Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) victory in Saxony-Anhalt has triggered sharply divided reactions across Europe. French Finance Minister Roland Lescure called the result a “very, very worrying signal”, while European Affairs Minister Benjamin Haddad described it as a “very grave moment for Europe.” Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk also condemned those celebrating the result. Meanwhile, Spain’s Vox leader Santiago Abascal called the outcome “a great hope for Germany and for Europe”, while Portugal’s André Ventura described it as an “historic victory.” Elon Musk and Hungary’s Viktor Orbán also welcomed the AfD’s strong performance. (PC: X)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the Russia-Ukraine war must end in a way that ensures there is “no more Nazism in Europe,” repeating Moscow’s disputed claim that Nazi ideology has spread in Ukraine. Speaking at Moscow State Institute of International Relations, Lavrov echoed the Kremlin’s justification for the war, while Ukraine and its Western allies reject the characterization as propaganda. His remarks came amid tensions between Russia and Germany over Berlin’s accusation that Moscow was behind a suspected drone incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport. Germany called the August 4 incident a Russian “hybrid attack” and announced diplomatic measures, including closing Russia’s consulate general in Bonn. Lavrov rejected the allegations and accused Germany of seeking another war with Moscow.

An Indian engineer from Noida has been detained by Russian police in Moscow, with his wife alleging that he was pressured to join the Russian military to fight in Ukraine. Indian government sources said the Indian Embassy in Moscow is in contact with Russian authorities and has sought his release and consular access. The engineer, identified as Chandan Gupta, was reportedly detained along with a friend on September 5 over allegations of drunkenness and damaging public property near Moscow’s Red Square. His wife, Sneha Gupta, appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for help. The military recruitment allegation has not been independently confirmed. (PC: NDTV)

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has issued guidelines for Durga Puja organisers in Bengal, covering who can participate, the appearance of idols, food and religious practices. The recommendations have sparked criticism and concern among organisers and others who say Durga Puja is known for its inclusive and creative character. The guidelines reportedly call for excluding non-Hindus from certain roles and discouraging non-vegetarian food at puja venues. The issue has added to an ongoing debate in West Bengal over religion, culture and the character of the festival. Durga Puja is one of Bengal’s biggest cultural celebrations, drawing millions of people each year. (PC: X)

Nepal observed a national day of mourning on Monday for victims of a devastating flash flood believed to have been triggered by a glacial collapse. At least 1,287 people have died, while more than 5,000 remain missing nearly two weeks after the disaster swept through villages in a Himalayan valley near the Nepal-Tibet border. Government offices and missions abroad lowered national flags to half-mast, while public commemorations were limited as rescue operations continued. Army teams are searching on the ground, by air and inside tunnels. Four people have been rescued in recent days, including a 64-year-old woman found alive after more than 10 days. (PC: BBC)

MacKenzie Scott, the former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has emerged as one of the world’s biggest individual philanthropists after donating $26.4 billion in less than seven years. According to Forbes, Scott gave an estimated $7.2 billion in 2025 alone, the largest amount she has donated in a single year. Through her organisation, Yield Giving, she has supported more than 2,500 groups working in areas including education, healthcare, affordable housing, economic mobility and climate initiatives. Scott received a 4% Amazon stake in her 2019 divorce from Bezos and remains one of the world’s wealthiest women.

Iran plans to announce an “exclusion zone” near the Strait of Hormuz in the coming days or weeks, targeting vessels Tehran believes are attempting to pass through the waterway. Mohsen Rezaei, head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said the zone would extend from the reported US naval blockade toward the strait and into the Persian Gulf. His remarks came after the US struck three Iranian oil tankers following Iranian missile launches at US warships. The US says more than 20 warships are supporting its blockade, which has redirected 92 commercial vessels. Iran’s plans add to tensions around the crucial global shipping route.

Israeli air strikes on the southern Lebanese village of Kfar Remman killed at least nine people, including a child, two women and a paramedic, Lebanon’s health ministry said. One overnight strike destroyed a three-storey residential building, killing eight people and injuring 11 others, including four children. A second strike hit a vehicle carrying paramedics, killing another and injuring two. Israel’s military said it was looking into the reports, while its foreign ministry accused Hezbollah of repeated drone attacks and rebuilding its military capabilities in southern Lebanon. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun warned that the escalation could threaten the US-brokered ceasefire. (PC: BBC)

Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has scored a major election victory in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, securing 43.8% of the vote, preliminary results showed. The conservative CDU came a distant second with 17.2%. Despite its strong performance, the AfD is projected to win 39 of the state parliament’s 83 seats, short of the 42 needed for a majority. AfD leader Ulrich Siegmund called the result “sensational” and said the party had received a mandate to govern. However, other major parties have ruled out forming a coalition with the AfD, leaving negotiations over the state’s next government uncertain. (PC: BBC)

Five people were killed after an Amazon Prime Air cargo plane operated by 21 Air overran a runway and crashed while landing at Miami International Airport on Sunday. The Boeing 767-300, operating as Prime Air Flight 7598, had arrived from San Juan, Puerto Rico. The aircraft reportedly overran a diagonal runway around 2 p.m. ET, struck several vehicles and caught fire, sending thick smoke over the area. More than 60 Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units responded as crews battled the blaze and assessed those affected. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are gathering information and investigating the crash. Amazon said it was supporting those affected. (PC: India Today)