Pope Leo the 14th concludes trip to Metz, affirming Christian roots of Europe and EU model

Pope Leo XIV concluded a four-day state visit to France on Monday. During his visit, Pope Leo XIV urged Europe to counter 'lies and deceit'.

The Pope also stated that relations between individuals and states are becoming increasingly uncivilised. Pope Leo XIV suggested that Europe can help break this cycle by showing respect for others.

Furthermore, the Pope urged 'courage in negotiation' and compromise to end war in Europe. Leo stated that war has returned to Europe.

Emmanuel Macron saw off the pope in Metz. Macron stated that Europe must rediscover the courage of its founders to become a force for peace, independence and democracy.

Separately, French authorities confirmed that three undocumented migrants, including a 10-year-old boy, died off the French coast on Monday. Pope Leo XIV celebrated mass at St. Stephen's Cathedral in Metz.

Taylor Swift secured the video of the year award at the ceremony. She now shares 30 wins with Beyoncé. The awards show took place on Sunday. Rapper Snoop Dogg hosted the event. Madonna won artist of the year, best dance, and best collaboration awards. She also received 13 nominations at the event. Madonna performed at the awards show for the first time in over 20 years.

Taylor Swift received the first-ever Artist Director Honor. At the VMAs, Taylor Swift took home three awards. Her music video for The Fate of Ophelia was named video of the year. Lisa became the first Asian solo artist to win the best pop category. BTS claimed best group and song of the year for their track 'Swim'. Olivia Rodrigo's 'The Cure' won the best alternative award.

Taylor Swift stated, "I think we were all very lucky to share this planet with Dolly Parton for a time."

Taylor Swift

BBC podcasts, Radio 4, and the World Service now stream outside the UK through BBC.com or the new BBC App. Henry Moeran, Simon Mann, Ebony Rainford-Brent, and Matt Henry discussed the English cricket season.

Their discussion addressed the decline of Bazball and the growth of the men’s T20 side. The conversation also covered the Women’s World Cup at home and the revamped Hundred tournament.

SpaceX's Starship completed an orbit test, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean. The orbit test lasted about three hours, meaning the SpaceX team ended the mission early.

The mission was originally scheduled to last about ten hours. During the test, the ship deployed twenty-six Starlink V3 satellites.

SpaceX describes Starship as "the world's most powerful launch vehicle ever developed." The spacecraft is designed to carry crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

Furthermore, the spacecraft can transport up to one hundred people on long-duration, inter-planetary flights. SpaceX plans its fourteenth Starship rocket test flight for Monday.

This fourteenth mission is set to complete approximately six orbits over a ten-hour flight.

Giorgio Armani presented a womenswear collection titled "Evolution" at Teatro Armani in Milan. The collection showcased a palette of ivory, black, and gold.

The runway display featured eighties-inspired sharp-shoulder jackets paired with knee-length trousers, bold geometries, and body-skimming evening gowns. Silvana Armani reaffirmed the brand's commitment to its aesthetic continuity while permitting room for "evolution."

The group stated that style represents "a way of being, rather than an immutable code: the ability to change while remaining true to oneself." Separately, the Italian fashion house plans to sell an initial 15% stake to outside investors.

Giuseppe Marsocci confirmed the group is open to multiple investors in the share sale. Marsocci also noted that no decision had been made regarding the share sale.

Dario Vitale was named the creative director for Emporio Armani and Giorgio Armani accessories.

Angela Scanlon will take over the BBC Radio 2 drivetime show every weekday from November. The show, which runs from 16:00 to 19:00, marks Scanlon's new role.

Sara Cox moved to the breakfast slot. Scanlon previously hosted a Sunday early morning programme on the station between 2018 and 2021.

Scanlon announced the news while appearing on Cox's breakfast show on Monday. Radio 2 controller Helen Thomas described Scanlon as "incredibly warm and quick witted".

Ben Earle will present the station's weekly country music programme. Bob Harris announced his departure in June.

Ben Earle has fronted a weekly show on Absolute Radio Country for the last five years. Helen Thomas stated Ben Earle is the ideal person to pick up the reins from Bob Harris.

AI discovered a 3D monotile named Chair44, according to reports. Ioannis Tsiokos employed AI to find the 3D monotile Chair44.

Tsiokos stated, "Astra found this, I didn't find the tile." Tsiokos also used AI to write the paper detailing this discovery.

He has published approximately 40 papers using this method. Chaim Goodman-Strauss described the paper as "basically a piece of slop."

Despite the criticism, Chaim Goodman-Strauss maintained that the result is valid. Felix Flicker published a paper demonstrating that Chair44 can be simplified while keeping its aperiodicity.

Craig Kaplan noted that the new paper shows deficiencies in readability and clarity.

Sussex finished third in the County Championship. The team amassed 207 points, which dropped to 195 points following a 12-point deduction before the 2026 Championship campaign.

Paul Farbrace, who took over at Hove in 2022, will become Sussex's new director of cricket on a part-time basis. Farbrace will step down as head coach, with Matthew Walker taking over the role for 2027.

Farbrace previously led Sussex back into Division One in 2024. The club was placed under a player salary cap in 2026.

Tom Alsop, George Thomas, and Fynn Hudson-Prentice are confirmed to leave Hove. Furthermore, eight players received notice that they would not be offered contracts at the end of the season.

Grant Flower is switching to Surrey for the 2027 season.

Farbrace told BBC Radio Sussex, "I'm just so proud of them".

Farbrace told BBC Radio Sussex

Authorities discovered Tasia Fortune's body in a tree on 3 August in the United States. Police detective Jackson stated the scene appeared 'staged'.

Judge Jeffery Reynolds presided over a hearing concerning Eric Clark, who is 45. RaShall Brackney reported that Fortune died following a disagreement regarding drugs.

Christy Spivey stated that Clark attended the hearing to surrender for murder charges.

Mikey Cohen and Joey Evison will leave Kent following the 2026 season. Cohen joined Kent before the 2024 campaign.

During his time, Cohen secured 13 wickets across 11 appearances. Sussex announced Joey Evison's transfer to the county for the 2027 season in July.

Sussex finished third in Division One. The county also received a 12-point deduction.

Kent will join Sussex in the top flight next season. Kent finished second in Division Two.

Matt Walker will take over as head coach at Hove from Paul Farbrace in 2027.

Rumesh Pathirage secured the Men's Javelin Throw Final title in Nagoya, Japan. Pathirage achieved his winning mark of 88.55m during his sixth throw.

His initial throw on the fourth attempt measured 88.33m. Yashvir Singh secured the silver medal, posting a personal best of 85.72m.

Rohit Yadav claimed the bronze medal with a throw of 84.35m. Arshad Nadeem finished fourth in the Men's Javelin Throw competition.

Mohammad Yasir recorded a best effort of 73.50m, finishing ninth in the event. Rumesh Pathirage is 23 years old.

Police in Abia are investigating remains found in the Umuaku and Nneato forests on 28 September. At least 28 human skulls and bones were recovered from suspected criminal camps in Nigerian forests.

Maureen Chinaka stated that a total of twenty-eight human skulls and bones, suspected to be kidnap victims, were recovered. The raids began after intelligence reports indicated suspected criminal activity within the forests.

Suspects reportedly fled when police arrived at the scene. Separately, over the weekend, more than 80 people, predominantly women, were seized following mass kidnappings across two states in the country's north.

On Sunday, gunmen abducted nearly 50 farmers in Niger State. Furthermore, about 40 other women were kidnapped in Zamfara on Sunday.

China and the United States agreed to cut tariffs on $60 billion of goods imported from each other. The tariff reduction and trade truce extension resulted from the second summit between President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump in Washington.

China's commerce ministry confirmed a two-month extension of the trade truce with the US, setting the new end date as 10 January. China plans to reduce duties on various US agricultural goods, including corn, wheat, sorghum, meat, dairy, and vegetable oils.

Furthermore, China will examine lowering levies on US fish and seafood, wood products, cosmetics, and medical devices. Washington's reciprocal tariff cuts will cover Chinese small appliances, such as toasters and coffee makers, alongside toys and bed linens.

Each nation recommended $30 billion of trade in non-sensitive items for more favourable tariff treatment, according to US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

Ireland defeated Israel 3-0 during a Nations League fixture held at Nagyerdei Stadion, Hungary. Irish players wore black armbands during the match.

The teams avoided customary pre-match handshakes and did not exchange pennants. Irish players bowed their heads when the Israeli national anthem played.

Troy Parrott scored the opening goal in the fourteenth minute. Jack Moylan scored the third goal twenty-five minutes into the game.

Gavin Buzunu pulled out of the match proceedings. Icelander Hallgrimsson stated that the players' actions raised awareness worldwide.

The Irish federation did not reserve any tickets for attending fans. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused Ireland of being “on the wrong side of history”.

Saar also referenced the Irish team of 1939 giving the Nazi salute. Mol Michael stated that canceling the Irish audience due to politics was a stupid move.

Separately, Dublin formally recognised a Palestinian state.

The PTA transferred and reassigned ten directors-general across various departments. Aadil Umer Khalil moved from Commercial Affairs to the Finance department.

Ehsan Yar Khan now holds the post of Director General Information and Communication Technology. Nauman Khalid was posted as the Director General Wireless Licensing.

Amer Shahzad shifted from Wireless Licensing to take up the role of Director General Enforcement. Amjad Mustafa Malik relocated from Enforcement to Strategy and Development.

Yasir Yaqoob transferred from Human Resources and Coordination to Audit. Wasi Ullah Khan was appointed as the Director General Human Resources and Coordination.

Tayyab Bin Tahir Khan assumed the position of Director General Commercial Affairs. Dr. Khurram Ali Mehran moved from Consumer Protection to International Relations and General Administration.

Ahmed Shamim Pirzada transferred from International Relations and General Administration to Consumer Protection.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 received a firmware update, version 10.12.12, which adds support for Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast as beta features. These headphones mark the first Bose model to support Auracast.

Auracast, which was officially announced in 2022, enables a device to broadcast Bluetooth audio to multiple supported headphones or speakers at once. Additionally, the firmware update improves audio over wired USB connections, enhancing balance for gaming audio and chat, and boosting compatibility for web conferencing applications.

Bose spokesperson Tim Williams stated that the QC Headphones (Gen 2) should receive the beta firmware.

The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) urged the federal government and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to extend the deadline for filing income tax returns by one month. This extension would move the filing deadline to 31 October 2026. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the FPCCI, highlighted that taxpayers and tax practitioners face severe systemic bottlenecks as the September 30 deadline nears. The FBR’s IRIS portal has shown frequent slowdowns, glitches, and downtimes due to heavy national traffic.

Sheikh stated that a one-month extension would offer necessary breathing space for taxpayers to reconcile accounts, navigate tax code complexities, and file returns without system crashes. Furthermore, ongoing macroeconomic challenges, including high inflation and surging operational costs, have strained the administrative capacities of SMEs. The FPCCI warned that failing to extend the deadline might push many legitimate businesses into the non-filer category, leading to unwarranted penalties.

A Pakistani researcher, Dr. Ali Imran, working with China’s National Nanotech Innovation Center in Guangzhou, has helped develop a potentially cost-effective method for detecting solar-blind ultraviolet-C (UVC) radiation. The research team concentrated on improving the collection of photo-generated carriers by optimising the spatial arrangement of interdigitated electrodes on the lithium niobate surface.

This technology employs bulk lithium niobate crystals alongside an optimised electrode design, addressing some cost and manufacturing hurdles found in standard solar-blind UVC photodetectors. The interdigitated electrodes feature alternating finger-like structures placed at precise distances.

When UVC radiation strikes the exposed crystal surface, it creates charge carriers that the electric field then directs toward the electrodes. The development could offer a simpler route for creating UVC sensing devices for uses such as environmental monitoring, flame detection, and industrial safety.

Ali stated, "I explored lithium niobate as an alternative substrate. While the material has attractive optical and electronic properties, the rapid recombination of photo-generated carriers can limit its effectiveness in conventional detector configurations."

Ali

Exports reached Rs 1,526,458 million during July–August 2026, marking an increase from Rs 1,445,787 million recorded the previous year. For the month of August 2026 alone, exports grew by 13.97% when compared to the figures from July 2026.

The main export goods recorded in August 2026 comprised knitwear, valued at Rs 130,691 million, and readymade garments, which accounted for Rs 101,903 million. In contrast to the export figures, imports into Pakistan during July–August 2026 totalled Rs 3,546,280 million, compared with Rs 3,154,176 million from the preceding year.

Specifically for August 2026, imports amounted to Rs 1,625,993 million, representing a 15.33% decrease from the figures reported in July 2026. Petroleum crude and petroleum products formed the primary components of imports in August 2026, with the former valued at Rs 201,173 million and the latter at Rs 132,941 million.

A World Bank (WB) delegation met with Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) Chairman Moazzam Iqbal Sipra in Lahore on 28 September 2026. The World Bank and the PRA confirmed an agreement to introduce advanced digital systems aimed at expanding Punjab’s tax base and improving revenue collection.

The PRA Chairman stated that digital tools will expand the tax base and bring new businesses into the tax net. Furthermore, the PRA Chairman noted that digital data will help identify tax evasion, misappropriation, and discrepancies within business records.

Jointly, the PRA and the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) will create a working plan for digital tax reforms, receiving technical assistance and funding from the World Bank. Sipra added that modern technology will allow for more effective use of data concerning tax returns, payments, and business activities.

Novak Djokovic feels good in his body ahead of the China Open in Beijing, according to Djokovic. The Serbian tennis player is scheduled to face Nuno Borges from Portugal in the opening round in Beijing.

Djokovic has a 29-0 win-loss record at the ATP 500 tournament held in Beijing. The pursuit of a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title remains a major objective for Djokovic.

Djokovic stated that he prioritises tournaments where he has achieved past success and where the fans welcome him. The player has not competed in Beijing for eleven years.

His recent form includes a loss in the opening round at the US Open late last month. At the US Open, Djokovic struggled with shoulder and back problems and vomited midway through the match.

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh advanced to the men’s cricket semi-finals following the quarter-final matches being abandoned without any balls bowled. Rain caused the abandonment of the quarter-final matches.

The semi-final fixtures confirm that Sri Lanka will face India. Furthermore, Bangladesh is scheduled to play Pakistan in the semi-finals on Thursday.

Previously, Sri Lanka was slated to play Nepal, and Bangladesh was set to take on Malaysia. Najmul Hossain Shanto is unavailable for Bangladesh.

The tournament ruled out Najmul Hossain Shanto because of a fever and infection.

Jarrad Shearer stated, “Cricket, like baseball, you can’t play it in the rain. A year of my life on this, and it rains.”

Jarrad Shearer

South Africa’s benchmark 2035 government bond yield fell 2.5 basis points, reaching 8.89%. The South African rand extended its losses, trading at 16.43 against the dollar.

The rand showed a 0.1% softening compared to its previous closing level. Oil prices increased for the second consecutive trading session.

Market watchers await several key reports; the South African Reserve Bank is expected to issue its quarterly bulletin around 0800 GMT. Furthermore, Statistics South Africa plans to release formal sector employment data, excluding agriculture, near 0930 GMT.

Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama told US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is not a reflationist. Katayama confirmed that Prime Minister Takaichi herself stated she is not a reflationist.

Furthermore, Katayama stated that Prime Minister Takaichi pursues a “responsible and proactive” fiscal agenda. Economy Minister Minoru Kiuchi also asserted that the period of Abenomics-style reflation policies has concluded.

Regarding market stability, Katayama confirmed he will maintain close communication with the US Treasury and continue working with Washington to ensure orderly currency markets.

A US jury ruled on Friday that Apple must pay Taction more than $5.7 billion because Apple’s Taptic Engine infringed two patents owned by Taction. The jury determined that the Taptic Engine infringed two patents held by Taction.

Apple countered the ruling, stating that its Taptic Engine operates on principles fundamentally different from Taction’s technology. Furthermore, Apple asserted that it does not utilise Taction’s technology.

Following the verdict, Apple announced its rejection of the ruling and its intention to appeal the decision. Lance Yang, an attorney for Taction, welcomed the jury's decision.

Taction initiated the lawsuit against Apple in 2021.

Toyota Motor reported that its worldwide vehicle sales and production declined for the second consecutive month in August. Global sales recorded a 6.4% decrease, reaching 790,743 vehicles.

Furthermore, global production saw a 5.9% drop, amounting to 700,860 vehicles. Sales figures showed varied performance across key markets.

China experienced a significant downturn, with sales falling by 22.8%. The United States market saw a 4.4% reduction in sales.

Meanwhile, sales in the Middle East slumped by 37.5%. Conversely, Japan registered a notable increase in sales of 9.1%.

Production levels also varied by region. China's output dropped by 11.3%.

The US saw its production decline by 6.6%. Japan's output fell by 1.7%.

Benchmark three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange rose 0.34% to $14,461.50 a metric ton, according to reports. The most-traded copper contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange edged up 0.09% to 109,530 yuan ($16,335.08) a ton by 0332 GMT. Conversely, LME copper fell 1.4% on Monday, reaching $14,343. Galaxy Futures analysts stated that downstream copper users in China have largely finished restocking before the holiday period and are now buying only what they require following the recent price drop. Regarding other metals, aluminium increased by 0.43% on the LME. Zinc gained 0.26% on the LME. Meanwhile, nickel and tin both experienced a 0.09% dip on the LME. Aluminium also rose 0.02% on the SHFE.

Oil prices remained steady, with Brent crude hovering above $106 a barrel. Market expectations suggest a greater than 70% probability of another Federal Reserve rate increase occurring in October.

The NRL Grand Final will feature a contest between the Sydney Roosters and the Newcastle Knights on 4 October 2026. Initially, the NRL announced no pre-game entertainment for the event.

However, NRL boss Peter V’landys confirmed a surprise pre-game act. Peter V’landys stated, "It’ll probably be the most high-rated 11 minutes you’ll ever see because no one knows what it is."

Tones’ team at Lemon Tree Management reported that the singer was recently approached to perform the preshow at the NRL Grand Final. Separately, Tones’ team confirmed the singer was approached regarding the preshow at the NRL Grand Final.

Regarding music achievements, Watson released the track “Dance Monkey” on 5 September. The track achieved No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Furthermore, the song secured 24 weeks at No. 1 on the ARIA Singles Chart.

Peter V’landys stated, "It’ll probably be the most high-rated 11 minutes you’ll ever see because no one knows what it is."

Peter V’landys

The government notified new procurement rules, the New Public Procurement Rules 2026, to promote transparency across public spending. Furthermore, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff mission, which arrived in Pakistan on 23 September, held discussions with finance and tax officials.

These talks included discussions regarding the disbursement of $1.2 billion from the IMF. The new rules repeal the Public Procurement Rules 2004, according to the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA).

The PPRA stated that the new regulations mandate the use of the Electronic Public Procurement and Asset Disposal System (EPADS) for all federal procuring agencies. Rule 32 permits EPADS use for direct contracting when dealing with state-owned enterprises (SOEs) for services or works requiring immediate attention.

The IMF previously expressed reservations concerning the preferential treatment afforded to SOEs during direct contracting processes. Hasnat Ahmed Qureshi, Managing Director of the PPRA, stated that the new rules strengthen oversight.

Jon Stewart provided a comedic overview detailing the connection between Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. During Xi's visit to the White House, Trump reportedly spent much time pointing at excrement.

Trump stated that the meeting was successful and that Xi showed considerable interest in granite. Stewart also suggested that Trump must grasp the gravity of the rivalry between the two nations.

Furthermore, Trump invited the pair through an ornate curtain. The comedian noted that China has been supplying weapons to Iran.

Finally, Trump offered the sale of American weaponry to China.

Three songs by Chrissy Amphlett, recorded during 1998, will be released this Friday, according to reports. The collection of tracks will appear on an EP titled Some Times.

Tim Finn located the three songs within his garage in 2023. Amphlett, who passed away in 2013, had recorded these three songs with Tim Finn.

Charley Drayton contacted Tim Finn regarding the 1998 recordings in 2023. Finn stated, "I thought they were lost to the universe but remarkably found the two-inch tape in my garage."

The recording sessions in 1998 occurred after Amphlett had separated from Mark McEntee. Following her split from Mark McEntee, Amphlett developed a close relationship with Charley Drayton.

Finn noted that "It was a good time for us to meet because she was looking for something new, something different in her life musically." Over several days, Tim Finn and Amphlett wrote three songs together.

France defeated Belgium with a score of 1-0 in their match on Friday, according to reports. Michael Olise netted the decisive goal for France during the contest against Belgium.

Zinédine Zidane started his tenure as France's coach with a successful match. Roberto Mancini commented that the players delivered an excellent performance.

Italy visited the Stade de France on Friday for their fixture. Italy suffered a loss in their opening game at home against Belgium.

Mancini expressed confidence regarding the upcoming match in Paris. Sweden secured a 3-1 victory over Poland in their respective matches.

Benjamin Nygren registered the initial goal for Sweden against Poland. Sebastian Szymanski scored a goal for Poland during their encounter with Sweden.

Bosnia and Herzegovina defeated Romania with a score of 4-2. Northern Ireland managed a draw, finishing 0-0 against Hungary.

Margaret Throsby, who is 84 years old, sustained injuries after an ebike struck her at Sandon Drive in Bulli. The collision involved two teenagers who were riding a fat bike.

Police officers attended the location at Sandon Drive in Bulli following the incident. Authorities spoke with a 16-year-old boy and his passenger at the scene.

Police subsequently conducted an operation named Operation Spoiler. During the operation, officers recorded 37 ebike stops.

Furthermore, 4 infringement notices were issued, alongside 2 cautions. The police also recorded 15 youth warnings.

Separately, Margaret Throsby previously joined the ABC in 1967. In 1975, she read national radio news.

She presented national television news in 1978.

The USD buying rate stood at 275.94 on 29 August 2026. On the same day, the GBP buying rate registered at 365.01.

Meanwhile, the EUR buying rate was recorded at 313.21 on 29 August 2026. The financial data also provided the SAR buying rate at 73.38 and the AED buying rate at 75.06 for 29 August 2026.

Interbank lending rates showed LIBOR 1M at 3.9009, while LIBOR 3M was reported at 4.0746. Furthermore, the LIBOR 6M rate was confirmed at 4.2593.

For forward rates, the USD SIGHT/15 DAYS rate was set at 275.70. The USD 6M rate was noted as 261.11, and the EUR 6M rate stood at 299.03.

Lastly, the GBP 6M rate was recorded at 346.06.

The Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association elected new office bearers following elections conducted under applicable Trade Organizations (DGTO) Rules. Hiroshi Kawamura became the new chairman of PAMA.

Nadeem Malik was elected as the senior vice chairman, while Sana Ullah Chaudhry was elected vice chairman. This new leadership group will serve for the period spanning 2026 to 2028.

The new leadership represents major segments, including cars, light commercial vehicles, heavy commercial vehicles, farm tractors, and two and three-wheelers.

Mauricio Pochettino expressed sadness after an independent panel found Manchester City guilty of nearly all 115 alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules. Pochettino stated that if Manchester City breached financial rules, it would confirm 'a period of deception' in the sport.

Furthermore, Pochettino noted that if all 114 rules were broken, the club endured 'a period of deception'. Sanctions against Manchester City could include fines, a points deduction, or even relegation.

Previously, Pochettino had suggested that Chelsea should lose their 2016-17 Premier League title, recommending it go to Tottenham. During his time at the club, Pochettino also observed Tottenham's complete lack of transfer activity spanning 18 months.

Punjab Food Authority (PFA) teams inspected 41 water filtration plants across the district. The PFA spokesman confirmed that the authority collected water samples from the filtration plants to assess water quality.

Of the samples tested, 22 water samples were found unfit because they contained specified bacteria. Consequently, 22 filtration plants were immediately shut down.

Furthermore, the PFA imposed a fine of Rs10,000 on two of the filtration plants.

The 17th edition of the Durban FilmMart is returning to host industry discussions focused on African film distribution challenges. The FilmMart will host a closed-door session bringing together key distributors, financiers, and industry leaders to tackle distribution hurdles across the African continent.

Furthermore, another dedicated session will concentrate on strategies for audience development within the sector. A core element of this year’s gathering involves a spotlight on equitable co-production, which is organised in partnership with the European Audiovisual Entrepreneurs network (EAVE).

Reddy stated that African producers encounter systemic imbalances when they collaborate with outside co-producers. The screen industries within the host nation are reportedly struggling, according to Reddy.

Leading South African policymakers are anticipated to meet with local industry representatives during the FilmMart. The Durban FilmMart will also forge partnerships with several organisations, including EAVE, NEWF, CTIAF, Documentary Africa, The StoryBoard Collective, and the Ladima Foundation.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to return to Pakistan on Tuesday, according to reports. The Prime Minister previously spoke at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on 25 September 2026.

A source in the Prime Minister’s Office stated that the prime minister will return to the country the following night. Shehbaz Sharif departed Islamabad on 16 September 2026.

Following his time in New York, Shehbaz Sharif reached London. During his visit, he met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Furthermore, Shehbaz Sharif held discussions with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. The Prime Minister also held talks with the Chairman of Bosnia’s Presidency, the Crown Prince of Kuwait, and leaders from Kenya and Austria.

Novak Djokovic will play at the China Open, confirming his participation in the tournament. The Serbian tennis star recently struggled with shoulder and back problems and vomited during a match at the US Open.

Speaking about his current condition, Djokovic stated, "Yeah, feeling good so far." His career achievements include a record of 24 Grand Slam titles.

Djokovic previously secured the China Open title in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015. The 39-year-old athlete maintains a notable 29-0 win-loss record.