World leaders worldwide are arriving in New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly amid escalating wars, uncertainty and shifting power. The Middle East conflict has expanded across the region following a US-Israeli attack on Tehran, closing a waterway. Meanwhile, the four-year Russia-Ukraine war continues without signs of diplomatic resolution. Other crises include an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, earthquakes in Venezuela and Colombia, and flash floods in Nepal and Tibet, raising concerns over pandemics and climate change. Diplomats say international law, mediation and consensus face challenges. Trump, Zelenskyy and Pezeshkian are expected to draw attention, while officials seek openings on maritime security and AI. (PC:The Economic Times)

US President Donald Trump, addressing the 81st United Nations General Assembly on September 22, said Iran faced a choice between reaching a deal with Washington and what he called “annihilation” of the Islamic Republic. Trump said he believed an agreement could be reached after the November 3 US midterm elections, arguing Tehran was waiting to see the election outcome. He urged countries to join the United States in economically isolating Iran to pressure it into negotiations. Trump defended US military action against Iran, saying it had prevented Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Reuters reported that Iran had signalled interest in reviving negotiations, while officials said Washington remained open to talks.

US President Donald Trump suggested renaming artificial intelligence as “super intelligence” or “SI” during his United Nations General Assembly address. Trump argued that the word “artificial” does not accurately reflect AI’s capabilities and said US government documents, and potentially documents worldwide, could use “super” instead. The proposal follows Trump’s recent public discussion about renaming AI. Before the UN speech, Trump had said AI safety concerns were exaggerated and indicated that the Justice Department could intervene if necessary. The term “superintelligence” is already used in technology and academic discussions for AI systems that could potentially exceed human capabilities across broad tasks. The remarks add to ongoing debate over AI development and oversight.

The main accused in the Jamui molestation case, Nandan Yadav, was shot in the leg during a police encounter in Bihar on Tuesday, according to police sources. Another absconding accused, Hareram Yadav, was also injured during the operation. The action came days after a video allegedly showing a minor girl and her male companion being harassed and assaulted in Jamui surfaced online. Police had launched a search for those involved after the September 19 incident. Three suspects have been arrested so far, while investigators are identifying others through video footage. The circumstances surrounding the police encounter are also being investigated. (PC: X)

Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal, who recently retired from the Indian Army after 12 years of service, has spoken about the personal demands of serving as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to President Droupadi Murmu. Sambyal served as the President’s ADC for around three years. In an interview with podcaster Raj Shamani, he said ADCs cannot marry during their tenure and have to remain away from their families. He described giving up the chance to start a family as his “biggest sacrifice”. Sambyal also said the role left him feeling lonely at times. He retired from the Army last month after completing his service. (PC: X)

A video showing a young couple being assaulted and harassed by a group of people in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district has surfaced online. The incident reportedly took place on a road leading to Kapilash, a popular tourist destination. The couple were travelling on a motorcycle when they were stopped by the group. The footage appears to show several people surrounding them, with the man being assaulted and some men behaving inappropriately towards the woman. She can be heard pleading with them to stop. Police said some suspects have been identified and strict action will follow. The incident is being investigated, with the motive behind the confrontation still unclear.

Iran has offered to reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz within seven days if the United States eases military pressure and lifts its blockade on Iranian ports, a senior Iranian official said Tuesday.   The proposal was reportedly conveyed to Washington through mediators as Tehran seeks to restart negotiations and end hostilities. Iranian officials said their delegation attending the UN General Assembly in New York has authority to pursue diplomatic talks. The development also affected global oil markets, with crude prices falling as investors saw the offer as a possible step toward reducing disruption around the key shipping route. However, tensions remain high in the region. (PC: X)

The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has criticised a life sentence handed to its member Gullzadi Baloch, alleging that Pakistan’s legal system is being used to silence Baloch voices. The group called for an independent review of the verdict and trial proceedings. According to the BYC, Additional Sessions Judge-I Qadir Shah Bukhari issued the sentence in Case No. 15/22. The organisation also alleged procedural problems, including a hearing held during a lawyers’ strike without defence counsel present. It further claimed the judge had previously indicated he was under pressure over the possible sentence. These allegations could not be independently verified. (PC: HT)

Major US television networks suspended pooled coverage of President Donald Trump on Monday after the White House barred CNN, Politico and MS NOW from access. The three outlets said they were excluded because Trump objected to their reporting and have filed a lawsuit against the administration. Other major news organisations, including The New York Times and The Washington Post, also declined to share images from some Trump events. The White House streamed a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Marine One helipad, but Trump’s comments were inaudible. The television pool later stopped covering designated presidential events after CNN was prevented from performing pool duties. (PC: BBC)

G7 foreign ministers have called on Iran to end its arming and support of the Houthis in Yemen, warning that the group’s attacks risk further regional escalation and global economic instability. The ministers from the UK, US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan also condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and urged the group to stop military operations and attacks on civilian shipping. The statement was issued after a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. The Houthis have recently expanded their control along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, including areas near the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait. (PC: BBC)