Internet services across Asia and the Middle East face major disruptions after undersea cables were severed in the Red Sea, affecting countries including Pakistan and the UAE. NetBlocks reported failures in the SMW4 and IMEWE cable systems near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, causing widespread connectivity issues. While the exact cause remains unclear, concerns exist about Houthi rebels targeting cables as part of their Red Sea campaign to pressure Israel over Gaza, though the Yemen-based group has denied past attacks on internet infrastructure. Microsoft confirmed Middle East disruptions but noted unaffected traffic routes. UAE users experience slower speeds on state-owned Du and Etisalat networks. Saudi Arabia hasn't commented on the cable failures near its territory. (PC: The Times Of India)

The World Health Organization has urged Afghanistan's Taliban to lift restrictions on female aid workers following a devastating magnitude 6 earthquake that killed 2,200 people and injured over 3,600 in eastern Afghanistan on September 1. WHO estimates 90% of medical staff in affected areas are male, with Taliban's "no skin contact" rule preventing male rescuers from touching women victims. Dr. Mukta Sharma, WHO's deputy representative, highlighted the shortage of female healthcare workers and restrictions requiring male guardians for women's travel. The Taliban claims to respect women's rights under their Islamic law interpretation, but survivors report women being denied help during rescue operations. Female doctors are banned from training, hampering earthquake relief efforts. (PC: Reuters)

Turkey has restricted access to major social media platforms including Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, X, YouTube, and TikTok as the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) called for rallies. The restrictions began Sunday evening after police erected barricades around CHP headquarters in Istanbul. According to Netblocks, bandwidth throttling affected multiple networks. The CHP faces a months-long legal crackdown targeting hundreds of members, including Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, whose arrest triggered Turkey's largest protests in a decade. Party Chairman Ozgur Ozel urged democrats to protect "Ataturk's home" and condemned what CHP calls politicized attempts to eliminate electoral threats against President Erdogan and weaken the opposition. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stark ultimatum to Hamas on Sunday, threatening massive retaliation unless hostages are released and weapons surrendered. Warning of a "mighty hurricane" striking Gaza City, Katz directly addressed Hamas leaders both in Gaza and abroad, calling them "murderers and rapists" and demanding immediate action. He threatened complete destruction of Gaza and annihilation of Hamas if demands aren't met. The warning emphasized that Israeli Defense Forces are continuing planned operations and preparing to expand ground maneuvers to "decisively defeat Hamas in Gaza." This escalation comes amid ongoing airstrikes and mounting international concerns over the humanitarian crisis in the besieged Palestinian territory. (PC: Al Jazeera)

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that the department would need to refund approximately half of collected tariffs if the Supreme Court rules against Donald Trump's "reciprocal" tariffs. Speaking to NBC News, Bessent called such refunds "terrible for the Treasury" but acknowledged compliance would be mandatory. He noted that alternative measures would weaken Trump's negotiating position. A federal appeals court ruled August 29 that Trump's reciprocal tariffs exceeded presidential authority, finding the International Emergency Economic Powers Act doesn't authorize tariffs of such magnitude. This decision threatens the administration's trade strategy. Trump's team appealed to the Supreme Court Wednesday, arguing that eliminating these tariffs could economically weaken America during ongoing trade negotiations. (PC: The Times Of India)

US President Donald Trump said he is ready for a “second phase” of sanctions on Russia and countries that buy Russian oil. His remarks came after Moscow launched its largest aerial assault on Ukraine, striking Kyiv and killing four people. Trump, when asked at the White House, replied, “Yeah, I am,” without giving details. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent later said the US and EU could impose “secondary tariffs” to pressure Russia’s economy. India may be hit, as it remains a key buyer of Russian crude. New Delhi says its energy needs justify imports despite US tariffs. (PC: India Today)

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that tariffs on countries trading with Russia are a “right idea.” He made the remark in an interview with ABC News when asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China. Modi also met Chinese President Xi Jinping during the summit. Images of the three leaders together quickly went viral. US President Donald Trump reacted sharply, saying India and Russia had gone to the “darkest” China. India currently faces 50% tariffs from the US, including penalties linked to Russian oil imports.

More than 15,000 people protested in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv on Sunday, urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to strike a deal with Hamas for the release of hostages still held in Gaza. Families of the 48 hostages, including 20 believed alive, led the rallies with emotional appeals. Protesters warned that expanding the war would endanger their loved ones. Netanyahu insists only “total victory” over Hamas will free them. Meanwhile, Israeli strikes continued in Gaza, killing at least 87 in 24 hours, according to local officials. The UN says the death toll has crossed 64,000, deepening the humanitarian crisis. (PC: BBC)

Russia has struck Ukraine’s main government building in Kyiv for the first time since the war began, officials said. The cabinet of ministers building was damaged and caught fire after the attack. At least four people were killed, including a baby, when homes were also hit in the city. President Volodymyr Zelensky called it a “ruthless crime” and urged stronger global action. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the strike showed Vladimir Putin “is not serious about peace.” France’s Emmanuel Macron said 26 allies have pledged to support Ukraine with security forces once fighting stops. Russia continues its heavy attacks. (PC: Telegram/svyrydenkoy)

Nearly 900 people were arrested in London, UK, during a protest against the ban on Palestine Action. The Metropolitan Police said 857 arrests were made under the Terrorism Act, while 33 others were held for different offences. Seventeen were accused of assaulting police officers. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Claire Smart said the violence was “coordinated” and involved masked protesters. She praised officers for their “professionalism.” The protest group Defend Our Juries called the rally peaceful, saying 1,500 people joined. Palestine Action was banned as a terror group in July after attacks on RAF aircraft. Legal challenges against the ban continue. (PC: PA)