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- 1Moody's Zandi warns high rates already hurting US economy▼Moody's Zandi warns that higher interest rates are already damaging the economy
Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Analytics, is warning that elevated interest rates are already inflicting damage on the economy. The economist's comments come as borrowing costs remain high, and they add to a growing debate over whether monetary policy is tightening too much and risking a slowdown.
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Regional media are examining why ceasefire agreements in Sudan's civil war, from the US- and Saudi-brokered Jeddah talks to diplomatic efforts raised at the United Nations in New York, have repeatedly collapsed. Commentators point to continued fighting between the army and paramilitary forces, lack of enforcement, and weak international leverage over the warring parties.
- 3Trump administration rejects UN pandemic preparedness declaration▼Trump administration rejects U.N. pandemic preparedness declaration
The Trump administration has refused to back a United Nations declaration on pandemic preparedness, according to The Hill. The declaration was intended to strengthen international coordination against future disease outbreaks. The decision puts Washington at odds with other UN member states that supported the text and is likely to fuel debate over US engagement with global health institutions.
- 4Russian central bank lowers official exchange rates for major currencies●Russian central bank lowers exchange rates for major currencies against ruble
Russia's central bank has lowered the official exchange rates it sets for major currencies against the ruble. The move affects the daily rates used across Russia's financial system for accounting, taxation and currency conversion. It comes amid ongoing volatility in the ruble, which has faced pressure from sanctions, energy export fluctuations and shifts in foreign trade flows since 2022.
- 5Senator Coons hails US-UK cooperation after thwarted terror attack▼Sen. Coons on thwarting of UK terror attack: ‘Reminder of why allies matter’
US Senator Chris Coons reacted to news that a terror attack in the United Kingdom was thwarted, calling the successful operation a 'reminder of why allies matter'. He framed it as evidence of the value of intelligence-sharing and close security ties between the US and Britain, at a time when transatlantic cooperation remains a frequent subject of political debate.
- 6SpaceX's Starship Prepares for First Orbital Flight●SpaceX’s Starship Is Set to Make Its First Orbital Flight
SpaceX's Starship, the largest rocket ever built, is preparing for its first orbital test flight. The mission marks a major milestone for Elon Musk's company and for NASA's plans to return astronauts to the Moon. A successful launch would demonstrate capabilities no current rocket possesses, though the trial carries significant risk of failure.
- 7Netanyahu attacks critics of Israel's actions in Gaza▼Netanyahu attacks critics of Israel’s actions in Gaza
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly attacked critics of Israel's military actions in Gaza, pushing back against mounting international condemnation of the ongoing war. His remarks come as scrutiny of Israel's conduct in the territory continues to grow among foreign governments, humanitarian organisations and commentators.
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Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo report that Ebola infections in the current outbreak have surpassed 8,000 cases, a grim milestone in one of the worst epidemics of the disease on record. The outbreak has strained responders working across conflict-affected eastern provinces, where vaccination and contact-tracing efforts face insecurity and community mistrust.
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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has declared that Russia intends to see the war in Ukraine through to the end, ruling out any early retreat from its goals. The statement underscores Moscow's refusal to compromise despite international pressure and ongoing fighting, and comes as Western allies continue debating further military and financial support for Kyiv.
- 10US and China weigh $60 billion tariff relief deal, chips excluded▼US, China eye US$60 billion in tariff relief, but chips stay off the table
The United States and China are reportedly exploring a package of tariff relief worth around US$60 billion, covering a range of goods affected by their ongoing trade disputes. Semiconductors, however, remain excluded from any potential easing, with both sides keeping chip-related restrictions firmly in place amid continued strategic competition over the semiconductor industry.
- 11Seven killed in strike on Yemen market▼Seven people killed in strike on market in Yemen, Houthi-run health ministry says
Seven people were killed in a strike on a market in Yemen, according to the Houthi-run health ministry. Details on who carried out the strike and the exact location were not immediately available, and casualty figures may be revised as rescue efforts continue.
- 12South Korea says North Korean mine likely injured soldiers in DMZ▼South Korean military: 'Highly likely' North Korean mine injured soldiers in DMZ
South Korea's military says it is 'highly likely' that a North Korean landmine injured soldiers in the Demilitarized Zone separating the two Koreas. The assessment raises fresh concerns about unmarked explosives along the heavily fortified border and comes at a time of heightened tension on the peninsula, drawing attention to the safety of troops patrolling the area.
- 13Bank of England's Ramsden flags possible rate rises on inflation●Bank of England’s Ramsden says rates may need to rise if inflation pressures build
Bank of England Deputy Governor Dave Ramsden said interest rates may need to rise again if inflationary pressures in the UK economy prove persistent. His comments signal that policymakers remain cautious about price growth even as other officials have suggested borrowing costs could stay on hold. Markets and economists watch such remarks closely for hints about the timing of the next move in British monetary policy.
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British police have disrupted what they describe as a possible terror attack, according to reports from the UK. Details about the location, suspects, or intended target have not yet been made public. Authorities have not confirmed whether arrests have been made or what stage the suspected plot had reached. Further information is expected as the investigation develops.
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Attention is on the European Central Bank's upcoming leadership changes, with reporting framing the succession as a contest shaped by political bargaining among EU governments rather than a purely technocratic decision. Key posts at the bank are expected to open up as senior officials' terms near their end, prompting jockeying over which nationalities and candidates fill them. The process matters because the ECB's leadership steers eurozone monetary policy and its balance between hawkish and dovish voices.
- 16Malaysia begins deporting Myanmar refugees despite safety concerns●Malaysia begins sending home Myanmar refugees despite safety concerns
Malaysia has started sending Myanmar refugees back home, a move that has drawn criticism from rights groups who say conditions in Myanmar remain unsafe for returnees. The decision affects refugees who had been sheltering in Malaysia after fleeing conflict and persecution. Advocates argue the deportations breach international protection obligations and could put returnees at serious risk.
- 17Russia says it struck Ukrainian military infrastructure and vessels▼Russia says it struck military infrastructure, vessels in Ukraine
Russia's defence ministry says it carried out strikes on military infrastructure and vessels in Ukraine, according to reporting carried by Reuters and multiple US outlets. The claim comes as the war continues and follows repeated Russian attacks on Ukrainian military targets. Details on casualties, locations or the scale of damage have not been confirmed, and Ukrainian officials have not commented in the available reports.
- 18OpenAI delays latest AI model release over safety concerns●Business - OpenAI scraps release of its latest AI model over safety concerns
OpenAI has scrapped the planned release of its latest AI model, citing safety concerns. The decision means the model will be held back rather than made available to users, a notable move for a company competing to ship new AI technology quickly. The news was carried by France 24 under its business coverage.
- 19Russian drone strikes kill 14 in Kyiv and Odesa, Ukraine says●Video. Ukraine says Russian drones kill 14, hit Kyiv and Odesa infrastructure
Ukraine says Russian drone attacks killed 14 people and damaged infrastructure in Kyiv and Odesa. Officials reported strikes on energy and civilian facilities in both cities, adding to a pattern of overnight drone bombardments. The attacks drew renewed calls from Kyiv for stronger air defences and continued Western support as the war grinds on.
- 20Cuba denounces possible US military action as 'atrocious'▼‘Atrocious’ crime: Cuban official decries possibility of US military action
A Cuban official has condemned the possibility of United States military action, describing such a move as an 'atrocious' crime. The remarks come amid rising tensions between Havana and Washington, with Cuba warning against any foreign intervention and criticising what it sees as threatening posture from the US government toward the island.
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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.
- 22Seven killed in strike in Yemen▼Seven people were killed in a strike in Yemen today | World News | 2news.com
Seven people were killed in a strike in Yemen today, according to a world news report. No further details about who carried out the strike, the location within Yemen, or the victims have been confirmed. The incident adds to the ongoing toll of violence in the country, which has faced years of conflict. More information is expected as the situation develops.
- 23Germany backs ICC after US sanctions the court▼German Foreign Minister supports ICC after Trump administration imposes sanctions on the Court
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has voiced support for the International Criminal Court after the Trump administration imposed sanctions on the Court and its staff. The move puts Berlin at odds with Washington over the Hague-based tribunal, which the US penalises in connection with its investigations, including warrants targeting Israeli officials.
- 24Israeli Strikes Continue across Gaza as Death Toll Climbs▼Israeli Attacks Continue across Gaza As Palestinian Death Toll Rises
Israeli military operations are continuing across the Gaza Strip, with Palestinian casualty figures rising as strikes hit multiple areas of the territory. The ongoing campaign has drawn renewed international concern over the humanitarian situation, with aid agencies warning of worsening conditions for civilians caught in the fighting.
- 25What the Iran War Broke in Israel-Palestine▼Israel/Palestine: What the Iran War Broke and What May Yet Be Salvaged
Analysts are assessing the fallout of the recent Iran war on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, arguing the fighting disrupted political dynamics, ceasefire efforts and regional diplomacy. Commentary from the Middle East Institute examines what has been damaged and what elements of the peace process might still be salvaged as attention returns to Gaza and the West Bank.
- 26NATO's top commander calls for condemnation of Russian sabotage●Top 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.
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Attention is turning to India's awkward position regarding Bangladesh's ousted leader Sheikh Hasina, who has taken refuge in India since her government collapsed. New Delhi faces pressure over sheltering a leader whose rule ended amid mass protests, and the dilemma touches on India's regional influence, its relationship with Bangladesh's interim authorities, and questions over possible extradition.
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Donald Trump has rejected a diplomatic opening with Iran, leaving efforts to ease tensions over Tehran's nuclear programme and regional conflict stalled. Analysts and regional commentators warn that with talks off the table, the standoff could escalate, and are calling the current impasse between Washington and Tehran a dangerous moment for the Middle East.
- 29Board of Peace: Israeli extremism hindering Gaza deradicalization effort▼Board of Peace official: Extremist views in Israel impeding effort to deradicalize Gaza
An official from the Board of Peace said extremist views within Israel are impeding efforts to deradicalize Gaza. The comments come amid ongoing international debate over the postwar governance and stabilization of the territory, and are likely to draw strong reactions from Israeli officials who reject outside criticism of domestic political positions.
- 30Germany urges Israel to let aid into Gaza●Germany urges Israel to allow humanitarian aid, reconstruction supplies into Gaza
Germany has called on Israel to allow humanitarian aid and reconstruction supplies into Gaza. The appeal adds to mounting international pressure over the dire humanitarian situation in the territory, where aid deliveries have been severely restricted and large-scale rebuilding has been blocked. Berlin, historically a firm ally of Israel, framing the issue this way highlights growing European concern over access for relief and reconstruction materials.
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Reports indicate Russia is expected to step up hybrid warfare against Europe, including tactics such as disinformation, cyberattacks, sabotage and other destabilising measures short of open conflict. European officials and security analysts have been warning for months that such operations are already targeting infrastructure, elections and public opinion across the continent. The renewed focus reflects growing concern among European governments about how to defend against these grey-zone threats.
- 32Strikes kill 4 in Ukraine as Moscow rebuffs German de-escalation call▼Strikes kill 4 in Ukraine after Moscow rejects German calls to de-escalate
Russian strikes killed four people in Ukraine after Moscow rejected German calls to de-escalate the conflict. The deadly attacks came despite fresh diplomatic pressure from Berlin for Moscow to scale back operations. The rejection and continued strikes underscore how far apart the two sides remain, with civilian casualties continuing even as European leaders push for a path toward ending the war.
- 33US forces prepare to leave Iraq after two decades▼After more than two decades, U.S. forces prepare to leave Iraq
United States forces are preparing to withdraw from Iraq, ending a military presence of more than two decades that began with the 2003 invasion. The move marks a major shift in the American footprint in the Middle East and closes a long chapter of US involvement in Iraqi security affairs.
- 34New satellite images reveal scale of Gaza devastation●Gaza devastation visible in new satellite imagery
Newly released satellite imagery shows the widespread destruction across Gaza, offering an independent view of the devastation from above. The images underline the scale of damage to buildings and infrastructure in the territory, and are drawing attention to the humanitarian situation as international focus remains on the war's consequences for civilians.
- 35ICE arrests surge amid 'invisibilized' quick detentions▼Gone in 90 seconds: an ‘invisibilized’ ICE is arresting more people than ever
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement is arresting more people than ever, often in operations lasting as little as 90 seconds, according to a Guardian report. The agency is described as 'invisibilized', with rapid detentions drawing scrutiny of how immigration enforcement is carried out and its growing scale under current policy.
- 36Eastern Chad Faces Strain as Sudan Crisis Update Issued▼Eastern Chad: Sudan Situation – Flash Updates #57
ReliefWeb has published its 57th flash update on the Sudan situation in eastern Chad, where hundreds of thousands of people who fled the war in Sudan continue to shelter in border camps. The latest briefing tracks humanitarian needs, refugee arrivals and the response by aid agencies in a region stretched thin by the influx.
- 37Russian strikes kill three in Ukrainian cities, Kyiv hit▼Russian attacks kills three in Ukrainian cities; nine injured in Kyiv strikes, officials say
Russian attacks across Ukrainian cities have killed three people, with nine injured in strikes on Kyiv, Ukrainian officials say. The overnight barrage adds to the ongoing toll of Russia's air campaign against Ukrainian urban areas, with emergency services responding to damage in the capital and other cities.
- 38Suspected terror attack thwarted near U.S. air base in UK▼Suspected terror attack thwarted near U.S. air base in U.K.
British authorities have thwarted a suspected terror attack near a U.S. air base in the United Kingdom, according to NBC News. Details about the suspects, the intended target, and the exact location of the base have not been disclosed. The incident is drawing wide attention given the involvement of an American military installation on British soil.
- 39Trump Caught Between Costly War on Iran and Difficult Retreat▼Trump Caught between Costly War on Iran, Politically Difficult Retreat
Donald Trump is facing a strategic dilemma over the conflict with Iran: continuing a costly military confrontation or pursuing a withdrawal that could carry significant political costs at home. Commentators are weighing the financial burden of the war against the reputational damage a retreat could inflict, with observers questioning how the administration can extricate itself without appearing weak.
- 40Congo Ebola infections pass 8,000, government says●Congo’s Ebola infections cross 8,000, government says
The Congolese government says Ebola infections in the country have surpassed 8,000 cases. The milestone underlines the continuing severity of the outbreak and the pressure on health authorities trying to contain the virus. Regional media flagged the figure, prompting renewed attention on response efforts, vaccination campaigns and the wider challenges of fighting Ebola in conflict-affected areas of eastern Congo.
- 41UN Secretary-General Holds Talks with Iran's Foreign Minister▼Secretary-General Meets with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iran
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres met with Iran's Minister for Foreign Affairs at UN headquarters. The meeting, announced through UN media channels, comes amid ongoing diplomatic engagement over regional tensions and Iran's relations with the international community. Details of what was discussed have not been released, but high-level contacts between the UN and Tehran typically cover conflicts, humanitarian access and nuclear diplomacy.
- 42SpaceX Starship lifts off on unprecedented test flight▼Watch SpaceX’s Starship lift off on unprecedented test
SpaceX launched its Starship rocket on a new test flight, with the mission described as unprecedented for the vehicle. Coverage focuses on the liftoff and what the test means for the next-generation spacecraft. SpaceX is using the flights to gather data toward future missions, and observers are watching how the rocket performs through its flight sequence.
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American doctors are working inside Gaza, providing medical care amid the ongoing conflict in the territory. The report highlights the presence of US medical personnel treating casualties in a health system that has been severely strained by the war. Details about how many doctors are involved and which organizations they represent are not specified.
- 44Japan tightens monetary policy to rescue the battered yen▼Operation Save the Yen: Japan partially turns off the cheap money tap, with a little help from its ‘American friend’
Japan is partially turning off the tap of decades of cheap money, moving to support the yen after prolonged currency weakness. The shift in monetary policy is being framed as an effort to defend the currency, with coverage suggesting Washington's position — described as an 'American friend' — played a supporting role in Tokyo's decision to rein in ultra-loose policy.
- 45SpaceX Starship prepares for its first orbital flight▼SpaceX’s massive Starship is finally going to orbit — and the effects could be seismic
SpaceX's Starship, the largest rocket ever built, is preparing for its first attempt to reach orbit. The milestone flight has drawn widespread attention because success would mark a major step for space exploration and could significantly lower the cost of reaching space, with potentially far-reaching effects on the industry.
- 46China edge Japan for Asian Games men's gymnastics team gold●Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026: People's Republic of China hold off hosts Japan for artistic gymnastics men's team gold
The People's Republic of China held off hosts Japan to win the men's team gold medal in artistic gymnastics at the Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026. The victory extends China's dominance in the event and denies Japan a home triumph in front of its own crowd, with the competition proving closely fought between the region's two gymnastics powerhouses.
- 47SpaceX Starship reaches orbit for first time in early-ending flight●SpaceX’s supersized Starship launches into orbit for the first time, but flight ends early
SpaceX's supersized Starship rocket launched into orbit for the first time, marking a milestone for the company's most powerful spacecraft, though the flight ended early before completing its full test plan. The launch is being widely discussed as a significant step in Elon Musk's space program despite the premature conclusion.
- 48China says US trade truce extension opens room for talks▼China says US trade truce extension creates space to advance talks
China said the extension of the trade truce with the United States creates space to keep pushing negotiations forward between the two countries. The statement, reported widely by international outlets, signals that both sides remain engaged in efforts to stabilise their trade relationship and settle disputes through dialogue rather than escalation.
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Speaker Mike Johnson is set to join Donald Trump for meetings with leading technology executives focused on the risks posed by artificial intelligence. The talks come as Washington weighs how to regulate fast-moving AI development while keeping the US competitive, and they signal that AI policy is moving up the agenda for lawmakers and industry leaders alike.
- 50Russian Strikes Kill Four in Ukraine, Hit Kyiv Data Center▼Russian Strikes Kill Four in Ukraine, Damage Kyiv Data Center
Russian strikes across Ukraine killed four people and damaged a data center in Kyiv, according to Bloomberg reporting. The attack adds to a pattern of aerial assaults on Ukrainian cities, with infrastructure damage highlighting the war's continuing toll on civilian systems.