China has removed General Zhao Zongqi, the former commander of the People’s Liberation Army’s Western Theatre Command who oversaw Chinese forces during the 2017 Doklam standoff and the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes with India, from its top political advisory body. Zhao was stripped of his membership of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and removed from two other positions, PTI reported. A veteran of the 1979 Sino-Vietnamese war, Zhao became the first commander of the Western Theatre Command in 2016 after being appointed by President Xi Jinping. His removal comes amid China’s wider action against senior military officers over suspected serious disciplinary and legal violations. (PC: HT)

A ferry carrying nearly 270 passengers and crew capsized off northern Cyprus on Sunday while travelling from Kyrenia (Girne) to Taşucu in Turkey. At least seven people have died, while 237 have been rescued and 24 remain missing, according to Northern Cyprus authorities. The vessel reportedly began taking on water about 15 minutes after departure amid adverse weather conditions, roughly 7.5 kilometres offshore. Coast guard vessels, helicopters and civilian boats are conducting an extensive search-and-rescue operation. Survivors were brought to Kyrenia, with several receiving medical treatment. Authorities continue searching the waters around the overturned ferry for missing passengers.

Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has called on Muslim countries, particularly Gulf nations, to recognise what he described as their “real enemy” and confront the United States and Israel. In a written message marking Islamic Unity Week, Khamenei stressed that division among Muslim nations serves the interests of their adversaries and urged greater cooperation, unity and mutual defence. His remarks come amid continuing regional tensions and conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel. He also called on Iranians to maintain social cohesion and avoid internal divisions. Khamenei has largely remained out of public view since becoming Iran’s Supreme Leader. (PC: Reuters)

Rajendra Dawadi, principal of Tribhuvan Trishuli Secondary School in Nepal’s Nuwakot district, is being hailed for saving 1,643 children during devastating flash floods. After receiving an urgent warning that rapidly rising floodwaters were approaching, the 47-year-old teacher immediately rang the school bell and ordered students and staff to evacuate. The children fled uphill and eventually sheltered beneath a bodhi tree as floodwaters destroyed the school buildings. Dawadi’s quick decision protected nearly all students and most staff. The disaster, triggered by a glacier collapse near the Nepal-Tibet border, has killed hundreds and left thousands missing across Nepal and Tibet. (PC: PTI)

A shooting at a rave party in Aarau, northern Switzerland, early Sunday killed a 22-year-old woman and injured five others, including some seriously. The incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. at a techno event held near a horse-racing track, reportedly attended by about 3,500 people. Police launched a large-scale operation, cordoning off the area and searching for the suspected attacker or attackers. The victims, all Swiss residents in their 20s, were taken to hospital or pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities said the motive and exact circumstances remain unclear and urged witnesses to provide photographs or videos. (PC: EPA)

Amid Nepal’s devastating floods, rescuers made a remarkable discovery when they found a six-year-old girl alive beneath rubble, after initially mistaking the sound of her cries for a cat. The child had become trapped under debris following the destructive flooding that devastated several areas. Rescue workers continued searching through the rubble despite challenging conditions and eventually located and safely rescued her. Her survival provided a rare moment of hope amid the disaster, which has claimed hundreds of lives and left many people missing. Rescue operations continue across affected areas as authorities assess damage and search for survivors.

The devastating flash floods triggered by a glacier collapse along the Nepal-Tibet border have killed nearly 800 people, with thousands still missing. Nepal has intensified search-and-rescue operations, including efforts to reach workers trapped inside hydropower tunnels buried under mud and debris. Rescue teams have drilled through the blockage and inserted pipes to provide air to those trapped. Meanwhile, authorities have warned residents of renewed flooding as water levels rise in the Bhotekoshi River. Severe damage to roads, bridges, hydropower facilities and homes continues to hamper rescue efforts. (PC: PTI)

A passenger ferry carrying around 270 people capsized off the coast of North Cyprus shortly after leaving the port of Kyrenia on Sunday. The catamaran was heading to Tasucu in Turkey when it started taking on water and overturned around two kilometres from the coast. Turkish Cypriot coastguard boats, a rescue helicopter and ambulances were deployed, while around 100 people have reportedly been rescued and brought ashore. It was not immediately clear whether there were any casualties. Authorities said they were still searching for passengers and investigating what caused the vessel to take on water. Rescue operations remained underway.

The death toll from Nepal's catastrophic flash floods has risen to 768, while 3,048 people remain missing across Nepal and Tibet. Nepal alone has reported 752 deaths and 2,502 people out of contact, including 592 foreigners. Rescue teams are also racing to reach more than 100 workers believed trapped inside hydropower tunnels after the disaster triggered by a glacial collapse. Overnight rain and rising river levels have hampered the operation. A new barrier lake has also formed near the Tibet border, adding to the danger. Nepal says reconstruction could cost billions of dollars and has appealed for international assistance. (PC: NDTV)

Five-year-old Manisha has been reunited with her parents after surviving for two days beneath rubble caused by devastating flash floods in Nepal. Rescue teams near Syabrubesi in Rasuwa district initially believed they heard a trapped cat while searching the debris. They began clearing the rubble and discovered the barely responsive child, rescuing her after a two-hour operation. Bad weather prevented her immediate evacuation by helicopter. She later regained consciousness at a rescue camp, where she was given water and rice water. Manisha was flown to Kathmandu on Saturday and is now recovering in a stable condition, hospital officials said.