AHEAD

New data indicates the current El Niño is the strongest ever recorded, driving a major shift in global weather patterns. The development is expected to bring intensified droughts, floods and heatwaves to different regions, and scientists are closely monitoring how the unusually powerful event will affect temperatures, agriculture and extreme weather worldwide in the months ahead.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared ahead of the 81st UN General Assembly that Iran 'will never seek to build a nuclear bomb'. The statement comes as world leaders prepare to gather in New York, with Iran's nuclear programme and ongoing talks over sanctions and inspections expected to feature prominently on the agenda.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has given an exclusive interview addressing the protest movement inside Iran and the future of the country's military actions. The remarks come amid heightened tensions in the region, and viewers of the interview are weighing his comments on how Tehran plans to handle domestic unrest and whether further military operations are ahead.

Attention is focused on claims that the current El Niño event is unlike anything previously observed. Commentators describe it as unprecedented in strength or behaviour, raising concerns about extreme weather, record global temperatures, and impacts on agriculture and ecosystems worldwide. Many are calling for closer monitoring of how this exceptional pattern could shape climate conditions in the months ahead.

Forest fires in Indonesia are pushing smoke and haze toward Singapore just as the city prepares to host its Formula One Grand Prix. Organisers are drawing up contingency plans in case air quality deteriorates ahead of the major sporting event. Al Jazeera's Patrick Fok reports on the seasonal haze problem, which has long strained relations between Indonesia and its neighbours over the burning of land for agriculture.

Beijing has published its official statement on today's meeting between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump at the White House, while Washington has yet to release its own account. The Chinese readout is described as short but unusually dense, and observers are combing it for signals on trade and bilateral ties ahead of the US version.

CNN's senior data reporter Harry Enten analyzed new polling showing President Trump hitting his lowest approval numbers, calling them 'stunning'. The numbers suggest declining public support, and the segment is drawing wide attention as commentators weigh what the slump means for his presidency and the political landscape heading ahead.

Senior Republicans are publicly keeping their distance from Donald Trump as opinion polls show weakening support for him and his party. Several lawmakers and candidates facing tough races are avoiding appearances with the former president and toning down his rhetoric on the campaign trail. Commentators see the split as a sign of concern within the party about losing swing voters ahead of upcoming elections.

Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote, says a Kenyan court ruling will not stop the launch of his refinery project, though it could affect activities at the site. The remarks, reported by Reuters, signal that the Nigerian businessman intends to press ahead with the project despite the legal setback, while acknowledging possible practical disruptions on the ground as proceedings continue.

SpaceX's Starship, the largest rocket ever built, lifted off from Boca Chica, Texas, on its first integrated orbital test flight, but the mission ended early when the vehicle broke apart before completing its planned flight profile. The company framed the launch as a valuable test that gathered data for future attempts.Observers note that the booster failed to separate as planned and that the loss of the vehicle was within the range of expected outcomes for a first flight.

South Sudan addressed the UN General Assembly with a call for elections to be decided by the ballot rather than violence, as the country prepares for its long-delayed national vote. The message, relayed by UN News and regional outlets, underscores international attention to whether South Sudan's transition and first elections since independence will proceed peacefully.

A Wall Street Journal report says Egyptian intelligence warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government ahead of October 7 that an attack by Hamas was imminent, but the warning apparently did not prevent the assault. The claim raises new questions about Israeli intelligence failures and about how much Israeli officials knew before the Hamas-led attack that killed roughly 1,200 people and triggered the war in Gaza.

Australia's central bank, the Reserve Bank of Australia, has raised its cash rate to its highest level in 15 years, according to Reuters. The move means higher borrowing costs for Australian households and businesses, and signals the bank is still working to bring inflation back to target despite signs of economic slowing. Markets and economists will be watching for hints on whether further tightening is ahead.

The United States has extended tariff relief to a broad set of products under its latest trade arrangement with China. The exemptions cover US coal and agricultural goods as well as Chinese-made toys, car seats and holiday decorations. The scope of the relief is drawing attention because it touches both American export sectors and everyday consumer imports ahead of the holiday shopping season.

The United States and Iran remain engaged in mediated negotiations, but significant disagreements persist over the terms of a potential agreement. Analysts say a deal is unlikely to be finalized before the upcoming US midterm elections, leaving the diplomatic track in limbo as political pressures build in Washington.

The US dollar is trading near a two-month peak, supported by rising oil prices and higher US Treasury yields. Traders are holding back ahead of upcoming US jobs data, which could shape expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate policy. The dollar's strength reflects renewed confidence in US economic resilience, while energy price gains are adding to inflation concerns.

Reuters reports that the powerful forces — dubbed the 'G force' — propelling global markets higher may need to be slowed by the US Federal Reserve and the bond market. The item suggests that if equity momentum keeps running ahead of economic fundamentals, central bank policy and rising bond yields could act as the brake that curbs the rally.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva banned sports betting sites on Friday, targeting the 'bets' that have become the biggest sponsors of the country's football clubs. The move, announced nine days before a fiercely contested election in which Lula seeks a fourth term, has drawn attention to the tense relationship between gambling money and Brazilian football, with supporters and critics weighing the timing ahead of the vote.

New polling on France's 2027 presidential election projects a second-round runoff between Marine Le Pen and Jean-Luc Mélenchon in every scenario tested. French media, including RTL and Valeurs actuelles, are dissecting what a Le Pen–Mélenchon duel would mean, with commentary focusing on the electoral dynamics and weaknesses of each candidate ahead of the contest.

The Supreme Court of India held a hearing on the Election Commission, with arguments centring on the idea that the commission must not only be independent but also be seen to be independent. The discussion, reported in Indian media, touches on public perception of the poll body's credibility and the structural safeguards needed for its autonomy. The hearing has drawn wide attention ahead of electoral debates in the country.

Formula 1 has released the qualifying highlights from the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, drawing millions of views within hours. Fans are reacting to the session's surprises on the tight street circuit, with the grid now set for Sunday's race. Discussion is focused on driver performances and how qualifying positions could shape the outcome in a round often prone to chaos and safety cars.

Democrats are hoping anger over President Trump's immigration policies will win over Latino voters in Pennsylvania, a key swing state. Party strategists see immigration enforcement as a possible motivating issue for Hispanic communities, and are working to translate that discontent into support at the polls.

Federal authorities have issued a security bulletin ahead of the September 11 anniversary, warning that foreign terrorist organizations continue to encourage attacks in the United States. The notice, reported by ABC News, highlights ongoing propaganda and calls for violence by extremist groups abroad, urging law enforcement and the public to remain vigilant around commemorations.

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said rising bond yields will weigh on economic growth and help bring down inflation, comments that traders and analysts are reading as a signal the ECB may not need to raise rates further. Markets are watching closely for confirmation ahead of the bank's next policy decision.

Construction delays on Los Angeles subway projects are raising concerns about transit readiness for the 2028 Olympic Games. Reports point to setbacks on rail expansion work that planners had hoped would ease movement for athletes and visitors. Observers are questioning whether key transit lines can be completed before the Games begin, and officials face pressure to show the city's transport plans remain on track.

Attention is turning to the 2027 FIFA presidential election, with reporting examining which federation officials and regional blocs could decide whether Gianni Infantino secures another term as FIFA president. The focus is on the small circle of voters whose support will be decisive, and on how regional alliances within world football's governing body may shape the contest.

SpaceX is moving ahead with Starship Flight 14, the latest test mission in the company's campaign to prove out its reusable super-heavy launch system. Details of the launch date and mission objectives are limited so far, but the flight is drawing attention as SpaceX continues rapid iterations of the rocket at Starbase, Texas, in support of NASA's lunar ambitions.

The US dollar is holding close to a two-month high as Treasury yields rise and markets await fresh Federal Reserve data. Traders are positioning ahead of upcoming Fed-related releases that could shape expectations for interest rates, with the stronger dollar reflecting firm yield support and lingering uncertainty about the central bank's next policy moves.