President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order rebranding the Department of Defense as the "Department of War." While the official name change requires congressional approval, the order permits the Pentagon to use "secondary titles" like "Secretary of War" in official and ceremonial contexts. Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have expressed dissatisfaction with the current title, suggesting that "Department of War" better reflects America's military history. The original War Department was established in 1789 and renamed in 1947 to emphasize defense over offense. The proposed change has sparked debate over its implications. (PC: AFP)

UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner resigned after an inquiry found she breached ministerial ethics over unpaid stamp duty on a Hove apartment. Though the report acknowledged her integrity and public service, it concluded she should have sought clearer tax advice. Rayner admitted the error and took full responsibility, saying she acted in good faith. Reports suggest she saved £40,000 by underpaying the levy. Known for her strong stance against tax evasion, especially under the previous Conservative government, Rayner’s resignation drew praise from PM Keir Starmer, who expressed sadness and admiration for her political contributions. (PC: BBC)

Putin rejected Western proposals for international "reassurance forces" in Ukraine, warning any deployed troops would be "legitimate targets." This follows a Paris summit where 26 allies, led by France and UK, committed to deploying forces post-ceasefire to prevent "new major aggression." French President Macron stressed troops wouldn't engage frontlines or wage war against Russia. Putin maintained readiness for talks with Zelensky but saw "little point" due to disagreement on key issues. Trump indicated possible US air support while maintaining dialogue with Putin. Russia insists on full peace deal rather than initial ceasefire, controlling only Crimea among five illegally annexed Ukrainian territories. Western leaders believe Moscow seeks more territorial gains during prolonged negotiations in the 40-month conflict. (PC: ABC & X)

Israel announces control of 40% of Gaza City, vowing to "expand and intensify" its offensive in coming days as Palestinian death toll climbs. Israeli military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin pledged to "increase pressure" on Hamas until defeated, following Thursday strikes that killed over 30 in Gaza City and 64 across the Strip. Senior Israeli officials expect the escalated offensive to displace one million Palestinians southward from Gaza City, where UN declared famine last month. European Commission VP Teresa Ribera called the conflict "genocide," criticizing EU inaction. Hamas's October 2023 attack killed 1,219 Israelis, while Israel's retaliatory campaign has killed at least 64,231 Palestinians according to Gaza health ministry. Hamas officials met Iran's Foreign Minister in Doha discussing war termination efforts. (PC: Reuters)

A third earthquake struck Afghanistan Thursday night, a magnitude 5.6 tremor hitting southeastern regions as death tolls from Sunday's initial quake continue climbing. The latest quake sent residents fleeing shelters in Nangarhar and Kunar provinces, with 17 wounded brought to Kunar Provincial Hospital. Sunday's devastating earthquake has now killed 1,368 people and wounded 2,180 across 25 villages, according to UN officials. Mountainous terrain hampers rescue operations, conducted mainly by helicopter due to landslide debris blocking village access. A magnitude 5.5 quake Tuesday temporarily halted rescue efforts. The Taliban government appeals for international aid while UN releases emergency funds and UK pledges £1 million. Afghanistan's location on Indian-Eurasian tectonic plate boundaries makes earthquakes frequent. (PC: India Today & Al Jazeera)

President Trump called China's massive military parade "impressive" but dismissed it as staged performance to grab his attention. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump criticized Xi Jinping for omitting US contributions in his World War 2 victory speech, saying America "helped China greatly gain its freedom." The parade at Tiananmen Square featured cutting-edge missiles, goose-stepping troops, and 50,000 spectators, with Xi flanked by Putin and Kim Jong Un. Trump earlier posted on Truth Social suggesting the trio was "conspiring against America," but softened his tone later, claiming good relationships with all three leaders. Despite heightened US-China tensions over tariffs and geopolitical dominance, Trump hinted at possible upcoming meeting with Xi.

On September 4, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order implementing a previously negotiated trade agreement with Japan, reducing tariffs on Japanese automobiles from 27.5% to 15% . The new rate applies retroactively to imports shipped from August 7, and extends a 15% cap to a broader array of goods . As part of the deal, Japan pledged a staggering $550 billion investment in U.S. projects, ranging from infrastructure to defense and agriculture, aiming to deepen economic ties and foster job creation . Meanwhile, South Korea warned of potential disadvantages to its auto exports under the unchanged 25% duty. (PC: The Economic Times)

A 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck southeastern Afghanistan on Thursday, the German Research Centre for Geosciences reported. The quake hit at a shallow depth of 10 km, making it powerful and dangerous. This comes just four days after a 6.0 quake devastated Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, killing more than 2,200 people and injuring thousands. Many homes, built of mud and stone, collapsed instantly, trapping families inside. Rescue operations are still underway as survivors search for loved ones. The fresh tremor has raised fears of more damage in the already devastated region, where aid workers are struggling to reach remote villages.

Eyewitnesses described panic and horror after Lisbon’s Gloria funicular crashed, killing 16 and injuring 20. Helen Chow, a tourist, said the carriage “lost control” and hit a building with a sound “like a bomb,” followed by silence and smoke. She saw people jumping from windows as others screamed for help. Passenger Abel Esteves recalled shouting to his wife, “we are all going to die here.” Another witness said the carriage “hit a building with brutal force and collapsed like a cardboard box.” Locals and shop workers rushed to rescue victims. Portugal has declared a national day of mourning. (PC: BBC)

On Thursday in Berlin’s Wedding district, a car accidentally drove into a crowd, injuring several pedestrians including children, according to emergency services. A spokesperson for the Berlin fire brigade confirmed that while some children sustained light injuries, an accompanying adult suffered serious harm. Emergency teams responded swiftly, but the cause remains under investigation. Images from the scene show the damaged vehicle and the driver being questioned by police. Authorities have described the incident as an accident. (PC: X)