Kathmandu, Nepal – Nepal’s President Ram Chandra Poudel has administered the oath of office to the first three ministers of a newly formed interim government, marking a significant political shift following recent deadly protests. Prime Minister Sushila Karki, the nation’s first female leader, appointed Rameshore Prasad Khanal as finance minister, Kulman Ghising as energy minister, and Om Prakash Aryal as home minister. This interim administration is tasked with governing for six months until national elections are held in early March 2026, aiming to address systemic corruption and economic inequality that fueled widespread unrest. The appointments follow the resignation of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli amidst protests that led to dozens of fatalities.
Madrid, Spain – High-level economic and trade discussions between the United States and China are continuing for a second day in Madrid. Delegations led by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng are addressing critical issues including U.S. unilateral tariff measures, export controls, and the future of the social media platform TikTok. The talks aim to de-escalate trade tensions that have strained the bilateral relationship under current U.S. policies.
Leningrad Region, Russia – Ukraine has intensified its campaign against Russia’s energy infrastructure with a reported drone strike on the Kirishi oil refinery in the Leningrad region overnight. The attack, confirmed by both Russian officials and Ukraine’s military, caused explosions and a fire at the facility operated by Surgutneftegas. This is the latest in a series of Ukrainian assaults targeting Russia’s oil sector, which Kyiv states is crucial for financing Moscow’s war effort. The strike on Kirishi, one of Russia’s largest refineries, is part of a broader strategy to degrade Russia’s military-economic potential.
Lilongwe, Malawi – The campaign period for Malawi’s general elections officially concluded on Sunday, September 14th, ahead of polling day on Tuesday, September 16th. Over 7.2 million registered voters are set to elect a president, members of parliament, and local government leaders. The election follows a period of intense campaigning across the nation’s districts, with incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera seeking re-election against a field of 17 presidential candidates, including former President Peter Mutharika. The country faces significant economic challenges, including shortages of food and fuel.
Regional Security and International Relations:
* Russia and Belarus Military Drills: Joint strategic military exercises, codenamed Zapad-2025, are in their key phase in Belarus, involving infantry units, aviation support, and air defense. These drills, while described as defensive by Moscow and Minsk, are closely monitored by NATO due to heightened tensions in Eastern Europe.
* China-Thailand Air Force Training: The two nations are set to conduct joint air force training, dubbed “Falcon Strike-2025,” in Thailand later this month. The exercise aims to enhance technical and tactical capabilities and foster practical cooperation between their armed forces.
* Philippines Anti-Corruption Drive: Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos has appointed former Supreme Court Justice Andres Reyes Jr. to lead a newly created Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI). The commission will investigate alleged corruption in flood control and other infrastructure projects, a move that comes amidst rising protests and public concern over systemic graft.
* Brazil-U.S. Trade Friction: Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has criticized a 50% U.S. tariff on Brazilian imports, labeling it “political” and “illogical.” President Lula defended Brazil’s democracy and sovereignty, asserting that they are non-negotiable while expressing openness to mutually beneficial trade negotiations.
* South Korea-China Diplomacy: South Korea’s foreign minister is scheduled to visit China on September 17th, a meeting expected to focus on bilateral relations and regional security issues.
This collection of trending global news highlights ongoing diplomatic engagements, critical domestic political developments, and persistent security concerns across various continents.
