Qatar supports using talks and diplomacy to solve conflicts worldwide, including the recent restoration of relations between Belgium and Rwanda after a long dispute. Qatar has helped bring countries together for peace talks in regions like Africa’s Great Lakes and the Gulf.
Key Facts
Qatar helped Belgium and Rwanda restore diplomatic ties after 18 months of tension.
The two countries thanked Qatar for hosting their peace talks in Doha in June 2025.
Qatar has mediated between the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and the M23 armed group.
Qatar’s Emir told the UN that Qatar seeks peaceful solutions based on international law.
Qatar’s foreign minister met with Iran’s counterpart to reduce Gulf tensions.
Qatar believes diplomacy is the only way to avoid conflict, especially related to the US-Israel war on Iran.
Qatari leaders met with US President Donald Trump during the UN General Assembly.
Qatar is working with Pakistan, Oman, and Gulf states to promote diplomatic solutions.
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UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for reforms to the UN Security Council during the UN General Assembly. The day included meetings between President Donald Trump and mediators from Iran, and talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, focusing on ending conflicts in Ukraine and Iran.
Key Facts
António Guterres warned about weakening cooperation among countries.
President Donald Trump threatened serious action against Iran but later described talks with Iranian mediators as positive.
Trump held discussions with Ukrainian President Zelensky, both wanting the Ukraine war to end before winter.
The UN General Assembly included speeches by leaders like Zelensky and Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian.
This is Secretary-General Guterres’ last UN General Assembly before he leaves the position.
The assembly focused on finding solutions to two major global conflicts: in Ukraine and Iran.
The gathering reflects ongoing global political tensions and efforts to improve international cooperation.
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The European Union has removed two Russian billionaires, Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, from its sanctions list. At the same time, the EU extended sanctions on nearly 3,000 people and companies connected to Russia’s war in Ukraine for another three years.
Key Facts
The EU sanctions list initially included Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, both Russian billionaires.
The EU has now decided to take these two individuals off the sanctions list.
Sanctions on about 3,000 other Russians and companies linked to the war in Ukraine were extended for three more years.
EU sanctions require agreement by all 27 member countries before they can be changed.
The decision came after difficult talks among EU member states.
These sanctions are part of the EU’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The move reflects ongoing decisions related to the conflict and political relations with Russia.
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President Donald Trump threatened to destroy Iran but later described a three-hour meeting between US and Iranian representatives as "very good." Meanwhile, Trump also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with both leaders expressing a desire to end the war in Ukraine before winter.
Key Facts
President Trump threatened Iran with "annihilation" early in the day.
US and Iranian mediators held a three-hour meeting that Trump called "very good."
President Trump met Ukrainian President Zelensky for discussions on ending the Ukraine war soon.
Both Trump and Zelensky want the Ukraine conflict to end before winter.
The UN General Assembly is ongoing, with speeches expected from Zelensky and Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian.
World leaders at the UN are working to find solutions to the conflicts in Iran and Ukraine.
The situation in the Middle East and Ukraine remains a major focus of international politics.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to speak at the United Nations General Assembly in New York to explain Ukraine’s situation and seek international support. Meanwhile, Russian drone attacks hit Kyiv, causing deaths and injuries, and Ukrainian officials are calling for help to end the conflict.
Key Facts
Russian drone strikes on Kyiv killed at least one person and injured seven others.
Attacks hit a business center, a transport facility, a non-residential building, and a petrol station.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy will address the UN General Assembly to present Ukraine’s case.
The UN Security Council is holding a meeting focused on Ukraine before Zelenskyy’s speech.
Zelenskyy wants to gain international backing ahead of possible peace talks with Russia.
President Donald Trump and Zelenskyy recently met, discussing ways to end the war before winter.
Trump said they talked about steps for diplomacy and a possible ceasefire to protect Ukraine’s energy system.
Several European leaders are also speaking at the UN on issues related to Ukraine and Europe.
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NATO fighter jets were sent to patrol near Poland and Romania after Russia launched a large number of drones and missiles at Ukraine. Air defenses in Ukraine intercepted many of these attacks, and no NATO airspace was breached during the alerts.
Key Facts
Russia launched 161 drones and several cruise missiles at Ukraine overnight.
Ukraine’s air defenses intercepted 119 drones and three cruise missiles.
NATO jets were scrambled in Poland and Romania to monitor the situation but did not detect any incursions into their airspace.
Russian strikes targeted areas in Kyiv, Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, Zhytomyr, Kharkiv, and Poltava regions.
Casualties from the attacks include at least one death and multiple injuries in Ukraine.
Russia claimed to have shot down 514 Ukrainian drones over various Russian regions.
Some Russian border areas also faced drone attacks, injuring civilians there.
NATO views these drone incursions as part of Russia’s hybrid warfare strategy against Ukraine and its allies.
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A large study in Sweden found that rare infections passed from pregnant women to their babies can increase the risk of autism and intellectual disability. Children born with these infections had higher chances of developmental issues and lower school grades compared to those without the infections.
Key Facts
Researchers studied 3.7 million people born in Sweden between 1987 and 2021.
975 children were diagnosed at birth with congenital TORCH infections.
TORCH infections include cytomegalovirus, rubella, toxoplasmosis, and herpes viruses.
Children with these infections were about three times more likely to be diagnosed with autism.
They were more than seven times more likely to develop intellectual disability, with the highest risk for severe cases up to 30 times greater.
Children exposed to TORCH infections also tended to have lower school grades by age 16.
TORCH infections are rare, so they only explain a small number of autism cases overall.
Preventive steps include rubella vaccination before pregnancy, good hygiene, avoiding contact with young children’s saliva/urine, and food safety practices.
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Researchers from the University of Chicago’s Climate Impact Lab warn that a strong El Niño event could cause hundreds of thousands of extra heat-related deaths worldwide, especially in the Global South. This event may show how rising temperatures from climate change could affect human health in the future.
Key Facts
El Niño is a natural climate pattern in the Pacific Ocean that changes weather worldwide, affecting heat and rainfall.
Forecasters say there is a more than 90% chance of a strong El Niño during late 2024 and early 2025.
The Climate Impact Lab predicts about 451,000 extra heat-related deaths during the first half of this El Niño.
About 239,000 of these deaths could happen in the next six months alone.
The deadliest impacts are expected in the Global South, including parts of Africa, Southeast Asia, Brazil, India, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Temperatures during this El Niño could be 1.2°C (2.1°F) above normal, similar to what climate change may bring in 20 years.
These higher temperatures will cause around 44% more extremely hot days than usual.
Actions like heat warnings, cooling centers, and protecting vulnerable people can help reduce deaths.
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The UK is creating a new military squadron called No III Space Effects Squadron to protect its satellites and support space operations. This unit will use advanced technology to defend against threats in space and help maintain the country’s security and communication systems.
Key Facts
The UK is launching No III Space Effects Squadron to defend satellites and support military operations in space.
The squadron will protect satellites that provide missile warnings, communications, and help guide ships.
It will use technology like electronic warfare to stop or disrupt hostile actions in orbit.
The UK already has two space units monitoring threats: No I Space Operations Squadron and No II Space Warning Squadron.
The UK government opposes destructive anti-satellite missile tests and supports peaceful use of space through the United Nations.
The U.S. has deployed weapons in space, leading to global concerns about space becoming a battlefield.
The UK government plans to invest £7.8 billion in the space sector up to 2030, including £30 million for the SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland.
Defence secretary Wes Streeting and Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth emphasize that space is now a key area for military competition.
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Prince Harry was seen in New York City about a month after moving to Britain with his family. He is scheduled to speak at an event organized by the Clinton Foundation.
Key Facts
Prince Harry recently relocated to Britain with Meghan Markle and their children, Archie and Lilibet.
He was spotted walking in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.
Harry is a speaker at the Clinton Global Initiative 2026 Annual Meeting.
This visit follows his first public charity events in Britain.
The events in Britain coincided with media attention about a book on Princess Diana by Charles Spencer, Harry's uncle.
The story is still developing and updates may follow.
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Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev pardoned a French man convicted of spying, shortly after the European Union removed sanctions on a Russian billionaire. Diplomats said Azerbaijan pressured the EU to lift those sanctions in return for releasing the French citizen.
Key Facts
A French national named Martin Ryan was jailed in Azerbaijan for espionage.
Ryan received a ten-year prison sentence in March before being pardoned.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev granted Ryan a pardon on September 23, 2026.
The European Union lifted sanctions on Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov one day before the pardon.
Diplomats claim Azerbaijan pressured the EU to remove sanctions on Usmanov.
The EU sanctions were related to Russian oligarchs and their activities.
Azerbaijan denies using the Russian oligarch’s sanctions to influence the case.
France privately suggested the pardon was linked to the treatment of two French citizens in Azerbaijan.
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The UK government is setting up a new National Centre for Information Defence to fight false information spread by hostile countries like Russia. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the unit will not target people in the UK who disagree with the government or express different opinions.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham announced the National Centre for Information Defence at the United Nations.
The centre aims to combat disinformation, especially from countries like Russia.
Disinformation includes fake news, bots, forged documents, and interference in elections.
Russian agencies have targeted UK organisations, including universities and the BBC.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting stated the unit will not police domestic political dissent.
The effort focuses on protecting democracy and free speech within Britain.
The UK government sees Russia and other hostile actors as threats to its information environment.
The announcement comes ahead of the upcoming Labour Party conference in the UK.
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At least 11 people, including a pregnant woman, were killed in a shooting at a house party in a township of Durban, South Africa. The attackers forced everyone into one room, opened fire, and set a car on fire. Police are investigating the motive, with a possible link to criminal rivalries.
Key Facts
The shooting happened late on Tuesday in KwaZulu-Natal province’s Durban city.
Two people survived the attack.
Police said some victims were under surveillance for suspected illegal activities.
A possible feud between rival groups may have caused the attack, but this is not confirmed.
South Africa has a very high murder rate, with about 60 people killed daily.
Soldiers were recently sent to crime areas to help police reduce violence.
The attack shocked the local community and residents described it as unprecedented.
President Cyril Ramaphosa considers violent crime one of the biggest problems in South Africa.
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A four-year-old boy named Gus Lamont has been missing from a large sheep farm in South Australia for nearly a year. Police and his parents are asking the public for any information and have offered a $1 million reward to help find him or solve the case.
Key Facts
Gus Lamont disappeared from his family’s sheep farm in South Australia on September 27, almost a year ago.
Despite eleven ground searches and the use of drones, dogs, divers, and aircraft, no clear clues have been found.
Police have declared Gus’s disappearance a major crime and identified a suspect from within the household, but not one of his parents.
A $1 million reward has been offered for information leading to a conviction or finding Gus.
The search covered more than 700 square kilometers of difficult terrain and included detailed reviews of aerial images.
Gus's parents made a public plea describing him as a shy and adventurous boy who loved music and nature.
The government is committed to continuing the investigation until there is a resolution.
People with information are urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
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A U.S. drone company supported by President Donald Trump's sons received a small order from Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence and signed a non-binding agreement with Pakistan’s army. The company also has a deal with an Indian defense firm, raising questions because Pakistan does not have formal relations with Israel, and one of the company’s founders is an Israeli military veteran.
Key Facts
Powerus is a U.S. drone company founded in 2025 and backed by Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump as investors.
Pakistan’s military chief met with Powerus representatives on September 16 in Rawalpindi.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence gave Powerus a limited procurement order for unmanned aerial systems (drones).
Powerus signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Pakistan army, which is not a final purchase agreement.
Powerus also has given an Indian defense company exclusive rights to drone interceptor technology in India.
One cofounder of Powerus is a former Israeli soldier, while Pakistan does not recognize Israel.
Pakistan already produces and buys drones from other countries but is now working with this new U.S. company.
Powerus plans to merge with a Nasdaq-listed company later this year.
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Moroccans are voting to elect 395 members of their House of Representatives, with nearly 16 million people registered to vote. Key issues in the election include the cost of living, unemployment, and inequality, following a recent migrant surge to the Spanish territory of Ceuta.
Key Facts
Voting took place on a Wednesday, with polling stations open from 8 am to 7 pm local time.
Only 4% of registered voters are aged 18 to 24, raising concerns about youth turnout.
The Moroccan king appoints the prime minister from the party that wins the most seats.
Economic issues like rising unemployment, inequality, and living costs dominate the election campaign.
The migrant influx to Ceuta caused tension between Morocco and Spain but was not a main campaign topic.
The National Rally of Independents (RNI) party, led by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, is a leading contender.
Akhannouch has promised more reforms but faces criticism over conflicts of interest and youth protests.
The main rival party is the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), which seeks to boost youth wages but has faced corruption scandals.
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The UK government is re-examining its agreement to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after President Donald Trump criticized the deal at the United Nations. The original plan involved the UK transferring control but leasing back a military base on the islands used by both the UK and US.
Key Facts
The Chagos Islands are a group of islands in the Indian Ocean, with Diego Garcia being the largest and hosting a military base.
The UK and Mauritius had an agreement for the UK to give sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius.
Under this agreement, the UK would pay about £101 million per year to lease the military base back from Mauritius.
President Trump called the deal "terrible" during his speech at the UN General Assembly.
Because the US does not support the deal, the UK defense secretary, Wes Streeting, said they need to review and renegotiate it with the US.
The deal was paused in April after President Trump withdrew his support.
The UK government wants to work with the US administration to reach a version of the agreement that they can all support.
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Pakistan has closed major roads leading to Islamabad to stop supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan from marching to the capital. The government deployed thousands of security forces and placed barriers to prevent protests demanding Khan’s release.
Key Facts
The Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway, Islamabad-Dera Ismail Khan Motorway, and Grand Trunk Road were closed at several points.
The road closures are indefinite and aim to block Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters from reaching Islamabad for protests on September 27.
Imran Khan has been jailed since August 2023 after several convictions, most of which were later suspended or overturned on appeal.
Khan’s party cites his health issues, especially problems with his right eye, as a reason for seeking his release.
Authorities placed about 2,000 shipping containers and sandbags at key locations near Islamabad, especially around Attock Bridge and Haroon Bridge.
Nearly 30,000 security personnel were deployed in the Attock district to maintain order.
Khan’s sisters and other relatives were arrested ahead of the planned protests.
Another opposition party, Jamaat-e-Islami, started a march against high fuel prices but paused the protest after the Prime Minister requested a meeting.
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Migrants who were convicted in U.S. courts have been deported to Eswatini, a small country in southern Africa, under a secret agreement made during President Donald Trump’s administration. These deportees are being held in Eswatini prisons, a country they did not know before deportation, which has caused local concern and protests.
Key Facts
Since 2025, 32 migrants convicted in the U.S. were flown to Eswatini and imprisoned there; the total planned deportees is about 160.
Eswatini is Africa’s last absolute monarchy, ruled by King Mswati III, where protests are rare and often suppressed.
The deportation deal was kept secret and only became known partly through South African media.
Local residents, including protesting women, fear for their safety and want the deportees sent back to the U.S.
The deportees come from various countries, like Vietnam, Yemen, Cuba, Ethiopia, and more, but all were convicted in the U.S.
A local human rights lawyer won a court case to visit the deportees in prison but government appeals delayed access.
The lawyer says many deportees have rehabilitation certificates and were not recently imprisoned in the U.S. when deported.
Deportees feel abandoned in Eswatini, being held in prison for crimes they did not commit in that country.
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Dolly Parton’s estate has accused her nephew, Bryan Seaver, of threatening violence and trying to harm her legacy and business. The estate asked a judge to keep him away from employees and business dealings after threatening messages were sent following Parton's death.
Key Facts
The estate managing Dolly Parton's legacy is called She’s Alive.
Bryan Seaver, her nephew, allegedly sent threatening messages to She’s Alive’s employees and managers.
Seaver was fired last week due to his threatening behavior.
Seaver claimed to have military experience and threatened to damage Dolly Parton’s brand.
The threats caused staff and the estate’s attorney to leave, and private security was hired for protection.
The court requested a restraining order to keep Seaver at least 1,000 feet away from She’s Alive staff and business contacts.
Dolly Parton was a famous singer-songwriter with over 100 million sales and 1 billion online streams.
The dispute is part of the ongoing management of Dolly Parton’s estate after her death from cancer.
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