*) Social Democrats beat Merkel bloc in German vote

Germany's centre-left Social Democrats have narrowly won the general election, beating Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives.

Election officials said early Monday that a count of all 299 constituencies showed the Social Democrats won 25.9 percent of the vote with the Union bloc carrying 24.1 percent.

The environmentalist Greens came third with 14.8 percent followed by pro-business Free Democrats with 11.5 percent, making both parties potential kingmakers.

*) Israeli troops kill 5 Palestinians in occupied West Bank raids

Israeli troops conducted a series of raids in the occupied West Bank, killing five Palestinians.

The night raids were carried out in five different regions on Sunday, including the village of Beyt Anan near Ramallah and in towns of Jenin, local media reported.

Israel claimed that the wave of arrests targeted a Hamas cell that Israeli security forces had been following for several days.

*) Taliban asks airlines to resume international flights to Afghanistan

The Taliban in Afghanistan has appealed for international flights to be resumed, promising full cooperation with airlines.

The statement comes as the interim regime continues efforts to gain international acceptance.

The Taliban officials said the suspension has left many Afghans stranded abroad and is also preventing people from travelling.

*) Mass protest as Tunisia political crisis escalates

Hundreds of people took to the streets of Tunisia's capital to protest President Kais Saied's recent decrees bolstering the already near-total power he granted himself two months ago.

This includes the continuing suspension of Parliament’s powers as well as ending lawmakers' immunity from prosecution.

In July, Saied assumed executive authority in a move widely seen as a coup.

And finally…

*) 'Moulin Rouge!' wins big as Tony Awards return to Broadway

Broadway has finally honoured its best and brightest at the Tonys, with jukebox musical "Moulin Rouge!" bagging 10 trophies.

"Moulin Rouge!" won for best musical, best actor and best actor in a featured role, as well as a host of technical honours.

The last Tony Awards ceremony was held in 2019. The virus forced Broadway theatres to abruptly close on March 12, 2020, knocking out all shows.

*) Day 3 of UNGA: Leaders highlight disparity in Covid vaccine availability

The Covid-19 vaccine distribution inequity has come into sharper focus as many leaders of African countries spoke at the UN General Assembly.

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa urged member states to support a temporary trade waiver to allow more countries to produce Covid-19 vaccines.

Other African leaders said it was "appalling" that while rich countries debate booster shot doses, many poor countries have only been able to vaccine 1 or 2 percent of their populations.

Namibia’s President Hage Geingob called the situation a "vaccine apartheid.”

*) Blinken sees unity on Taliban after meeting with Pakistan, China

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said he believes the world was united on pressing the Taliban after speaking with Pakistan, China and Russia.

Blinken met with his Pakistani counterpart, Shah Mehmood Qureshi Thursday, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

He also held talks with ministers of the four other veto-wielding Security Council members, including China and Russia.

*) Erdogan: US not 'acting honestly' with Turkey, ties at low point

Turkey's President Erdogan says the trajectory of ties with the US do not bode well and that Washington needs to "sort out" issues over Ankara's purchase of S-400 defence systems.

Relations between the two NATO allies struck a low point earlier this year when Washington sanctioned Turkey's defence industry.

According to broadcaster Haberturk, Erdogan said the two countries should work together as friends but he and US President Joe Biden had "not gotten off to a good start".

*) Catalan separatist leader Puigdemont arrested in Italy

Former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont has been arrested in Italy.

Puidgemont was accused of sedition after he helped organise a 2017 independence referendum, which Spanish courts ruled illegal.

He has since been living in self-imposed exile in Belgium, where he holds a seat in the European parliament. But the EU body voted to strip him of his immunity back in March.

*) Emporio Armani celebrates 40 years

Giorgio Armani has celebrated 40 years of his Emporio Armani line with a retrospective show at his Silos museum during Milan Fashion Week.

The preview for next spring and summer featured both menswear and womenswear, opening with denim suits in dark tones for her and in patchwork for him.

The brand also presented a new collection for youthful colourful dressers.

*) Taliban’s new UN envoy urges quick world recognition of Afghan rulers

The Taliban’s newly appointed envoy to the United Nations has urged quick world recognition of Afghanistan’s new rulers.

Earlier, the Taliban wrote to the UN requesting its new UN representative, Suhail Shaheen, be allowed to address the General Assembly currently underway in New York.

Meanwhile, attackers have struck Taliban vehicles in eastern Afghanistan, killing at least two fighters and three civilians in the latest violence since the group's takeover of the country in mid-August.

*) Ukraine president aide targeted in 'assassination attempt'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that an assassination attempt was made against him after his aide's car came under heavy gunfire.

The aide, Serhiy Shefir, survived unscathed but police said his driver had been wounded after more than 10 bullets hit the car near a village, just outside the capital Kiev.

In a recorded message from New York, where Zelenskyy joined the UN Assembly, he called the shooting a show of "weakness."

*) US donating 'historic' extra 500 million Covidvaccines

US President Joe Biden has promised to donate a "historic" extra 500 million vaccines to countries struggling to overcome the pandemic.

The pledge at a Covid-19summit of world leaders, held virtually from the White House, brings the total US commitment of donated vaccines to 1.1 billion — more than the rest of the world combined.

Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration has approved booster shots of Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine for senior citizens and others at high risk from the virus.

*) WHO blames air pollution for 7 million premature deaths a year

The World Health Organisation has strengthened its air quality guidelines, saying air pollution was now one of the biggest environmental threats to human health.

It said that air pollution causes seven million premature deaths a year, ranking its burden of disease on par with smoking and unhealthy eating.

The WHO's new guidelines recommend air quality levels for six pollutants, including ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, and carbon monoxide.

*) Somalia screens first film in three decades

Somalia is due to host its first screening of a movie in three decades under heavy security.

The National Theatre of Somalia's history reflects the tumultuous journey of the conflict-ravaged country, having been targeted by suicide bombers and used as a base by warlords.

The stage was set for the evening screening of two short films by Somali director Ibrahim CM, "Hoos" and "Date from Hell". It had never before screened a Somali film.

*) Joe Biden promises 'relentless diplomacy,' not Cold War

US President Joe Biden in his address to the UN General Assembly has pledged American cooperation through what he called a decisive decade for the planet.

Biden promised to increase climate financing for developing countries.

He also said his administration is moving away from the 'America First' foreign policy, and to an era where military might not be chosen over diplomacy.

*) Erdogan emphasises establishing a fair world order

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in his speech to the UN General Assembly, focused on security issues, the refugee situation and the climate crisis.

Erdogan also spoke about the coronavirus pandemic, saying the response over vaccines for poorer countries was a disgrace.

He suggested a shift in the current international hierarchy would help address many challenges.

*) UN agencies say expulsions may violate international law

The United Nations says the way US authorities have been handling Haitians at the Texas-Mexico border may violate international law, and constitutes forced returns.

Hundreds of Haitians have been deported to Haiti since Sunday, and thousands more have been detained.

They were among around 12,000 asylum-seekers camped out under a bridge that connects the US and Mexico.

There's been bipartisan criticism of the Biden administration, after images on social media showed border guards on horseback using reins as whips.

*) Magnitude 6.0 earthquake strikes Melbourne

A magnitude 6.0 earthquake has struck southeastern Australia.

People ran into the streets of Melbourne, the second largest city, after the tremor shook buildings there.

Video posted to social media shows buildings that were damaged. Melbourne's Seismology Centre says the earthquake lasted about 20 seconds.

And finally...

*) Juventus investigates fans who racially abused AC Milan’s Mike Maignan

AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan blasted those who racially abused him before his team's 1-1 draw with Juventus at the weekend.

Juventus confirmed that they had launched an investigation into the abuse, caught on a video which spread quickly on social media.

It showed an off-camera fan launching a stream of racist insults at the France international while he warmed up ahead of Sunday's match at Allianz Stadium.

*) Trudeau's Liberals win polls

Canada's ruling Liberal Party led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is set to form the next government, according to state media projections.

Trudeau's Liberals are projected to win most seats but it's still unclear if they will have a majority in parliament.

Polls show the Liberals leading in over 150 electoral districts with only a small fraction of votes counted. The party needs to win 170 seats to hold a majority.

*) President Erdogan vows to increase trade volume with US

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he hopes trade between Turkey and the US will increase five-fold.

It's currently at around 20-billion-dollars a year. Erdogan was speaking on Monday at the 11th Turkey Investment Conference in New York.

Earlier, he met with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson at the newly-opened Turkevi Center.

*) Biden meets Guterres ahead of his first UN speech as president

President Joe Biden met with the UN chief, ahead of his first speech at the General Assembly.

Biden has emphasised the importance of a strong partnership with the UN, saying no country can solve global problems alone.

And while there's been a lot of focus on the US's chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, Biden is expected to use his speech to try to move onto issues where he has more control.

*) Rwandan court finds 'Hotel Rwanda' hero guilty on terror charges

A Rwandan court has sentenced 'Hotel Rwanda film Hero' to 25 years in prison. Judges found Paul Rusesabagina guilty on terror related charges.

Rusesabagina has been accused of 13 charges, nine of them terrorism-related including funding a rebel group.

Last year, Rusesabagina admitted he had formed an armed group but denied any involvement in its subsequent actions.


And finally...

*) Volcano destroys homes, roads, businesses on Spanish island

At least 100 homes on a Spanish island have been destroyed by lava, flowing from a volcano. The lava is currently on route to the sea.

Authorities say more than 5,000 people have been evacuated from La Palma island so far.

No fatalities have been reported, but there are fears a cloud of toxic gas could form above the region once the lava reaches the sea.

Officials warn the volcano could remain active for the next few days.

*) US says Kabul drone strike killed 10 civilians, including children

A US drone strike in Kabul last month killed as many as 10 civilians, including seven children, the US military has admitted, apologising for what it called a “tragic mistake”.

The Pentagon had said the August 29 strike targeted a Daesh suicide bomber who posed an imminent threat to US-led troops at Kabul airport.

Emal Ahmadi, a survivor whose 10 family members were killed in the strike, has demanded those responsible be punished, saying Washington's apology was not enough.

*) French and UK defence ministers' meeting cancelled amid sub row

France has pulled out from a defence meeting with the UK as the rift deepens over a new security deal between the kingdom, US and Australia.

The two-day talks have been postponed from this week to a later date – that's according to a former British Ambassador.

France is frustrated over Australia signing the so-called Aukus deal with the US and UK, which will get Canberra nuclear-powered submarines.

This resulted in Australia cancelling a major weapons contract with Paris.

*) Early results show Putin party wins majority in the vote

President Vladimir Putin's party is on track to win a strong majority in a three-day parliamentary election, following a harsh crackdown on the opposition.

Most opposition politicians were barred from running as they were linked to jailed Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny.

Allies of Navalny planned to use an app to help voters find candidates to defeat United Russia but the app was removed by Apple and Google on election day.

*) Lebanon’s parliament is to vote on Mikati government

The Lebanese Parliament is voting on the Mikati government and will be discussing its draft programme and plans.

New Prime Minister Najib Mikati's government was formed on September 10th after a year of political deadlock that exacerbated a crippling economic crisis.

Mikati's government is already facing challenges, with Lebanon's Hezbollah unilaterally importing Iranian fuel at risk of international sanctions.

And finally...

*) 'The Crown' wins Emmy for best drama series

The Crown has won the best drama series at the Emmys, while Apple TV+'s “Ted Lasso” took best comedy series honours.

“The Crown” stars Olivia Colman and Josh O'Connor also won top drama acting honours, with Jason Sudeikis, star of “Ted Lasso" a winner on the comedy side.

This year's show was far from last year's Pandemmys that were shot from home, with guests in masks and plenty of hugs and kisses going around – but after presenting vaccine certificates.

*) HRW reports 'war crimes’ attacks on Eritrean refugees in Tigray

Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia's Tigray have suffered abuses ranging from executions to rape in what amount to "clear war crimes", Human Rights Watch says.

The rights watchdog says the Tigrayans distrusted them as they were the same nationality as occupying Eritrean soldiers, who in turn doubted the refugees' loyalty.

HRW said it had received credible reports that Eritrean troops killed 31 people in Hitsats, one of the two camps in Tigray where abuses were documented.

*) Google, Apple remove Navalny app from stores as Russian elections begin

Google and Apple have removed jailed Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny's tactical voting app from their stores, after Russia accused the tech giants of interference.

Russians are voting to elect a new parliament in a three-day vote starting on Friday.

The ruling United Russia party is expected to win despite a rating slump after the biggest crackdown on the Kremlin's critics in years.

Allies of Navalny, President Putin's fiercest opponent, planned to use the app to help voters find and support candidates to deal a blow to United Russia.

*) US defends nuclear sub deal with Australia

The US has defended its decision to share nuclear-powered submarine technology with Australia, rejecting criticism from both China and France.

China claims the new alliance, referred to as Aukus, damages regional stability, and jeopardises efforts to halt nuclear weapon proliferation.

But White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said the agreement is not aimed at China, although the US has mounting concerns about Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

*) Austria hears first lawsuit over virus outbreak in ski resort

The first civil lawsuit begins in a court in Vienna over a notorious outbreak of Covid-19 at the ski resort of Ischgl in March 2020, where thousands of people from 45 countries became infected.

The case is the first of 15 lawsuits filed by plaintiffs from Austria and Germany, accusing authorities of not responding quickly enough to Covid-19 outbreaks in Austrian resorts.

It is being brought on behalf of the family of a 72-year-old who died after contracting the virus in Ischgl.

*) New Van Gogh drawing discovered, set to go on display

A Vincent van Gogh drawing that has been hidden in a private collection for more than a century has gone on display for the first time at an Amsterdam museum.

The work titled "Study for 'Worn Out" depicts an old man sitting in a chair and was sketched by Van Gogh in November 1882 when he was just starting his career.

The owners of the drawing, a Dutch family which bought it in around 1910, asked the Van Gogh museum to authenticate it and experts confirmed that it was indeed a "new work" by Van Gogh.