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)

The UN has raised concern over Indonesia’s crackdown on nationwide protests, where at least seven people were killed and 20 remain missing. The unrest began after a police vehicle killed a 21-year-old delivery driver in Jakarta on 28 August. Demonstrations spread across major cities, fuelled by anger over lawmakers’ housing perks, joblessness, and rising prices. Protesters set fire to buildings, clashed with police, and looted officials’ homes. Rights groups accused security forces of using excessive force, including tear gas and live fire. The UN and Amnesty International have urged Indonesia to hold independent investigations and respect peaceful assembly rights. (PC: AFP/ Getty)

Russian President Vladimir Putin met Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, describing their relationship as reaching an "unprecedented level." The meeting preceded China's largest-ever military parade marking the 80th anniversary of Japan's WWII surrender. Russia will increase gas supplies to China, while Beijing offers visa-free travel to Russians during a year-long trial. North Korea's Kim Jong Un also attended, marking his first multilateral international meeting and the first time a North Korean leader attended a Chinese military parade since 1959. The trilateral gathering demonstrates solidarity amid the Ukraine war, as Western leaders boycott the event. Putin defended Russia's offensive while Xi criticized Western "bloc confrontation," signaling opposition to US-led alliances.(PC: High North News)

A devastating 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan near the Pakistan border late Sunday, killing over 1,100 people and injuring 2,938 others, according to Taliban officials. The quake destroyed approximately 8,000 houses across Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, with the epicenter located 17 miles east of Jalalabad. Emergency responders continue searching for survivors in remote villages, fearing higher casualty numbers. The hardest-hit areas include Chawkay, Nurgal, and Chapa Dara districts in Kunar Province. Afghanistan sits at the volatile intersection of tectonic plates, making earthquakes common. This tragedy follows similar deadly quakes in 2022 and 2023, each claiming over 1,000 lives. The World Health Organization reports 12,000 people directly affected. (PC: ABC News)

Rescuers in Afghanistan are using helicopters to search for survivors after a massive earthquake killed 800 people and injured 1,800. The 6.0 quake struck near the Pakistan border, flattening villages and leaving many trapped under rubble. Roads are blocked, making air rescue critical. Survivors described pulling bodies out with bare hands. Hospitals in Jalalabad are overwhelmed with patients. The Taliban government has appealed for help. The UN released emergency funds, while the UK pledged £1m. India sent 1,000 tents and 15 tonnes of food. China and Switzerland also pledged support. Aid workers warned survivors urgently need shelter. (PC: BBC)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke his silence on the controversy over alleged abuses directed at his late mother during Rahul Gandhi’s rally in Bihar. Modi called the remarks “painful,” saying, “She is gone, yet targeted.” He said the insult was to all mothers and daughters of Bihar. BJP leaders accused Congress and RJD of promoting “hate and tastelessness.” Modi also attacked Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav, saying they cannot understand the struggle of a poor mother. The video clip of the incident, which surfaced from Darbhanga, has gone viral, though its authenticity remains unverified. (PC: HT)

Former US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan accused President Trump of "throwing away" India relations to prioritize Pakistan business deals with Trump's family. Sullivan claimed Trump's tariffs on India benefit Pakistan's willingness to engage Trump family businesses, potentially undermining US allies' trust in Washington. Meanwhile, Russia considers manufacturing fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jets in India amid escalating US tariffs. Russian agencies assess investment requirements for Indian production, with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's Nashik facility emerging as potential hub. The development strengthens Russia-India defense cooperation rather than pushing New Delhi away from Moscow. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed confidence in resolving trade friction, calling the SCO summit "largely performative" while acknowledging India's democratic values align closer to America than China or Russia. (PC: Responsible Statecraft)

A powerful 6.0 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan late Sunday, killing more than 800 people and injuring thousands. Most deaths were in Kunar province, where entire villages collapsed. Survivors spent the night outside, fearing aftershocks. Roads and landslides blocked rescue efforts, forcing helicopters to deliver aid. Hospitals in Jalalabad were overwhelmed as victims arrived in large numbers. The Taliban said rescuers are struggling to reach remote mountain areas. Many remain trapped under rubble. China, India, the UK, and Switzerland pledged aid. Afghanistan, already hit by drought, hunger, and sanctions, now faces another disaster worsening the humanitarian crisis. (PC: EPA)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un traveled to China via bulletproof train for Beijing's World War II commemoration parade, marking his first foreign trip since visiting Russia in 2023 and first China visit since January 2019. Accompanied by Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui, Kim will attend the 80th anniversary ceremony alongside Presidents Xi Jinping and Putin. The visit highlights strengthening trilateral cooperation challenging US-led international norms while elevating North Korea's diplomatic standing. Before departure, Kim inspected a missile factory and unveiled intercontinental ballistic missile development plans, demonstrating advancing weapons capabilities. China remains North Korea's primary economic lifeline amid sanctions, while Kim has increasingly aligned with Russia, reportedly supplying weapons and troops for Ukraine conflict. (PC: X)

Belgium will officially recognise the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly this month, Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said. He announced “firm sanctions” on Israel, including banning imports from West Bank settlements and possible legal actions. Belgium joins the UK, France, Canada, and Australia in supporting Palestinian statehood. The Israeli foreign ministry has not yet responded, but earlier called such moves a “reward for Hamas.” The UN session starts on 9 September, where more countries may back recognition. Currently, 147 UN member states recognise Palestine. The decision comes as Gaza’s war continues with rising deaths and starvation. (PC: AP)