developing countries

Russia has started rationing fuel following a large-scale Ukrainian drone strike that hit oil and fuel infrastructure. Reports say Ukrainian long-range drone technology is outpacing Russian air defences, including jet-powered drones deployed by Moscow. The strikes have disrupted fuel supplies, prompting authorities to introduce restrictions, while observers highlight the growing effectiveness of Ukraine's drone campaign against Russian energy targets deep inside the country.

US-Iran diplomacy is receiving renewed attention as President Trump pushes for talks with Tehran, while Iran maintains its existing demands as conditions for negotiations. The development suggests a possible reopening of diplomatic channels between the two countries after a prolonged standoff. Observers are watching whether Washington's outreach and Tehran's firm positions can produce a workable basis for dialogue.

Donald Trump said the United States will win its war against Iran 'very soon' during talks with mediators, according to The Jerusalem Post. The statement signals confidence from the US side even as intermediaries work on negotiations. The comments come amid ongoing conflict between the two countries, and observers are watching whether diplomatic channels can bring the fighting to an end.

US officials have warned that if Iran acquired nuclear weapons, no country could prevent it from dominating the Strait of Hormuz, the chokepoint through which a large share of the world's oil passes. The statement underscores Washington's argument that Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear arsenal, given Tehran's existing influence over Gulf shipping lanes.

British authorities are investigating whether a foreign state was involved in an alleged plot targeting a UK airbase. The suspects detained in the case have been released without charge, though the inquiry into possible foreign state involvement continues. Officials have not publicly named any country, and details about the suspects or the specific base remain limited as the investigation proceeds.

US President Donald Trump has turned down Iran's most recent proposal for a ceasefire, according to NPR reporting. The rejection signals that diplomatic efforts to halt hostilities between Washington and Tehran have stalled, at least for now. The development is drawing attention amid ongoing tensions, with observers watching for whether negotiations resume or the conflict escalates further in the coming days.

Bloomberg reports that Chinese officials are studying new policies aimed at boosting the country's economy and stabilizing the struggling housing market. The move signals renewed policy attention to the property sector, which has weighed on growth amid weak home sales and developer debt problems. Markets are watching for concrete measures such as financing support or demand-side incentives.

DW News examines whether India's growing space startups can make the country a leading global space power. With the government opening the sector to private companies, new firms are developing rockets, satellites and launch services, prompting debate about whether private innovation can build on ISRO's successes and position India among the world's top space nations.

Al Jazeera journalists reported from near the front line in Ethiopia's Afar region, where fighting has spread as the country's conflict extends into new territory. The coverage shows the impact on communities in the region and highlights growing concerns about the widening front in Ethiopia. The report drew attention from international audiences following developments in the country.

A Minister of State from the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed the 81st session of the UN General Assembly during its general debate. The remarks come as world leaders gather in New York to set out their countries' positions on international peace, security and development. The UAE's intervention is being followed as part of its broader diplomatic engagement on the global stage.

Yale University researchers are examining the hidden labor economy behind artificial intelligence, spotlighting the largely invisible workforce that annotates data, moderates content and trains AI systems, often for low pay in developing countries. The work raises questions about fair wages and working conditions in a tech industry that promotes automation while quietly depending on human labor.

Ukraine's digital minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, says Kyiv wants European countries and companies to use Ukraine as a sandbox for developing and testing artificial intelligence technologies. The proposal positions the country, which has built deep digital expertise during the war, as a live testing environment for EU AI innovation and regulation.

China said the extension of its trade truce with the United States creates room to keep advancing negotiations between the two countries. The truce, which has paused many of the tariffs imposed during their trade dispute, has been extended, and Beijing framed the move as a chance to build on progress. Officials and observers are watching whether the breathing space leads to a broader, more durable agreement on trade.

A large 'hybrid storm' is forecast to form over the United States, combining features of different storm types as it develops. USA Today reports the system could bring widespread weather impacts across parts of the country. Forecasters and readers are watching how the unusual hybrid system will evolve and which regions will be hit hardest.

China's national science month has concluded, reportedly reaching audiences in the billions under the banner theme of innovation. The annual campaign promotes science education and public engagement with technology across the country, and state media are highlighting its scale and its alignment with China's push for technological self-reliance and innovation-driven development.

Ghana is overhauling its nutrition programmes, moving responsibility from international donors to government-led care. The report describes efforts to build state-owned systems so nutrition services no longer rely on external funding, amid concern about sustainability as development aid declines. Observers say the approach could serve as a model for other countries seeking to take ownership of health and nutrition programmes.

South Sudan is on the agenda at the United Nations General Assembly, drawing attention to the country's ongoing political and humanitarian situation. Discussion centres on what the international community, and the UN in particular, plan to do regarding the country's stability and development. Details of specific statements or resolutions remain limited.

The Atlantic Council argues the United States needs a coherent strategy toward the Global South on technology, framing it as essential to American competitiveness. The piece suggests Washington must engage developing nations on digital and tech issues or risk ceding influence to rival powers seeking those markets and partnerships.

Bill Gates said reaching international agreements on artificial intelligence will prove more difficult than the nuclear arms negotiations of the Cold War era. His comments add to a growing debate among governments and tech leaders over how to regulate AI development globally, at a time when countries are struggling to agree on common safety standards.

Development funders are being urged to put endowment money into Ukraine now rather than waiting, with the argument that early investment can fuel the country's recovery while the war continues. The call frames long-term institutional capital as a way to support reconstruction, economic stabilization and private-sector rebuilding in Ukraine.

Commentary is arguing that China and India could work well together on open-source artificial intelligence within BRICS. The case rests on combining China's strength in AI models and infrastructure with India's large developer base and software services industry. The discussion comes as BRICS members look for alternatives to Western AI platforms and seek technological self-reliance through shared open-source development.

China is widening its travel restrictions so that they now cover not only leading artificial intelligence specialists but also members of their families, Bloomberg reports. The move tightens an already strict system of exit controls aimed at keeping key AI expertise inside the country as the government prioritises AI development amid rivalry with the United States.

A commentary published by the Belgian critical-media outlet Investig'Action argues that Switzerland is no longer a genuinely neutral country, questioning its traditional stance of political and military neutrality. The piece, circulating in French-language discussions, suggests that recent developments have eroded the country's long-standing neutral position. Little further detail is available beyond the article itself, and reactions so far appear limited.

Malaysia's Science Minister has called on Asean member states to develop common standards for the region's rapidly growing space sector. The appeal highlights the need for coordinated regulation as Southeast Asian countries expand satellite, launch and space-related activities, ensuring safety, interoperability and shared benefit across the bloc.

The New York Power Authority is set to assume majority ownership of the Rich Road Solar development in Canton, in New York's North Country. The move makes the state public power authority the lead owner of the renewable energy project, though further details on the terms and timeline were not provided in initial reports.