German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is facing the toughest leadership crisis of his 16-month chancellorship, amid historic electoral setbacks to the far-right AfD and continued economic stagnation. Rising public dissatisfaction is reshaping Germany’s political landscape and putting pressure on the government of Europe’s largest economy.

 Friedrich Merz faces major leadership crisis, major political shift underway in Germany

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has kicked off Likud’s campaign for the October 27 parliamentary election with a speech focused heavily on security. At a campaign event in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu said he and Likud were the only ones who could guarantee Israel’s security, while highlighting Israeli military operations in Iran, Lebanon, Syria and Gaza.

Benjamin Netanyahu kicks off Likud's election campaign with security pitch

The Trump administration has approved a proposed $2.8 billion arms package for Israel that includes 40,000 one-ton bombs. The deal includes 20,000 MK-84 and 20,000 BLU-117 bombs, along with 20,000 I-2000 penetrator warheads, according to U.S. officials.

Israel set to receive 40,000 one-ton-class bombs from US

A UN fact-finding mission says there are reasonable grounds to believe the U.S. committed war crimes in two strikes on Iran, including the attack on a school in Minab. The strike killed more than 150 people, including around 120 children, according to the UN mission.

US-Iran war: Minab school strike killed more than 150 people, UN says

An Australian river home to 500 saltwater crocodiles has been given the green light to host olympic and paralympic rowing & canoeing events at the 2032 Brisbane games.

Olympic committee approves Australian river with crocodiles as 2032 venue

Cristiano Ronaldo will continue playing for Portugal. New head coach Jorge Jesus has included 41-year-old captain in his squad for the upcoming UEFA nations league matches.

41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo included in Portugal's nations league squad 

Palestinian Ambassador to India Abdullah Mohammad Abu Shawesh has congratulated India on its successful BRICS chairship and the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. He praised India’s role in convening the summit and its engagement with the Global South.

Palestinian amb congratulates India for successful BRICS chairship

A two-hour gunfight in Iran’s Zahedan has left six people wounded and triggered a security crackdown in the city. Security forces have stepped up their presence following the shooting.

Iran: Six wounded as gunfire erupts in Zahedan

UPI remains completely free for consumers, even with the upcoming introduction of the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) starting October 15, 2026

What consumers need to know about UPI MDR?

Andhra Pradesh Police allegedly posed as the FBI while asking X to act against tweets posted by YSRCP member Nagarjuna Yadav. X initially told Yadav that the FBI had flagged his posts, before later clarifying that the request came from police in Guntur.


Andhra Pradesh police pose as FBI to get X to remove tweets 

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has announced a package of initiatives for Kalyana Karnataka covering investment, government recruitment, healthcare, urban infrastructure and tourism. The plans include a new regional economy mission and a 30-acre IT park in Kalaburagi.

Shivakumar attends 79th Kalyana Karnataka Utsav in Kalaburagi 

 The leaders of France, Lebanon and Jordan, meeting in Paris on Thursday, discussed "the dangerous escalation" in the Middle East, international support for the Lebanese Army, creation of a new force to replace the U.N. peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon and Israel's continued attacks.

France, Lebanon, Jordan push for support for Lebanese army

The United States is looking at expanding its military presence in Poland, with President Donald Trump signalling progress on a potential new military base. The move comes as Washington and Warsaw deepen defence cooperation amid heightened security concerns in Europe. Poland has become a key NATO ally on the alliance’s eastern flank.

Donald Trump signals progress on new US Base in Poland 

A deadly multistory building collapse in Gaza has renewed concerns over unsafe structures left damaged by the war. Nearly a year after the October 2025 Israel-Hamas ceasefire, reconstruction remains stalled as talks falter. Thousands of Palestinians have returned to damaged homes despite risks from weakened foundations and unstable walls.

War-damaged homes become death traps in Gaza 

The U.S. military is preparing for a new frontier of warfare, with top commanders warning that American forces must be ready to operate from Earth’s orbit to cislunar space. Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine says the military must be prepared to “fight, endure and win” around the Moon as the U.S. expands its space capabilities.

US military preparing for future warfare in cislunar space

The high-stakes battle over the political identity and election symbol of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) has escalated into a major legal showdown before the Election Commission of India (ECI).


West Bengal: ECI allots new names & symbols to rival TMC factions

US new military base in Poland: US president Donald Trump eyes military base in Poland 

Deadly floods have struck parts of Spain after torrential rains triggered widespread flooding. Roads and communities have been inundated, while emergency teams continue rescue and relief operations. Authorities have issued weather warnings in affected areas as heavy rainfall persists. The latest flooding has caused deaths and significant disruption, with officials monitoring the situation closely.

Spain Floods: Deadly floods hit Spain as torrential rains trigger widespread flooding

The Humble Potato Is One of the World’s Most Versatile Food Staples, Finding Its Way Into Everything From Fries and Chips to Everyday Meals. but Across Europe, an Unusually Hot and Dry Summer Is Turning the Universal Kitchen Ingredient Into a Growing Business and Climate Story.


Potato prices surge as drought hits crop in Europe 

The United States is facing a severe energy crunch as domestic diesel prices have surged to an unprecedented record high of $6.31 per gallon, threatening to severely strain supply chains and consumer wallets just weeks ahead of the peak winter heating season.

US diesel hits record $6.31/gallon ahead of winter

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cracked down hard on the booming quick-commerce sector, suspending the food licenses and issuing notices to restaurants in Mumbai. 

Maharashtra FDA crackdown: FDA finds serious violations at popular coffee house In Colaba

The Delhi High Court has granted bail to British national Jagtar Singh Johal in seven cases linked to alleged targeted killings and attempted murders in Punjab. Johal was arrested in 2017 and faces charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The court’s Division Bench of Justices Navin Chawla and Ravinder Dudeja allowed his bail appeals on September 18, 2026. A detailed order is awaited.


Delhi HC grants bail to British national Jagtar Singh Johal in Seven UAPA- murder cases

Prince Harry has made his first public appearance since returning to the UK, attending the Invictus Awards ceremony. The Duke of Sussex appeared at the event celebrating the achievements and resilience of wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans.

Prince Harry marks high-profile UK return, attends Invictus Awards

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, has warned of a stronger response to US-led military drills in the Asia-Pacific. She accused Washington and its allies of worsening tensions on the Korean Peninsula and described the Pacific Vanguard exercise near Guam as a threatening “war game”. Kim also said Pyongyang would mobilise available means if it believes its security and military sovereignty are seriously threatened. She reaffirmed North Korea’s commitment to strengthening its nuclear deterrent.


US-North Korea tensions explode, Kim Yo Jong warns of 'more offensive' response

A New Option Is Being Discussed in Washington to Try to Bring Down Soaring Fuel Prices, Restricting US Exports of Gasoline or Diesel. but There’s a Big Question: Would Keeping More Fuel at Home Actually Make It Cheaper for American Consumers?

US weighs fuel export ban to curb high prices

The Global Race to Build Ai Data Centres Could Create a Major Environmental Cost Alongside the Technology Boom, With a New Report Warning That Discarded Electronics From the Buildout Could Sharply Increase Toxic E-Waste Over the Next 25 Years.

AI boom risks e-waste surge

Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro launch has drawn crowds at stores across India as eager customers turned up to get their hands on the new device. Long queues were seen outside Apple stores and authorised retailers in several cities. The launch has generated strong interest among Apple fans and smartphone buyers. Customers gathered early as sales officially began across the country. The iPhone 18 Pro is among Apple’s latest flagship smartphones.


iPhone 18 Pro launch: iPhone 18 Pro launch draws huge crowd across India 

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has warned that Russia could launch hybrid drone and missile attacks against European countries supporting Ukraine, including Poland. Tusk said the assessment was based on intelligence and warned that any strikes could be presented as accidental. His comments come amid heightened security concerns across NATO’s eastern flank following recent Russian attacks near Poland’s border.


Russia-NATO Tensions: Poland warns Russia could launch strikes on European countries 

Israel Election 2026: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has launched the Likud party’s campaign ahead of the October 27 election. Netanyahu is placing national security and Israel’s defence at the centre of his campaign message. The election comes amid continued focus on Israel’s security challenges and regional tensions. Likud is seeking to mobilise voters around Netanyahu’s record and security agenda. The campaign is expected to intensify as political parties prepare for the election.


Israel Election 2026: Netanyahu kicks off Likud's campaign with security pitch 

India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has transformed digital payments, but sustaining a large-scale, low-cost payment ecosystem comes with its own challenges. The debate around UPI’s Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) focuses on who should bear the cost of processing transactions and how payment networks, banks, fintech firms and merchants can maintain a viable digital payments system.

J&K: Rift between NC, Congress over UPI fee

South Korea has delayed its planned investment projects in the United States amid economic uncertainty and shifting trade policies. The move comes as Seoul reassesses its overseas investment strategy, citing concerns over US tariff measures, market volatility, and domestic economic priorities.

South Korea delays US investment plans: Final steps before Seoul & Washington set terms

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