Pakistan Seeks Deeper Bangladesh, Iran Ties at UNGA Talks
Pakistan is seeking to strengthen bilateral ties with Bangladesh and Iran following separate meetings between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. During his meeting with Rahman, Sharif said both countries agreed to expand cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity, education, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.
Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Clash: Several Taliban Fighters Reportedly Killed in Gulistan
Pakistani security forces said they killed several Afghan Taliban fighters during a clash in the Gulistan sector along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border on Friday. The reported fighting comes amid a fresh escalation between Islamabad and the Taliban government in Kabul following Pakistani strikes inside Afghanistan. According to Pakistani security sources, Afghan Taliban fighters allegedly attempted to enter Pakistani territory in Balochistan’s Gulistan area, leading to an exchange of fire.
Europe Expands Fuel Relief as Iran War and Ukraine Conflict Drive Energy Costs
European governments are expanding subsidies, tax cuts and other measures to cushion households and businesses from sharply higher fuel prices linked to disruptions caused by conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. The OECD has reported that seven of the 10 countries taking the most measures to limit the economic impact of the energy shock are in the European Union.
Nepal Landslides: Kathmandu Public Transport Suspended as Heavy Rain Blocks Highways
Nepal has suspended public transport services to and from Kathmandu after heavy rain triggered landslides and blocked major highways connecting the capital with several parts of the country. Authorities have also warned residents and travellers to avoid unnecessary journeys, particularly at night, as more rainfall is expected.
B-1 for Xi, B-2 for Putin: What US Bomber Flyovers Signalled During Trump Meets
US President Donald Trump’s welcome for Chinese President Xi Jinping featured a striking display of American airpower, with two B-1B Lancers flying over Joint Base Andrews during Xi’s arrival ceremony. The Chinese leader’s three-day state visit comes amid discussions on trade, technology, rare earths and wider US-China relations.
Bangladesh Urges UN to Continue Aid for 1.2 Million Rohingya Refugees
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged the international community to maintain humanitarian assistance for more than 1.2 million Rohingya refugees living in Bangladesh and support efforts for their safe return to Myanmar. He made the appeal during the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Rahman said the prolonged refugee crisis has placed pressure on Bangladesh’s resources, environment, security and local communities.
Trump to Take Xi Jinping to National Archives as US-China Summit Ends
US President Donald Trump is set to conclude Chinese President Xi Jinping’s three-day state visit to Washington with a tour of the National Archives on Friday. The leaders are expected to view historic documents including the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The visit follows a high-profile state dinner and a 90-minute meeting between Trump and Xi at the White House.
US, China Extend Trade Truce by 2 Months Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit
The United States and China have agreed to extend their existing trade truce by two months, keeping tariff arrangements in place while negotiators work on a potentially broader economic agreement. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the extension after meeting Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng ahead of a summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
F-35 Parts Diverted to Hong Kong, China Reportedly Takes Possession
Sensitive components from an Australian F-35 stealth fighter that were being shipped to the United States were unexpectedly diverted to Hong Kong, where Chinese authorities have reportedly taken possession of them. The incident has triggered investigations by the US and Australia over how the shipment was rerouted and whether sensitive military technology could have been exposed.
Islamabad Bans Rallies for 2 Months Ahead of PTI March for Imran Khan
Pakistan’s Islamabad administration has imposed Section 144 across the federal capital for two months, restricting public gatherings, rallies, processions and demonstrations ahead of a planned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) march on September 27 seeking the release of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan. The order covers public places across Islamabad, including the high-security Red Zone.
Judge Orders White House to Restore CNN, MS NOW and Politico Access
A US federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from barring CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, ordering officials to immediately restore the outlets’ press access. The 14-day temporary restraining order was issued by US District Judge Timothy Kelly as the court considers the broader legal challenge.
OpenAI AI Agent Breached Australian Medicare Portal, Albanese Slams Delay
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has criticised OpenAI after an AI agent gained unauthorised access to a government Medicare statistics portal in June, with the company informing authorities about the incident nearly three months later. Albanese raised the issue directly with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and questioned both the delay and the way the breach was reported.
Pakistan Strikes 10 Afghan Sites After Eight Drones Intercepted
Pakistan said it carried out precision aerial and drone strikes on 10 locations in Afghanistan on September 24, after its forces intercepted eight drones that had entered Pakistani airspace from Afghanistan a day earlier. Islamabad said the targeted sites were allegedly being used to launch and store drones involved in the attempted attacks.
US Backs IMEC Corridor as Middle East Conflict Raises Energy Route Risks
The United States has expressed strong support for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), as regional conflict has renewed attention on alternative trade and energy routes that can reduce dependence on vulnerable chokepoints. The proposed multimodal corridor is designed to connect India with the Gulf region and Europe through a combination of maritime routes and rail networks.
Trump Warns Iran at UNGA, Says Deal Could Follow US Midterm Elections
US President Donald Trump used his address to the United Nations General Assembly to warn Iran over its nuclear programme and outline his position on a possible future agreement. Trump said the US had previously offered Iran economic cooperation in exchange for ending its nuclear programme and support for terrorism, but claimed Tehran rejected the proposal.
Elon Musk Praises Xi Jinping, Calls Him a ‘Great Leader’ in CCTV Interview
Elon Musk praised Chinese President Xi Jinping during an interview with Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, describing him as a “great leader” and saying China had experienced significant prosperity during his tenure. Musk pointed to China’s new buildings and infrastructure as visible signs of economic development and said he had also observed rising prosperity among ordinary citizens.
Morocco Election 2026: Youth Concerns, Jobs and World Cup Spending in Focus
Moroccans went to the polls on Wednesday to elect members of the 395-seat House of Representatives, with the outcome set to determine the country’s next prime minister and shape coalition negotiations. The election comes amid growing concern among young people over unemployment, living costs and access to quality schools, healthcare and housing.
Sri Lanka Economy Grows 4.2% in Q2 2026, IMF Warns of Global Risks
Sri Lanka’s economy grew 4.2 per cent in the second quarter of 2026, marking the 11th consecutive quarter of strong expansion, according to the International Monetary Fund. The IMF said the economy had remained resilient despite fresh shocks, but warned that several risks could still affect the recovery. Headline inflation rose to 8 per cent year-on-year in August, largely due to the global oil price shock.
PM Modi Likely to Visit US for G20 Summit, Canada Bilateral Trip in December
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to travel to the United States in December to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit, which will be hosted by US President Donald Trump in Florida. Modi is also likely to hold a bilateral meeting with Trump on the sidelines of the summit.
Sri Lanka Supreme Court Clears 22nd Amendment Without Referendum
Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court has ruled that the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution does not require approval through a public referendum, clearing a major constitutional hurdle for the legislation. The determination was presented to Parliament by Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne on September 22.
Pope Leo XIV to Meet Abuse Survivors During France Visit
Pope Leo XIV is set to meet seven survivors of sexual abuse linked to Catholic personnel during his four-day visit to France from September 25 to 28, with the private encounter scheduled in Lourdes. The meeting comes as survivors and advocacy groups continue to seek stronger measures from the Catholic Church to address abuse and improve accountability.
India Warns Nationals Against Seeking Jobs Through Malaysia Visa-Free Entry
India’s High Commission in Kuala Lumpur has warned Indian nationals against using Malaysia’s visa-free entry facility to look for employment, saying the arrangement is intended for tourism and social visits. Malaysia currently exempts Indian citizens from visa requirements for tourist travel until December 31, 2026. The advisory cautioned that some Indians are reportedly being lured by agents offering false job opportunities.
Lee Jae Myung Pushes Phased North Korea Nuclear Deal at UN
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is using the UN General Assembly to promote a phased approach to North Korea’s nuclear programme, proposing that Pyongyang first halt further development, then reduce its arsenal and eventually move towards dismantlement. Seoul has said political and economic incentives could be offered as progress is made.
UN General Assembly 2026 Opens Amid Wars, Climate Crisis and Global Uncertainty
The 81st UN General Assembly’s high-level debate opened in New York on September 22 as nearly 130 world leaders gathered against a backdrop of armed conflicts, climate pressures, economic uncertainty and shifting geopolitical alliances.
Jaishankar to Address UNGA on September 26 Amid US Tariff Concerns
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will lead India’s delegation to the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York and is scheduled to address the General Debate on September 26. His visit comes as India and the United States continue discussions over trade and the implications of new US measures targeting countries that purchase Russian energy.
Pakistan Airstrikes Afghanistan Border as Xi Prepares for Trump Summit
Pakistan carried out airstrikes against militant targets along its border with Afghanistan on September 21, while Islamabad simultaneously pursued diplomatic engagement with Iran and faced renewed political tensions at home. Pakistani authorities said the strikes killed 28 militants, including suicide bombers, but Afghan officials and the UN reported that three civilians were killed.
Sri Lanka President Seeks Saudi Clemency for Anojan Sivarasa
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has pledged to seek clemency from Saudi Arabia for Anojan Sivarasa, a Sri Lankan national reportedly facing the death penalty in the kingdom over a social media post. Dissanayake met Sivarasa’s parents in Colombo on September 21 and said the government would pursue both legal and diplomatic avenues to seek relief.
Trump Open to Meeting Iran President Pezeshkian at UN General Assembly
US President Donald Trump has said he is “probably open” to meeting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, creating the possibility of direct contact between Washington and Tehran amid continuing tensions. Pezeshkian is scheduled to travel to New York on Tuesday for the 81st UN General Assembly. A meeting between the two leaders has not been confirmed by either side.
Iran Warns US of Wider War as Tanker Is Hit Near Strait of Hormuz
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has warned that the conflict with the United States could spread to new locations and targets if Washington launches further attacks. The warning came on September 21 as tensions continued across the Middle East and a tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile while entering the Strait of Hormuz. Two crew members suffered minor injuries, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations centre.
US TV Networks Suspend Trump Pool Coverage After CNN White House Ban
Major US television networks have suspended their shared White House television-pool coverage of President Donald Trump after CNN was prevented from carrying out its scheduled duties. Fox News Media, ABC News, CBS News, CNN and NBC News jointly decided not to provide replacement crews for presidential pool assignments. CNN had been scheduled to handle the pool during Trump’s trip to New York for the United Nations General Assembly.
Mohsin Naqvi Visits Tehran as Pakistan Pushes to Revive US-Iran Talks
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Tehran on September 21 for talks with Iranian officials as Islamabad stepped up efforts to keep diplomatic channels open between Iran and the United States. Naqvi was received by Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, with discussions expected to cover bilateral ties and understandings between the two countries.
CBI Books Reliance Capital, Anil Ambani in Alleged Rs 2,684-Crore LIC Fraud Case
The CBI has registered an FIR against Reliance Capital, its former chairman Anil Ambani, former group managing director Satish Seth, unidentified public servants and others over an alleged Rs 2,684.57-crore fraud involving investments made by LIC. Ambani has denied any wrongdoing, saying the case concerns Reliance Capital and noting that he served as its non-executive director and chairman until November 2021, when the RBI superseded the company’s board.
Who Is Khaled Al Nahyan? Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Growing Global Role at BRICS
Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan emerged as a key figure at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, where he held high-level meetings with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Pezeshkian later said Iran and the UAE had agreed to “put the past behind” and focus on the future, following their meeting on the sidelines of the summit.
Trump Bars CNN, MS NOW and Politico From White House Over ‘Fake News’ Claims
US President Donald Trump has announced that CNN, MS NOW, formerly MSNBC, and Politico will be barred from the White House, accusing the outlets of repeatedly publishing what he called “fake news.” Trump said the restriction was effective immediately and warned that other media organisations could also face similar action. Trump did not provide details on how the ban would be implemented.
Saudi Arabia Issues Aerial Threat Alerts as Iran Executes Alleged Mossad Spy
Saudi Arabia issued emergency warnings across several parts of the kingdom late Friday and early Saturday after authorities reported a “hostile aerial threat”. Alerts were issued in Riyadh and other areas, with explosions heard in the Saudi capital. The warnings were later lifted, and no casualties or damage were reported.
Trump Tightens H-1B Scrutiny for Employers Laying Off US Workers: Impact on Indians
US President Donald Trump has ordered federal agencies to apply greater scrutiny to H-1B visa applications from employers that have recently laid off, or plan to lay off, similarly situated American workers. The September 18 executive order directs the Departments of State, Labor and Homeland Security to consider such layoffs while reviewing labour applications, visa petitions and H-1B cases.
Xi Jinping to Meet Trump in Washington for Talks on Trade, AI and Rare Earths
Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit Washington next week for talks with US President Donald Trump, with trade, artificial intelligence and rare earth minerals expected to feature prominently in discussions. The September 24 meeting will be Xi’s first White House visit in more than a decade. The visit is expected to combine formal ceremonies with private discussions.
US Weighs Pulling Up to 40,000 Troops From Europe as NATO Rift Widens
The Pentagon is reviewing options to reduce the US military presence in Europe, with proposals reportedly ranging from about 25,000 troops to as many as 40,000 being withdrawn or redeployed. No final decision has been made, and the review also covers aircraft, naval personnel and other military capabilities. Around 80,000 US service members are currently stationed across Europe.
Satya Nadella Backs India-US Tech Ties at Ideas4India AI Forum in Seattle
Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella joined more than 40 Indian-origin technology leaders at the Ideas4India forum in Seattle, where discussions focused on artificial intelligence, innovation, talent and deeper India-US technology cooperation. Organised by the Consulate General of India in Seattle, the ‘Ideas4India: Unlocking the Tech Dividend’ forum brought together executives and innovators working across AI, quantum computing, semiconductors, cloud infrastructure, aerospace and enterprise software.
Guterres Urges Divided World to Unite on AI, Climate and Inequality
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged governments to overcome geopolitical divisions and cooperate on conflicts, artificial intelligence, climate change and inequality ahead of the UN General Assembly. He warned that Security Council paralysis and repeated violations of international law are contributing to instability around the world. Guterres identified three major global challenges: rapidly advancing AI, worsening climate change and rising inequality.