The United States has announced a 100% tariff on all branded and patented pharmaceutical imports from October 1, 2025, unless companies establish production facilities in the country. President Trump stated this move aims to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce the budget deficit. India, whose pharmaceutical exports to the U.S. reached $8.7 billion in 2023–24, could face significant costs and negative impacts on its drug exports. Analysts warn the policy may severely strain India’s pharmaceutical industry.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he will not allow Israel to annex the occupied West Bank, stressing that such a move is unacceptable. Speaking ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s UN address, Trump noted that a deal on Gaza is “very close.” Global pressure is mounting on Israel to end the Gaza war and halt West Bank annexation, with the UK, Germany, and the UN warning of severe consequences. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas urged support for the French peace plan.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump declared that Israel would not be permitted to annex the Palestinian West Bank, while suggesting that a settlement over Gaza could be reached soon.
Speaking at the White House on Thursday, ahead of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled UN address, Trump said: “I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank… it simply won’t happen.”
His remarks come as several Western nations formally recognize Palestine as an independent state. The UN Secretary-General warned that annexation would be “morally, legally, and politically unacceptable.” Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed willingness to work with world leaders on France’s proposed peace plan.

The Kremlin has responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s UN remarks, asserting that Russia is a true “bear,” not a paper tiger. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that the bear has long symbolized Russia and suggested Trump’s comments may have been influenced by his meeting with Ukraine’s President Zelensky. Peskov stated that continuing the war in Ukraine is Russia’s only option and accused the U.S. of pushing Europe and other regions to reduce Russian energy use to boost American exports.

French President Emmanuel Macron’s motorcade was halted in New York after police blocked several roads for U.S. President Donald Trump’s convoy, according to The Guardian.

Caught in the security lockdown, Macron reportedly phoned Trump directly to resolve the situation. The blockade was lifted shortly afterward.

However, Macron was forced to abandon his vehicle and proceed the rest of the way on foot.

France has officially recognized Palestine as a state, joining a growing list of Western nations.

The announcement came at a high-level meeting in New York, where Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, and Monaco also declared recognition. The UK had made its recognition just a day earlier.

French President Emmanuel Macron stated:

“We are here today because the time has come. It is our responsibility to do everything possible to uphold a two-state solution. Today I announce that France recognizes the State of Palestine.”

Spain, Norway, and Ireland extended recognition last year. Spain has also imposed sanctions on Israel over the war in Gaza. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said:

“When a people are subjected to genocide, a two-state solution becomes impossible. For the sake of reason, law, and human dignity, this massacre must end.”

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the Assembly via video message.

The main session of the UN’s 80th General Assembly begins today, with the world leaders’ debate running until Saturday.

Tradition dictates that Brazil will be the first to speak, followed by the United States and others. This year’s Assembly is chaired by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and will see participation from leaders of 140 nations.

Palestinian statehood recognition is expected to dominate discussions, alongside the Russia-Ukraine war, sustainable development, the global energy crisis, and climate change. The session concludes on September 30.

Several Western nations, including the UK, Australia, Canada, and Portugal, formally recognized the State of Palestine on September 21, marking a historic shift in foreign policy. Israel condemned the move, while the U.S. criticized it as mere “showmanship,” emphasizing priorities like hostage release, Israeli security, and regional peace. Palestinians in Gaza welcomed it as a victory. Netanyahu reaffirmed that no Palestinian state will be established west of the Jordan River. Other countries may announce recognition at the upcoming UN General Assembly.

U.S. President Donald Trump has demanded Afghanistan’s Taliban government return the Bagram airbase, warning of “terrible consequences” if they refuse. In posts on Truth Social and remarks at the White House, Trump insisted the airbase must be handed back immediately, hinting at undisclosed action if demands are ignored. He earlier revealed during a UK trip that talks are underway to regain Bagram. Trump has long criticized its loss, citing its strategic importance and alleging growing Chinese influence in Afghanistan.

A U.S. military Black Hawk helicopter has crashed during a routine training flight in Washington state, killing four members of the Special Operations aviation unit.

According to military officials, the downed MH-60 Black Hawk was carrying four soldiers—all from the elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment—who were killed in the crash.

In a statement issued Friday, Lieutenant General Jonathan Braga extended condolences to the families, friends, and comrades of the fallen soldiers.

Rescue operations remain underway at the crash site, though authorities confirmed that the names of the deceased will not be disclosed immediately.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke by phone for 90 minutes, agreeing to meet in South Korea next month. Trump described the talk as constructive and praised Xi’s cooperation. He said he would visit China next year, followed by Xi’s U.S. trip. The leaders are expected to discuss TikTok ownership and trade. Recently, Washington and Beijing reached a preliminary deal allowing U.S. investors to hold at least 80% of TikTok shares, ensuring its operations in America.

A U.S. federal judge has dismissed Donald Trump’s $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times, publisher Penguin, and two reporters, calling it overly long, insulting, and procedurally flawed. The complaint, stretching 85 pages with just two defamation claims, was deemed inappropriate. Trump alleged the defendants acted as Democratic mouthpieces and published false claims about his business, education, and family wealth. The judge allowed him 28 days to refile. The Times dismissed the suit as intimidation of the press.

The Trump administration has approved a $6.4 billion arms package for Israel, including 30 AH-64 Apache attack helicopters and 3,250 infantry assault vehicles.

According to U.S. officials, the helicopters are valued at $3.8 billion, while the vehicles are priced at $1.9 billion. An additional $700 million has been allocated for spare parts and ammunition.

The deal comes as Israeli forces, under Prime Minister Netanyahu’s orders, intensify their ground operations to seize full control of Gaza. Analysts believe the new weaponry will be used in the ongoing offensive.

Meanwhile, France and Saudi Arabia have called for an international conference in New York on September 22 to push for recognition of Palestine as an independent state.

A new executive order signed by Donald Trump has raised the application fee for the popular H-1B visa program for skilled foreign workers to $100,000 annually—a dramatic increase from the previous average of $1,500.

The order argues that the program has long been abused, negatively affecting American jobs. However, business leaders including Elon Musk countered that the H-1B system attracts top global talent critical to U.S. innovation.

Alongside the hike, Trump introduced a new “Gold Card” program, allowing certain immigrants to fast-track visas by paying fees starting at £1 million. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick defended the move, saying, “Big companies have agreed, and now it’s time we train our own youth.”

Legal experts, however, warn the move could be devastating for startups and small businesses. Immigration attorney Tahmina Watson described it as “the final nail in the coffin” for many. Analysts predict the sharp increase will disproportionately affect Indian applicants, who make up the majority of H-1B recipients.

Former US President Donald Trump has claimed that American forces targeted another Venezuelan drug-laden vessel, killing at least three people onboard.
He alleged that the boat was headed toward the United States, marking the third such strike in recent weeks against suspected drug trafficking vessels from Venezuela.
In a statement, Trump said the operation was carried out in the Southern Command region, which spans 31 countries across South and Central America and the Caribbean. Intelligence reports, he added, confirmed the vessel was using a notorious smuggling route intended to poison Americans with narcotics.