World

World

Saudi Arabia reports Medina missile interception; Houthis deny attack

Saudi Arabia says it intercepted a cruise missile over the Medina region. Yemen’s Houthis deny carrying out an attack. Saudi authorities also reported destroying a drone over the Eastern province. The reported incidents come amid renewed fighting between the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthis.

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Houthi strike damages Aramco offices in Dhahran

A Houthi attack hit an administrative building at Saudi Aramco’s headquarters, causing a limited fire but no reported casualties. Saudi shares fell as the rebels promised further attacks on airports and oil facilities.

World

Russian strikes leave 600,000 Ukrainians without power

Missile and drone attacks killed three people and damaged energy facilities in Kyiv and Kharkiv, according to Ukrainian authorities. The barrage left at least 600,000 without electricity and exposed worsening gaps in air defence.

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China’s export surge brings $1tn surplus into view

China’s September exports rose 36.3 per cent from a year earlier and imports increased 31 per cent. Strong shipments of semiconductors and vehicles pushed the nine-month trade surplus to $938bn, adding to tension with major partners.

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US inflation rises to 3.7% as petrol costs jump

American consumer prices rose 0.6 per cent in September and 3.7 per cent from a year earlier. Energy drove much of the increase, while firmer core inflation revived expectations that the Federal Reserve may raise rates again.

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Pacific monitoring region hits record temperature as El Niño strengthens

Copernicus says September’s average temperature in the Niño 3.4 Pacific monitoring region reached 29.70°C, exceeding previous peaks. Its latest bulletin also recorded the second-warmest September globally. The findings show unusually warm oceans as El Niño strengthens, with different weather effects across regions.

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Saudi coalition warns civilians to leave Sanaa oil site

The Saudi-led coalition issued an evacuation warning around an oil facility in Sanaa ahead of a planned operation. The Houthis threatened retaliation against Saudi targets. The exchange comes amid continuing airport disruption and competing claims about missile and drone attacks, with civilian safety at risk.

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Delhi police detain youth leaders amid voter-roll dispute

Leaders of India’s Cockroach Janta Party movement were detained after entering the barricaded Jantar Mantar protest site. Demonstrators are challenging voter-roll revisions and demanding the election chief’s resignation. The Election Commission denies wrongdoing, while authorities have designated alternative places for protests.

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IMF forecasts 3.1% global growth as AI investment offsets war pressures

The IMF expects global growth of 3.1% in 2026 and 3.4% in 2027. AI investment is supporting activity, while the Middle East conflict and rising borrowing costs weigh on other economies. The fund warns that the headline figures conceal a widening divide between countries.

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EU plans annual cap on Chinese hybrid-car imports from 2027

The EU plans to cap Chinese hybrid-car imports at 350,000 in the first year of a four-year arrangement beginning in 2027. A senior EU official said the ceiling would increase 6% annually from year two. The measure is separate from battery-electric car tariffs.