Italy’s government has approved new school measures under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni that ban face-covering garments such as burqas and niqabs in schools. The rules prohibit covered faces during curricular, extracurricular and school-family activities, with fines of €200 to €1,000 for violations. The government has also introduced a 30% limit on certain foreign students in first-year classes, particularly those with limited experience in Italy’s education system. Officials say the measures aim to promote integration and Italian-language learning. Schools may receive exemptions and additional language-support funding. The decree must be ratified by Parliament within 60 days. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House, where the two leaders highlighted improving relations between the United States and China. During the visit, Xi announced that China would send two giant pandas to Zoo Atlanta in the coming days, continuing a long-standing tradition of panda diplomacy. The announcement came as Washington and Beijing seek to stabilize relations amid disagreements over trade, technology and other strategic issues. The panda arrival is expected to provide a symbolic boost to people-to-people ties. The leaders’ meeting also focused on strengthening communication and cooperation between the world’s two largest economies. (PC: X)

More than 100 people were arrested in New York during protests against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the United Nations General Assembly. Demonstrators, including activists, politicians and actors, blocked a road near the UN headquarters and called for an end to US military support for Israel’s war in Gaza. Police said 103 people were arrested for disorderly conduct, and all were later released. Among those detained were actors Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder and congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier. The protests coincided with Netanyahu’s UN speech, during which he defended Israel’s actions and rejected accusations of genocide in Gaza. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House for a lavish state dinner, as both leaders highlighted improved ties between the United States and China. Trump described the relationship positively, while Xi said the two countries’ interests are deeply interconnected and called for greater mutual trust and cooperation. Their discussions covered major issues including trade, technology and Taiwan. The meeting came amid efforts to ease economic tensions between the two countries. Xi also announced plans for Chinese panda diplomacy and youth exchanges involving Americans. The leaders presented the gathering as a potential new phase in bilateral relations. (PC: BBC)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called delegates who walked out as he began his UN General Assembly speech “moral cowards,” as he defended Israel’s actions in Gaza and its wider military campaign. Dozens of representatives left the hall before and during his address, highlighting international criticism of Israel’s conduct in the conflict. Netanyahu rejected accusations that Israel was committing genocide and argued that his government was acting in self-defence. He also criticised international pressure on Israel and defended its military operations against regional threats. The walkout and Netanyahu’s response reflected the continuing deep divisions at the United Nations over Israel’s policies and the Gaza war.

Saudi Arabia said it intercepted six ballistic missiles launched by Yemen’s Houthi forces, targeting areas including Taif and the Yanbu region on the Red Sea. The attacks heightened concerns about possible disruptions to Saudi Arabia’s oil exports and regional energy infrastructure. Oil prices responded by rising sharply, with Brent crude settling 3.4% higher at $106.60 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate gained 2.7% to $94.61. The market remained volatile as reports emerged of US-Iran discussions over reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil shipping route. The developments add to growing Middle East security and energy-supply concerns. (PC: EPA)

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged US President Donald Trump to avoid treating relations between Washington and Beijing as a “win-or-lose” contest during their high-level talks in Washington on September 24, 2026. Xi said competition between the world’s two largest economies should remain healthy and within limits, while calling for greater cooperation and a new chapter in bilateral relations. He also warned against the “Thucydides Trap” of conflict between rising and established powers. Taiwan was discussed, with Xi urging Washington to oppose Taiwan independence. The leaders also addressed artificial intelligence, emphasizing responsible development and keeping AI under human control. (PC: AP)

Dozens of diplomats walked out of the United Nations General Assembly hall as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his speech on September 24, amid protests and international criticism of Israel’s policies. Netanyahu criticised those leaving, calling them “moral cowards” and accusing them of hypocrisy. Some delegates who remained applauded, while others chanted “Am Yisrael Chai.” Netanyahu also defended Israel’s military strikes against Iran, saying they were necessary to prevent a greater threat from its nuclear programme. His brief New York visit includes meetings with several world leaders, but no scheduled meeting with US President Donald Trump. 

US President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House on September 24 for high-level talks covering trade, artificial intelligence, Taiwan and broader security issues. During their meeting, Xi urged Washington to oppose “Taiwan independence,” according to China’s state news agency. Trump and Xi also highlighted the need for stable relations and continued dialogue between their countries. Trade remains a central issue, with both sides considering an extension of their existing truce. The leaders are also expected to discuss Iran, military communication and technology. Xi’s visit is his first to Washington in more than a decade. (PC: X)

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas told the UN General Assembly that the Palestinian delegation was denied US entry visas for the second consecutive year, preventing them from attending in person. Abbas delivered his address through a prerecorded video from Ramallah. He rejected what he described as unlawful punitive measures and disputed US accusations against the Palestinian Authority and Palestine Liberation Organisation. In his speech, Abbas highlighted the humanitarian situation in Gaza and settlement expansion in the West Bank, while calling for progress on a Gaza peace plan and a political path toward a two-state solution. The US cited Palestinian actions at international courts among its reasons. (PC: X)