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)

Giorgio Armani, the iconic Italian designer who redefined global fashion, passed away at his Milan home on September 4, 2025, aged 91. Founder of the Armani brand, he revolutionized menswear with relaxed tailoring and expanded into womenswear, fragrances, hotels, and interiors. Nicknamed “Re Giorgio” (King Giorgio), Armani personally oversaw every detail of his empire, which generates €2.3 billion annually. With an estimated net worth of $12–13 billion, he was among Italy’s richest. Despite recent health issues, he worked until his last days, planning Armani’s 50th-anniversary celebration. Tributes pour in, honoring him as one of fashion’s greatest visionaries. (PC: AP)

A suicide bomb blast killed 15 people and injured over 30 near a political rally in Quetta, Pakistan. The explosion occurred in the parking area of a stadium where the Balochistan National Party (BNP) held a rally on Tuesday night. Authorities said the bomber failed to reach the main venue due to tight security. The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility. The rally was held in memory of Ataullah Mengal, a former Balochistan chief minister. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, calling it a plot to spread chaos. Survivors described scenes of panic, injuries, and screaming after the blast. (PC: BBC)

A powerful 6.0-magnitude earthquake has killed more than 2,200 people and injured nearly 4,000 in eastern Afghanistan, with Kunar province worst affected. Entire villages were destroyed as fragile mud and wood houses collapsed. Rescue operations are still underway, slowed by aftershocks and the region’s difficult terrain. Taliban authorities have deployed commandos to reach remote areas, while international aid is beginning to arrive. India has sent 21 tonnes of relief materials, including medicines, tents, and generators. Experts warn Afghanistan remains highly vulnerable to quakes due to its position on major tectonic plates, leaving already fragile communities at severe risk. (PC: AP)

Portugal is mourning after a deadly funicular crash in Lisbon killed 17 people and injured 21 others. Officials said the victims included seven men, eight women, and two more who died overnight. Their details are yet to be confirmed. Among the injured were tourists from at least 10 countries, including Germany, Spain, Korea, Canada, France, Italy, Switzerland, Morocco, and Cape Verde. Witnesses said the tram appeared to lose its brakes before derailing and crashing into a wall. Authorities confirmed workers had earlier reported brake issues. The Gloria funicular, a famous Lisbon landmark, has been closed as investigations continue. (PC: Sky News)

UK Defence Secretary John Healey said allies are ready to support Ukraine before and after a peace deal. Speaking in Kyiv, he promised help to secure skies, seas, and land once fighting ends. About 30 leaders will join a Paris summit to discuss security guarantees, with the US expected to act as the main backstop. Healey praised Donald Trump for keeping dialogue with Vladimir Putin open, despite criticism. Putin, speaking in China, said talks were possible but repeated demands on Ukraine. Meanwhile, the UK announced £1 billion from seized Russian assets will fund Ukraine’s military aid. (PC: BBC)

The GST Council has cut four tax slabs to two, keeping only 5% and 18%. A higher 40% tax will apply on luxury and sin goods. The government said the move will help the middle class, farmers, health, and education sectors. Congress, however, accused the government of twisting the slogan “one nation, one tax” into “one nation, 9 taxes.” Leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge and P Chidambaram said reforms were “eight years too late.” The DMK and Shiv Sena welcomed the change but warned of state revenue loss. The government called it a festive gift for citizens. (PC: NDTV)

Jasveen Sangha, known as the “Ketamine Queen,” has pleaded guilty in the drug case linked to actor Matthew Perry’s death. Perry, best known for Friends, died in October 2023 from a ketamine overdose at his Los Angeles home. Sangha admitted to five charges, including selling the drug that caused his death. She ran a “stash house” in North Hollywood, where police found ketamine, cocaine, meth, and Xanax. Sangha could face up to 65 years in prison when sentenced on December 10. Four others, including two doctors and Perry’s assistant, also pleaded guilty in the case. (PC: Reuters, Jasveen Sangha's social media)