Japan's 10-year gov't bond yield rises to 3.115 percent

Japan's 10-year gov't bond yield rises to 3.115 percent

A screen at a currency trading company in Tokyo on Sept. 25, 2026, shows the yield on Japan's benchmark 10-year government bond hitting 3.115 percent, its highest level since August 1996.

Bangladesh: Crocodile Spotted Roaming Through Residential Area in Narayanganj

A large crocodile was spotted roaming through a residential area in Tingao, Bandar Upazila, Narayanganj, on the night of September 19. Residents gathered after seeing the animal, and officials later confirmed its presence and issued warnings for people to avoid approaching it. A wildlife rescue team attempted to capture the crocodile using nets, but the operation was unsuccessful due to dense water hyacinth.

[Breaking News]BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

TOKYO, Japan, Sept. 18 Kyodo - Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda holds a press conference at the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on Sept. 18, 2026, after the central bank raised its key interest rate to 1.25 percent from 1.0 percent at its policy-setting meeting amid growing inflation risks. (Kyodo)

Japan's 10-year gov't bond yield hits 30-year high

Japan's 10-year gov't bond yield hits 30-year high

A financial monitor at a currency trading company in Tokyo on the afternoon of Sept. 24, 2026, shows the yield on Japan's benchmark 10-year government bond hitting 3.075 percent, its highest level since August 1996.

Japan's 10-year gov't bond yield hits 30-year high

Japan's 10-year gov't bond yield hits 30-year high

A financial monitor at a currency trading company in Tokyo on the afternoon of Sept. 24, 2026, shows the yield on Japan's benchmark 10-year government bond hitting 3.075 percent, its highest level since August 1996.

India: Ghee-Laden Truck Overturns on Highway Near Moradabad, Locals Collect Spilled Cargo

A truck carrying desi ghee overturned on the Delhi-Lucknow highway near Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, spilling a large quantity of its cargo onto the road. Visuals show local residents gathering at the scene and collecting the spilled ghee in buckets and containers. Police reached the location and took steps to manage the situation and control traffic.

China: Blue Sheep Makes Daring Leap Across Rushing River in Hohhot

On September 14, in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, a blue sheep was stranded on a rock as strong currents rushed around it. It stood still for several moments, looking toward the opposite bank for a place to cross. After hesitating and shifting its position, it backed up slightly for a running start, then charged forward and jumped over the rushing water.

China: Man Frees Cow Trapped in Wire Fence During Road Trip

On September 18, in Keketuohai, Xinjiang, a man on a road trip was filmed helping a brown cow trapped behind a wire fence. The cow's head was tightly tangled in the wire, leaving it unable to free itself. The man reached through the fence and gripped the wires around its horns and head. He pulled hard to untangle or break the wire and free the distressed animal.

China: Horse Walks Awkwardly With New Leg Guards

On September 9, 2026, in Zhuzhou, Hunan province, a horse was filmed struggling to adjust to new protective leg guards. A man led the horse toward a grassy area with red guards fitted on its two rear legs. Unfamiliar with the equipment, the horse lifted its back hooves unusually high with each step, making its walk look awkward and uneven.

China: Sheep Knocks Tourist Down on Hulunbuir Grassland

On September 12, 2026, in Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, as a tourist was enjoying the scenery of blue skies and green grass, a sheep began chasing him. The animal repeatedly butted him with its head and eventually knocked him onto the grass. Another person then came over and led the sheep away.

Japan's 10-year gov't bond yield hits 30-year high

Japan's 10-year gov't bond yield hits 30-year high

A financial monitor at a currency trading company in Tokyo on the afternoon of Sept. 24, 2026, shows the yield on Japan's benchmark 10-year government bond hitting 3.065 percent, its highest level since September 1996.

China: Golden Retriever Meets Spotted Seal at Sea

On September 18, 2026, on Dachangshan Island in Dalian, Liaoning, a golden retriever met a spotted seal named Nana, a national first-class protected animal in China. The seal slowly swam toward the dog and raised its head for a closer look. The golden retriever appeared surprised and remained almost motionless in the water. The video ends with a group of beachgoers filming the spotted seal, as it was a rare sight.

India: Elephant Calf Rescued from Teesta River by Fishermen

Fishermen rescued an elephant calf drifting in the Teesta River near Gajoldoba, West Bengal, and handed it to Forest Department officials, who later reunited it with its mother in the forest.

Iran: Unidentified Object Hovers Over Tehran Night Sky

An unidentified object with multicoloured lights was seen hovering over Tehran, Iran, on September 20, reportedly near the Azadegan Expressway. Its size, altitude, distance and speed remain unconfirmed, and Iranian authorities have not identified it.

China: Cat’s Fur Pattern Creates Perfect Hoodie Illusion

On September 14, 2026, in Chaoyang District, Beijing, a cat's distinctive black and white fur created the illusion of a tiny hoodie. Black fur covering its head and ears resembled a hood.

India: Injured Elephant Calf Monitored by Forest Officials in Coimbatore

An injured elephant calf was spotted with its herd near Valayar in Coimbatore. Visuals show the calf walking with an adult elephant after crossing into Tamil Nadu from Kerala forests. A veterinary team examined the calf and suspected predator bites, while forest officials continued monitoring its condition.

US: Hundreds Form Human Chain Around Kennedy Center in Protest Over Closure

Hundreds formed a human chain around the Kennedy Center in Washington on Friday, September 18, protesting its closure and threats by the Trump administration to demolish the memorial to President John F. Kennedy.

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda holds a press conference at the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on Sept. 18, 2026, after the central bank raised its key interest rate to 1.25 percent from 1.0 percent at its policy-setting meeting amid growing inflation risks.

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda holds a press conference at the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on Sept. 18, 2026, after the central bank raised its key interest rate to 1.25 percent from 1.0 percent at its policy-setting meeting amid growing inflation risks.

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda holds a press conference at the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on Sept. 18, 2026, after the central bank raised its key interest rate to 1.25 percent from 1.0 percent at its policy-setting meeting amid growing inflation risks.

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda holds a press conference at the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on Sept. 18, 2026, after the central bank raised its key interest rate to 1.25 percent from 1.0 percent at its policy-setting meeting amid growing inflation risks.

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda holds a press conference at the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on Sept. 18, 2026, after the central bank raised its key interest rate to 1.25 percent from 1.0 percent at its policy-setting meeting amid growing inflation risks.

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda holds a press conference at the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on Sept. 18, 2026, after the central bank raised its key interest rate to 1.25 percent from 1.0 percent at its policy-setting meeting amid growing inflation risks.

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda holds a press conference at the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on Sept. 18, 2026, after the central bank raised its key interest rate to 1.25 percent from 1.0 percent at its policy-setting meeting amid growing inflation risks.

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda holds a press conference at the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on Sept. 18, 2026, after the central bank raised its key interest rate to 1.25 percent from 1.0 percent at its policy-setting meeting amid growing inflation risks.

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda holds a press conference at the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on Sept. 18, 2026, after the central bank raised its key interest rate to 1.25 percent from 1.0 percent at its policy-setting meeting amid growing inflation risks.

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

BOJ raises key rate to 1.25%

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda holds a press conference at the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on Sept. 18, 2026, after the central bank raised its key interest rate to 1.25 percent from 1.0 percent at its policy-setting meeting amid growing inflation risks.

China: Residents Save Cat Left Hanging by Rope in Jiangxi

Residents in Ganzhou, Jiangxi, rescued a cat that was left dangling several stories up after a rope tied around its neck caught on a building's exterior wall on September 12, 2026, using a long pole to hook the rope, ease the pressure, and free the cat.

China: Daring Rescue Frees Horse Stuck in Mud

Filmed on September 12, 2026, at the Yellow River Beach tourist area in Xinxiang, Henan, this video shows a horse stuck in a deep mud pit, unable to move on its own. A group of people gather to help, attaching ropes to the animal and pulling in unison, counting to three with each heave as they sink into the mud themselves. After several attempts, the horse is finally pulled free.

Fed delivers 0.25 point rate hike

Fed delivers 0.25 point rate hike

U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh speaks during a press conference in Washington on Sept. 16, 2026, after the Fed raised its benchmark interest rate for the first time since July 2023 by 0.25 percentage point.

China: Fearless Kitten Challenges Much Larger Samoyed

Filmed on August 20, 2026, in Wuxi, Jiangsu, a tiny black-and-white kitten reared up and squared off against a much larger Samoyed on an outdoor path at night. The dog remained calm and curious throughout, showing no aggressive move toward its fearless small challenger.

Halloween program at Tokyo Disneyland

Halloween program at Tokyo Disneyland

A Halloween-themed parade, featuring Disney villains, is held during a press preview event at Tokyo Disneyland in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo, on Sept. 15, 2026, a day before its official start.

Halloween program at Tokyo Disneyland

Halloween program at Tokyo Disneyland

A Halloween-themed parade, featuring Disney villains, is held during a press preview event at Tokyo Disneyland in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo, on Sept. 15, 2026, a day before its official start.

Halloween program at Tokyo Disneyland

Halloween program at Tokyo Disneyland

A Halloween-themed parade, featuring Disney villains, is held during a press preview event at Tokyo Disneyland in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo, on Sept. 15, 2026, a day before its official start.

China: Stray Cat Swims Across River to Reach Waiting Rescuer

On August 23, 2026, in Xiaogan, Hubei, a stray cat was seen swimming across a river to reach a resident waiting on the opposite bank. The resident, who had spotted the cat and wanted to take it home, later had it examined by a vet after its determined swim.

China: Startled Horse Throws Parade Performer to Ground

On September 11, 2026, in Anqing, Anhui, a horse became startled and threw a woman dressed as a traditional "Zhuangyuan" scholar from its saddle during a street parade. The rider fell hard onto the road as bystanders looked on.

Japan Diet group urges gov't action on U.S. sanctions on ICC chief

Japan Diet group urges gov't action on U.S. sanctions on ICC chief

Former Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani (2nd from L), co-head of a cross-party parliamentary group promoting human rights diplomacy, and its members are pictured after submitting a statement to Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara (2nd from R) in Tokyo on Sept. 15, 2026, urging the Japanese government to demand the U.S. administration of President Donald Trump immediately withdraw its sanctions on International Criminal Court head Tomoko Akane. The move came after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the U.S. action as "very unfortunate," prompting criticism that Tokyo's response was weak.

Japan Diet group urges gov't action on U.S. sanctions on ICC chief

Japan Diet group urges gov't action on U.S. sanctions on ICC chief

Former Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani (2nd from R), co-head of a cross-party parliamentary group promoting human rights diplomacy, submits a statement to Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara (R) in Tokyo on Sept. 15, 2026, urging the Japanese government to demand the U.S. administration of President Donald Trump immediately withdraw its sanctions on International Criminal Court head Tomoko Akane. The move comes after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the U.S. action as "very unfortunate," prompting criticism that Tokyo's response was weak.

Japan Diet group urges gov't action on U.S. sanctions on ICC chief

Japan Diet group urges gov't action on U.S. sanctions on ICC chief

Former Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani (7th from L), co-head of a cross-party parliamentary group promoting human rights diplomacy, and its members are pictured after submitting a statement to Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara (8th from L) in Tokyo on Sept. 15, 2026, urging the Japanese government to demand the U.S. administration of President Donald Trump immediately withdraw its sanctions on International Criminal Court head Tomoko Akane. The move came after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the U.S. action as "very unfortunate," prompting criticism that Tokyo's response was weak.

IAEA annual meeting

IAEA annual meeting

The International Atomic Energy Agency begins its five-day annual General Conference in Vienna on Sept. 14, 2026.

"Resident registration" for statue at northeastern Japan city museum

"Resident registration" for statue at northeastern Japan city museum

Towada Mayor Yuriko Sakurada (L) and Towada Art Center head Yukiko Shikata pose in front of a 4-meter-tall statue while holding the statue's "residency card" at the museum in Towada in Aomori Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Sept. 11, 2026. The city conferred the status on Standing Woman, created by Australian modern art artist Ron Mueck, as it has been on display at the museum since its opening in 2008.

China: Elephant Covers Its Head With Grass Like Green Hat

On April 30, 2026, at Chimelong Safari Park in Guangzhou, Guangdong, an Asian elephant named Maria used her trunk to pick up grass and toss it onto her own head. She repeated the motion until the grass spread across her head like a green hat, appearing to fashion her own sunshade.

Germany: 150,000 Protest Far-Right AfD After Election Landslide

About 150,000 demonstrators marched in roughly 20 German cities Saturday, September 12, including Berlin, Hamburg and Munich, protesting the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) after its landslide win in last week's Saxony-Anhalt state election. Organized by the campaign group Pruef, protesters carried signs reading "Ban the AfD now." The AfD took nearly 44% of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt on September 6, far ahead of Chancellor Friedrich Merz's CDU at about 17%, and is now seeking to form Germany's first far-right state government since World War II.

Italy: Gaza Documentary ‘Naza’ Receives 25-Minute Ovation at Venice

"Naza," the only documentary feature in this year's Venice Film Festival's main competition, received a 25-minute standing ovation at its premiere.

Germany: Nationwide Emergency Warning Test Sounds Sirens Across Country

Germany held its annual nationwide "Warntag" (Warning Day) on September 10, testing emergency alert systems to simulate responses to major disasters or the consequences of war. At 11 a.m., the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Relief (BBK) triggered sirens nationwide, with warnings also distributed via the Nina and Katwarn apps, radio, television, cell broadcast, and other channels. Sirens sounded twice during the test.

[Breaking News]Tesla unveils driverless Cybercab in Japan

TOKYO, Japan, Sept. 11 Kyodo - U.S. electric vehicle maker Tesla Inc. unveils the Cybercab, its purpose-built autonomous robotaxi with no steering wheel, accelerator pedal, or brake pedal, in Tokyo on Sept. 11, 2026. (Kyodo)

Japanese winner of U.S. Lasker Award

TSUKUBA, Japan, Sept. 11 Kyodo - Japanese sleep scientist Masashi Yanagisawa, a professor at the University of Tsukuba, attends a press conference at the university in Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Sept. 10, 2026, after receiving the Lasker Award for basic medical research for identifying orexin and linking its deficiency to narcolepsy. (Kyodo)

China: Excited Dog Drags Heavy Cage Across Yard in Zhejiang

On May 21, 2026, surveillance video shows a dog in Yiwu, Zhejiang, dragging its heavy cage across a yard after growing excited at the sight of a man believed to be its owner returning home on a scooter.

Japanese winners of U.S. Lasker Award

Japanese winners of U.S. Lasker Award

Composite photo shows Japanese Lasker Award winners (from L) Takehisa Kitazawa, Kunihiro Hattori and Tomoyuki Igawa of Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., and Masashi Yanagisawa, a professor at the University of Tsukuba. The Chugai researchers received the clinical medical research award for developing a hemophilia treatment, while Yanagisawa won the basic medical research award for identifying orexin and linking its deficiency to narcolepsy.

Japanese winner of U.S. Lasker Award

Japanese winner of U.S. Lasker Award

Japanese sleep scientist Masashi Yanagisawa, a professor at the University of Tsukuba, attends a press conference at the university in Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Sept. 10, 2026, after receiving the Lasker Award for basic medical research for identifying orexin and linking its deficiency to narcolepsy.