The Reserve Bank of Australia left its benchmark interest rate unchanged, acknowledging that economic activity is weakening and private demand and the labor market are under pressure. The threat of stagnation remains real, despite inflation falling from post-pandemic highs.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russia's shadow fleet numbers more than 1,500 vessels, of which 340 are key, and 65 require immediate sanctions. Canada, Britain, Australia, Japan, and the EU are helping with this by reducing imports from the Russian Federation.
A bottle containing diary entries by Australian soldiers from World War I, written in 1916, has been found on Wharton Beach in Western Australia. The letters from privates Malcolm Neville and William Harley were discovered by the Brown family while cleaning the coastline.
Australian authorities are investigating the death of an 80-year-old woman who was left on Lizard Island in the Great Barrier Reef by the cruise ship Coral Adventurer. Her body was found during a search operation after she became separated from her group during a hike.
Actress Jessica Alba made her couple debut with "Top Gun" star Danny Ramirez in her Instagram post from Australia. The couple has been together since May 2025 and first appeared on the red carpet on October 3, 2025.
70-year-old Ukrainian biologist Leonid Pshenichnov has been arrested in occupied Crimea. He is accused of "treason" for supporting restrictions on Antarctic krill fishing, which allegedly harms Russia's economic interests.
Female service members of the Australian Defence Force have filed a class action lawsuit in the Federal Court in Sydney, alleging gender and sexual assault, harassment, and systemic discrimination. The lawsuit covers the period from November 2003 to May 2025.
EU member states supported the idea of introducing a minimum age for access to social networks. The European Commission is working on the technical basis for implementing age restrictions.
Today, October 24, marks World Kangaroo Day, dedicated to the protection of the largest marsupial mammal. Also celebrated is International Diplomats Day, which honors their role in maintaining peace.
European leaders are considering using frozen Russian assets to provide loans to Ukraine that may not be repaid. This move is a response to the cessation of financial support from the US and Kyiv's growing needs.
The United States and Australia have entered into an agreement to expand the supply of rare earth and critical minerals, which includes an investment of $8. 5 billion in Australian projects. This partnership aims to reduce dependence on China, which controls a significant share of the extraction and processing of these materials.
Today, October 19, marks LGBT Center Awareness Day, All-Ukrainian Human Responsibility Day, and Food Industry Workers' Day. Also on this day, World Humanitarian Action Day and International Gin and Tonic Day are celebrated.
On October 14, the UNESCO Executive Board adopted a new decision regarding the emergency aid program for Ukraine. The organization reaffirmed its solidarity with the Ukrainian people and condemned Russian aggression.
SpaceX successfully launched its 11th Starship rocket from Texas, which landed in the Indian Ocean. This is the last flight before the test launch of a new version of the rocket, designed for missions to the Moon and Mars.
Data of 5. 7 million Qantas customers, stolen during a cyberattack in July, has been published online. The company is working with experts and authorities to assess the scale of the leak and protect passengers.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle returned to the US, where the Duchess of Sussex appeared in New York at the Project Healthy Mind Gala in a black Armani suit. The couple received the Humanitarians of the Year award for the work of the Archewell Foundation.
84-year-old Martha Stewart, a well-known American businesswoman, teamed up with stylist Chris Appleton to create a "Hollywood glamour" look. She also responded to comments about her facial care.
Australia handed over illegally exported archaeological artifacts to Ukraine, including a temporal pendant and an arrowhead. These unique objects, confiscated in Australia, will take their rightful place in the exhibition of one of Ukraine's museums.
Russian wheat exports decreased by 29% in July-September 2025, reaching 10. 9 million tons. This will weaken Russia's position in the global market and reduce foreign exchange earnings.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting on strengthening sanctions policy, instructing to extend the validity of expiring sanctions and accelerate synchronization with partners. In September, Ukraine imposed sanctions against 166 individuals and 127 legal entities, and also synchronized British sanctions.
Members of the Labour Party in the UK have voted to recognize the genocide being committed by Israel in Gaza. This increases pressure on the government, which refuses to acknowledge the genocide, citing the International Court of Justice.
Parliamentary elections have begun in Moldova, which will determine the composition of the legislative body for the next four years. Voting will take place from 7:00 to 21:00 at 2274 polling stations, of which 1973 are open on the territory of the Republic of Moldova.
The Ukrainian national football team defeated the Republic of Korea with a score of 2:1 at the Youth World Cup. Ukraine will play its next match against Panama on September 30 at 23:00.
On September 27, the 24th FIFA U-20 World Cup kicks off in Chile, where Ukraine will play its first match against South Korea. The tournament will last until October 19, 2025.
Asian stock markets are ending the week in the red after the US imposed 100% tariffs on drug imports and a decline in technology company quotes. This caused a fall in shares of pharmaceutical giants and microchip manufacturers, while the Japanese market showed growth.
Microsoft and Asus have officially opened pre-orders for the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, which will go on sale on October 16. Prices for the consoles range from $499 to $1599 depending on the model and region.
Today marks Alpaca Day, World Contraception Day, and European Day of Languages. Also on September 26 are the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, World Environmental Health Day, and the Birthday of the Gramophone.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will provide $90 million to the Palestinian Authority, as announced by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. This funding is part of the International Coalition to Support Palestine, founded by Riyadh.
Ukraine, the EU, and 36 countries jointly called on Russia to stop the killings and start negotiations with Ukraine. The statement was made at the UN on September 23, 2025.
Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron openly expressed disagreements over the recognition of Palestinian statehood during a meeting at the UN General Assembly. Trump called the move a gift to Hamas, while Macron emphasized the need to resolve the conflict.
