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- 1NATO's top commander calls for condemnation of Russian sabotageβTop NATO commander urges states to condemn Russian acts of sabotage
A senior NATO commander has urged member states to publicly condemn acts of sabotage attributed to Russia. The appeal comes amid ongoing tensions linked to the war in Ukraine, with alliance officials increasingly warning about hybrid threats, including attacks on infrastructure across member countries.
- 2Finland and Sweden scramble fighter jets together against Russia in firstβFinland and Sweden scramble fighter jets together against Russia in historic first
Finland and Sweden have jointly scrambled fighter jets against a Russian aircraft for the first time, marking a historic milestone in military cooperation between the two Nordic countries. The joint response reflects their deepening integration into NATO's air defense posture following both countries' recent accession to the alliance and heightened concern over Russian air activity near their airspace.
- 3Iran says it is ready for 'doomsday war' as Trump rejects cease-fireβΌIran ready for 'doomsday war' after Trump rejects cease-fire proposal β but still wants peace: Tehran negotiator
A Tehran negotiator said Iran is prepared for what he called a 'doomsday war' after Donald Trump rejected a cease-fire proposal, while stressing that Iran still wants peace. The statement signals escalating rhetoric between Tehran and Washington, with talks over ending hostilities at a standstill even as Iranian officials insist they are not seeking wider conflict.
- 4Pacific island leaders sound climate alarm at UN General AssemblyβΌPacific island leaders highlight climate threats at UN General Assembly
Leaders of Pacific island nations used their addresses at the UN General Assembly in New York to spotlight the mounting threats climate change poses to their countries, including rising seas, extreme weather and threats to livelihoods and sovereignty. Their speeches press larger nations for stronger emissions cuts and support, giving small island states a prominent platform in the global climate debate.
- 5
SpaceX has launched its Starship rocket toward orbit for the first time, a milestone for the company's next-generation heavy-lift vehicle. The test flight marks the first attempt to send the spacecraft on an orbital trajectory, a key step in Elon Musk's plans for lunar and Mars missions and NASA's Artemis program.
- 6Iran Pushes Diplomacy After Trump Rejects Peace PlanβΌIran Pushes for Diplomacy After Trump Rejects Peace Plan
Iran is pressing for continued diplomatic engagement after the United States, under President Donald Trump, rejected a proposed peace plan. Reports indicate Tehran is positioning itself as open to negotiation despite Washington's refusal. Analysts are watching whether further diplomatic channels will remain open between the two countries, given heightened tensions in the region.
- 7Egypt warned Israel Gaza was 'on verge of exploding' before Oct 7βΌ'Gaza on verge of exploding': Egypt spy chief warned Israel of Hamas escalation before Oct 7
Egypt's intelligence chief warned Israel ahead of October 7 that Gaza was 'on verge of exploding' and that Hamas was planning an escalation, according to a report citing the warning. The claim revives debate over whether Israeli officials underestimated the threat despite specific advance notice from Cairo, and how much of the intelligence was shared or acted upon before the attack.
- 8
The foreign ministers of Russia and Germany have held their first direct talks since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The meeting marks a rare high-level diplomatic contact between Moscow and a major European power, and observers are watching for any signals of a possible thaw or shift in negotiations over the war.
- 9Russia and Germany hold first diplomatic talks since 2022βΌRussia, Germany's top diplomats hold first talks since 2022 at UN
Russia's and Germany's top diplomats have met at the United Nations in their first talks since 2022, when relations collapsed following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The meeting marks the highest-level direct contact between the two governments in over two years. It signals a possible thaw, or at least a channel for crisis communication, between Moscow and a leading European Union and NATO member state.
- 10SpaceX Starship deploys Starlinks on orbital debut flightβSpaceX's Starship makes orbital debut deploying Starlinks before early ending
SpaceX's Starship completed its first orbital-class mission deploying Starlink satellites before the flight ended early. The test demonstrated the vehicle's ability to carry payloads to orbit for the first time, a key milestone for SpaceX's plans to expand its satellite internet constellation and for NASA's lunar ambitions, even though the mission did not run its full duration.
- 11Millions return to find Sudan's capital unlivableβPower cuts, rubble: millions come home to find Sudan's capital unlivable | Hindustan Times
Millions of people returning to Khartoum are finding the Sudanese capital barely habitable, with widespread power cuts, rubble-strewn streets and destroyed infrastructure. The city was heavily damaged during the conflict between the army and paramilitary forces, and returning residents face shortages of electricity, water and basic services. Aid agencies warn that conditions remain dire despite claims of security improving in some areas.
- 12Waltz says Iran demanded upfront sanctions relief in rejected dealβΌWaltz says Iran wanted sanctions relief up front in rejected deal; Tehran pushes back
US national security adviser Mike Waltz says a rejected nuclear proposal showed Iran wanted sanctions relief up front while offering little in return. Iranian officials dispute that account, insisting their counterproposals were balanced. The disagreement highlights the widening gap between Washington and Tehran as diplomacy stalls over sequencing of concessions.
- 13Trump rejects Iran's plan to reopen Strait of HormuzβΌTrump calls Iranian plan to reopen Strait of Hormuz not 'acceptable'
President Donald Trump said an Iranian plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is not 'acceptable', according to reports from NPR and other US news outlets. The Strait is a critical shipping route for global oil supplies, and tensions over its status have kept markets and governments watching closely. Details of Iran's proposal and Washington's specific objections remain limited.
- 14SpaceX to attempt first orbital flight of Starship rocketβΌSpaceX to attempt putting Starship rocket into Earth orbit for first time
SpaceX is preparing to send its Starship rocket into Earth orbit for the first time, a milestone test for the vehicle the company plans to use for missions to the Moon and Mars. The attempt, widely reported by international outlets including France 24, is being closely watched by space observers as Starship is the most powerful rocket ever developed, and a successful orbital flight would mark a major step forward for private spaceflight.
- 15
The United States has rejected a United Nations declaration outlining how countries should prepare for future pandemics, according to The New York Times. The move marks a break with the international consensus document on pandemic readiness and is likely to raise questions about Washington's role in global health cooperation.
- 16Russia claims strikes knocked out quarter of Ukraine's internetβΌRussia says strikes destroyed 25% of Ukraine's internet, Starlink facilities
Russia says its strikes have destroyed roughly 25% of Ukraine's internet infrastructure, including facilities linked to Elon Musk's Starlink satellite network. The claim, reported by Chinese and regional outlets, suggests Moscow is targeting communications systems alongside energy infrastructure. Ukraine has not confirmed the extent of the damage, and Starlink remains a critical connectivity lifeline for the country's military and civilians.
- 17Saudi Arabia has not ruled out nuclear weapons, US intelligence saysβΌReport: Saudi Arabia has not ruled out nuclear weapons program, US intelligence assesses
US intelligence assesses that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out pursuing a nuclear weapons program, according to an i24NEWS report. The finding highlights lingering concerns over Riyadh's nuclear ambitions, particularly as regional tensions persist and talks over US-Saudi nuclear cooperation and possible normalization with Israel continue without a formal Saudi commitment to remain non-nuclear.
- 18Russia strikes Ukraine's largest mobile provider and data centresβRussia hits Ukraine's largest mobile provider, data centres
Russian strikes have hit Kyivstar, Ukraine's largest mobile network operator, along with data centre infrastructure, disrupting communications services in the country. The attack on civilian telecoms infrastructure marks another escalation in Russia's campaign against Ukrainian critical systems, drawing condemnation and raising concerns about the resilience of Ukraine's communications networks during the ongoing war.
- 19Artemis II prepares for first crewed moon mission in 50 yearsβΌArtemis II's moon mission is the 1st in more than 50 years. Why did it take the US so long to return?
NASA's Artemis II mission is set to return astronauts to the Moon for the first time since Apollo 17 in 1972, prompting questions about why the gap lasted more than five decades. Commentators point to shifting political priorities, soaring costs, and the cancellation of earlier programs like Constellation as reasons the US pause extended so long.
- 20U.K. Police Investigate Suspected Terror Plot Near U.S. BaseβΌU.K. Police Investigate Suspected Terror Plot Near Base Used by U.S. Forces
British police are investigating a suspected terrorist plot near a military base used by U.S. forces in the United Kingdom. Details of the alleged plot, including any suspects or arrests, have not been widely reported. The case has drawn international attention given the site's connection to American military personnel and ongoing security concerns in Britain.
- 21China and US agree to set up AI safety channelβΌChina and US agree to establish AI safety channel and continue trade and military talks
China and the United States have agreed to establish a dedicated channel for talks on artificial intelligence safety, while also committing to continue dialogue on trade and military matters. The agreement marks a rare area of cooperation between the two powers amid ongoing tensions, and has been widely reported across US news outlets.
- 22IDF footage shows child allegedly used to move weapons in GazaβWATCH: IDF shares footage of terrorist using child to transfer weapons into civilian home in Gaza
The Israeli military has released footage it says shows a terrorist using a child to transfer weapons into a civilian home in Gaza. The clip, shared publicly by the IDF, is being presented as evidence of armed groups embedding operations among civilians and involving minors. The claim has not been independently verified, and reactions to the footage are circulating widely as the Gaza conflict continues.
- 23Strikes hit Sudan cities as army chief defies US visa banβΌStrikes hit Sudan cities as army chief defiant after US visa snub
General strikes have closed markets and disrupted daily life in several Sudanese cities, while army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan remains defiant after Washington barred him and other officials from US visas over the ongoing war. The strike action reflects mounting public anger over the conflict and worsening humanitarian conditions, with the visa measure seen as a rare American sanction against Sudan's military leadership.
- 24Police hunt gunmen after two South Africa mass shootings kill 27βΌPolice hunt gunmen after 2 mass shootings in South Africa leave at least 27 dead
At least 27 people have been killed in two separate mass shootings in South Africa, and police are searching for the gunmen responsible. Details about the victims, locations and possible motives remain limited as the investigation continues, with authorities facing pressure to make arrests quickly.
- 25European Commission urges EU countries to cut energy useβΌThe European Commission called on EU countries to reduce gas and electricity consumption due to rising prices
The European Commission has called on EU member states to reduce their gas and electricity consumption amid rising energy prices. The appeal comes as households and industry across the bloc face high bills, and it signals Brussels' push for demand-side measures to ease pressure on the market. Member states' responses and any binding targets remain to be seen.
- 26Dollar steady near two-month high as US-Iran stalemate lifts oilβΌDollar steadies near two-month high as US-Iran stalemate lifts oil, Fed rate hike bets build
The US dollar held near a two-month high as the standoff between Washington and Tehran pushed oil prices higher and investors increased bets that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates. Traders are weighing geopolitical risk in the Middle East against expectations of tighter US monetary policy, both of which are supporting the greenback against major currencies.
- 27
The New York Times examines how Russian mothers and fathers who lost their sons fighting in Ukraine now view the war. The reporting explores whether grief has shifted families' attitudes toward the Kremlin and the invasion. The piece is drawing attention as the conflict grinds on and casualties mount.
- 28Smotrich calls for war in West Bank, annexation plansβIsrael's Smotrich calls for βwarβ in West Bank, seeks annexation of parts of Gaza, southern Lebanon
Israel's far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for war in the West Bank and advocated annexing parts of both Gaza and southern Lebanon. The comments drew wide attention given his senior role in the Israeli government and their implications for regional escalation, territorial policy and already strained relations with Palestinians and Lebanon.
- 29Indonesia central bank scales back FX spot interventionβΌIndonesia central bank reduces FX intervention in spot market, governor says
Bank Indonesia has reduced its interventions in the foreign exchange spot market, according to the central bank governor. The move signals greater comfort with the rupiah's current level and a shift in how the bank manages currency stability. Markets watch these interventions closely as a gauge of pressure on Southeast Asia's largest economy's currency.
- 30US and Iran signal openness to talks or conflictβUS, Iran signal they are ready for negotiations or potential military conflict
The United States and Iran are both signalling that they are prepared either to enter negotiations or to move toward potential military confrontation. Officials on both sides appear to be keeping military pressure and diplomatic channels open at the same time, leaving the direction of the standoff uncertain as tensions over Iran's nuclear programme continue.
- 31
Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of carrying out provocations that are escalating tensions, remarks reported by Chinese state media outlets China Daily and its global edition. The comments come as the war between Russia and Ukraine continues, with both sides trading blame over the deteriorating situation on the ground and stalled prospects for peace.
- 32Russia loses 1,690 troops in a single day, Ukraine saysβRussia loses 1,690 troops in war against Ukraine over past day
Ukraine's General Staff reports that Russia lost 1,690 troops killed or wounded over the past day in its war against Ukraine. The figure, released by Kyiv's military command as part of its daily casualty updates, points to the continued intensity of fighting along the front lines. Such daily tallies cannot be independently verified, and Russia rarely discloses its own losses.
- 33Russians strike Kyiv data centre twice in morning attack, Zelenskyy saysβΌZelenskyy: Russians strike Kyiv data centre twice in morning attack
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russian forces hit a data centre in Kyiv twice during a morning attack, according to a Ukrainian news report. The strike targeted critical digital infrastructure in the capital amid ongoing Russian air assaults on Ukrainian cities, though details on damage or casualties were not immediately provided.
- 34
Donald Trump said that new US military strikes against Iran are 'not ruled out' ahead of the upcoming US midterm elections, keeping open the possibility of renewed military action. The remark suggests continued tensions between Washington and Tehran even after earlier strikes, and signals that military options remain on the table as the political season intensifies.
- 35BOJ October Rate Hike a Real Possibility, Ex-Official SaysβΌBOJ 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.
- 36
News reports say Russia has carried out strikes on Ukraine while President Putin denies that Russia plans to attack Europe, amid growing tensions between Russia and the West. The term is trending as readers follow updates on the ongoing war in Ukraine and debate Putin's comments. The available evidence is limited to a single headline, so details about the strikes, casualties, or reactions from Ukrainian officials are not clear from the posts.
- 37Israel releases footage of strike that killed Noa Argamani's abductorβΌWatch: Israel releases footage of strike killing terrorist who abducted Noa Argamani
Israel has released footage of an airstrike it says killed the terrorist who abducted Noa Argamani during the October 7, 2023 attack. Argamani, a hostage taken from the Nova music festival, was rescued by Israeli forces in June 2024, making her one of the most high-profile former captives. The strike footage has drawn wide attention across Israeli and international media.
- 38Democrats vow to confront Israel over violence against PalestiniansβΌDems vow to confront Israel on violence against Palestinians: βOut of controlβ
Democrats are pledging to directly challenge Israel over violence against Palestinians, with party members describing the situation as 'out of control'. The vow signals growing willingness among Democratic lawmakers to publicly pressure the Israeli government over its conduct in the occupied territories and the treatment of Palestinians, a break from more cautious party positioning in the past.
- 39Trump expects Iran talks to resume this weekβΌTrump expects talks with Iran to resume this week after rejecting proposal
President Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran are expected to pick back up this week, after the United States rejected a proposal put forward by Tehran. He gave no details of the rejected offer or the terms for renewed discussions. The comments come as Washington and Tehran remain at odds over Iran's nuclear programme, and officials on both sides have signalled that diplomacy has not collapsed despite the setback.
- 40Polish border residents brace for possible Russian hybrid attackβResidents brace for a possible Russian hybrid attack on Polandβs border with Ukraine
Residents along Poland's border with Ukraine are preparing for a possible Russian hybrid attack, according to AP News. The report highlights growing concern in eastern Poland, a frontline NATO state that has been a key transit hub for aid to Ukraine. Hybrid attacks typically involve sabotage, disinformation or cyber operations rather than direct military force.
- 41Iran's Pezeshkian: Diplomacy Can Reopen Strait of HormuzβΌHormuz Crisis: Iran President Pezeshkian Says Diplomacy, Not Force, Can Reopen Strait
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said the Strait of Hormuz can be reopened through diplomacy rather than military force, amid the ongoing crisis over the strategic waterway. The channel carries a large share of the world's oil, so any closure or reopening has global energy and shipping implications. Commentators are watching whether talks can defuse tensions and restore free passage.
- 42
Iran's foreign minister said the country is prepared either for negotiations with the United States or for a new war, underscoring Tehran's hardline posture amid ongoing tensions. The statement signals that Iran sees diplomacy and confrontation as equally live options, with officials insisting the country will not yield to pressure while leaving the door open to renewed talks.
- 43Ebola cases surge in North Kivu as Ituri outbreak slowsβΌEbola: Sharp jump in cases in North Kivu while outbreak slows in Ituri
Health authorities report a sharp jump in Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo's North Kivu province, even as the outbreak slows in neighbouring Ituri. The uneven trend highlights the continued challenges of containing the epidemic, including insecurity and community mistrust that hamper contact tracing and vaccination efforts in parts of the region.
- 44
Israel says an airstrike in Gaza has killed a man it identifies as having been involved in the kidnapping of hostages during the October 7, 2023 attacks. The strike is the latest in Israel's ongoing campaign against Hamas operatives in the territory, which continues amid stalled ceasefire negotiations and mounting international concern over civilian casualties.
- 45SpaceX launches Starship rocket into orbit for the first timeβΌSpaceX launches its massive Starship rocket into orbit for the first time
SpaceX has launched its massive Starship rocket into orbit for the first time, a milestone for the company's most powerful spacecraft. The test flight is a major step in SpaceX's plans for deep-space missions, including journeys to the Moon and Mars. Observers are watching closely for details on how the vehicle performed during the flight and what the results mean for future launches.
- 46Iran reroutes trade to Caspian Sea as Hormuz disruptedβΌIran shifts trade north to Caspian Sea as war impairs Strait of Hormuz
Iran is shifting its trade routes north to the Caspian Sea as the ongoing war impairs shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the main artery for its oil and goods exports. The Strait's disruption has forced Tehran to seek alternatives, including transit via northern ports and routes through Central Asian neighbours. The change signals how the conflict is reshaping Iran's commerce and regional logistics.
- 47
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Donald Trump has approved the production of Patriot missiles in Ukraine. The claim, if confirmed, would mark a significant step in US military cooperation with Kyiv, potentially allowing Ukraine to manufacture the sought-after air defense systems domestically. The announcement is drawing attention amid ongoing debate over Western air defense support for Ukraine's war effort.
- 48US accuses China of secret nuclear weapons testsβΌUS challenges China on secret nuclear tests as arms race looms
The United States has accused China of conducting secret nuclear weapons tests, raising fears of a new nuclear arms race between the two powers. The claim intensifies tensions in an already fraught strategic relationship, with concerns growing that both countries could resume explosive testing or expand arsenals. Arms control advocates warn the standoff undermines global non-proliferation efforts.
- 49Poll Predicts Le Pen vs Melanchon in French Run-OffβΌFar-Right Le Pen and Hard-Left Melenchon Seen Reaching French Presidential Run-Off, Poll Shows
A new poll projects France's 2027 presidential election could come down to a run-off between far-right leader Marine Le Pen's camp and hard-left veteran Jean-Luc Melenchon, sidelining President Emmanuel Macron's centrist bloc. Commentators see the projection as a sign of deepening polarisation in French politics, with the mainstream centre at risk of being squeezed out of the second round entirely.
- 50Ebola outbreak in DR Congo nears 8,000 confirmed casesβThe Ebola outbreak in the DRC exceeds 8,300 dead and approaches 8,000 confirmed cases.
Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are battling one of the deadliest Ebola outbreaks on record, with the death toll now exceeding 8,300 and confirmed cases approaching 8,000. The figures underline the severity of the epidemic and the continued challenges of containing transmission in affected regions, drawing international attention to the response effort.