A Climate Impact Lab report projects that this year’s powerful El Niño could contribute to about 15,800 heat-related deaths in India by the end of February, with more than 450,000 additional deaths worldwide. It says the greatest danger is in places that are already hot and relatively poor.

El Niñoheat deathsIndiaclimate impact

A study warns that heat linked to El Niño could lead to nearly 450,000 additional deaths by February.

El Niñoextreme heatmortality

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pressed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to advance reforms during a tense meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. EU funding is tied to measures on the rule of law, the economy and eventual membership, while Kyiv criticized the removal of sanctions on two Russian oligarchs. Brussels is increasingly frustrated by delays, including a minority-protection law.

UkraineEuropean Unionreformsfinancial aid

Billionaire financier Todd Boehly has secured backing from US and Gulf power brokers to bid for the international assets of Russia’s Lukoil.

Todd BoehlyLukoilRussiaasset bid

Billionaire Todd Boehly has won support from the US government and Gulf power brokers linked to the Trump family for his bid to acquire the international assets of Russian oil giant Lukoil, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday.

Todd BoehlyLukoilUS governmentGulf states

Israel has condemned the French president’s comments on the West Bank at the United Nations as a “grotesque absurdity”. In his Tuesday speech, Emmanuel Macron criticised Gaza’s humanitarian situation and urged countries to recommit to international law and the UN system.

IsraelFranceWest BankUnited Nations

In a Tuesday speech, French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the humanitarian situation in Gaza and urged countries to recommit to international law and the UN system. Israel denounced his remarks on the West Bank as a “grotesque absurdity.”

IsraelFranceWest BankUnited Nations

US news organisations are normally fierce rivals, but Donald Trump’s ban on CNN, Politico and MS NOW has triggered an unusual display of solidarity among journalists. The decision is reshaping White House coverage as Trump arrives in New York for the UN General Assembly.

Donald Trumpmedia banUS journalism

The US Justice Department has accused CNN, Politico and MS NOW of spreading “verifiable falsehoods” and publishing reports that threatened national security as it defends their White House ban. A judge will decide on Wednesday whether to lift the restriction temporarily while the broader case proceeds.

Donald TrumpWhite Housemedia banpress freedom

The Department of Justice defended President Trump’s decision to bar MS NOW, CNN and Politico from the White House, arguing that access is a privilege rather than a right. It also said national security concerns motivated the ban.

Donald TrumpWhite Housenews medianational security

Russia’s Defense Ministry says Lancet reconnaissance-strike crews and combat UAVs destroyed a US-made M119 towed howitzer, an M109 Paladin and two Bogdan self-propelled howitzers in the Zaporozhye Region. It said the strikes reduced Ukrainian forces’ ability to support troops with fire and conduct counter-battery operations in the sector.

Russia-Ukraine wardronesartillery

CNN’s Simone McCarthy writes that when Chinese leader Xi Jinping visits Washington this week to meet President Donald Trump, he will be in a vastly different position from the last time the two men met face-to-face in the United States nearly a decade ago.

Xi JinpingDonald TrumpUS-China relations

Calls are growing for the United States and China to work together on safeguards for artificial intelligence as President Donald Trump prepares to welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington. The rivalry over AI is set to hang over their talks, whether it brings a “nuclear” threat or a market boom.

artificial intelligenceU.S.-China relationsDonald TrumpXi Jinping

AI safety fears have intensified in recent weeks and are expected to be a key focus when the U.S. and Chinese leaders meet, analysts told CNBC. Yet neither side wants to slow its progress in artificial intelligence.

Donald TrumpXi JinpingAI safetyUS-China relations

Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine is prepared for an “energy ceasefire” with Russia if Moscow halts attacks on critical infrastructure. He also called for a trilateral meeting with Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump.

UkraineRussiaenergy ceasefirediplomacy

US President Donald Trump said he expects the war to end sooner than people think. In Brussels, two Russian businessmen were removed from the EU blacklist yesterday after intense negotiations among member states. The programme spoke exclusively with Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs about the decision.

Donald TrumpUkraineRussiaEuropean Union

US President Donald Trump said he expects the war to end sooner than many people think. In Brussels, intense negotiations among EU countries led to two Russian oligarchs being removed from the bloc’s blacklist yesterday. The programme also featured an exclusive interview with Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs.

Donald TrumpUkraine warEU sanctionsRussian oligarchs