Hundreds of women clad in pink assembled outside Indonesia’s parliament in Jakarta on September 3, 2025, brandishing brooms to “sweep away” governmental corruption and police repression. Organized by the Alliance of Indonesian Women, the demonstration called for reforms to police brutality and excessive perks granted to lawmakers. The protest follows recent unrest triggered by a police vehicle striking and killing a motorcycle taxi driver, which has led to at least 10 deaths and incidents of looting and rioting. President Prabowo Subianto, who labeled the unrest as tantamount to terrorism or treason, left for a military parade in China. Both Indonesia’s human rights commission and the UN have urged investigations into security force conduct during the unrest. (PC: Reuters)

Students in Odisha have made a 70 kg chocolate sculpture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of his birthday on September 17. The artwork used 55 kg of dark chocolate and 15 kg of white chocolate. Fifteen students from Bhubaneswar’s Club Chocolate baking school created it in seven days under the guidance of Rakesh Kumar Sahu and Ranjan Parida. The sculpture includes symbols of government programmes like Ujjwala Yojana, Jan Dhan Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission, and Operation Sindoor. It also highlights ISRO’s achievements. The school said it is the first time such a chocolate sculpture of PM Modi has been made. (PC: NDTV)

India and Russia are discussing new deliveries of S-400 missile systems, a senior Russian defence official confirmed. India signed a $5.5 billion deal with Moscow in 2018 for five S-400 systems to counter China’s military strength. The final two units from that order will arrive in 2026 and 2027. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov praised India for not giving in to US pressure to halt purchases from Russia. Despite rising imports from France and Israel, Russia remains India’s largest defence supplier, accounting for 36% of imports between 2020 and 2024, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. (PC: India Today)

On September 3, 2025, Beijing staged its largest-ever military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan’s World War II defeat. Chinese President Xi Jinping, flanked by Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong-un, presided over a spectacle highlighting advanced weaponry—hypersonic missiles, drones, tanks, and fighter jets—designed to project military strength and diplomatic ambition . Xi’s keynote warned that humanity faces a choice between peace or war, signaling China’s vision of a new global order . The event drew condemnation from Western nations, many of which boycotted, while reinforcing alliances with non-Western powers. (PC: Reuters)

A powerful aftershock of magnitude 5.2 struck eastern Afghanistan on Tuesday, two days after a massive quake killed more than 1,400 people and injured 3,000. Most deaths were reported in Kunar province, where many villages remain buried under rubble. Landslides have blocked roads, forcing helicopters to rescue survivors. The Taliban government has appealed for global aid, while the UN and several countries, including the UK, India, China, and Switzerland, have pledged support. Survivors shared stories of losing entire families. Aid groups warned of food, water, and medical shortages, saying the crisis has worsened Afghanistan’s already dire humanitarian situation.

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday denied bail to former JNU students Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 riots conspiracy case. The court said their role was “grave” and that a “hurried trial would be harmful” to both the accused and the State. Judges noted they were among the first to act after the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, creating WhatsApp groups and distributing pamphlets in Muslim areas. The bench said their speeches indicated conspiracy. It added that the right to protest is not absolute. Lawyers for the activists plan to challenge the order in the Supreme Court. (PC: India Today)

The Australian government has strongly condemned far-right rallies against Indian migration held in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and other cities. Officials called the movement racist and divisive. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said such campaigns “undermine social cohesion” and are “not Australian.” Multicultural Affairs Minister Anne Aly stressed that multiculturalism is central to Australia’s identity and vowed not to be intimidated by extremist groups. The rallies, organized by “March for Australia,” claimed Indian migration is a cultural “replacement.” Environment Minister Murray Watt said the protests were linked to neo-Nazi groups spreading hate, not unity, across communities. (PC: The Hindu)

A flood alert has been issued in Jammu after heavy rain raised water levels in rivers, including the Tawi and Chenab. Authorities warned people to stay away from riverbanks and low-lying areas. The meteorological office predicted more heavy rain on September 2 and 3 across several districts. Schools in Jammu and Kashmir were closed for safety. In Samba, land subsidence damaged houses and forced families to move. Since August 14, over 130 people have died and 33 remain missing due to floods, cloudbursts, and landslides. Recent flash floods also damaged homes and property in Jammu plains. (PC: HT)

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing on Tuesday. Sharif said Islamabad respects Moscow’s ties with India, calling them “perfectly fine.” He praised Putin as a “very dynamic leader” and said Pakistan wants strong relations with Russia. Sharif noted such ties would support peace and prosperity in the region. Both leaders are in Beijing to attend China’s military parade marking 80 years since Japan’s defeat in World War II. Putin also met Chinese President Xi Jinping. Earlier, Sharif was seen rushing to greet Putin at the SCO summit. (PC: India Today)

At least 800 people have died and 1,800 were injured after a powerful 6.0 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan near the Pakistan border on Sunday. Many remain trapped under collapsed homes as rescuers use helicopters to reach remote villages in Kunar province, where rough terrain and blocked roads hinder aid efforts. Survivors described pulling loved ones from rubble with bare hands. Hospitals in Jalalabad are overwhelmed with patients. The Taliban has appealed for international help. The UN released emergency funds, while the UK, India, China, and Switzerland pledged aid. Officials warn survivors urgently need food, shelter, and medical supplies. (PC: Getty Images)