AP

Forest fires in Indonesia are sending smoke and haze toward Singapore just as the city prepares to host its Formula One Grand Prix. Race organisers are drawing up contingency plans in case air quality deteriorates further, with the regional haze posing a threat to one of the country's biggest sporting events, according to Al Jazeera reporting from the region.

A new NBC News poll shows President Donald Trump's approval rating falling to 41% among registered voters, the lowest of his second term, with 55% disapproving. More voters are also criticizing his handling of the economy, a concern coming as the closely watched midterm elections approach.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, laying out what Tehran describes as its red lines on nuclear weapons, Israel and regional security. The speech comes as tensions over Iran's nuclear programme and the conflict with Israel remain high, and analysts are weighing whether his remarks signal openness to diplomacy or a hardening of Iran's position.

In 2026, Russian forces made only marginal territorial gains in Ukraine, yet Moscow's official maps and annexation claims continued to be updated as if large areas were under its control. According to the analysis, the gap between reality on the ground and Russia's claimed territory exceeds 5,000 square kilometres. Observers are highlighting this discrepancy as evidence of the widening distance between Kremlin claims and battlefield facts.

A US jury has ruled that Apple must pay a record $5.7 billion in a patent infringement case over haptic technology, the vibration feedback used in iPhones and other devices. The verdict is one of the largest patent damages awards against Apple to date, and the company is widely expected to appeal the decision.

A typhoon has struck Japan, with authorities issuing evacuation orders or advisories to nearly two million residents as the storm brought heavy rain and damaging winds. The BBC reports on the scale of the warning and emergency response. People are closely following the storm's path and any reports of casualties or damage.

US intelligence agencies assess that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing nuclear weapons, according to a Washington Post report. The finding highlights Riyadh's hedging as regional tensions persist and talks over a potential civil nuclear program and a defense pact with Washington continue. It also raises questions about proliferation risks if Iran's nuclear program advances further.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has declared that Iran 'will never seek to build a nuclear bomb,' speaking ahead of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. The pledge, reported by APT, comes as Tehran seeks to reassure the international community about its nuclear programme and shapes expectations for Iran's diplomatic posture at the New York gathering.

India and Japan faced off in a one-off T20I as part of the Suzuki Cup, with match highlights drawing massive attention from cricket fans. The fixture between an established cricketing power and an emerging Asian side has generated wide discussion, with highlights distributed by Star Sports attracting tens of millions of engagements online.

Heathrow's long-planned third runway has reportedly been delayed and will not be completed until 2039, according to the Telegraph. The project has faced years of legal, planning and funding challenges, and the new timeline pushes back when the UK's busiest airport could expand capacity. Reactions are likely to focus on whether the delay undermines Britain's growth and connectivity ambitions.

Fresh polling on Donald Trump's approval rating is drawing attention, with results circulating widely among political commentators and voters. Figures like these typically spark debate over his standing with the public, the direction of his support among key demographics, and what the numbers could mean for upcoming elections and his political agenda.

Authorities in Japan have urged nearly two million people to evacuate as a powerful typhoon batters the country, bringing destructive winds and heavy rain. Emergency warnings have been issued across affected regions, with residents told to move to safety ahead of the storm's peak. The scale of the evacuation order reflects concerns about flooding, landslides and widespread damage.

Ukraine's Defense Forces reportedly struck the Ilsky Oil Refinery in Russia's Krasnodar Krai, with additional hits reported on the Azov Optical-Mechanical Plant. In parallel developments, Japan allocated a further $51.5 million to Ukraine, while a bipartisan group of 14 U.S. senators urged President Trump to take a harder line against Putin. Commenters are highlighting the combination of deep strikes inside Russia and continued Western financial and political support for Kyiv.

Britain is set to scrap the so-called Brexit labels introduced after leaving the European Union, according to reports. The labels, which distinguished UK goods from EU products, are now expected to disappear as the government moves to align more closely with EU trading rules. The change is being discussed as a practical step to reduce trade friction between the UK and the EU.

Donald Trump said he has approved new fuel economy standards that roll back rules put in place during Joe Biden's administration. The change relaxes efficiency requirements for cars and light trucks, a longstanding goal of Trump's deregulation agenda that automakers and environmental groups have been contesting. Reaction has focused on what the rollback means for gasoline prices, vehicle choices and US climate targets.

Singapore's national water agency PUB has urged the public to avoid several areas in the city-state due to flash flood risks. The advisory follows heavy rainfall affecting parts of the island, with the agency warning people to stay clear of flood-prone locations for their safety. Updates on affected areas are being circulated widely as residents check conditions during the wet weather.

Singapore has put forward a proposal for a United Nations framework convention on artificial intelligence safety, according to the Straits Times. The initiative would aim to create an international agreement setting common standards for the safe development and use of AI, positioning Singapore as an active voice in global AI governance debates.

Apple has been ordered to pay $5.7 billion in a patent infringement verdict relating to the haptic feedback technology used in the iPhone and Apple Watch. The ruling, one of the largest patent judgments against the company, is expected to prompt an appeal and could affect how Apple sources vibration components for its flagship devices.

A federal judge, Trump appointee Stephanie Gallagher, has held the Trump administration in contempt for deporting a man to El Salvador in violation of three court orders. The judge is ordering the government to return him. The ruling, reported by Politico legal correspondent Kyle Cheney, is drawing attention as part of the broader legal fight over the administration's immigration enforcement and compliance with court rulings.

The Trump administration is invoking a rarely used authority to rescind nearly $1 billion in federal spending that Congress had already approved. The move tests the limits of executive power over the purse and is likely to spark a legal and political fight on Capitol Hill over whether the White House can unilaterally cancel appropriations lawmakers enacted into law.

The 20th Asian Games are under way in Japan's Aichi Prefecture and the city of Nagoya, running from 19 September to 4 October. Around 11,000 athletes from 45 countries are competing across 43 sports. The Guardian has published a photo gallery from the event, showing scenes from the opening days of competition in Japan.

Pope Francis, speaking to journalists aboard the papal plane en route to France, said he travels to the country to proclaim Christ's peace. The remark came as the pontiff began his visit to France, framing the trip as a message of peace. Further details about his itinerary and reception were not provided.

Bus passengers in Singapore who play music out loud will now face fines ranging from around $400 to $4,000. The measure targets noisy behaviour on public transport and has drawn wide attention, with many people discussing whether heavy penalties are the right way to enforce etiquette on buses.

Poland's central bank is described as trapped in a political contest, according to the Financial Times. The report highlights growing tensions around the institution, suggesting its independence is under pressure amid a broader struggle over political influence in Poland. The row adds to scrutiny of the bank's leadership and policy decisions at a sensitive moment for the country's economy and institutions.

Saudi Arabia has declined to rule out acquiring nuclear weapons, according to a new report picked up by international outlets including The New Arab and Fox News. The kingdom has long said its nuclear programme is for civilian energy purposes, but officials are refusing to commit to a weapons-free posture as regional tensions with Iran persist and Riyadh weighs its security options.

Singapore is cracking down on people blasting music and videos on public transportation, with violators now facing fines of up to 500 Singapore dollars. The measure targets noisy behaviour on trains and buses, reflecting the city-state's well-known emphasis on public order and courtesy. The announcement is drawing wide attention online, with many praising the enforcement of quiet commutes while others debate how strictly it will be policed.

A US jury has ruled that Apple must pay $5.7 billion in damages for infringing patents on haptic technology, the vibration feedback used in its iPhones and other devices. The award is described as a record sum in a patent case, and the verdict is drawing wide attention given its size and Apple's history of costly patent disputes.

Singapore's National Library Board is trialling a micropayment scheme that rewards people financially for reading, in an effort to encourage reading habits at a time when attention is dominated by phones. Early discussion centres on whether small cash incentives can genuinely change behaviour, with commenters debating whether paying for reading cheapens intrinsic motivation or is a pragmatic public-policy tool.

Singapore is reworking its national cyber defence strategy following attacks attributed to the hacking group UNC3886, according to a Straits Times report. As part of the shift, the city-state is deploying AI-powered security tools to detect and respond to intrusions more quickly. The move signals a more proactive posture against state-linked espionage threats targeting critical infrastructure.