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Saudi Arabia Prepares Major Yemeni Offensive Against Houthis

Saudi Arabia is reportedly preparing more than 100,000 Yemeni troops for an offensive against the Houthis, with plans ranging from a coastal operation near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to a wider campaign. Riyadh has not officially announced the operation.

New York Attorney General Takes Over Cornell University Gang-Rape Investigation

New York’s attorney general will investigate allegations that a Cornell student was drugged and sexually assaulted by fraternity members in 2024, after a civil lawsuit raised serious questions about the original police, prosecutorial and university responses.

Lula Holds Three-Point Lead Over Flávio Bolsonaro in Runoff Poll

Lula leads Flávio Bolsonaro by 48% to 45% in a potential presidential runoff, according to a new poll. The result remains within the margin of error, however, as competing surveys show Brazil divided almost evenly before the first-round vote on October 4.

Ukraine Deploys New Ballistic Missile Under Relentless Russian Air Assault

Ukraine has used its domestically produced FP-7 ballistic missile in combat for the first time as Russia intensifies its aerial campaign. Faster Geran-5 drones, ballistic missiles and near-continuous raids are placing Ukraine’s air defences under growing pressure ahead of winter.

Pentagon Creates Autonomous Warfare Command to Lead US Autonomous Warfare

The Pentagon has announced AutoWarCom, a four-star command dedicated to drones, robotics and AI-enabled warfare. Expected to become operational in 2027, it will accelerate the development and deployment of autonomous systems across the US military.

RSS Calls for Nationwide NRC as Illegal Migration Concerns Grow

The RSS has renewed its demand for a nationwide NRC, arguing that India must distinguish citizens from illegal entrants. The call comes amid concern over undocumented migration, electoral-roll integrity and security along India’s 4,096-kilometre border with Bangladesh.

Pakistan-Afghanistan Conflict Escalates Amid Rising Militancy at Home

Afghanistan says Pakistani airstrikes killed nine civilians in Kunar and Helmand, while Islamabad claims it eliminated 22 militants. The escalation comes as Pakistan faces intensifying violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, unrest in Balochistan and protests in PoK.

UK Accuses Chinese Institute of Using Academics to Advance Espionage

MI5 has accused a Chinese research institute of covertly funding more than 100 UK-linked academics working on AI, cybersecurity and communications. Britain has ordered universities to end the collaborations, while China has rejected the claims as baseless.

Suspected Attack on Dubai-Tel Aviv Flight Forces Emergency Landing in Saudi Arabia

A Dubai-Tel Aviv flight landed in Saudi Arabia after a violent cockpit incident injured both pilots and triggered a hijacking alert. Israeli officials suspect an attempted attack, but the motive remains under investigation and has not been officially established.

Germany Faces Weak Labour Market as Energy Costs Drive Inflation Higher

Germany’s unemployment and inflation are rising as the economy struggles with expensive energy. The loss of Russian pipeline gas has weakened the industrial advantage once enjoyed by its manufacturers and intensified pressure on jobs, investment and growth.

Rebeca Grynspan Emerges as Frontrunner to Lead the United Nations

Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan has emerged as the frontrunner to become the next UN secretary-general after leading a fourth Security Council straw poll. However, opposition from any permanent member could still block her path to the organisation’s top post.

Morocco Appoints Fatima Zahra Mansouri as First Woman Prime Minister

Morocco has appointed Fatima Zahra Mansouri as its first woman prime minister after her party won the parliamentary election. The former urban planning minister must now build a coalition while confronting unemployment, inflation and pressure over World Cup spending.