World News

China’s central bank increased its gold reserves by 23 tonnes in September, the largest monthly acquisition since October 2023, bringing total holdings to approximately 2,410 tonnes. This move aims to reduce reliance on US dollar assets amid rising geopolitical and financial risks, with private demand for gold also soaring as households seek secure savings options.

The UK government will implement a trade ban on goods from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, as Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband plans to unveil these measures in Parliament. This decision follows intensified settlement activity, which has raised concerns over Palestinian statehood.

Panama Canal authorities may further limit ship traffic as El Niño exacerbates drought conditions, forcing initial reductions from 36 to 34 ships per day, effective September 4, with a planned decrease to 32 on September 15. The administrator signalled that weather conditions will dictate future restrictions.

The International Atomic Energy Agency reported that Syria’s nuclear reactor, linked to the Assad regime, was configured to produce material potentially usable for nuclear weapons. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi confirmed that the facility in Deir Az Zor is now under agency safeguards, following inspections in August.

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