At least 800 people have died and 1,800 were injured after a powerful 6.0 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan near the Pakistan border on Sunday. Many remain trapped under collapsed homes as rescuers use helicopters to reach remote villages in Kunar province, where rough terrain and blocked roads hinder aid efforts. Survivors described pulling loved ones from rubble with bare hands. Hospitals in Jalalabad are overwhelmed with patients. The Taliban has appealed for international help. The UN released emergency funds, while the UK, India, China, and Switzerland pledged aid. Officials warn survivors urgently need food, shelter, and medical supplies. (PC: Getty Images)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi defended India’s economy after US President Donald Trump called it “dead” during rising trade tensions. Speaking at the Semicon India 2025 conference in Delhi, Modi said India’s GDP grew 7.8% in the first quarter despite global challenges. He stressed that growth was strong across manufacturing, services, agriculture, and construction, pushing India toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy. Modi also outlined plans for boosting semiconductor production, highlighting the India Semiconductor Mission and critical minerals programme. Over 2,500 delegates from 48 countries joined the event, which focused on chip innovation, digital infrastructure, and India’s expanding global tech role. (PC: PTI)

The UN has raised concern over Indonesia’s crackdown on nationwide protests, where at least seven people were killed and 20 remain missing. The unrest began after a police vehicle killed a 21-year-old delivery driver in Jakarta on 28 August. Demonstrations spread across major cities, fuelled by anger over lawmakers’ housing perks, joblessness, and rising prices. Protesters set fire to buildings, clashed with police, and looted officials’ homes. Rights groups accused security forces of using excessive force, including tear gas and live fire. The UN and Amnesty International have urged Indonesia to hold independent investigations and respect peaceful assembly rights. (PC: AFP/ Getty)

A massive landslide has killed at least 370 people in Sudan’s remote Marra Mountains, the UN said. Officials warned the death toll could rise as the area is hard to reach. Local armed group Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A) claimed up to 1,000 may have died after heavy rains triggered the disaster on Sunday, destroying the village of Tarseen. Only one survivor has been found. Aid delivery faces delays due to poor roads and flooding. The SLM/A, which controls the area, has appealed for urgent international help. Leaders across Africa called the tragedy a humanitarian crisis and urged swift assistance. (PC: AFP)

Maratha quota leader Manoj Jarange Patil ended his 5-day hunger strike in Mumbai after the Maharashtra government agreed to key demands. A cabinet panel assured him it will implement the Hyderabad Gazette, which records Marathas from Marathwada as Kunbis, making them eligible for OBC reservation. The state also promised to withdraw all cases filed against protesters. Patil, who was fasting at Azad Maidan since August 29, declared, “We have won,” after drinking water offered by minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil. Earlier, the Bombay High Court warned the agitation was illegal and must end as protests had disrupted normal life. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Mizoram and Manipur on September 13, officials said. In Mizoram, he will inaugurate the new Bairabi-Sairang railway line, a 51 km project that connects Aizawl with Assam’s Silchar under the Act East Policy. From there, the PM is expected to fly to Manipur, marking his first visit since ethnic violence broke out in May 2023. Preparations are underway in Mizoram, with meetings on security, traffic, and public participation. The railway is seen as a major boost for connectivity and trade in the Northeast. Manipur officials have yet to confirm the visit. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump has proposed tariffs of up to 200% on imported medicines, citing national security and the need to boost domestic production. Experts warn the move could raise drug prices by 10–14% and cause shortages, especially for generics that make up most US prescriptions. Low-income and elderly patients may be hit hardest. India, a top supplier of affordable generics, has been excluded from immediate enforcement as its medicines are vital for US healthcare. However, analysts say future policy changes could affect India’s $25 billion pharma exports. Legal battles and industry pushback may delay the tariff plan. (PC: AP)

Russian crude oil has become cheaper for Indian refiners, with discounts widening to $3–$4 per barrel for September and October cargoes, according to a Bloomberg report. This comes as US President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs on Indian goods, citing New Delhi’s rising oil imports from Moscow. Trump’s adviser Peter Navarro accused India of indirectly funding Russia’s war. India now sources nearly 40% of its oil from Russia, compared to less than 1% before 2022. New Delhi defended its trade, saying crude imports are not under sanctions. Trump called US-India trade “a one-sided disaster” and demanded lower Indian tariffs. (PC: AP)

Delhi traffic police have closed the Old Iron Bridge (Loha Pul) from Tuesday 4 pm due to rising Yamuna water levels, which crossed the danger mark of 205.33 metres. Commuters have been advised to avoid the bridge and nearby routes. Traffic has been diverted through Hanuman Setu, Raja Ram Kohli Marg, and Geeta Colony Road. Police urged people to use public transport and keep extra time for travel. Drone visuals showed the Yamuna flowing above danger levels after heavy rain. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited flood-hit areas and assured relief and support to affected families. Vigil is being maintained. (PC: ANI Grab)

India will host the Badminton World Championships in New Delhi in August 2026, the Badminton World Federation announced. This will be India’s second time hosting the event after 17 years, with Hyderabad staging it in 2009. The announcement came during the closing of the 2025 edition in Paris. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty won India’s only medal in Paris, taking bronze in men’s doubles. PV Sindhu reached the quarterfinals, while Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto also impressed in mixed doubles. The Badminton Association of India promised to deliver an event matching the standards of Paris. (PC: PTI)