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China has deployed a working prototype of a global defence system similar to the US's proposed Golden Dome, achieving a breakthrough in data processing technology for worldwide threat management. The system can monitor a thousand missiles fired at China from anywhere in the world, leveraging diverse sensors in space, the ocean, the air, and on the ground to identify and analyze potential threats in real-time. The US's missile defence system is divided into separate regional segments, and while President Donald Trump proposed the Golden Dome initiative to achieve global information sharing, no fundamental architectural plan has been established yet.

China's manufacturing activity contracted for the sixth consecutive month in September, with the manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) standing at 49.8. This has prompted calls for increased government support amid weak domestic demand and external headwinds. Experts believe that the October meeting of the Communist Party's Politburo will shed light on the policy reaction to the slowdown. Despite a relatively strong first half of 2025, Beijing may tolerate some deceleration in the second half as long as it doesn't jeopardize the annual GDP growth target of around 5%.

China's major grocery retailers, including Walmart, Wumart, and Alibaba's Freshippo, are adopting strategies similar to those used by discount grocers like Aldi and Lidl to attract price-sensitive consumers. They are streamlining their hypermarkets, reducing clutter, and promoting their own private label products, which offer comparable quality to name-brand goods at lower prices. This move is in response to flat sales and a decline in store counts among China's top 100 retailers, driven by economic uncertainty and consumers becoming more price-sensitive. Experts believe that the growing demand for value-for-money products will drive the success of discounters and store brands.

China's largest provincial economy, Guangdong, has a new governor-in-waiting as Meng Fanli, the former party chief of Shenzhen, has been promoted to party chief of Guangdong's government. Meng is expected to be confirmed as governor by the provincial legislature soon, filling the vacancy left by Wang Weizhong, who was promoted to party chief of Inner Mongolia. Meng was assigned as party chief of Shenzhen in 2022 and faced challenges including the Covid-19 pandemic, property downturn, and China-US trade war. The appointment comes after the monthly Politburo meeting chaired by President Xi Jinping, a usual window for personnel changes at the provincial level and above.

China's US ambassador, Xie Feng, criticized Washington for 'closing doors' and enacting tariffs, while presenting China as a global leader in globalization and multilateralism. Xie emphasized China's commitment to openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation, highlighting its zero-tariff treatment for least-developed countries. He urged the US to work together with China for the benefit of both nations and world peace, and warned Washington to exercise prudence on the Taiwan question.

Global dividend payouts reached a record high of US$1.14 trillion in the first half of 2025, driven by a weak US dollar that boosted shareholder returns denominated in euros and Japanese yen. Japanese companies led the world in core dividend growth, while mainland Chinese and Hong Kong firms lagged behind the global average. Despite persistent inflation and global tariffs, companies reported robust earnings growth, and the MSCI gauge of global stocks reached record highs. Capital Group remains optimistic about solid dividend growth in the second half of 2025.

Hong Kong's stock exchange has maintained its lead in global IPO rankings for the first nine months of 2025, with 66 companies raising $23.27 billion. Analysts predict a strong finish to the year and a positive outlook for 2026, citing lower interest rates, a positive economic outlook, and strong liquidity flow. The city's bourse has outperformed the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq, marking its first time at the top since 2018.

The South China Morning Post highlights seven news stories from Asia, including India's plans to open two new airports to ease air traffic congestion and become a global aviation hub, the impact of overtourism in Kyoto, Japan, and a massive sinkhole in Bangkok, Thailand. The article provides a snapshot of various issues affecting the region, from infrastructure development to the challenges posed by large numbers of tourists. India's new airports are expected to alleviate congestion and enhance its position as a major aviation hub. In contrast, Kyoto is struggling with overtourism, with some schools abandoning the city as a destination for class trips due to the overwhelming number of visitors. Meanwhile, a massive sinkhole in Bangkok has swallowed cars and electricity poles, highlighting the region's infrastructure challenges. These stories showcase the diverse challenges and developments across Asia.

Japan's tourism to the US is facing significant challenges, including a weak yen, safety concerns, and dwindling interest among younger travelers. The slowdown is attributed to deeper structural shifts in Japan's outbound travel patterns. At the Tourism Expo Japan 2025, only three US states - California, Washington, and Hawaii - had stand-alone booths, marking a significant pullback from previous years. Analysts and tourism officials are looking to high-profile events and celebrity appeal to reignite interest. Japanese tourism to the US has declined, with about 700,000 visiting Hawaii last year, down 50% from 2019, and arrivals to the mainland US at about 60% of the figure six years ago.

Top battery scientist Stefano Passerini has relocated from Germany to China to head a new institute at Nanjing Normal University. The Italian researcher, a member of Germany's National Academy of Sciences, will lead the International Institute for Electrochemical Energy Storage. Passerini expressed confidence in the university's research and talent, pledging to build the institute into a world-class research center and facilitate international collaboration. The university's party secretary, Wang Chengbin, hailed the appointment as a 'milestone' in the university's talent strategy, stating that the new institute will have top-tier labs and facilities and contribute to China's 'dual carbon' goals.

A new UN report forecasts that Southeast Asia will be the region hardest hit by US tariffs, with a 9.7% drop in exports to the US, potentially costing the region billions. The report suggests that this could push Asean countries deeper into China's orbit as the US raises the price of entry to its consumer market. Southeast Asia is a major supplier of electronics, garments, and footwear to the US, and countries like Vietnam and Cambodia are particularly exposed to the impact of US tariffs.

American citizen Amir Amiri was released by the Taliban after being detained for nine months in Afghanistan. The release was facilitated by Qatari diplomats who coordinated with the U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs. Amiri's detention began in December 2024, and Qatar began negotiating for his release in March. This is the fifth American citizen to be released from Afghanistan this year, with Qatar playing a key role in the negotiations. The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, welcomed Amiri back and thanked Qatar for their assistance.

A cable car crash in Sri Lanka's northwestern Kurunegala district on Wednesday night resulted in the deaths of eight Buddhist monks, including three foreigners, as they traveled to meditation units atop a mountain within the Na Uyana monastery. The monks had crowded into a small makeshift cabin when the cable snapped, sending the cabin careening downhill at high speed before crashing into a tree. Initial investigations suggest that the cable had snapped, causing the accident. The death toll rose to eight after one of the injured monks succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. The funerals of five monks were held on Saturday, while the remains of an Indian monk were repatriated to his relatives. Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister expressed condolences on social media, mourning the loss with the Buddhist community worldwide.

Eli Sharabi, a freed Hamas hostage, recounts his 491-day ordeal in captivity and his struggle to rebuild his life after learning that his wife and daughters were killed on October 7, 2023. Sharabi shares his harrowing experience of being held in tunnels under Gaza, where he was subjected to physical and emotional abuse. Despite his trauma, he has chosen to focus on rebuilding his life and advocating for the release of remaining hostages. Sharabi's story is a testament to his resilience and determination to honor the memory of his loved ones.

Iran has executed a man accused of spying for Israel's Mossad, as part of what human rights activists believe to be the largest wave of executions in decades. The executed man, Bahman Choobiasl, was accused of cooperating with Israeli intelligence and working on sensitive telecommunications projects. The execution comes as Iran faces increased international pressure, including reimposed UN sanctions over its nuclear program. Human rights groups have criticized Iran's use of the death penalty, citing the lack of transparency in trials and the high number of executions.

Tropical Storm Imelda is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane on Tuesday morning as it moves away from the southeastern U.S. coast. The storm is currently located north of the Bahamas and is expected to approach Bermuda on Wednesday. Imelda is the ninth named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. The National Hurricane Center has issued a hurricane watch for Bermuda and previously issued tropical storm warnings and watches for the northwestern Bahamas and parts of Florida's east coast, which have since been canceled. Imelda is expected to bring heavy rainfall and swells to the U.S. East Coast, with rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches expected across northeast Florida, coastal South Carolina, and coastal sections of southeast North Carolina. The storm follows Hurricane Humberto, which rapidly intensified to a major hurricane over the Atlantic on Saturday.

A Mexican marine biologist, Mauricio Hoyos, was seriously injured in a shark attack while working off Costa Rica's Pacific coast near Cocos Island. Hoyos was leading a scientific expedition as part of the One Ocean Worldwide Coalition when the incident occurred. Despite severe injuries to his head, face, and arms, Hoyos was rescued by Costa Rica's Fire Department and transported to a hospital in the capital, where he arrived in stable condition. The shark involved was approximately 4 meters long and was one of the island's shark species that Hoyos was tagging for monitoring. The incident is considered rare, and Hoyos' colleagues expressed gratitude for the support received during this difficult time. Cocos Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its diverse species, including various shark species.

Moldova's pro-European Union party, the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), won a clear parliamentary majority in the recent election, defeating pro-Russian groups. The election was seen as a geopolitical choice between aligning with the EU or returning to Moscow's influence. PAS secured 50.1% of the vote, while pro-Russian groups trailed behind. The outcome was hailed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as a victory for democracy and freedom. Moldova's President Maia Sandu is likely to nominate pro-Western Prime Minister Dorin Recean to continue leading the government. The election was marked by allegations of Russian interference, including cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns. The PAS victory is expected to ensure continuity in Moldova's pursuit of EU integration.

Senator Rand Paul was interviewed on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan' about various topics including government spending, potential government shutdown, and the President's decision to send troops to Portland, Oregon. Paul expressed his opposition to both Republican and Democratic spending plans, citing excessive debt. He supported the President's authority to hire and fire within the executive branch, including potential mass layoffs. Regarding the deployment of troops to Portland, Paul acknowledged the President's legal authority but expressed a preference for local authorities to handle the situation. He also discussed the issue of antifa and domestic terrorism, emphasizing the need for due process.

Senator Tim Kaine discusses the potential government shutdown and its impact on Virginia, criticizes President Trump's handling of U.S. attorneys, and expresses concerns about the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey. Kaine emphasizes the need to address healthcare issues and calls for a short-term funding deal to prevent a shutdown. He also highlights the resignations of two U.S. attorneys in Virginia, attributing their departures to Trump's pressure to bring baseless cases.

China's leader Xi Jinping has introduced a bold stimulus package, marking a significant shift in the country's macroeconomic policies. The move comes after years of economic woes and is seen as a major departure from Xi's previous stance against consumer handouts and bold economic stimulus. The stimulus has led to a surge in Chinese stocks, with some analysts describing it as a 'bazooka'. The article discusses the implications of this policy change and its potential impact on the economy.

The article discusses how Ibrahim Traoré, the 37-year-old president of Burkina Faso, has become a viral figure through the use of AI-generated content, potentially with the help of Russian friends. The AI-generated likeness of Traoré is shown making statements such as calling for African unity and expressing gratitude to Vladimir Putin for his support. The article touches on the theme of cyber-nationalism in the Sahel region and highlights Traoré's rise to prominence.

The article discusses the challenges faced by talented individuals, such as Ervin Macic, a 19-year-old Bosnian prodigy, in pursuing their academic and professional goals due to financial constraints. Macic won medals at the International Mathematical Olympiad and researched artificial intelligence but was unable to attend the University of Oxford due to high fees. The article highlights the importance of human talent in the age of artificial intelligence and the need to identify and nurture geniuses. It touches upon the AI talent war and how countries are trying to challenge America's dominance in the field.

The article discusses how investing like the ultra-rich has become more accessible to retail investors, which is worrying regulators. It references a book by Ian Ayres and Barry Nalebuff that suggested young investors should borrow money to buy stocks, known as 'lifecycle investing.' The article explores the implications of this strategy and its potential impact on the financial market.

The article discusses the challenges of measuring mortality rates in Africa, particularly in conflict zones such as Sudan and Tigray. The estimates of death tolls vary greatly, with the example given of the Sudan civil war where estimates ranged from 15,000 to 150,000 deaths. The article highlights the difficulties in obtaining accurate numbers, citing the wide disparity in estimates. The issue is not limited to Sudan, as the article also mentions the Tigray war, where estimates of deaths range from 5,325 to 600,000. The article is part of a larger discussion on the challenges of measuring mortality in Africa, with the newsletter 'Analysing Africa' covering topics such as life, death, and poverty in Madagascar.

Syria's new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has made a significant appearance at the UN General Assembly in New York, marking a dramatic shift in his image from a former al-Qaeda operative to a statesman. This comes nearly ten months after he ousted Bashar al-Assad, Syria's longtime dictator. Al-Sharaa's interactions with prominent figures like David Petraeus signal a potential new era in Syria-US relations. However, his challenges at home may complicate his diplomatic efforts with America.

The article discusses the growing presence of self-driving taxis in San Francisco, led by companies like Waymo, Tesla, and Zoox. Waymo has gained significant market share in the ride-share market, with its white Jaguars becoming a common sight. The article highlights the increasing automation in the industry and the potential implications for the economy.

The article discusses the current state of Dubai's property market, which is experiencing a surge in demand and prices. Despite concerns of a potential crash, the market's fundamentals appear solid. The article highlights the enthusiasm for property in Dubai, with new developments being announced regularly and home advertisements plastered across billboards. The urban sprawl and skyline are expanding, and traffic is becoming increasingly congested. The article suggests that while there are fears of a reckoning, the market's underlying factors are robust.

British singer Cat Stevens has postponed his North American book tour due to unspecified visa issues. Stevens announced the postponement on social media, stating that his team had waited months for visa approvals but couldn't arrange the necessary production logistics in time. The tour was set to start on October 2 in Philadelphia and had various stops scheduled across the US and Canada. Stevens' book, 'Cat on the Road to Findout,' is still set to be released on October 7 in the US. The singer expressed his disappointment on social media, saying he was 'really upset' for his fans who had bought tickets and made travel plans. Stevens is not the first international musician to be impacted by visa issues, as fees have increased and processing times have slowed in the past year.

The article discusses the looming government shutdown and the tense negotiations between Democrats and President Trump on Capitol Hill. It also covers various other news stories, including New York City Mayor Eric Adams ending his reelection bid, President Trump's 20-point peace plan for the Israel-Hamas War, a deadly attack on a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel in Michigan, and the US revoking the visa of Colombia's President Gustavo Petro. Additionally, it mentions the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey by a federal grand jury, which is seen as an escalation of President Trump's efforts to prosecute his political enemies.

The article discusses how President Donald Trump's executive action to impose a $100,000 application fee for H-1B visas could potentially hurt US jobs. The H-1B visa program allows temporary foreign workers to work in the US, and the new rules may lead to a decrease in the number of foreign workers hired, potentially benefiting American workers. However, CNN's Clare Duffy explains that the new rules could also have negative consequences for US jobs.

A federal judge has temporarily suspended the Trump administration's plan to eliminate hundreds of jobs at the US Agency for Global Media, which oversees Voice of America. The judge ruled that the agency cannot implement a reduction in force eliminating 532 jobs for full-time government employees. The plaintiffs argued that the job cuts would hamper the judge's ability to enforce an earlier injunction requiring the agency to maintain its programming levels. The administration had initiated the job cuts just hours after a hearing where government lawyers said a reduction in force was only a possibility, prompting the judge to accuse the administration of showing 'concerning disrespect' toward the court.

President Donald Trump shared an AI-generated video on social media that depicted House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in a racist manner. The video was shared just hours after Jeffries and Schumer met with Trump at the White House to discuss a looming government shutdown.

The US Air Force has reactivated a World War II-era squadron, the 431st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, to establish a permanent MQ-9 Reaper drone presence at Kunsan Air Base in South Korea. The move aims to bolster security amid rising military tensions in the region, particularly with North Korea and China. The Reaper drones can perform various combat and surveillance missions, with an extended range covering North Korea, the East China Sea, and Taiwan. The deployment demonstrates Washington's commitment to South Korea and other Pacific allies, addressing doubts about US security commitments in the region.

British blogger Pete North was arrested for sharing an anti-Hamas meme on social media, sparking controversy over free speech and hate crime laws. North, 47, was detained by North Yorkshire Police after posting a meme featuring a Palestinian flag with derogatory language towards Palestine, Hamas, and Islam. During questioning, North claimed that the officer was unaware of Hamas's atrocities, including the October 7 civilian murders. North was released without charge, criticizing the police for overstepping their bounds and intimidating individuals from posting memes online.

Former Republican congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers is working with the U.S. Israel Education Association to advise on a plan to shift the U.S. and its allies away from Chinese-made pharmaceuticals and towards 'friendshoring' in the Abraham Accords region. Rodgers, co-founder of the Abraham Accords Caucus, believes this initiative aligns with her previous priorities in Congress and will help reduce dependence on China for critical supplies. The plan involves expanding economic relationships between Abraham Accords nations and establishing an FDA office in the region.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has stated that Hungary is poised to follow the US in designating Antifa as a terrorist organization, citing the group's extremist ideology and violent actions against innocent people. Szijjártó praised the current 'golden age' in US-Hungary relations under the Trump administration, highlighting increased cooperation on security issues such as NATO spending. Hungary shares a border with Ukraine and is concerned about the risks of a confrontation between NATO and Russia, with Szijjártó expressing hope that Trump can facilitate peace in the region through dialogue with Russia.

Denmark, a NATO ally, has reported multiple drone sightings over its military installations, including its largest military base, after similar incidents at airports grounded flights earlier in the week. The country is still considering how to respond to the incidents, with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stating that the alliance is taking the incidents 'very seriously.' Danish authorities have described the drone incidents as a 'hybrid attack' carried out by a 'professional actor,' but have not confirmed the identity of the perpetrator. Norway has also reported a possible drone sighting near an air force base.

The UK's National Health Service (NHS) has removed a controversial report from its website that discussed the potential benefits of first-cousin marriages, sparking debate and criticism from conservative politicians. The report suggested that while there are health risks associated with first-cousin marriages, there are also potential benefits, such as stronger extended family support systems and economic advantages. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has faced criticism for not banning the practice, instead prioritizing education over government mandates. Conservative MPs have accused the Labour government of being insensitive to health concerns and cultural practices.

The United Nations Security Council rejected a resolution proposed by China and Russia to extend sanctions relief for Iran under the nuclear deal. The vote was 9 against, 4 in favor, and 2 abstentions. The sanctions, which were triggered by Britain, France, and Germany's 'snapback' measure, will freeze Iranian assets abroad, halt arms deals, and penalize Iran's ballistic missile program development. Iranian leaders, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have criticized the decision, calling it 'unfair, unjust, and illegal' and stating that negotiations with the U.S. are a 'dead end.'

The article praises JK Rowling for defending women's rights and criticizing Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe for their stance on trans issues. Rowling has faced backlash for her views, but the author argues that she has been stalwart in her defense of women's spaces and rights. The article highlights the importance of protecting women's safety and dignity, particularly in spaces such as shelters, hospitals, and prisons. The author commends Rowling for standing up to trans extremists and refusing to back down in the face of criticism and threats.

The article discusses the controversy surrounding Bad Bunny's selection as the performer for the Super Bowl halftime show. The author argues that Bad Bunny is a bad choice due to his perceived hypocrisy, having previously declined to perform on the US mainland in protest of Trump's immigration policies, and his music being autotuned. The NFL's decision is seen as driven by their desire for global expansion, particularly in the Spanish-speaking market. The article also touches on Jay-Z's influence on the NFL's music choices and the league's efforts to appeal to a broader audience.

The New York Jets struggled with discipline in their recent loss to the Miami Dolphins, committing 13 penalties for 101 yards. Coach Aaron Glenn had promised to improve the team's discipline over the summer, but the issue persists. The penalties included pre-snap infractions and personal fouls, which Glenn acknowledged as a problem. Players Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson expressed frustration with the calls, with Gardner feeling targeted due to the team's losing record. The Jets showed some positive signs in their running game, but were ultimately undone by their penalties and injuries to key players Braelon Allen and Michael Carter.

New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill is facing scrutiny after her two children were accepted into the Naval Academy, raising questions about potential favoritism. Sherrill's office announced in June that her children, Lincoln and Margaret Hedberg, were among nine students from her district to be accepted into the Naval Academy, which has a highly competitive admission process. Sherrill claims she was not involved in the nomination process and that her children applied through the offices of New Jersey's US Senators. The controversy comes as Sherrill's campaign for governor is tightening, and her past involvement in a cheating scandal at the Naval Academy is also under scrutiny.

The White House issued a strong response to singer Ariana Grande after she reposted an anti-Trump message on social media. The message criticized Trump voters, questioning whether their lives had improved since his policies were implemented. White House spokesperson Kush Desai responded by referencing Grande's song titles and claiming that Trump's actions had ended Joe Biden's inflation crisis and brought in new investments. Desai also mentioned that Trump signed an executive order to help crack down on Ticketmaster for overcharging Grande's fans. Grande had publicly supported Kamala Harris over Trump in the 2024 presidential election.

Electronic Arts (EA), a major gaming company, is being sold to a consortium of buyers including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), Silver Lake, and Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners for $55 billion. The deal is the largest leveraged buyout in history and will take EA private. EA is known for popular games like EA FC, The Sims, and Mass Effect. The purchase price includes a 25% premium on EA's market value. EA boss Andrew Wilson will remain in post and stated that the deal is a recognition of the firm's work. Industry experts have expressed concerns about the deal resulting in significant debt and potential impacts on EA's ability to invest in new games. The purchase marks a significant extension of Saudi Arabia's reach in the gaming industry, following previous investments in Niantic and other gaming firms.

Puerto Rican pop star Bad Bunny will perform at the Super Bowl half-time show in 2026 in California. Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is a renowned singer and rapper who has topped Spotify's most-streamed artist list multiple times. He has won three Grammy Awards and 12 Latin Grammys. Bad Bunny recently expressed concerns about touring in the US due to fears of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids on his fans. Despite this, he will perform at the Super Bowl, following in the footsteps of other notable performers like Kendrick Lamar and Rihanna. Jay-Z's Roc Nation company, which produces the half-time show, praised Bad Bunny's contributions to Puerto Rico and expressed honor in having him perform on the global stage.

Donald Trump has renewed his threat to impose a 100% tariff on films not made in the US, claiming that the American film industry has been 'stolen' by other countries. The proposed tariff aims to address the decline of the US film industry, which Trump attributes to foreign competition. The move has sparked concerns among industry stakeholders, including the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, which warned that the tariffs could 'punish US studios' and 'weaken both economies.' The tariff's impact on streaming services and film production is unclear, with questions raised about its feasibility and potential consequences.

China has sentenced 11 ringleaders of a criminal enterprise in northern Myanmar to death for their involvement in cyber-scams, illegal gambling, and human trafficking. The crackdown is part of a broader effort by Beijing to address the issue, despite having previously cultivated the gang leaders. The criminal enterprise was operating in northern Myanmar.

The article discusses the struggles faced by transgender women in Paraguay, one of the most conservative countries in the Americas. Many LGBTQ+ individuals feel forced to leave their hometowns due to discrimination, harassment, and gender-based violence. The story highlights the case of Alejandra Mongelós, a transgender woman who fled her home in 2013 at the age of 8 and has been searching for a safe place to be herself ever since. The article sheds light on the social rejection and lack of legal protections that exacerbate the challenges faced by transgender women in Paraguay.

A Thai appeals court has upheld a two-year prison sentence for Chonthicha Jangrew, a lawmaker from the progressive People's Party, for defaming the monarchy in a speech she made four years ago. The court granted Jangrew bail, set at 150,000 baht ($4,600), and she plans to appeal to the Supreme Court. The ruling has significant implications for Jangrew's position as an elected Member of Parliament.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has decided to keep the benchmark policy rate steady at 3.6%, despite inflation concerns. The decision comes after Australia reported a headline inflation rate of 3% for August, the highest since July 2024. The RBA signaled worries about inflation, citing recent data suggesting that inflation in the September quarter may be higher than expected. The central bank has cut rates by 75 basis points so far this year, after holding them steady at 4.35% since November 2023. Economists expect a rate cut in November, as underlying inflation is forecasted to ease to 2.6% in the third quarter of 2025. Australia's economic growth in the second quarter exceeded expectations, driven by domestic spending.

Zijin Gold, the overseas gold-mining arm of China's Zijin Mining, made its trading debut in Hong Kong with a 60% surge in shares, following a strong initial public offering (IPO) that raised nearly $3.2 billion. The IPO was the world's second-largest this year, after CATL's listing. The company's listing comes amid record highs in gold prices due to strong safe-haven demand and global economic uncertainty. Zijin Gold operates gold mines outside China, with a global footprint spanning Central Asia, South America, Oceania, and Africa. Major investors in the IPO included Singapore's sovereign wealth fund GIC, Hillhouse's HHLRA, and BlackRock Funds.

Three people were found dead in a home in County Louth, Ireland, with a man in his 30s arrested in connection with the incident. The victims, a man and woman in their 50s and a man in their 20s, were discovered at a house in Drumgowna, Tallanstown, on Monday morning. The scene has been cordoned off for forensic work, and post-mortem examinations are scheduled for Tuesday. Local politicians, including Sinn Fein TD Ruairi O Murchu, have condemned the incident and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against pro-Palestinian demonstrators who protested outside a synagogue in New Jersey, using a law traditionally used to protect reproductive health clinics. The Justice Department's Civil Rights Division accused the demonstrators of intimidating and disrupting Jewish worshipers, and is seeking to bar them from protesting outside houses of worship. The lawsuit is seen as a new front in the administration's crackdown on pro-Palestinian speech and makes novel use of the 1994 Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act.

The Trump administration is taking action against Harvard University, potentially making it ineligible for federal funding. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has referred Harvard to the office responsible for administrative suspension and debarment proceedings due to allegations of discrimination and harassment against Jewish and Israeli students. Harvard has 20 days to seek a formal administrative hearing to determine whether it violated the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The administration's actions are part of a broader campaign to leverage federal funding to force change at universities it perceives as being gripped by antisemitic and 'radical left' ideologies. Harvard has previously sued over some of these actions and a judge ruled that the administration had unlawfully terminated over $2 billion in research grants awarded to the school.

A boarding school building collapsed in Sidoarjo, Indonesia, killing at least one student and burying 65 others under rubble. Rescuers are working to locate survivors, with eight weak and injured students pulled out more than 12 hours after the collapse. The building was undergoing an unauthorized expansion when it collapsed during afternoon prayers. Authorities are investigating the cause, with the provincial police spokesperson stating that the old building's foundation was unable to support the additional floors.