The Philippines is bracing for Typhoon Fung-wong, expected to strike Luzon on Sunday. The storm, locally known as Uwan, may intensify into a super typhoon with winds over 185 km/h. It comes just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi killed more than 200 people and caused severe flooding and landslides. Authorities have declared a state of calamity, ordered mass evacuations, and cancelled flights and classes. Rescue work from Kalmaegi has been paused as heavy rain and winds hit eastern regions. Officials warn of life-threatening floods and storm surges, urging residents in coastal and low-lying areas to move to safer ground. (PC: BBC)

A video showing school students singing an RSS ‘Gana Geetham’ during the launch of the Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express sparked a political row in Kerala. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan accused the Sangh Parivar of using the Railways for communal politics, while Congress leader V D Satheesan also objected. The BJP defended the students, calling it their right to free speech. The school principal said the Railways had no role, and students sang the song after a TV crew’s request. The event involved students from Saraswathi Vidyanikethan Public School, affiliated with the RSS-linked Vidya Bharathi network. (PC: The Indian Express)

Air traffic controllers at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport said they had warned about the system issues months before Friday’s major glitch. The ATC Guild of India claimed it informed the Airports Authority of India (AAI) in July about the need to upgrade systems but no action was taken. The malfunction in the Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS) disrupted over 800 flights. The guild urged upgrades to match global standards like the FAA and Eurocontrol. Delhi airport operator DIAL said flight operations have now returned to normal, though passengers were advised to check with airlines. (PC: X)

At least six people were killed as Russia launched hundreds of missiles and drones on Ukraine overnight, hitting homes and energy sites. Two died and 12 were injured in Dnipro, while three were killed in Zaporizhzhia. More than 25 cities, including Kyiv, were struck, causing major power cuts. Ukraine’s air force said it shot down over 400 drones and several missiles. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said repair work was underway to restore power. President Volodymyr Zelensky urged stronger Western sanctions on Russian energy, saying Moscow’s attacks aim to break Ukraine’s spirit and economy before winter. (PC: BBC)

The Taliban has warned Pakistan of war after peace talks in Istanbul failed again. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan accused Pakistan of blocking progress and acting irresponsibly despite mediation by Turkey and Qatar. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Pakistan was shifting blame for its own security problems. Afghan minister Noorullah Noori warned Islamabad “not to test the patience of Afghans.” The Taliban said it would defend Afghanistan’s sovereignty and people against any attack. Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif confirmed the talks ended without results and no fourth round is planned. Tensions remain high along the Afghan-Pakistan border. (PC: NDTV)

The Trump administration has ordered US embassies worldwide to enforce stricter visa screening under the “public charge” rule. This rule allows officials to deny visas or green cards to applicants who might depend on US government aid. The order expands checks on factors such as health, finances, and English skills. Even past use of public benefits can lead to visa rejection. Reports say medical conditions like diabetes or obesity may also affect approvals. The rule revives Trump’s earlier immigration policies, rolled back during Joe Biden’s term, and marks a major shift in global US visa screening. (PC: HT)

Gaza’s water supply has turned poisonous after Israel’s relentless bombing destroyed sewage treatment plants, pipelines, and water networks. Contaminated wells and makeshift sources now expose thousands to deadly diseases as families resort to unsafe drinking water. Environmental experts warn of irreversible ecological damage, while humanitarian groups struggle to deliver aid amid ongoing blockades. The United Nations has called the situation a public health emergency, highlighting how the collapse of Gaza’s infrastructure has transformed the enclave’s water into a source of sickness and death. (PC: AFP)

Peace negotiations between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Istanbul collapsed after renewed border violence left four Afghan civilians dead and several injured. Pakistan accused the Taliban government of sheltering militants responsible for cross-border attacks, while Kabul rejected the claims and called Islamabad’s stance unreasonable. Despite Qatar’s mediation and a fragile cease-fire still in place, both sides failed to reach common ground. The breakdown deepens regional tensions and raises fears of further military escalation along the volatile frontier between the two neighbouring nations. (PC: AP)

The Trump administration’s updated immigration rule empowers U.S. consular officers to deny visas to applicants with chronic health issues like diabetes, obesity, heart disease, or mental illness, labeling them potential “public charges.” This policy broadens medical evaluations beyond infectious diseases, requiring applicants to prove they can financially support their healthcare needs for life. Critics argue the rule unfairly discriminates against individuals with manageable conditions, giving consular officers excessive discretion and raising ethical concerns about the U.S. government’s treatment of disabled and chronically ill immigrants. (PC: X)

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that no U.S. government official will attend the 2025 G20 Summit in Johannesburg, calling the event a “total disgrace.” He criticized South Africa for alleged human rights abuses against white farmers and what he described as illegal land seizures, claiming the country’s policies are unjust and incompatible with U.S. interests. Trump also stated that the United States will instead host the next G20 summit in 2026 in Miami. The move highlights his ongoing influence in U.S. foreign policy debates and underscores tensions with South Africa ahead of the global economic forum. (PC: AP)