World
World's rivers had one of their driest years in 35 years, WMO reports
The WMO says 2025 brought below-normal flows across a third of river basins and a decade-long decline in land water storage, with South Asia an exception.
World
1090 stories 
World
At least 70 killed in Sudan gold mine collapse, with one source putting the toll at 82
Adjoining shafts at Sudan's al-Zaraa mine in West Kordofan collapsed, and residents dug for survivors with hand tools when no rescue teams arrived.
World
Sri Lanka and Thailand move to expedite a visa exemption, a day after visa-free entry ended
Herath met Thailand's Acting Foreign Minister in Bangkok. Sri Lankans lost visa-free access to Thailand on September 15.
World
Von der Leyen offers Canada 'associate member' status and moves to ban social media for under-13s
Von der Leyen proposed a new EU 'associate member' status for Canada and an EU-wide ban on social media for children under 13.
World
China's new exit rules bar travel over technology transfer violations
Regulations effective Tuesday allow authorities to stop citizens leaving if breaches could endanger 'national industrial and technological security'.
World
Iran says tanker El Gaia exploded on mines in Hormuz; CENTCOM calls the claim false
Iran's IRGC claims tanker struck mines in Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM disputes account, saying it was hit by missile and drone off Oman.
World
Iran's first vice president publicly acknowledges internal policy divisions
Mohammad Reza Aref says Iran's leadership disagrees on national issues and must talk, while stressing the constitution sets who decides on war.
World
Japan passes 100,000 centenarians for the first time
Japan's population aged 100 or older reached 107,677 in September, a 56th straight annual record. Women make up 88% of the total.
World
Sri Lanka's Jeddah consulate issues emergency advisory for western Saudi Arabia
Consulate General in Jeddah tells Sri Lankans in western Saudi Arabia to move indoors and avoid filming incidents, without naming the threat.
World
Suspected sabotage halts Dutch rail traffic as metal pipes found on tracks
ProRail says materials were deliberately placed on tracks at multiple sites, disrupting at least 15 routes including services to Schiphol and Amsterdam.
World
Saudi Arabia announces 110 million tonnes of uranium-bearing ore in Medina region
Saudi Energy Minister announces 110m tonnes uranium ore in Medina at IAEA conference. Recoverable volumes depend on grade and economics.
World
Syria raises diesel prices 40%, triggering the widest unrest since Assad's fall
Syria hikes diesel 40%, petrol 28%, triggering widest unrest since Assad's fall. Protesters block highways; Damascus calls increase temporary.
World
Philippines' Muslim south votes for first parliament after deadly polling-station shooting
Three killed and 15 wounded on the eve of the Bangsamoro election. Cotabato City placed under election commission control as 2.3 million voters go to the polls.
World
Hormuz talks postponed as oil jumps and Saudi pipeline stays shut
Oman postpones Iran-Gulf Hormuz meeting; oil rises 2% as Saudi pipeline remains closed.
World
UN says debt is squeezing rights out of public budgets as Sri Lanka tells Geneva development is not charity
Aid budgets have fallen nearly a quarter this year while arms sales have doubled in two decades, Deputy High Commissioner Awa Dabo told the Council.
World
Russian drone hits Ukrainian train minutes after European security chiefs pass through
Russian drone hits Ukrainian train at Yahodyn hours after Boris Johnson and security chiefs used the line.
World
Singapore's racial harmony law takes effect on Tuesday
The Maintenance of Racial Harmony Act replaces two Penal Code offences, creates a new Presidential Council and adds restraining orders on racial content.
World
Hashim Thaci sentenced to 25 years for war crimes by Hague tribunal
Kosovo's former president Hashim Thaci sentenced to 25 years for war crimes including murdering 96 people. Three fellow KLA commanders also convicted.
World
UK says it regularly raises accountability and disappearances with Sri Lanka
Foreign Office minister Chris Elmore says Britain is monitoring the Chemmani excavations and has encouraged consideration of international assistance.
World
UNCTAD debt chief says borrowing at home costs developing states a 'sovereignty premium'
Penelope Hawkins says governments borrowing domestically often pay 2-3 percentage points more than abroad, with some raising funds daily at over 20%.
World
Iranian ship hit in Strait of Hormuz as Saudi Arabia shuts its main oil bypass pipeline
One crew member was killed near Hengam Island on Sunday. Riyadh closed the 1,200km East-West pipeline after a drone strike, removing 4-5% of global supply.
World
Houthis claim drone and missile attack on Saudi air base at Sharurah
Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree said weapons depots and command centres at the Sharurah base were hit. A projectile also struck Jazan on Saturday, wounding two.
World
Six dead and 130 missing after Indonesian ferry sinks in the Java Sea
The Virgo Transport 8 was carrying 243 people from Surabaya to Banjarmasin when it lost contact. Rescuers are battling waves of up to 2.5 metres.
World
Iran and UAE hold first high-level talks since the war began, on the BRICS sidelines
Pezeshkian met Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed in New Delhi — the highest-level contact since Iran struck US bases in the UAE.