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South Korea, Japan and the United States will begin their annual Freedom Edge military drills on September 15, aiming to sharpen cooperation in the air, at sea and in cyberspace, Reuters reported.

Officials in Seoul said the exercises come at a time when North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats are growing, making close coordination between the allies more important than ever.

The drills, held every year, are designed to strengthen joint readiness and reassure the region of the allies’ commitment to peace and stability. Military leaders stressed that all activities will be carried out in line with international law, according to Reuters.

President Vladimir Putin warned that any Western troops sent to Ukraine during the war would be treated as legitimate targets by Russia, Reuters reported.

His comments came after French President Emmanuel Macron announced that 26 nations had agreed to provide postwar security guarantees to Kyiv, including a possible international force.

Putin said Russia’s invasion was driven by the need to block NATO’s presence in Ukraine, stressing that foreign soldiers deployed now would be “targets for destruction.” He added that if peace is reached, there would be no justification for outside military forces in the country.

The United States has imposed sanctions on three Palestinian human rights groups after they urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate Israeli military actions in Gaza, Reuters reported.

The sanctions target Al-Haq in Ramallah and the Gaza-based Palestinian Centre for Human Rights and Al Mezan Center for Human Rights. In 2023, these groups called on the ICC to examine Israeli airstrikes, the Gaza blockade, and mass displacement—moves that later led the court to issue arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders.

Washington’s decision underscores its long-standing rejection of the ICC’s authority, aligning the US with countries like Israel, China, and Russia in opposing the court’s jurisdiction.

According to Reuters, the sanctions come as international experts accuse Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, a charge Israel firmly denies.

US immigration agents detained more than 70 people, mostly Mexican workers, in raids on a nutrition bar factory in Cato, New York. Many of those taken were parents, Reuters reported.

Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the action, saying it tore families apart without making communities safer. She stressed that New York will support efforts against violent criminals but not the separation of working families by armed agents.

Factory owner Mark Schmidt insisted his employees were legally documented. ICE said the operation was part of a court-authorized investigation but gave no further details.

President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Defense to adopt “Department of War” as a secondary title, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to be called Secretary of War. The executive order aims to emphasize US military readiness and refocus the department on “warfighting” rather than diversity programs, BBC reported.

The Pentagon, successor to the original War Department established in 1789, cannot be permanently renamed without Congress. Hegseth is tasked with proposing measures for a permanent change. Trump cited America’s military legacy and expects congressional support if needed.

The move follows China’s display of new military hardware and marks Trump’s 200th executive order since taking office. Permanent rebranding could cost billions, affecting uniforms, emblems, and agency materials, according to BBC.

Budhanilkantha School’s Automation and Robotics Club (ARC) is set to host the National BNKS Hackathon on 5–6 September 2025, bringing together talented young innovators from across the country.

This two-day event will challenge participants in coding, creativity, and problem-solving, encouraging teamwork and innovative thinking. With a prize pool of one lakh rupees students will have the chance to gain national recognition for their ideas and solutions.

Open to A-Levels, NEB, IB-DP, and Gap Year students, the hackathon offers a unique platform for both beginners and experienced coders to collaborate, learn, and make an impact through technology.

A magnitude 5.6 earthquake hit southeastern Afghanistan Thursday night, the third quake in a week, adding to a mounting humanitarian crisis, BBC reported.

Seventeen people were reported injured in Kunar province, while Sunday’s stronger quake has already killed 1,368 and wounded over 2,100. Rescue efforts are slowed by landslides and rugged terrain, with helicopters conducting most operations amid continuing aftershocks.

The Taliban government said emergency tents and aid are being distributed and appealed for international help. The UN has released relief funds, and the UK pledged £1m in aid.

Afghanistan’s location on major fault lines makes it prone to deadly quakes; previous disasters killed thousands in 2022 and 2023, according to BBC.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned the US is ready to “blow up” foreign crime groups, saying Washington will act with or without allied support. Speaking in Ecuador, he confirmed plans to designate the country’s largest gangs, Los Lobos and Los Choneros, as terrorist organisations, BBC reported.

The move follows a US strike in the Caribbean that killed 11 suspected traffickers linked to Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua. Rubio also announced $19.5m in aid and drones to help Ecuador fight soaring cartel violence.

He said friendly governments would assist in targeting smugglers, while stressing President Trump’s commitment to waging war on cartels that “have been waging war on us for 30 years.”