The international community is navigating a day marked by significant geopolitical and natural events, with Super Typhoon Ragasa making landfall in China after devastating Taiwan, former U.S. President Donald Trump delivering a fiery address at the UN General Assembly, and major political fallout continuing in Brazil. Meanwhile, the United States is proposing substantial changes to its H-1B visa program, and a man has been convicted for attempting to assassinate Donald Trump, all contributing to a day of trending global news.
Typhoon Ragasa Unleashes Fury Across Asia
Super Typhoon Ragasa, identified as the most powerful tropical cyclone of the year, made landfall on China’s southern coast near Yangjiang in Guangdong province, bringing with it sustained winds of 144 km/h. The storm had previously caused extensive damage and claimed at least 17 lives in Taiwan, where a barrier lake burst its banks, inundating a town. In the Philippines, Ragasa was responsible for at least 10 deaths. China’s Guangdong province saw nearly two million people evacuated ahead of the typhoon’s arrival, with schools, factories, and transportation services suspended in over a dozen cities. Hong Kong and Macau experienced severe weather, including strong winds and heavy rainfall, leading to cancelled flights and a halt in daily operations, though the most intense impact was largely averted.
Trump Addresses UNGA, Criticizes Climate Science and Migration
At the 80th UN General Assembly High-Level Debate, former U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a lengthy address, characterizing climate change science as “the greatest con job ever perpetuated” and a “scam”. Trump also expressed strong reservations about international climate diplomacy and renewable energy policies, warning European nations about the “double-tailed monster” of migration and green energy. He further criticized the United Nations itself. His remarks drew sharp criticism from London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who labeled Trump “racist, sexist, misogynistic, and Islamophobic” in response to Trump’s comments on London and its leadership.
US Proposes Sweeping H-1B Visa Reforms
The United States is set to implement significant changes to the H-1B visa program, aiming to prioritize higher-skilled and better-paid foreign workers. The proposed reforms include a potential $100,000 fee for new H-1B petitions and a shift away from the current lottery system to a weighted selection process that would favor applications offering higher wages. These changes, slated to affect new cap-subject petitions starting September 21, 2025, aim to curb program abuses and protect American workers, though concerns have been raised about potential impacts on entry-level positions and smaller employers.
Bolsonaro Sentenced in Brazil for Coup Plot
In a landmark ruling, Brazil’s Supreme Court has sentenced former President Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years and three months in prison for his role in plotting a coup to remain in power following his 2022 electoral defeat. A panel of justices found Bolsonaro guilty on multiple charges, including participating in an armed criminal organization and attempting to abolish democratic rule. The sentence has deepened political divisions within Brazil, and Bolsonaro’s lawyers have indicated their intention to appeal the decision.
Routh Convicted in Attempted Assassination of Trump
A federal jury has found Ryan Routh guilty of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump. Routh was convicted on all charges, including attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate and assaulting a federal officer, stemming from an incident at Trump’s Florida golf course in September 2024. Prosecutors presented evidence that Routh had researched Trump’s movements and planned the attack, motivated by political grievances. Routh faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Regional Incidents and Economic Monitoring
In India, debris suspected to be from a Pakistani missile, fired during “Operation Sindoor” in May, was discovered in Srinagar’s Dal Lake and has been sent for examination. Meanwhile, Kolkata experienced its third-wettest September day on record, with 251.4 mm of rainfall causing widespread flooding and significant disruption, making it the sixth-heaviest single-day rainfall recorded in the city’s history. The Indian government is also actively monitoring whether the benefits of recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate cuts on consumer goods are being fully passed on to consumers by e-commerce platforms and retailers, with field formations gathering data for a comprehensive report.
