23 September 2025 World News :Trump UN Speech, Palestine Recognition, Typhoon Ragasa, Global Economy & Gaza Crisis

 1. Trump Delivers Combative UN Address, Questions Climate Science

Former US President Donald Trump used a combative speech at the UN General Assembly to criticise multilateral institutions, call climate change "the greatest con job", and lecture world leaders on migration and security. He also threatened new tariffs related to the Ukraine War and doubled down on scepticism sharp reactions from diplomats. The speech dominated media coverage and further polarised the hall. Observers noted that the address overshadowed other global discussions on peace and climate, with several European leaders walking out in protest. Analysts warn that his rhetoric could further strain US diplomatic relations if he regains office.

Source :Reuters, BBC

2. France and Many World Leaders Move to Recognise Palestinian Statehood 

Dozens of world leaders met to advance a two state political process and several Western countries _led by France _publicly moved to recognise Palestinian Statehood at UN meetings, a major diplomatic shift amid the Gaza crisis. Leaders said the recognition is intended to support a political process while condemning violence, but it drew fierce criticism from Israel and some US officials. The move is being hailed as historic by Palestinian representatives, though experts caution it could deepen divides within the Security Council. Some analysts suggest this could mark the most significant diplomatic chance in Middle East peace efforts in a decade.

Source :Al Jazeera, Reuters

3. Explosion in Central Oslo Under Police Investigation ;Suspect Detained 

Norwegian police investigated a blast in central Oslo and a second device that prompted a controlled detection ; authorise detained a suspect for questioning. These were no immediate reports of major injuries, but the incident occurred near sensitive sited including a university campus and diplomatic missions, raising security concerns. Local police called for clam while investigations continue. Security was tightened across government offices and embassies as officials warned of possible copycat attacks. Investigators said they are exploring both extremist and criminal motives, as Norway has faced sporadic terror related incidents in recent years. 

Source :BBC, Reuters 

4. Record Downpour Floods Kolkata Ahead of Durga Puja _Dozens Dead 

Kolkata suffered one of its heaviest single day rainfalls in decades, producing flash floods, widespread waterlogging and at least a dozen deaths from electrocution and drowning. Transport, flights and festival preparations were severely disrupted ;authorities scrambled to restore power and clear roads as rescue teams worked through the night. The extreme event highlighted growing urban flood vulnerability. Meteorologists confirmed the rainfall broke a 50-year record, linking it to climate change and unusual monsoon patterns. Residents criticised the city's drainage infrastructure, while health officials warned of outbreaks of dengue and other waterborne diseases. 

Source :BBC, Reuters 

5. Zelenskiy Visits Washington, Seeks Further Support for Ukraine 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy travelled to the United States to meet leaders and appeal for more military, economic and diplomatic support as Kyiv braces for renewed Russian pressure. Officials said the visit included talks with senior US policymakers  and discussions on long term defense arrangements and reconstruction aid. Diplomats cautioned that expectations for immediate  large packages were tempered by domestic political considerations. Zelenskiy also addressed think tanks and Ukrainian diaspora groups, stressing that Ukraine's survival depends, stressing that Ukraine's survival depends on continued Western backing. His visit comes amid debates in Washington over aid fatigue and shifting priorities toward Asia. 

Source :Reuters, CNN 

6. OECD :Global Growth Holding, But Tariff Shock Still Looms 

The OECD reported that global growth has held up better than feared, helped by Al investment and fiscal support _but warned the full economic toll of recent US tariff measures may still be felt, posing downside risks to trade and growth. The organisation urged policymakers to coordinate to avoid protectionist spirals that could undercut recovery. Markets reacted to the mixed outlook with cautious trading. Economists highlighted that emerging markets could face the hardest hit if supply chains fragment further. The report also pointed to structural reforms in green energy and digitalisation as potential buffers against global shocks. 

Source :Reuters 

7. U. S. Business Activity Slows for Second Month, Firms Absorb Tariff Costs 

S&P Global's business activity surveys showed US firms slowing activity for a second straight month in September; many companies reported absorbing higher import tariff costs rather than passing them on to customers. The moderation in activity added to market unease about near term growth, although some data hinted inflation pressures could ease if firms keep margins tight. Business leaders warned that prolonged tariff impacts could erode competitiveness and delay new investments. Analysts noted that smaller firms are disproportionately vulnerable, while large corporations may weather the storm with diversitied supply chains. 

Source :Reuters 

8. Gold Hits Fresh Record High on Fed Cut Expectations and Geopolitical Risk 

Gold prices surged to new record levels as investors priced in further Federal Reserve rate cuts and sought safe haven assets amid geopolitical uncertainty around the UN General Assembly and the Middle East. Spot bullion repeatedly set intraday highs, with traders citing central bank purchases and a weaker dollar as key drivers. Markets remained volatile into the close. Commodity analysts expect demand to remain strong if global conflicts persist, with some forecasting prices could stay elevated for months. Retail investors in Asia also fueled demand, buying up physical gold amid inflation worries. 

Source :Reuters, CNN 

9. Super Typhoon Rsgasa Strengthens, Slams Parts of Taiwan and Headed Toward South China 

A powerful storm _Typhoon Rsgasa _intensified into a super typhoon, battering northern Philippines and parts of Taiwan with torrential rain and destructive winds before heading toward Hong Kong and Southern China. Authorities ordered mass evacuations, warned of storm surge risk, and suspected transport ;casualty reports and infrastructure damage were mounting as the system moved westward. Meteorologists warned it could be one of the strongest typhoons in Asia this decade, with winds exceeding 200 kl/h. Governments in the region issued red alerts and mobilesed the military for disaster relief. 

Source :Reuters, CNN 

10. UN Photos & Diplomacy Highlight Gaza at the General Assembly 

Images from UNGA sessions captured intense diplomatic activity and large protests as leaders debates Gaza, humanitarian access and accountability ; the General Assembly became a focal point for new diplomatic initiatives, emergency appeals and polarised speeches. Humanitarian agencies warned that political debate must translate into faster relief on the ground to avoid catastrophe. Civil society groups staged parallel events outside the UN, calling for justice and long term solutions for Palestinians. Delegates from developing countries criticised  the slow pace of Security Council decisions, urging concrete timelines for aid. 

Source :Reuters, Al Jazeera 

SUMMARY 

On 23 September 2025, the UN General Assembly was dominated by fiery speeches and urgent diplomacy, with Donald Trump sparking outrage over climate denial and dozens of nations moving to recognise Palestinian statehood. Tragedies unfolded worldwide : Oslo faced a bombing scare, Kolkata battled deadly floods, and Super Typhoon Rsgasa devastated parts of Asia. Meanwhile, Zelenskiy sought fresh US support, OECD and US data signalled economic strain, and gold prices soared amid uncertainty. These events underscore how politics, climate and global security are tightly intertwined.