World News Hub

Who are the 100 world-leading environmentalists, according to The Independent?

PRESS REVIEW – Monday, September 21: The Independent's climate 100 list for 2026 is out, featuring names like Pope Leo and Sir David Attenborough. Climate change is having an undeniable effect on animals across the world, some of which are seeking human help. And finally: are people's dating patterns shifting?

Oktoberfest kicks off with beer, cheers and a traditional first tap

Oktoberfest 2026 opened in Munich, Germany, when the mayor tapped the first keg. Crowds sang and drank beer while police stepped up security checks.

Europe cannot afford to miss AI transformation, with fiscal dividend within reach, OECD chief says

AI offers a major opportunity to boost productivity, wages and living standards, but only if Europe moves quickly to support its adoption, writes OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann.

China boosts crude oil, LNG imports from Canada as Ottawa-Washington relations sour

China sharply increased its imports of crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Canada in August amid an escalating trade dispute between Ottawa and Washington. The country’s imports of Russian energy products also rose sharply last month, as geopolitical risks including war in Iran accelerated Beijing’s efforts to diversify its energy supplies. Customs data released on Sunday showed that th...

Some of China’s 11,000 mega bridges could be at risk from small drones: study

Scientists in China have simulated a drone attack on one of the country’s major suspension bridges to determine the vulnerability of key transport hubs to modern warfare tactics. The researchers found that a drone carrying just 30kg (66lb) of TNT could trigger a bridge collapse if it detonated within inches of the main suspension cable at the point where it meets a support tower. The targeted brid...

Three South Korean soldiers injured in DMZ explosion, Seoul says

The Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) is a 248 km buffer zone separating North and South Korea and is one of the world’s most heavily fortified borders.

Cats identify each other through urine 'ID cards', reveal scientists in new study

A groundbreaking study reveals that cats employ specific fatty acids in their urine, which act as chemical identifiers for each feline. These branched-chain fatty acids leave a persistent scent trail, allowing cats to recall individual urine aromas long after they've faded. The findings imply that the kidneys may help store these scent molecules, offering new insights into how cats communicate and...

Volvo Cars names Škoda boss Klaus Zellmer as next CEO for a turnaround

Volvo Cars has appointed Klaus Zellmer, current chief executive of Volkswagen's Škoda brand, as its next president and CEO, handing him the task of completing a turnaround at a carmaker whose shares have fallen by around 40% this year.

Presley Gerber, son of supermodel Cindy Crawford, dies at 27, family spokesperson says

Gerber died at a rehab facility, according to online records of the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.

Three South Korean military officers wounded in explosion near border

South Korean officers injured in DMZ explosion, possibly caused by a landmine, according to local media reports.

Three South Korean officers wounded in border explosion

South Korean officers injured in DMZ explosion, possibly caused by a landmine, according to local media reports.

Texas student wins $25,000 for invention targeting hazardous Moon dust

Florida music hall that hosted Louis Armstrong, closed in 1968, reopens after renovation

St Petersburg’s historic Manhattan Casino has reopened after a four-year, $4.8 million renovation. Built in 1925, the Florida venue once hosted Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles and B B King. Closed since 1968, the two-storey building has now returned as a city-owned event space in the historic Deuces neighbourhood.

In 1959, he started a livestock auction in a chicken coop; 67 years later, his daughters run it

Lisa Scirpo proudly upholds her father's legacy at Connecticut's only livestock auction, a role she embraced following his passing in 2002. Despite a history marred by hardships and accidents, this auction has evolved into a crucial support system for local farmers. Under Scirpo's management, the barn fosters a nurturing environment where animals are cherished and treated with the utmost respect.

Britain’s Burnham is set to meet Trump for the first time at the UN in New York

Britain's Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump for the first time

Hastie ‘open minded’ on return of baby bonus to counter ageing population concerns – as it happened

This blog is now closedGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastDan Tehan says fuel excise cut when oil price high a ‘sensible’ planDan Tehan, the shadow minister for energy, said Gallagher’s criticism of the Coalition’s fuel plan wasn’t fair.[What] I would say to Anthony Albanese and the Labor party is get out amongst the people and see what’s happening in your electorates becau...

Seven Ethiopian rebel groups form new alliance

The groups have been active in Ethiopia's most populous regions for years and now say they will work together.

People 'lost their trust' in Merz's government, S&D MEP says

German Social Democrat MEP Sabrina Repp says the German governing coalition, which includes her party and Friedrich Merz’s CDU, is now under “lots of pressure” following the latest regional election results.

Ohio flash-flood threat persists as tornado warning ends

Afghanistan says three killed in Pakistani air attacks

Three members of one family killed in air raid on house in Kunar province, Afghan Taliban deputy spokesperson says.

Hong Kong Ballet to move to city’s first dedicated dance venue in 2027

Hong Kong Ballet will relocate to the city’s first dedicated dance art venue for at least five years, starting in April 2027, according to the institution and the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD). The move to the “Dancehouse” at the soon-to-be-finished WestK Performing Arts Centre will follow the ballet company’s departure from its base of 16 years at the government-run Cultural Centre in Tsi...

Pakistan arrests sisters of imprisoned former PM Imran Khan

The three sisters of former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan were arrested in the province of Punjab, his Tehreek-e-Insaf party said on Monday. Khan, who was prime minister from 2018 to 2022, has been imprisoned since 2023 and was sentenced last year to 17 years on corruption charges.

Sisters of Pakistan’s jailed former prime minister Imran Khan arrested

The three sisters of former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan were arrested in the province of Punjab and sent to a jail in Lahore, his party Tehreek-e-Insaf said on Monday. Khan, who was prime minister from 2018 to 2022, has been in jail since 2023 and was sentenced last year to 17 years in jail on corruption charges.

Sisters of jailed former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan arrested

The three sisters of former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan were arrested in the province of Punjab and sent to a jail in Lahore, his party Tehreek-e-Insaf said on Monday. Khan, who was prime minister from 2018 to 2022, has been in jail since 2023 and was sentenced last year to 17 years in jail on corruption charges.

Sisters of jailed former Pakistani PM Imran Khan arrested

The three sisters of the former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan were arrested in the province of Punjab and sent to a jail in Lahore, his party Tehreek-e-Insaf said on Monday. Khan, who was prime minister from 2018 to 2022, has been in jail since 2023 and was sentenced last year to 17 years in jail on corruption charges.