Israel announces control of 40% of Gaza City, vowing to "expand and intensify" its offensive in coming days as Palestinian death toll climbs. Israeli military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin pledged to "increase pressure" on Hamas until defeated, following Thursday strikes that killed over 30 in Gaza City and 64 across the Strip. Senior Israeli officials expect the escalated offensive to displace one million Palestinians southward from Gaza City, where UN declared famine last month. European Commission VP Teresa Ribera called the conflict "genocide," criticizing EU inaction. Hamas's October 2023 attack killed 1,219 Israelis, while Israel's retaliatory campaign has killed at least 64,231 Palestinians according to Gaza health ministry. Hamas officials met Iran's Foreign Minister in Doha discussing war termination efforts. (PC: Reuters)

A third earthquake struck Afghanistan Thursday night, a magnitude 5.6 tremor hitting southeastern regions as death tolls from Sunday's initial quake continue climbing. The latest quake sent residents fleeing shelters in Nangarhar and Kunar provinces, with 17 wounded brought to Kunar Provincial Hospital. Sunday's devastating earthquake has now killed 1,368 people and wounded 2,180 across 25 villages, according to UN officials. Mountainous terrain hampers rescue operations, conducted mainly by helicopter due to landslide debris blocking village access. A magnitude 5.5 quake Tuesday temporarily halted rescue efforts. The Taliban government appeals for international aid while UN releases emergency funds and UK pledges £1 million. Afghanistan's location on Indian-Eurasian tectonic plate boundaries makes earthquakes frequent. (PC: India Today & Al Jazeera)

President Trump called China's massive military parade "impressive" but dismissed it as staged performance to grab his attention. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump criticized Xi Jinping for omitting US contributions in his World War 2 victory speech, saying America "helped China greatly gain its freedom." The parade at Tiananmen Square featured cutting-edge missiles, goose-stepping troops, and 50,000 spectators, with Xi flanked by Putin and Kim Jong Un. Trump earlier posted on Truth Social suggesting the trio was "conspiring against America," but softened his tone later, claiming good relationships with all three leaders. Despite heightened US-China tensions over tariffs and geopolitical dominance, Trump hinted at possible upcoming meeting with Xi.

On September 4, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order implementing a previously negotiated trade agreement with Japan, reducing tariffs on Japanese automobiles from 27.5% to 15% . The new rate applies retroactively to imports shipped from August 7, and extends a 15% cap to a broader array of goods . As part of the deal, Japan pledged a staggering $550 billion investment in U.S. projects, ranging from infrastructure to defense and agriculture, aiming to deepen economic ties and foster job creation . Meanwhile, South Korea warned of potential disadvantages to its auto exports under the unchanged 25% duty. (PC: The Economic Times)

A 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck southeastern Afghanistan on Thursday, the German Research Centre for Geosciences reported. The quake hit at a shallow depth of 10 km, making it powerful and dangerous. This comes just four days after a 6.0 quake devastated Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, killing more than 2,200 people and injuring thousands. Many homes, built of mud and stone, collapsed instantly, trapping families inside. Rescue operations are still underway as survivors search for loved ones. The fresh tremor has raised fears of more damage in the already devastated region, where aid workers are struggling to reach remote villages.

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)

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)

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)

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)

A powerful 6.0-magnitude earthquake has killed more than 2,200 people and injured nearly 4,000 in eastern Afghanistan, with Kunar province worst affected. Entire villages were destroyed as fragile mud and wood houses collapsed. Rescue operations are still underway, slowed by aftershocks and the region’s difficult terrain. Taliban authorities have deployed commandos to reach remote areas, while international aid is beginning to arrive. India has sent 21 tonnes of relief materials, including medicines, tents, and generators. Experts warn Afghanistan remains highly vulnerable to quakes due to its position on major tectonic plates, leaving already fragile communities at severe risk. (PC: AP)