Eyewitnesses described panic and horror after Lisbon’s Gloria funicular crashed, killing 16 and injuring 20. Helen Chow, a tourist, said the carriage “lost control” and hit a building with a sound “like a bomb,” followed by silence and smoke. She saw people jumping from windows as others screamed for help. Passenger Abel Esteves recalled shouting to his wife, “we are all going to die here.” Another witness said the carriage “hit a building with brutal force and collapsed like a cardboard box.” Locals and shop workers rushed to rescue victims. Portugal has declared a national day of mourning. (PC: BBC)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the new GST reforms as a "double dose of support and growth for India." The GST Council, in its 56th meeting, scrapped the 12% and 28% slabs. From September 22, only 5% and 18% rates will remain, with 40% for luxury and sin goods. Modi said, "From paneer to shampoos and soaps, everything will be very cheap now." Everyday items like milk, bread, and medicines will see big cuts. He added, "GST reforms will benefit the poor, middle-class, farmers, women, and youth." Modi also blamed Congress for delaying real reforms before 2014.

On Thursday in Berlin’s Wedding district, a car accidentally drove into a crowd, injuring several pedestrians including children, according to emergency services. A spokesperson for the Berlin fire brigade confirmed that while some children sustained light injuries, an accompanying adult suffered serious harm. Emergency teams responded swiftly, but the cause remains under investigation. Images from the scene show the damaged vehicle and the driver being questioned by police. Authorities have described the incident as an accident. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a joint telephone conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa, focusing on EU–India relations and pressing global issues. Key topics included the ongoing Ukraine war and the need for India’s role in supporting peace efforts, alongside progress on the long-pending India–EU Free Trade Agreement, which both sides are eager to finalize by the end of 2025. They also discussed preparations for a joint strategic agenda to be formalized at the next India–EU Summit in early 2026. (PC: News 18)  

Giorgio Armani, the iconic Italian designer who redefined global fashion, passed away at his Milan home on September 4, 2025, aged 91. Founder of the Armani brand, he revolutionized menswear with relaxed tailoring and expanded into womenswear, fragrances, hotels, and interiors. Nicknamed “Re Giorgio” (King Giorgio), Armani personally oversaw every detail of his empire, which generates €2.3 billion annually. With an estimated net worth of $12–13 billion, he was among Italy’s richest. Despite recent health issues, he worked until his last days, planning Armani’s 50th-anniversary celebration. Tributes pour in, honoring him as one of fashion’s greatest visionaries. (PC: AP)

The Trump administration has asked the US Supreme Court to uphold tariffs on India, saying they are vital for Ukraine peace. India faces a 50% duty on exports to the US after refusing to cut Russian oil trade. Solicitor General John Sauer told the court that removing tariffs would risk economic disaster and weaken America’s defense base. A lower court had ruled the tariffs unlawful. Trump’s team argues the 1977 law allows such emergency powers. Officials claim the tariffs protect US trade and push countries into new deals. India’s trade talks with Washington remain stalled. (PC: X)

A suicide bomb blast killed 15 people and injured over 30 near a political rally in Quetta, Pakistan. The explosion occurred in the parking area of a stadium where the Balochistan National Party (BNP) held a rally on Tuesday night. Authorities said the bomber failed to reach the main venue due to tight security. The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility. The rally was held in memory of Ataullah Mengal, a former Balochistan chief minister. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, calling it a plot to spread chaos. Survivors described scenes of panic, injuries, and screaming after the blast. (PC: BBC)

Eating out will now cost less as the GST Council has cut taxes on restaurant meals to a flat 5%. Earlier, the rate ranged from 12% to 18% depending on the type of restaurant. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the new rules will help families and boost domestic spending. The change takes effect from September 22. Staple foods like chapatis, paneer, and milk are now tax-free. Butter, ghee, nuts, and pastries will attract 5% GST, down from higher rates. Plant-based drinks are also cheaper. The move is expected to revive demand in restaurants across India. (PC: HT)

A video capturing two men lifting and carrying a scooter on their shoulders to circumvent a severe traffic jam in Gurugram has gone viral, generating widespread social media buzz . Recorded amid heavy rainfall-induced gridlock across Delhi-NCR, particularly Gurgaon—where commuters spent six to eight hours stuck on the road—the footage struck a chord online . Commenters playfully dubbed them “the New Bahubali in town,” with remarks like “Deadlift final boss” and quips about bestowing energy upon multi-wheel vehicle owners . The post highlights growing frustrations with the city's infrastructure amid persistent flooding and congestion.

US Congressman Gregory Meeks has warned that Donald Trump’s new 50% tariffs on India are “arbitrary” and risk harming the decades-old US-India partnership. After meeting Indian Ambassador Vinay Kwatra in Washington, Meeks said, “I reaffirmed our commitment to deeper ties, our shared hope for peace in Ukraine, and my alarm at Trump’s arbitrary tariffs that threaten this vital relationship.” India has defended its purchase of Russian oil, saying it is driven by national interest and market realities. Ambassador Kwatra thanked Meeks for his support and discussed trade, energy, and Indo-Pacific strategy with other US lawmakers. (PC: AP)