Syria’s interior ministry initiated a large-scale operation targeting Islamic State cells, executing 61 coordinated raids and arresting 71 individuals. Authorities seized significant quantities of explosives and weapons, stating the action stemmed from “precise” intelligence uncovering planned attacks. The crackdown coincides with Ahmed al Sharaa’s visit to Washington to join an anti-IS coalition, underscoring Syria’s renewed focus on internal security and global partnerships. 

Authorities in Bengaluru have launched a probe after videos showed ISIS operative Zuhaib Manna and serial rapist Umesh Reddy using mobile phones inside Parappana Agrahara Central Jail. The clips, which went viral, showed inmates freely using phones and watching TV, raising questions about jail security and possible special treatment. Manna, an alleged ISIS recruiter, was seen sipping tea and scrolling through a phone, while Reddy appeared using three phones. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the matter will be investigated, and action will be taken against those responsible for the security lapse. (PC: HT)

Delhi’s air quality remained dangerously high on Sunday, with an overall AQI of 392 and 21 of 39 monitoring stations showing ‘severe’ levels above 400. Areas like Wazirpur, ITO, and Nehru Nagar recorded the worst pollution. Officials said efforts are underway to avoid stricter restrictions under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee claimed air quality is slightly better than last year due to timely action. However, PM2.5 and PM10 continue to be the main pollutants, posing health risks, especially to children and the elderly. (PC: HT)

The US government shutdown has entered its sixth week, leaving millions of workers unpaid and key services disrupted. Despite growing pressure, President Donald Trump has refused to compromise with Democrats, rejecting their offer to reopen the government in exchange for extending Affordable Care Act tax credits. Trump urged Republicans to scrap the Senate filibuster and pass bills without Democratic support. Airports, food aid, and public programs are facing severe strain, with over 1,200 flights cancelled. Senators from both parties are working on a deal, but there is little sign of progress or support from the White House.

The Philippines is bracing for Typhoon Fung-wong, expected to strike Luzon on Sunday. The storm, locally known as Uwan, may intensify into a super typhoon with winds over 185 km/h. It comes just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi killed more than 200 people and caused severe flooding and landslides. Authorities have declared a state of calamity, ordered mass evacuations, and cancelled flights and classes. Rescue work from Kalmaegi has been paused as heavy rain and winds hit eastern regions. Officials warn of life-threatening floods and storm surges, urging residents in coastal and low-lying areas to move to safer ground. (PC: BBC)

A video showing school students singing an RSS ‘Gana Geetham’ during the launch of the Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express sparked a political row in Kerala. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan accused the Sangh Parivar of using the Railways for communal politics, while Congress leader V D Satheesan also objected. The BJP defended the students, calling it their right to free speech. The school principal said the Railways had no role, and students sang the song after a TV crew’s request. The event involved students from Saraswathi Vidyanikethan Public School, affiliated with the RSS-linked Vidya Bharathi network. (PC: The Indian Express)

Air traffic controllers at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport said they had warned about the system issues months before Friday’s major glitch. The ATC Guild of India claimed it informed the Airports Authority of India (AAI) in July about the need to upgrade systems but no action was taken. The malfunction in the Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS) disrupted over 800 flights. The guild urged upgrades to match global standards like the FAA and Eurocontrol. Delhi airport operator DIAL said flight operations have now returned to normal, though passengers were advised to check with airlines. (PC: X)

At least six people were killed as Russia launched hundreds of missiles and drones on Ukraine overnight, hitting homes and energy sites. Two died and 12 were injured in Dnipro, while three were killed in Zaporizhzhia. More than 25 cities, including Kyiv, were struck, causing major power cuts. Ukraine’s air force said it shot down over 400 drones and several missiles. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said repair work was underway to restore power. President Volodymyr Zelensky urged stronger Western sanctions on Russian energy, saying Moscow’s attacks aim to break Ukraine’s spirit and economy before winter. (PC: BBC)

The Taliban has warned Pakistan of war after peace talks in Istanbul failed again. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan accused Pakistan of blocking progress and acting irresponsibly despite mediation by Turkey and Qatar. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Pakistan was shifting blame for its own security problems. Afghan minister Noorullah Noori warned Islamabad “not to test the patience of Afghans.” The Taliban said it would defend Afghanistan’s sovereignty and people against any attack. Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif confirmed the talks ended without results and no fourth round is planned. Tensions remain high along the Afghan-Pakistan border. (PC: NDTV)

The Trump administration has ordered US embassies worldwide to enforce stricter visa screening under the “public charge” rule. This rule allows officials to deny visas or green cards to applicants who might depend on US government aid. The order expands checks on factors such as health, finances, and English skills. Even past use of public benefits can lead to visa rejection. Reports say medical conditions like diabetes or obesity may also affect approvals. The rule revives Trump’s earlier immigration policies, rolled back during Joe Biden’s term, and marks a major shift in global US visa screening. (PC: HT)