developing nations

China has released a new innovation blueprint that puts artificial intelligence and other frontier technologies at the center of its national development strategy. The plan signals Beijing's intent to accelerate self-reliance in advanced tech and strengthen its position in global competition over AI, semiconductors and emerging industries.

Counter-terrorism officers are investigating an alleged plot to bomb an RAF base in the UK, with lines of inquiry pointing towards a possible link to Iran. The suspected plan, which police describe as a bomb plot against a military airfield, has prompted a counter-terror investigation into those involved and any Iranian connection. No charges or further details have been confirmed at this stage.

Leading figures in the tech industry have appealed to the United Nations, asking it to establish controls over the artificial intelligence technology they themselves helped create, arguing it is necessary for the sake of humanity. The appeal highlights growing concern among AI developers about the risks posed by increasingly powerful systems and pressure on global institutions to act.

Canada has imposed a new round of sanctions on Iran, citing human rights abuses. The announcement was covered in CTV National News' September 23, 2026 broadcast. Details on which individuals or entities are targeted have not been specified in the coverage, but the measure signals continued Canadian pressure on Tehran over its rights record.

Ukrainian drone commander Kyrylo 'Madyar' Budanov-adjacent figure Madyar says four NATO countries are quietly developing their own dedicated drone forces. The claim comes as Ukraine's war experience pushes Western militaries to build mass, low-cost drone capabilities, moving away from reliance on traditional expensive platforms.

United Nations University argues that efforts to regulate artificial intelligence should be grounded in human rights, making rights protection the starting point for AI governance frameworks rather than an afterthought. The piece adds to ongoing global debates over how governments and international bodies should oversee AI development and deployment.

The United Nations Development Programme is highlighting China's path in the global green transition, examining how the world's largest emitter is shifting toward cleaner energy and sustainable development. The discussion focuses on how China's climate policies and investments shape international efforts to meet global environmental goals.

Oregon's attorney general is urging Congress to establish federal guidelines for artificial intelligence. The appeal reflects growing concern among state officials that AI is developing faster than existing laws can handle, leaving consumers vulnerable to fraud, privacy violations and other harms. The call adds to pressure from state leaders for Washington to create a unified national regulatory framework.

India and Japan are playing the first T20I of their 2026 cricket series, with live score commentary available across streaming platforms. A bilateral T20I between the two countries is a highly unusual fixture, drawing large audiences curious to watch India take on a developing cricket nation. Fans are following ball-by-ball updates and commentary as the match unfolds.

The United Nations Development Programme is working to strengthen effective, science-based investigative interviewing practices in Viet Nam. The initiative aims to improve how interviews are conducted during criminal investigations, aligning them with international standards and evidence-based methods. It reflects broader UN efforts to support fairer, more professional justice systems in the region.

Debate is focusing on who bears responsibility for keeping global warming within the 1.5-degree Celsius limit set by international climate goals. The question touches on the division of duties between wealthy historical emitters and developing nations, as well as the roles of governments, corporations and individuals. Observers say blame and burden-sharing remain among the most contested issues in climate negotiations.

Bill Gates says reaching international cooperation on artificial intelligence is more difficult than negotiating nuclear arms agreements. He is drawing on the history of superpower arms control talks to argue that managing AI's development across rival nations poses an even greater diplomatic challenge. His comments add to a growing debate among tech leaders and governments over how to coordinate rules for AI globally.

Seoul National University Holdings has made a seed investment in AI startup Bystrata, whose technology aims to reduce dependency on GPUs. The move signals growing institutional interest in AI companies offering alternatives to hardware-intensive computing, as GPU supply constraints and costs remain a bottleneck for developers. Details on the investment amount and Bystrata's technology were not disclosed.

Air pollution in Viet Nam is under renewed focus as the United Nations Development Programme highlights the gap between existing environmental policies and their implementation on the ground. The discussion centres on how the country can move from planning to enforcement, improving air quality in cities and protecting public health through coordinated government action.