Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned that the country remains prepared for confrontation as tensions with the United States deepen over the Strait of Hormuz. In a statement marking Iran’s Sacred Defense Week, Khamenei highlighted widespread armed readiness and called for unity in safeguarding the strategic waterway. His remarks came after Washington rejected Tehran’s proposal to reopen the Strait within seven days and resume negotiations, with the plan requiring conditions including an end to the US blockade and a ceasefire. Iran has maintained that it is ready to reopen the waterway if Washington eases military pressure. The standoff has intensified as Tehran signals military preparedness while diplomatic efforts continue through intermediaries. (PC: X)

At least 24 people have died and 14 remain missing after heavy rain triggered floods and landslides across several districts in Nepal. A video recorded near Lete in Mustang district shows a large section of a mountainside collapsing into the Kali Gandaki River in about six seconds. The falling debris briefly blocked the river before the water found a new path. Landslides have also damaged settlements and blocked highways, making rescue operations difficult. Security forces have moved thousands of people to safer areas. Separately, an avalanche at the base camp of Himlung Himal killed two people, while 10 remain missing.

The United States and China have agreed to pursue tariff cuts covering $60 billion worth of goods as both countries seek to ease trade tensions and improve market access. The agreement covers $30 billion in imports from each country. China plans to lower tariffs on several US agricultural products, including corn, wheat, meat and dairy. However, soybeans are excluded from the proposed cuts. The US, meanwhile, plans to reduce tariffs on Chinese consumer goods such as coffee makers, toasters, toys and household items. The move follows a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping last week. Both sides have also extended their trade truce until January 10. 

At least 29 trekkers stranded at Auden’s Col in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, were rescued by helicopter on Monday after heavy snowfall blocked their route. They were airlifted to Harsil, where medical teams are conducting health checks at an Army Base facility. The rescue operation was launched after weather conditions improved. Meanwhile, a separate operation is underway to rescue trekkers stranded at Kalindi Khal. Seven people have been rescued from the area so far, while efforts continue to evacuate those remaining. The district administration, SDRF, NDRF, police and Army are assisting in the operations. (PC: The Indian Express)

Five men have been arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act and explosives offences after three suspicious vehicles were reported near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, UK. Police declared a major incident around 00:45 BST on Sunday, prompting the evacuation of dozens of homes in nearby Whelford. An Army bomb disposal team examined the vehicles as counter-terrorism police led the investigation. Authorities said the incident appeared to be contained, but evacuated residents could not return home overnight. The investigation remains in its early stages. Meanwhile, the US raised the threat level at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk. (PC: BBC)

The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has deferred its planned three-day nationwide bank strike after late-night talks with the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) on Sunday. The strike was scheduled to begin on Monday, September 28, and was expected to involve around eight lakh bank employees and officers. The two sides agreed to form a joint committee to examine the demand for a five-day working week and discuss changes to the performance-linked incentive scheme for senior officers. Other pending issues will also be reviewed. The decision is expected to prevent disruptions to banking services across the country. (PC: NDTV)

Russia struck the headquarters of Kyivstar, Ukraine’s largest mobile service provider, in Kyiv on Sunday, September 27, 2026, the company told local media. No casualties were reported at its office. Russia’s Defence Ministry also said it had hit a data centre belonging to Vodafone Ukraine, the country’s second-largest mobile network operator. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said a data centre in Kyiv was struck twice, injuring two children and an adult. The attacks follow strikes on data centres operated by Ukrainian internet providers over the past week. Ukraine’s digital ministry said these attacks disrupted services for around 100,000 households in Kyiv and nearby areas. (PC: Reuters)

Five men have been arrested on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences after a major incident was declared near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, western England. Police received a report of three suspicious vehicles travelling towards the airbase at 00:45 BST on Sunday. Bomb disposal teams are examining vehicles near Whelford village, where a 400-metre security cordon has been established. Around 85 households have been evacuated, with residents moved to a nearby leisure centre. Counter Terrorism Policing is leading the investigation. The suspects remain in custody, while authorities continue to establish the full nature of the incident. (PC: BBC)

At least 27 people were killed and 26 injured in two separate mass shootings in South Africa, police said on September 27. In Wedela township, southwest of Johannesburg, eight armed suspects reportedly opened fire at a bar, killing 17 people and injuring 15. In a separate attack at an entertainment venue in Lwandle, near Cape Town, 10 people were killed and 11 wounded. Police launched investigations and manhunts for the unidentified suspects, with no arrests reported at the time. The attacks occurred days after another shooting near Durban that killed 11 people, highlighting renewed concerns over violent crime. 

Prince Harry has said it feels “great” to be back in Britain after spending six years living in California. Speaking to Canadian broadcaster CTV after a charity skydive in Toronto, the Duke of Sussex said his children were happy at school and his return would allow him to focus on the Invictus Games. Harry and Meghan stepped back as senior working royals and moved to the US in 2020. The family reportedly returned to Britain last month and is believed to be staying in the Cotswolds. The Invictus Games will take place in Birmingham from July 10 to 17 next year. (PC: BBC)