What are the 10 biggest news stories from today?

I'll pull together today's 10 biggest headlines for you.

On Saturday, September 26, 2026 - the following are among the biggest stories making headlines globally and in India, based on today's news trackers and assembly headlines:

1. Walkout During Netanyahu's UN Speech in New York

A major diplomatic development at the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the General Assembly.
Dozens of delegates reportedly walked out of the General Assembly hall as Netanyahu began his speech. Reuters reported that Netanyahu criticised those who left and described them as "moral cowards". Protests also took place outside UN headquarters, where New York police arrested at least 30 protesters on September 24 ahead of Netanyahu's appearance.

This comes as the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) began on September 8, 2026, with High-Level Week taking place September 22–29 in New York City. The General Debate was scheduled for 22–26 September and 28 September 2026, under the theme "Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All".

2. Trump - Xi Summit in Washington

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held high-level talks in Washington during Xi's September 23-25 state visit.
The discussions covered major issues in US-China relations, including trade and strategic matters. Reports said the two sides extended an existing trade arrangement for two months while negotiations on a broader agreement continued. Taiwan was also a significant issue, with Taiwan's government subsequently criticising Xi's comments concerning the island's future.

Related global headline today notes: "How Trump's diplomatic week exposed the limits of his power" and "US, Iran exploring phased deal to reopen Strait of Hormuz, say reports".

3. Iran Says It Does Not Seek Nuclear Weapons

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran does not seek to develop nuclear weapons and indicated that Iran was prepared to permit international verification of its nuclear programme.
Pezeshkian made the remarks during his US visit around the UN General Assembly, with discussions including possible verification arrangements concerning Iran's enriched uranium stockpile. The International Atomic Energy Agency has stressed the importance of access and verification.

4. Nepal PM Links Recent Floods to Climate Risks

Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah used his address to the 81st UN General Assembly to describe the country's recent floods as a warning about growing climate-related risks.
According to Shah's UN speech, the disaster had resulted in at least 1,400 confirmed deaths, while more than 6,000 people remained missing. Nepal's rapid assessment estimated physical recovery needs at around 10% of GDP. Shah called for greater international support for climate resilience, disaster preparedness and financing.

5. India's Tarang Shakti 2026 Air Exercise Begins

September 26, 2026, is set to bring developments across defence, banking, weather, international diplomacy and sport.
The Indian Air Force's Tarang Shakti 2026 multinational air exercise is scheduled to begin on September 26 at Air Force Station Jodhpur and adjoining air bases, and continue until October 12.
The second edition is set to involve air assets from eight foreign partner countries — Australia, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Greece, Sri Lanka, the UAE and the United States. Representatives from 32 other countries are also expected to participate as observers. US F-35 fifth-generation fighter aircraft are scheduled to participate, marking their first participation in an Indian multinational air exercise.

6. Special Banking Arrangement Ahead of Nationwide Strike

The Ministry of Finance has announced that Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks will function normally on Sunday, September 27, despite the day being a Sunday, with the Reserve Bank of India approving operation of branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and currency chests.
The arrangement comes ahead of a proposed three-day nationwide bank strike from September 28 to 30 called by the United Forum of Bank Unions.

7. India Women's Hockey and Asian Games 2026 Update

India's women's hockey team secured a place in the Asian Games 2026 semifinals after defeating hosts Japan 3-1 in their Pool B match. Lalremsiami, Ishika and Navneet Kaur scored for India, marking India's fourth consecutive pool-stage victory. India is scheduled to face Singapore in its final Pool B match on September 27.

India's archery campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games is scheduled to begin on September 26 with ranking-round action in recurve and compound categories. The Asian Games are scheduled from September 19 to October 4, 2026.

Other sports headlines today:

8. Pope Warns on AI and Science Headline

Global news headlines for today's assembly include:

9. India Domestic Policy and Economic Headlines

Top India news headlines for September 26 include:

The India Meteorological Department has also forecast renewed rainfall activity across parts of north and central India around September 26, with Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand among regions monitored for rain and thunderstorms.

10. US Political / Congress Funding Watch

In US coverage, ongoing attention remains on federal funding: The House voted to pass a short-term funding bill and avert a government shutdown at the end of September, while separate reporting notes a Senate compromise spending package clearing Congress to avert a shutdown. Another summary noted the US government entered a partial government shutdown Saturday after funding expired for Homeland Security, reflecting fluid negotiations around the September 30 deadline.

> Note: News is developing throughout the day. For the Asian Games medal tally and weather alerts, publications note results should be updated immediately before publication as competitions continue throughout September 26.