aid and services in the territory, and is likely to draw strong reactions from the UN, Palestinian representatives and humanitarian organisations.
- 47
A plane carrying a military delegation from the Democratic Republic of the Congo has crashed, according to Al Jazeera. Details about casualties, the cause of the crash, and the delegation's destination have not yet been confirmed. The incident is likely to draw scrutiny of the country's military aviation safety at a time when DR Congo's armed forces are heavily engaged in operations against rebel groups in the east.
- 48Russian strikes kill two in Ukraine as Moscow rejects German initiative●Russian strikes kill 2 in Ukraine after Moscow rejects Germa...
Russian strikes on Ukraine have killed at least two people, coming shortly after Moscow rejected a German proposal aimed at advancing peace efforts. The attacks underline the continued intensity of the war despite diplomatic initiatives from Berlin, with Ukrainian officials reporting civilian casualties from the latest wave of strikes. The refusal of the German plan dims near-term prospects for negotiations.
- 49UN chief Guterres and Iran's Pezeshkian discuss Strait of Hormuz diplomacy▼UN chief Guterres, Iran’s Pezeshkian discuss diplomacy, Strait of Hormuz
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian focused on diplomatic solutions and the situation around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route. The discussion highlights ongoing international concern over Gulf tensions and freedom of navigation, with the UN pushing for de-escalation and dialogue.
- 50Israeli forces kill terrorist who kidnapped Noa Argamani on October 7●Israeli forces kill global jihad terrorist who kidnapped Noa Argamani on Oct. 7
Israeli forces have killed a global jihad operative who took part in the abduction of Noa Argamani during the Hamas-led October 7 attack on Israel. Argamani, one of the most widely recognized hostages of the war, was rescued in June 2024. The strike is being reported as part of Israel's ongoing campaign to eliminate those responsible for the massacre and kidnappings.