The Top Story

The 2024 BRICS Summit begins in Russia, marking the first leaders' meeting since the group's expansion to 10 members. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is on his 11th visit to the Middle East since the Gaza conflict began. Tropical Storm Oscar brings heavy rain to eastern Cuba, worsening the impact of a recent major power outage.

The UN COP16 Biodiversity Conference opens in Colombia, with delegates from over 190 countries discussing biodiversity conservation. Israel begins bombing Hezbollah's financial arm. Leaders of the BRICS members are to gather in the Russian city of Kazan for the 16th BRICS Summit.

Israel and the U.S. see an opportunity for a truce after Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar's death. Leaders of European Union member states remain divided on the Ukraine crisis. Chinese authorities remain upbeat about the country’s economy with 4.8 percent growth in the first three quarters.

Leaders of the European Union and six Gulf nations have met in Brussels amid ongoing turmoil in the Middle East. Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have begun the final weeks of their U.S. presidential campaigns. Around 400 participants have gathered in Munich for the 8th German-Chinese Automotive Conference to discuss tech advancements.

Senior U.S. officials have urged Israel to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza as Israel steps up offensives in the northern parts of the enclave. The UN Special Envoy to Yemen says attacks on international shipping continue in the Red Sea. And participants of the Sino-German Automotive Conference have expressed concerns for the planned EU tariffs on Chinese EVs.