World

A Boeing 737 MAX software glitch could disable automated navigation after a missed approach, potentially increasing pilot workload at low altitude. Boeing is developing a fix, while the FAA investigates. Indian carriers using MAX aircraft are closely watching the issue

A classified US intelligence assessment says Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing nuclear weapons, raising congressional concerns over a Trump administration civilian nuclear deal. Lawmakers questioned uranium enrichment limits, inspections and safeguards, while Washington defended the agreement’s non-proliferation standards

UN General Assembly leaders urged stronger investment in diplomacy and conflict prevention, warning the organisation often reacts after wars erupt. Malaysia, Rwanda, Finland, Switzerland and others called for early action, dialogue, political solutions and implementation of existing peace agreements

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan urged restoring normal navigation through the Strait of Hormuz without fees or restrictions, stressing its importance to global energy security and trade. Iran meanwhile proposed reopening the strait within seven days if Washington meets conditions

India and Gulf nations urged protection of international sea lanes amid attacks on commercial vessels and disruptions at strategic waterways. At the UN, leaders warned maritime insecurity threatens energy supplies, food security, global trade and seafarers, calling for restraint and cooperation

India’s push for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council gained momentum at the 81st General Assembly, with Portugal and Mauritius offering explicit support and the Marshall Islands backing Japan and its G4 partners.

A suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden tractor-trolley into a police and customs checkpost in Darazinda tehsil of Dera Ismail Khan district, northwest Pakistan, killing at least 13 people including women and children, and injuring dozens.

Iran’s Zimbabwe-based embassy ridiculed US President Donald Trump’s remarks at the UNGA about “annihilating” Iran by posting a Tollywood film clip on X.

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that provocative acts or an escalation of tensions by Ukraine would worsen the situation. His remarks came as Russia and Ukraine exchanged claims over military actions, while Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky discussed a meeting.

India exercised its right of reply at the UN General Assembly after Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's remarks, with Indian diplomat Petal Gahlot criticising Pakistan's military influence, terrorism record and statements on Kashmir and religious intolerance.

The US will host G20 trade ministers in Milwaukee from September 29 to October 1 for talks on forced labour, food trade, industrial overcapacity and trade rules. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will represent India at the ministerial.

India and Russia reaffirmed their commitment to their special and privileged strategic partnership during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at the UN. The two sides also discussed bilateral and BRICS cooperation.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said frustrations are mounting over the lack of UN reforms, arguing that those opposing change are merely using the world body. He called for text-based negotiations and a democratic resolution of reform proposals

The strategic importance of the Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb straits has shaped centuries of maritime rivalry. From Zheng He and Portuguese dominance to British and US influence, history shows extra-regional powers can control chokepoints temporarily, while local actors retain significant leverage

Pakistani security forces reportedly killed several Afghan Taliban fighters during a border clash in Balochistan after alleged attempts to enter Pakistani territory. The escalation followed Pakistan’s air and drone strikes on Afghanistan, which Kabul said killed four civilians

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declined to answer reporters’ questions at the UN over Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed and allegations of terrorism links. The episode followed India’s criticism of Pakistan at the UN over cross-border terrorism and governance issues

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Bangladesh’s Tarique Rahman and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of UNGA, pledging stronger bilateral cooperation with both countries. Discussions covered trade, investment, connectivity, regional developments, de-escalation, diplomacy and regional peace efforts

Oil prices fell as reports of US-Iran talks raised hopes of reopening the Strait of Hormuz and easing supply disruptions. Brent dropped toward $105.6, while markets remained tight and volatile amid geopolitical tensions, Saudi missile interceptions and continued Houthi attacks

A Republican US senator has proposed replacing employment-based green card categories with a points-based system, a move that could affect Indian professionals awaiting permanent residency. The bill would also change family immigration, diversity visas and requirements for employers

Iran has proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz and resuming negotiations with the United States within seven days, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said. The proposal comes amid continued tensions over the conflict, nuclear programme and the strategically vital energy corridor

A bipartisan group of US senators has introduced legislation to strengthen diplomatic expertise and federal coordination on critical minerals, amid concerns over China’s dominance of global supply chains vital to defence, semiconductors, electric vehicles and advanced technologies

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas denounced what he called a “genocidal war” in Gaza in a UN General Assembly address on Thursday. Speaking by video after being denied a US visa, he reaffirmed support for a two-state solution and rejected Palestinian displacement.

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks at the White House on Thursday on AI, trade, Iran and Taiwan. Trump said the two nations could build a better future, while Xi called for cooperation and avoiding confrontation.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres launched a support mechanism to help six mineral-rich developing countries boost local processing, governance and industrial growth from critical energy transition minerals, aiming to create jobs, protect communities and ensure greater economic benefits from clean-energy supply chains