Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered a significant address to the UN General Assembly, advocating for international cooperation to address global challenges. He implicitly criticized leaders who reject climate science, emphasizing the importance of collective action to combat climate change and end wars. Albanese also announced Australia’s renewed bid for a temporary seat on the UN Security Council while calling for reforms within the organization. Furthermore, he discussed China’s role in reducing emissions and highlighted Australia’s commitment to its emissions reduction targets, and asserted recognition of Palestinian statehood.
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The Finance Ministry is implementing tax increases and expanding the tax base to finance defense and security, including lowering the revenue threshold for reporting for small and medium-sized businesses and introducing taxes on gambling. These measures come as the economy cools and revenue from oil and gas sales decline. Facing economic challenges and previously aiming to replenish the National Welfare Fund, the Ministry now plans to adjust oil-related tax flows. The Ministry’s proposals were made shortly before the formal 2026 budget proposal is to be presented.
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China has pledged to reduce carbon emissions by 7 to 10 percent by 2035, becoming a global leader in climate action while the United States retreats from the Paris Agreement. President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of a green transition, highlighting the country’s shift towards renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower, aiming for over 30 percent of its power system to be run by these sources. Furthermore, China plans to make new energy vehicles the mainstream in vehicle sales. This commitment stands in stark contrast to the US stance on climate change.
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Ukraine’s Air Force announced the downing of a Russian Su-34 fighter jet in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast during the early morning of September 25th. The warplane was reportedly launching guided aerial bombs at the city of Zaporizhzhia when it was shot down. This marks another instance of Ukrainian forces targeting the Soviet-era fighter-bomber. As Russian aerial attacks have increased, further intensification is anticipated as winter approaches.
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Colombian President Petro stated that no deaths should occur when intercepting speedboats suspected of drug smuggling, emphasizing a history of collaboration with U.S. agencies. He believes the use of more force than a pistol would violate the principle of proportionality. This comes amidst U.S. strikes in international waters, mainly targeting Venezuela, with questions raised by Democratic lawmakers and UN experts regarding their legality. Petro accused the Trump administration of humiliation and suggested his nation would not be subjugated, indicating escalating tensions and friction between the two countries.
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During the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino discussed the importance of sanctions against Russia, specifically addressing the nation’s shadow fleet. Zelenskyy commended Panama’s revocation of registration for over 200 Russian tankers. Additionally, they discussed collaborative efforts to return Ukrainian children abducted by Russia and the need for Panama’s support of a resolution condemning these actions. Zelenskyy also thanked Panama for their overall support.
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Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Prime Minister Mark Carney have finalized a new trade and defense cooperation agreement on Parliament Hill. This comprehensive trade deal, the first bilateral pact with an ASEAN member, will eliminate or reduce over 95% of tariffs on Canadian exports to Indonesia. The agreement also encompasses defense cooperation, deepening collaboration on areas like maritime security and cyber defense. These developments are part of Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy and reflect Indonesia’s interest in Canadian resources and technology.
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In northern Colombia, 23 miners were successfully rescued after being trapped for 43 hours in a collapsed gold mine. The accident at the La Reliquia mine, caused by a “geomechanical failure,” prompted a significant rescue operation. While their current health was not immediately disclosed, the rescued miners were able to walk out of the mine. The mine is operated by a local mining cooperative on land owned by Canada’s Aris Mining Corp.
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The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) estimated that up to 3,000 Hamas fighters were present in the city, while Hamas claimed to have 5,000 fighters, though these figures are unverified. The IDF has been employing tactics like rapid thrusts into urban areas and using remote-controlled explosive-laden vehicles, while Hamas has reportedly shifted to guerrilla tactics and ambushes. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of civilians continue to flee south due to the ongoing conflict, facing exorbitant transport costs and abandoning belongings, while those remaining in Gaza City endure bombardment, collapsing infrastructure, and severe shortages. This conflict was initiated by the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, and since then, at least 65,419 people have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza.
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The Kremlin has affirmed its commitment to continuing its offensive in Ukraine, despite President Trump’s recent shift in perspective branding Russia a “paper tiger.” Moscow dismissed Trump’s suggestion that Ukraine could win and stated the necessity of continuing the war to secure Russian interests, while also downplaying the effectiveness of prior attempts at rapprochement with the U.S. Meanwhile, concerns are escalating in Europe as a result of increased Russian military activity, including airspace violations by Russian aircraft, and reports of GPS disturbances affecting European leaders’ flights near the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. Concurrent with these developments, Ukraine has intensified its drone attacks on Russian oil and gas infrastructure, with strikes reported on a petrochemical plant and the deaths of civilians in southern Russia.
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John Q. Hosedrinker