U.S. Government Shutdown, Deadly Philippine Earthquake, and Switzerland’s Glacier Crisis Headline Global Events – 10/1/2025, 4:24:36 PM

The latest world news as of October 1, 2025, includes a partial shutdown of the U.S. federal government, an ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, a deadly earthquake in the Philippines, and significant developments in global politics and disasters.

Key highlights:

• U.S. Government Shutdown: The U.S. federal government has partially shut down after Congress failed to reach a funding agreement. Essential services, such as air traffic control, continue but without pay for staff[1][2]. The impasse is largely due to disagreements over healthcare provisions in the proposed funding bill[1].

• Gaza Peace Plan: The White House and international leaders await a response from Hamas regarding a U.S.-backed peace plan to end the war in Gaza. President Trump has warned Hamas that they have “three or four days” to accept or reject the plan, with severe consequences threatened if they refuse[1][5].

• Philippines Earthquake: A major earthquake struck central Philippines, particularly affecting Cebu island. Rescue operations continue, with at least 69 confirmed fatalities and more than 90 students feared trapped in a collapsed school[2][3].

• South Africa: Julius Malema, a prominent opposition politician, has been found guilty of firing a gun in public and reckless endangerment. He faces up to 15 years in prison for an incident that occurred seven years ago[2].

• Germany: The Oktoberfest Beer Festival’s start in Munich was delayed following an explosion and fire in the city. Police and special forces responded to the incident due to booby traps at the site[2].

• Switzerland: A new report shows Switzerland’s glaciers have lost 25% of their volume over the past decade due to rapid climate change, increasing the risk of landslides[2].

• Indonesia: Rescue efforts continue after a school collapse in Indonesia, with over 90 students feared trapped[2].

• Nigeria: Oil workers ended a strike after assurances that sacked union members would be reinstated. The strike had affected fuel supplies and electricity production[2].

• South Korea: A fire destroyed the government’s official document storage, erasing records of 750,000 individuals[2].

• China: China has launched a new visa program to attract foreign science and technology talent, removing the requirement for local sponsorship to compete with the U.S.[2].

• Other Events: EU leaders have welcomed the U.S. Gaza plan and urged Hamas to accept it[3]. There have also been reports of severe weather, floods in Spain, and the opening of the world’s tallest bridge in China[3].

These events reflect major political, humanitarian, and environmental developments unfolding worldwide on this date.