World

Iran is increasingly relying on land routes through Turkiye and Pakistan as a US naval blockade disrupts maritime trade. Truck queues at border crossings have surged, causing prolonged delays, reduced driver incomes and supply challenges, while officials seek infrastructure and operational measures

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the UN General Assembly that Russia is using citizens from 47 countries, including India, in its war against Ukraine, urging nations to prevent their citizens from being drawn into the conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, addressing the UN General Assembly, urged global leaders to restrict Russia’s trade revenues to weaken its war effort. He accused President Vladimir Putin of perpetuating conflict, calling him “Patient Zero” of war.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar urged countries impacted by the UN Security Council’s failures and slow reform process to unite for change. Chairing a meeting of the L.69 group with participation from Africa’s C-10, he stressed that delaying reforms perpetuates “historical injustice.”

India-New Zealand ties are gaining momentum after their elevation to a Strategic Partnership, ratification of a free trade agreement and moves towards the first bilateral naval exercise. The developments are expected to expand trade, investment and maritime-security cooperation

A 65-year-old Melbourne man was arrested for allegedly joining Islamic State and distributing about 10,000 extremist files online between 2015 and 2020. Australian authorities said the material included propaganda, violent content and guides on evading law enforcement and attacks

Taiwan expressed confidence that US arms sales will continue despite Chinese pressure as Xi Jinping meets Donald Trump. Taipei said it remains committed to advancing defence procurement with Washington while highlighting domestic military production and plans to increase defence spending

Russia launched overnight drone strikes on businesses, warehouses and logistics facilities across Ukraine, injuring seven people, Ukrainian authorities said. Fires and damage were reported in Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Zaporizhzhia and Odesa, while Russia said military-industrial and energy targets were struck

India, France and the UAE reviewed trilateral cooperation in AI, space, health sciences, energy and culture during a meeting on the sidelines of UNGA81 in New York. The ministers also discussed West Asia, multilateral issues and strengthening ties through regular consultations

The Balochistan Liberation Front and Baloch Republican Guards claimed responsibility for multiple attacks targeting Pakistani military and police forces and infrastructure across Balochistan between September 13 and 20. The groups claimed casualties among security personnel and damage to communications and other facilities

President Donald Trump confronted CNN journalist Kaitlan Collins during his UN visit, amid an escalating dispute with CNN, MS NOW and Politico. The outlets are challenging the White House media ban in court, while other news organisations have taken solidarity measures

Apple Watch features that continuously listen, transcribe and summarise conversations are raising privacy and social concerns despite Apple’s encryption safeguards. Critics argue ambient listening violates contextual integrity, as people nearby cannot consent, potentially making smartwatches unwelcome in workplaces and other confidential settings

Canadian PM Mark Carney said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Canada in December as both countries work to conclude a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement by year-end. Trade talks are progressing, with bilateral trade targeted to reach USD 70 billion by 2030

US lawmakers Sam Liccardo and Kevin Kiley have proposed legislation seeking binding AI safety safeguards with China, including technical exchanges, model testing, audits and a direct crisis hotline. The framework would also address cybersecurity, CBRN risks and intellectual property concerns.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi discussed UN Security Council reform with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during the General Assembly high-level week. The issue is significant for India, which, alongside Japan, Brazil and Germany, seeks permanent membership on an expanded Council.

Donald Trump proposed calling artificial intelligence “superintelligence” in US government documents during his UN address. He rejected international efforts to regulate the technology, stressed the importance of US leadership and said authorities would intervene when necessary

US President Donald Trump defended his decision to start the war with Iran in his UN General Assembly address, accused Tehran of delaying negotiations and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and highlighted his administration's domestic record

Google will report content flagged as child sexual abuse material directly to Indian authorities, following a similar move by Meta. The change comes amid government pressure on major technology firms to speed up reporting and concerns over delays.

Two pilots were killed when a contract helicopter crashed while conducting water-bucket firefighting operations on the Dome Fire in Yosemite National Park, California. The FAA and NTSB are investigating the crash, while the wildfire was 15 per cent contained

World leaders gathering for the UN General Assembly face deep global turmoil, including wars in Europe and the Middle East, shifting alliances, economic uncertainty, climate disasters and pandemic risks. Diplomats hope discussions can restore predictability and advance solutions on security and peace

An intensifying El Nino, forecast to peak in December, could trigger severe drought, heatwaves, wildfires and flooding, threatening global food security. Southeast Asia faces particular risks to rice, palm oil, fisheries and water supplies, while rising energy and fertilizer costs compound vulnerabilities

India’s High Commission in Kuala Lumpur warned nationals against using Malaysia’s 30-day visa-free facility to seek employment, cautioning that false job offers and unauthorised work could lead to overstaying, illegal immigration status, exploitation, detention and legal action under Malaysian regulations 

India’s Russian crude imports have risen sharply since the US-Iran war due to West Asia supply disruptions rather than discounts, averaging 60 million barrels monthly. Axis Bank said Russia’s share increased despite stable discounts and premiums, while higher oil prices could impact US inflation

US President Donald Trump paid a rare visit to New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s official residence, where the two leaders struck a surprisingly cordial tone despite sharp ideological differences. The meeting focused on housing development, immigration issues and media access, with Trump praising Mamdani's start as mayor.