đșđž United States
1. Trump Freezes Funding to Democratic States

In a political escalation amid the shutdown, the White House moved to block $26 billion in federal funding aimed at Democratic-led states. This includes $18 billion for New York transit projects and other infrastructure and green energy investments. The Guardian+2The Guardian+2
The move is widely viewed as a retaliatory leveraging of federal funds for political advantage. The Guardian+1
2. Federal Government Shutdown Begins

As of October 1, the U.S. government is in partial shutdown after Congress failed to pass interim funding. Roughly 750,000 to 900,000 federal workers face furloughs or loss of pay. The Guardian+3Wikipedia+3The Guardian+3
The standoff hinges on conflicts over healthcare subsidies, foreign aid, and spending cuts. Senate Democrats rejected a Republican bill that lacked these provisions. The Washington Post+4The Guardian+4The Guardian+4
3. Markets Hold Up Despite Political Chaos

Wall Street largely shrugged off the domestic political turbulence. Gains in tech and healthcare stocks lifted U.S. indices, while investor expectations of future Fed rate cuts added support. Reuters+2Investopedia+2
Globally, equities in Europe and Asia also saw gains. The dollar weakened and Treasury yields dipped. Reuters
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4. Israel Tightens Gaza Siege Amid Escalating Conflict

Israeli forces have intensified operations in Gaza City, pressuring Palestinians to evacuate or face being labeled terrorists by Israeli leadership. Just Security+2Nhan Dan Online+2
Hospitals in Gaza report dozens of deaths; the International Committee of the Red Cross has suspended operations in some areas due to safety concerns. Just Security
Also: rocket fire from northern Gaza struck near Ashdod; Israelâs defenses intercepted most of them. Nhan Dan Online+1
5. Trump Unveils 20-Point Peace Plan for Gaza
On the diplomatic front, President Trump introduced a 20-point proposal alongside Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. The plan calls for a phased Israeli withdrawal, a transitional government, and Hamas disarmament, though critics say it might exacerbate tensions. The Times of India
6. Kabul Among Worldâs Most Polluted Cities Today

Kabul is experiencing an AQI above 100, placing it among the top 10 most polluted cities globally on October 2. The poor air quality is being driven by vehicle emissions, burning of refuse, stagnant weather patterns, and limited clean energy infrastructure. IQAir
7. Greta Thunberg Detained in Gaza Flotilla Operation

Climate activist Greta Thunberg was among high-profile activists detained by Israeli forces after they intercepted a pro-Palestinian aid flotilla. The Indian Express+2The Guardian+2
The flotilla was attempting to breach Israelâs Gaza naval blockade. The Guardian+1
đ See Thunberg’s Facebook plea for release here đđż Greta Thunberg