Portal:Current events/2013 September 20

Current events of September 20, 2013 (2013-09-20) (Friday)

Armed conflict and attacks Al-Qaeda insurgency in Yemen: Separate attacks on army bases in Shabwa Governorate kill at least 38 soldiers and 8 militants. (CBS News) Syrian civil war: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says Iran is "ready to facilitate talks between the Syrian government and opposition". (The Guardian) Business and economy The video game Grand Theft Auto V becomes the fastest single entertainment product to reach sales of US$1 billion. (Reuters) The US Obama administration and the EPA propose that new coal plants be at least about 40% cleaner than current coal plants. (The Guardian) Disasters and accidents The Philippines evacuates coastal villages, suspends ferry services and calls in fishing boats as category 5 Typhoon Usagi approaches. (Reuters) International relations Iranian President Hassan Rouhani calls for "constructive dialogue" and an end to "unhealthy rivalries". (CNN) The Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise, which was protesting against Gazprom drilling in the Arctic area 60km north of the Russian coast, is boarded by the Russian military. The activists claim that oil exploitation would risk three nature reserves protected by Russian law. (The Guardian) Sport In baseball, Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees sets a new record in Major League Baseball for grand slam home runs with 24. (Major League Baseball)