More than 600 people are feared dead after a powerful magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, the Taliban interior ministry said. Officials reported that dozens of houses are “under rubble” and entire villages have been destroyed. “The situation is catastrophic,” a Taliban spokesperson added, warning that casualty figures could rise. The quake, at a shallow depth of 8km, shook buildings from Kabul to Pakistan’s capital Islamabad. Locals said landslides cut off areas near the epicentre, making rescue difficult. “We heard screams under collapsed roofs,” one resident told BBC. Hospitals are overwhelmed as the injured are rushed in. (PC: BBC)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday at the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China, stressing that “the time has come for peace in Ukraine.” Modi said India and Russia “have always stood together, even in difficult times,” emphasizing their cooperation is essential for global stability. He added, “The world is looking at us with hope.” Putin praised the “special trust” between the two nations, noting their partnership extends beyond politics. Both leaders reaffirmed economic and strategic ties, with Modi inviting Putin to visit India in December to deepen cooperation. (PC: News18)

Greta Thunberg has left Barcelona with the largest flotilla of boats carrying aid to Gaza. The 22-year-old activist was cheered by thousands of supporters waving Palestinian flags as she departed on Sunday. The flotilla includes activists from 44 countries and aims to deliver aid and push for a humanitarian corridor. Thunberg said the mission challenges an unjust system and shows solidarity with Gaza. Israel has long enforced a naval blockade, saying it is needed to stop weapons from reaching Hamas. Previous aid attempts, including one by Thunberg in June, were blocked by Israeli forces. More ships will join from Europe. (PC: Sky News)

Israel said Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida was killed in an air strike in Gaza City’s al-Rimal area. Defence Minister Israel Katz praised the “flawless execution” by the IDF and Shin Bet. The strike hit a six-storey building, reportedly killing at least seven people and injuring 20, including children. Hamas has not confirmed Obeida’s death but accused Israel of killing civilians. Obeida, always masked, was the voice of Hamas’s military wing since 2003. The IDF said steps were taken to limit civilian harm. The attack comes ahead of Israel’s planned offensive to seize control of Gaza City. (PC: Getty Images)

Indian PM Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Tianjin during the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO) summit. It was Modi’s first visit to China in 7 years. Xi said India and China should be “partners, not rivals,” while Modi noted an “atmosphere of peace and stability” after border tensions. Modi also announced that suspended flights between both countries will soon resume. The summit, attended by over 20 world leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin, comes as the US imposes steep tariffs on India. Leaders are also addressing trade wars and shared regional concerns. (PC: X)

Indian spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin has confirmed his entry into the International League T20 auction, set for September 30 in Dubai. The 38-year-old, who recently retired from all formats of Indian cricket, said, “I have sent my name for the ILT20 auction. Hopefully, I will have a buyer.” This marks Ashwin’s first move into foreign T20 leagues. If picked, he will be the biggest Indian name in the West Asian league. The BCCI restricts active players from joining overseas leagues, but Ashwin’s retirement allows him to explore global opportunities as both player and mentor. (PC: X)

Thousands joined anti-immigration rallies across Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. Police estimated up to 8,000 people in Sydney and 15,000 in Adelaide. The marches were supported by opposition politicians like Pauline Hanson and Bob Katter, alongside far-right activists and neo-Nazi figures. Clashes broke out in Melbourne with pro-Palestine demonstrators. Protesters carried placards, including support for Dezi Freeman, accused of killing two police officers. The government condemned the rallies, calling them racist and divisive. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said such movements “undermine social cohesion.” Ministers stressed that racism and far-right extremism have “no place in modern Australia.” (PC: BBC)

An Israeli airstrike on August 28, 2025, struck a gathering in Sanaa, Yemen—killing Ahmed al-Rahawi, prime minister of the Iran-backed Houthi government, and several ministers during a workshop reviewing the past year’s performance. The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed the precision strike, calling it a “crushing blow” aimed at top Houthi leadership responsible for “terror actions.” Houthi leadership condemned the attack, pledging vengeance, while Muhammad Ahmed Miftah, the deputy PM, was appointed acting prime minister on August 30, 2025. (PC: PBS)  

Chinese President Xi Jinping made a rare Tibet visit marking the region's 60th anniversary as an autonomous region, addressing 20,000 people in Lhasa while emphasizing tighter Beijing control. Xi demanded Tibetan Buddhism "adapt to socialist society" without mentioning the Dalai Lama, signaling religious restrictions. The visit showcased China's strategic infrastructure investments including the Tibet-Xinjiang railway and the world's largest dam project, demonstrating long-term territorial consolidation. This high-profile appearance underscores Beijing's campaign to strengthen political and cultural dominance over Tibet through economic development and religious adaptation policies. The timing coincides with China's broader efforts to integrate autonomous regions more closely into the centralized state system while suppressing traditional religious and cultural independence. (PC: Council Of Foreign Relations)

Israeli airstrike killed Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi and several ministers during a government workshop in Sanaa on Thursday. Al-Rahawi served as PM of the Iranian-backed rebel government since August 2024. The strike targeted officials evaluating government performance over the past year. Israeli forces confirmed hitting "Houthi terrorist regime military target" in Sanaa area. Earlier strikes killed 10 people, wounded 102 according to Houthi health ministry. The attack represents significant escalation in Israel-Houthi conflict, with rebels launching missiles and drones toward Israel while targeting Red Sea shipping in Gaza solidarity. Israel and US-led coalition have responded with sustained bombardment of rebel-held areas including Sanaa and Hodeida, previously knocking Sanaa airport offline. (PC: The New York Times)