FirstUp: ‘King of Storms’ Typhoon Ragasa to make landfall and other headlines of the day

It is a busy Wednesday.

Super Typhoon Ragasa, called the ‘King of Storms’, is set to hit Guangdong province in China today.

A swearing-in ceremony will be held for Thailand’s new Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s cabinet.

In Patna, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and LoP Rahul Gandhi will attend the party’s working committee meeting.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, a group of small boats carrying aid for Gaza, will begin its journey today.

India will face Bangladesh in another Asia Cup clash.

Here’s a look at the events:

‘King of Storms’ to make landfall

Super Typhoon Ragasa is likely to make landfall in China’s Guangdong province today, where nearly 3.7 lakh people have already been moved to safety. Authorities have warned of a “catastrophic” situation.

China’s weather bureau has described Ragasa as the “King of Storms”.

The typhoon is expected to hold its strength as it approaches Guangdong, impacting Hong Kong, mainland China and Taiwan, after battering the northern Philippines on Monday.

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In Guangdong, over 11 cities including Shenzhen and Zhuhai have shut schools, offices and transport services amid alerts for storm surges and large waves.

New Thailand PM’s cabinet to take oath

Thailand’s new Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s cabinet will be sworn in this evening at Bangkok’s Dusit Palace.

They will take their oath before the King and Queen ahead of presenting a policy statement to parliament, a formality before ministers begin work.

Anutin, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, was chosen as prime minister by parliament last month.

He replaces Paetongtarn Shinawatra of the Pheu Thai Party, who was dismissed after being found guilty of ethical misconduct over a phone call with Cambodia’s Senate President Hun Sen.

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The controversy was followed by a border clash between Thailand and Cambodia in July that left several dead.

Rahul Gandhi, Kharge to attend key meeting in Patna

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge will attend the party’s working committee meeting in Patna today.

At a press briefing, AICC Bihar in-charge Krishna Allavaru said the Congress was fighting “the second war of Independence” in Bihar, which is why the meeting is being held there.

“At the CWC meeting, we will be having AICC president Mr. Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi. All other CWC members have also been invited. Chief Ministers of Congress-ruled States are also expected,” he stated.

Global Sumud Flotilla heads for Gaza

The Global Sumud Flotilla, a group of small boats carrying aid for Gaza and activists from 44 nations, will leave today from Catania in Italy.

Israel has declared it will not allow the flotilla to reach Gaza.

Last week, climate activist Greta Thunberg was taken off the Global Sumud Flotilla’s Steering Committee.

The convoy first departed Barcelona on August 31 but had to return to port before setting off again the following day due to rough weather.

Asia Cup 2025: India vs Bangladesh

After defeating Pakistan in a hard-fought clash, India will meet Bangladesh in another Asia Cup Super 4 contest today.

For Bangladesh, at least one win in these matches is crucial to keep alive their hopes of making the tournament final.

With inputs from agencies