In a significant development, Canada has officially acknowledged that Khalistani extremist groups, including Babbar Khalsa International and the International Sikh Youth Federation, are operating within its borders and receiving financial support. This admission comes from a recent report by the Canadian Department of Finance, which assesses money laundering and terrorist financing risks. The report highlights that these groups are exploiting charitable organizations, crowdfunding platforms, and even cryptocurrencies to fund politically motivated violence. Additionally, it notes that such entities are involved in activities like drug trafficking and auto thefts. This revelation underscores ongoing concerns about Canada's role in facilitating transnational extremism and may strain diplomatic relations with countries affected by these activities.

In eastern Afghanistan, a deadly 6.0-magnitude earthquake has claimed over 2,200 lives. Disturbingly, strict Taliban-imposed gender norms—most notably the prohibition on "skin contact" between male rescuers and unrelated women—have severely impeded rescue operations in remote Kunar areas. Female victims, including injured women and girls, were often left trapped, bleeding, or buried, while men and children were prioritized. The scarcity of female medical personnel, a result of bans on women’s education and public roles, further worsened delays. Survivors recount feeling invisible—ignored by rescue teams—even as calls grow for international aid and inclusive relief responses. (PC: AP)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reshuffled his cabinet after Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner resigned for underpaying property tax. David Lammy, formerly Foreign Secretary, is now Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister. Yvette Cooper moves from Home Secretary to Foreign Secretary, while Shabana Mahmood becomes Home Secretary, handling issues like illegal migration. Rayner also stepped down as Housing Minister and Labour’s Deputy Leader, admitting she failed to seek proper tax advice. Starmer said he was “very sad” about her resignation but called her an important figure in the party. The reshuffle also included changes in environment, business, housing, and pensions departments. (PC: News18)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected plans by Western countries to send troops to Ukraine. He said any foreign soldiers in Ukraine would be “legitimate targets.” The announcement came after a Paris summit where leaders, including France’s Emmanuel Macron, discussed deploying a “reassurance force” once a ceasefire begins. Macron said troops would prevent new aggression, not fight Russia. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the plans but said deployment details are premature. Putin also expressed willingness to meet Zelensky but doubted progress. Western leaders insist Ukraine’s security decisions are sovereign. Russia continues its military campaign across multiple fronts in Ukraine. (PC: BBC)

Mumbai Police said the city is on high alert after a call claimed 34 “human bombs” with 400 kg of RDX were planted in cars. The caller, linked to an organisation called Lashkar-e-Jihadi, warned of explosions that would “shake the city.” The threat came on the eve of Anant Chaturdashi, when lakhs of devotees joined Ganesh visarjan. Police said security has been tightened across Maharashtra. Recently, hoax threats targeted a railway station, ISKCON temple, and Mumbai airport. Officials urged citizens to remain calm and report suspicious activity. “We are prepared,” a senior officer said. (PC: HT)

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said, “India will say sorry in two months” and return to trade talks with Washington. Speaking to Bloomberg, he warned that unless India stops buying Russian oil and aligns with the US, it will face 50% tariffs on exports. Lutnick also said India’s purchases of cheap Russian crude were about “making a ton of money.” Earlier, Donald Trump posted that the US had “lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China.” Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman replied India would “undoubtedly continue” buying Russian oil, while the foreign ministry rejected US claims as “inaccurate.” (PC: NDTV)

Sourav Ganguly will make his debut as head coach in the SA20 league with Pretoria Capitals. The former India captain, known as “Dada,” was officially welcomed by League Commissioner Graeme Smith on Friday. Smith praised Ganguly’s leadership and said his presence would add great value to the tournament. Ganguly expressed excitement about the challenge and looked forward to working with young players. Smith also explained why no Indian players are part of this season’s auction, citing BCCI’s rules. The SA20 season begins soon, and Ganguly’s new role has already created strong buzz among cricket fans. (PC: India Today)

Hamas has released a video showing two Israeli hostages, Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Alon Ohel, held since October 2023. The footage, dated 28 August, shows Gilboa-Dalal in Gaza City saying he and others remain captive. Families of hostages called the video propaganda and urged Israel to return to talks. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the war could end if Hamas released all 48 hostages still held. Israel has rejected Hamas’s truce plan and continues its military campaign, striking Gaza City. Gaza’s health ministry said 30 Palestinians were killed in 24 hours, adding to the rising humanitarian crisis. (PC: BBC)

Afghanistan’s Hindukush region was rocked by seven earthquakes in 24 hours, with magnitudes ranging from 4.1 to 5.8. The tremors struck close to the Pakistan border, causing fresh damage and panic. Earlier this month, a powerful quake killed more than 2,200 people and injured over 3,000. The World Food Programme has sent emergency supplies, including food and high-energy biscuits, to Kunar and Nangarhar provinces. India also sent 21 tonnes of relief materials to Kabul, including medicines, tents, blankets, and water purifiers. Rescue operations remain difficult due to blocked roads, landslides, and repeated aftershocks, worsening the humanitarian crisis.

Mumbai Police has issued a lookout notice against actress Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra in a ₹60 crore fraud case. Businessman Deepak Kothari alleged the couple took the money between 2015 and 2023 for their company Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd. He claimed the couple promised 12% annual interest and a written guarantee from Shetty, but later spent the funds on personal expenses. Shetty resigned as company director soon after. Police are checking the couple’s travel records, and the firm’s auditor has been called for questioning. The couple denied the charges, calling them baseless and malicious. (PC: NDTV)