BBC News

Jason Arday death 'tragedy on so many levels' says PM
Andy Burnham says the former Cambridge professor's death is a "really sad, sad and sorry state of affairs".

Analysis: Arday's death will send shockwaves through a divided academia
Barely 1% of professors at UK universities are black, so he was joining a small and highly visible minority in academia, writes Education Editor Branwen Jeffreys.

Powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake kills at least 47 in Indonesia
A search and rescue operation is under way to find survivors in Flores, an island in eastern Indonesia.

Thousands of Bonnie Tyler fans line the streets as coffin taken to Swansea home
The Total Eclipse of the Heart singer died last month in a hospital in Portugal.

Met Police apologises for data breach involving alleged Al Fayed victims
Scotland Yard copied in all those who had signed up to receive a monthly update.

Sellers puzzled by unusual bulk orders suspect books being destroyed to train AI
Independent booksellers have seen scores of their novels being shipped to far-off warehouses.

When my dog died, my grief was overwhelming and complicated
The death of a much-loved pet can lead to a flood of emotions - including guilt, writes Helena Wilkinson.

Many Canadians are boycotting the US - here's where they're travelling instead
From exploring their own backyard to travelling abroad, many Canadians are spending their money elsewhere to send a message to the US president.

I wish I had been a more rebellious teenager, says Bella Ramsey
Ramsey stars in a new film about a cancer survivor who attends “chemo camp” and finds friendship, love and freedom.

Five years after the Taliban swept to power, does the West have any influence?
Five years after the Taliban swept to power, many are asking whether the West has any bargaining chips left

Europe's scorched landscapes seen from space after summer heatwaves
From glaciers shrinking to an exposed shipwreck,  satellites capture the impact of extreme heat and drought.

Five injured, one critically, in shooting at Virginia State University
Multiple suspects were involved in the incident in the early hours of Saturday, the university said.

Moment family rescued after 16 hours floating on jet ski off Thailand
A 50-year-old father and his two sons were found floating off Koh Samui island, a local official told AFP on Saturday.

Woman allegedly tasered, raped and beaten by ex-partner, court hears
The man, who is in his 40s, cannot be identified to protect the identity of the woman.

Riders pay tribute as Volta a Portugal resumes after Finlay Tarling's death
Finlay Tarling's father Michael, says it has been "heartbreaking and heartwarming" to recieve messages of support and happy photos of his son following the British cyclist's death.

Weekend to bring significant drop in temperatures as heatwave ends
Temperatures will tumble this weekend with the weather feeling noticeably cooler as the fifth widespread heatwave of the year comes to an end.

Sadie Sink and Adam Driver to star in new X-Men movie
Heartstopper's Kit Connor and Christopher Abbot are also joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

'I started in my 20s and made £8,000': Why women are often better investors than men
Women can make higher returns but only about a quarter of UK women have investments, compared with about 40% of men.

The 101-year-old who created a dolls' house museum with her childhood toys
Val discovers her childhood toys in an attic and decides to put them on display.

Peter James returns to Sussex with his 57 animals
The Brighton-born Roy Grace author moves to a new home in Pulborough in West Sussex.

Why are 'human fridges' being sold in Japan?
As Japan swelters through extreme summer heat, BBC Tokyo correspondent Kurumi Mori tries out a new way to cool down.

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What Next For Nigel Farage After The Clacton By-Election?
The parliamentary standards investigation into Farage's £5m gift has reopened.

Is Iran really trying to kill Trump?
How developed is the Tehran regime’s assassination operation abroad?

Belgian Pocognoli frontrunner to be Scotland boss
Former Monaco head coach Sebastien Pocognoli is identified by the Scottish FA as their prime candidate to replace Steve Clarke.

O'Connor leads heptathlon before final event, while Hunt eyes third gold
Ireland's Kate O'Connor is in pole position for heptathlon gold with just the 800m remaining at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, but Katarina Johnson-Thompson is out of contention.

Tarling family heartbroken as riders pay tribute to British cyclist
Finlay Tarling's father Michael, says it has been "heartbreaking and heartwarming" to recieve messages of support and happy photos of his son following the British cyclist's death.

Al Jazeera

How blind football is helping women overcome barriers in Mexico
Mexico is sending its first blind women's football team to compete in an international tournament. Players cannot wait.

The next Yemen war might be different
Drones are no longer the advantage for only one side.   

Afghans mark five years of Taliban rule
Afghans have gathered in Kabul to mark five years since the Taliban returned to power.

Black professor at centre of Cambridge plagiarism row found dead
Dr Jason Arday has been found dead days after resigning from Cambridge University due to plagiarism allegations.

Vienna woman sues city for discrimination over toilet fees
An Austrian activist in Vienna is challenging the city over public toilet fees.

Five wounded in shooting at Virginia State University, multiple suspects
Police found the gunshot victims near the US university's halls of residence.

Five years on, how will Taliban deal with armed opposition?
The United Nations says armed groups opposed to the government remain active.

Afghan refugees face an uncertain future as Europe shifts to the right
With the fall of the former government in Kabul, thousands of Afghans were forced to flee the country, many to Europe.

Is China seeking to copy Iran’s Strait of Hormuz blockade around Taiwan?
Taiwan has long prepared for a Chinese military invasion but wars in Iran and Ukraine expose new potential threats.

Modi threatens to target ‘intellectual Naxals’ in Independence Day speech
The Indian PM said Maoist-influenced Naxalite rebellion is largely gone, but its ideological backers still pose threat.

Aftermath of deadly Indonesia earthquake
Dozens of people have been killed after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake off Indonesia’s Flores Island.

Japanese minister visits shrine to war dead, angering China, South Korea
Defence Minister Koizumi's visit to Yasukuni Shrine comes on the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in WWII.

What the Taliban achieved and failed to achieve in five years
The Taliban government brought security and stability but is facing increasing alienation of the general population.

World Cup winner Ferran Torres joins Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona
The 26-year-old striker cost the Ligue 1 champions a reported 50 million euros ($58m) and has signed a five-year deal.

Arsenal vs Manchester City: Community Shield – prediction, lineups, teams
Premier League winners Arsenal and FA Cup holders Man City prepare to trade blows as English top-flight season nears.

At scene of deadly Israeli strike on Lebanon home
An overnight Israeli strike on a family home in Ansar, southern Lebanon, killed at least seven people.

Bangladesh rock Australia as historic Test win in sight
Australia close Day Three of the first Test against Bangladesh on 161-4, trailing the record-chasing tourists by 67.

FIFA World Cup and Olympics cited as Coe warns of politicians near sport
World Athletics' president says political influence in sport must be kept in check with LA Olympics on horizon.

Venus Williams hits 13-game tennis losing streak with Cincinnati Open exit
Seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams defeated 6-2, 6-2 by Emiliana Arango in the first round of Cincinnati Open.

The women India’s biggest river project forgot
As the Ken-Betwa dam displaces thousands, legal protections on compensation are being ignored.

Arteta assures Arsenal fans over contract before Man City clash
Mikel Arteta, who ended Arsenal's 22-year wait for a Premier League title, says contract negotiations will be resolved.

FIFA’s Infantino gets backing of White House chief Giuliani over World Cup
Andrew Giuliani, son of ex-New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, tells critics of FIFA's Gianni Infantino 'it's just politics'.

A Syrian intervention in Lebanon would be too costly for Damascus
Despite pressure from the US to intervene against Hezbollah, the Syrian government is unlikely to do so.

Israeli strikes kill 11 in southern Lebanon as attacks intensify
Hezbollah has warned that Israel’s attacks would be met with an 'appropriate response'.

Moment Israeli forces storm wedding hall in occupied West Bank
Israeli forces stormed a wedding hall in al-Eizariya town in the occupied West Bank and assaulted Palestinian attendees.

Global Times

Xi to address late Chinese leader Jiang Zemin's centenary commemoration
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central ...

GT Exclusive: Testimony across 80 years
"April 7, 1946. Cloudy. Very cool." In Nanjing, David Nelson Sutton, a US assistant prosecutor at the Tokyo Trial, wrote ...

GT on the spot: Nanjing Massacre memorial hall receives new evidence of Japanese invasion on 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender
August 15 this year marks the 81st anniversary of Japan's unconditional surrender in World War II. A ceremony themed “Nanjing ...

China's Defense Ministry spokesperson slams Japanese politicians' Yasukuni moves
The Yasukuni Shrine is a spiritual tool and symbol of Japanese militarism in launching wars of aggression against other countries, ...

On August 15, admitting guilt is Japan's only way out: Global Times editorial

Gaining a correct understanding of China begins with comprehending 'Chinese characteristics': Hai Feng
Hai Feng

What message do these three New York Times reports send to Taiwan region?: Hai Feng
Hai Feng

Japanese 'ghost-worshippers' should be treated like rats scurrying across the street and reviled by all
Global Times

How China's new environmental code translates national ecological goals into everyday rules
A power drill starts in a neighboring apartment just as someone is trying to sleep. Cooking fumes from the restaurant downstairs drift through an open window. A modified car roars past a residential compound, while a food delivery arrives wrapped in layers of plastic. According to China's new ...

From the grove to the sky: Chinese team develops drone made of bamboo-based composites
China reports 522,000 new COVID-19 cases, one death in July amid fluctuating upward trend

China reports 522,000 new COVID-19 cases, one death in July amid fluctuating upward trend
From the grove to the sky: Chinese team develops drone made of bamboo-based composites

Levee breach sealed in China's flood-hit Henan
A levee breach in central China's Henan Province was successfully sealed on Friday night after nearly two days of emergency repair work, local authorities said. Warhammer 40,000 tie-in draws young donors, shows power of pop culture in public welfare Cosplayers in brightly colored power armor, carrying replica weapons, posed in front of displays featuring quotations and insignia from Warhammer 40,000, which is regarded as one of the world's best-known ... On eve of 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender, China's MND warns against neo-militarism resurgence as Tokyo eyes record defense budget China's Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Friday warned of the dangers posed by Japan's neo-militarism, as Tokyo continues to expand its defense budget, develop offensive capabilities and aggressively expanded ...

Warhammer 40,000 tie-in draws young donors, shows power of pop culture in public welfare
Levee breach sealed in China's flood-hit Henan A levee breach in central China's Henan Province was successfully sealed on Friday night after nearly two days of emergency repair work, local authorities said. Cosplayers in brightly colored power armor, carrying replica weapons, posed in front of displays featuring quotations and insignia from Warhammer 40,000, which is regarded as one of the world's best-known ... On eve of 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender, China's MND warns against neo-militarism resurgence as Tokyo eyes record defense budget China's Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Friday warned of the dangers posed by Japan's neo-militarism, as Tokyo continues to expand its defense budget, develop offensive capabilities and aggressively expanded ...

On eve of 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender, China's MND warns against neo-militarism resurgence as Tokyo eyes record defense budget
Levee breach sealed in China's flood-hit Henan A levee breach in central China's Henan Province was successfully sealed on Friday night after nearly two days of emergency repair work, local authorities said. Warhammer 40,000 tie-in draws young donors, shows power of pop culture in public welfare Cosplayers in brightly colored power armor, carrying replica weapons, posed in front of displays featuring quotations and insignia from Warhammer 40,000, which is regarded as one of the world's best-known ... China's Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Friday warned of the dangers posed by Japan's neo-militarism, as Tokyo continues to expand its defense budget, develop offensive capabilities and aggressively expanded ...

Heavy R&D investment, strong policy support, and global cooperation drive rapid growth of China's innovative drug industry
Chinese driverless technology firm to deploy over 2,000 robotaxis in Europe

Chinese driverless technology firm to deploy over 2,000 robotaxis in Europe
Heavy R&D investment, strong policy support, and global cooperation drive rapid growth of China's innovative drug industry

China handles record number of rail passenger trips in January-July
China handled a record 2.8 billion railway passenger trips in the first seven months of 2026, the country's railway operator said Saturday.

China's Wingtech posts H1 loss amid Dutch restrictions on Nexperia, signals further effort to recover losses
Chinese semiconductor firm Wingtech Technology on Friday reported a net loss of 406 million yuan ($56.7 million) for the first half of 2026, swinging from a profit of 474 million ... Robot-run noodle shop begins trial in Beijing, with robots taking orders, cooking and serving A robot-powered noodle shop began trial operations on Friday in Beijing, offering bowls priced between 16 ($2.37) and 19 yuan. Ordering, cooking and serving are all handled without human involvement, ... South China's Guangdong launches first 'token loan' as Chinese localities bolster support for token economy South China's Guangdong Province on Friday launched its first dedicated financial product for the token economy, the “Token Loan,” in Guangzhou's Haizhu district, amid a wave of local initiatives to ...

Robot-run noodle shop begins trial in Beijing, with robots taking orders, cooking and serving
China's Wingtech posts H1 loss amid Dutch restrictions on Nexperia, signals further effort to recover losses Chinese semiconductor firm Wingtech Technology on Friday reported a net loss of 406 million yuan ($56.7 million) for the first half of 2026, swinging from a profit of 474 million ... A robot-powered noodle shop began trial operations on Friday in Beijing, offering bowls priced between 16 ($2.37) and 19 yuan. Ordering, cooking and serving are all handled without human involvement, ... South China's Guangdong launches first 'token loan' as Chinese localities bolster support for token economy South China's Guangdong Province on Friday launched its first dedicated financial product for the token economy, the “Token Loan,” in Guangzhou's Haizhu district, amid a wave of local initiatives to ...

South China's Guangdong launches first 'token loan' as Chinese localities bolster support for token economy
China's Wingtech posts H1 loss amid Dutch restrictions on Nexperia, signals further effort to recover losses Chinese semiconductor firm Wingtech Technology on Friday reported a net loss of 406 million yuan ($56.7 million) for the first half of 2026, swinging from a profit of 474 million ... Robot-run noodle shop begins trial in Beijing, with robots taking orders, cooking and serving A robot-powered noodle shop began trial operations on Friday in Beijing, offering bowls priced between 16 ($2.37) and 19 yuan. Ordering, cooking and serving are all handled without human involvement, ... South China's Guangdong Province on Friday launched its first dedicated financial product for the token economy, the “Token Loan,” in Guangzhou's Haizhu district, amid a wave of local initiatives to ...

Sea turtles return to sea amid Singapore's conservation efforts
A sea turtle crawls toward the sea after being released on Small Sister's Island in Singapore, Aug. 14, 2026. Singapore's National Parks Board (NParks) launched a sea turtle conservation program ... Lake Songhua Resort in NE China turns into year-round tourism destination A drone photo taken on Aug. 12, 2026 shows tourists watching sunrise at the Lake Songhua Resort in Jilin City, northeast China's Jilin Province. The Lake Songhua Resort, located in ... In pics: red-crowned cranes at Zhalong National Nature Reserve in NE China Tourists view red-crowned cranes at Zhalong National Nature Reserve in Qiqihar, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Aug. 13, 2026.

Lake Songhua Resort in NE China turns into year-round tourism destination
Sea turtles return to sea amid Singapore's conservation efforts A sea turtle crawls toward the sea after being released on Small Sister's Island in Singapore, Aug. 14, 2026. Singapore's National Parks Board (NParks) launched a sea turtle conservation program ... A drone photo taken on Aug. 12, 2026 shows tourists watching sunrise at the Lake Songhua Resort in Jilin City, northeast China's Jilin Province. The Lake Songhua Resort, located in ... In pics: red-crowned cranes at Zhalong National Nature Reserve in NE China Tourists view red-crowned cranes at Zhalong National Nature Reserve in Qiqihar, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Aug. 13, 2026.

In pics: red-crowned cranes at Zhalong National Nature Reserve in NE China
Sea turtles return to sea amid Singapore's conservation efforts A sea turtle crawls toward the sea after being released on Small Sister's Island in Singapore, Aug. 14, 2026. Singapore's National Parks Board (NParks) launched a sea turtle conservation program ... Lake Songhua Resort in NE China turns into year-round tourism destination A drone photo taken on Aug. 12, 2026 shows tourists watching sunrise at the Lake Songhua Resort in Jilin City, northeast China's Jilin Province. The Lake Songhua Resort, located in ... Tourists view red-crowned cranes at Zhalong National Nature Reserve in Qiqihar, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Aug. 13, 2026.

Chinese animated hit "All Wishes Come True" makes North American premiere
Chinese animated fantasy-comedy "All Wishes Come True" held its North American premiere Thursday night in Los Angeles, ahead of its theatrical release across the United States and Canada on Friday.

A clown, an apple, and 6 million likes: Chinese acrobatics finds a new generation
Chinese real estate entrepreneur wins Korean literary award, 'atypical writer' turns Everest experiences into literature

Chinese real estate entrepreneur wins Korean literary award, 'atypical writer' turns Everest experiences into literature
A clown, an apple, and 6 million likes: Chinese acrobatics finds a new generation

Svoboda.org

Российские власти усилят контроль за поездками граждан
Проект приказа опубликован на портале нормативно-правовых актов

В Индонезии произошло мощное землетрясение, не менее 38 погибших
В эпицентре землетрясения магнитуда была 7,7 балла

В Италии нашли украденные картины Ренуара, Сезанна и Матисса
По делу проходят девять молдавских граждан

ФСБ арестовала петербуржца по делу о подготовке теракта в Ставрополе
Его обвиняют в подготовке поджога железнодорожных цистерн

Банк Swissquote в Швейцарии закрывает счета россиян, в том числе с ПМЖ
Речь идет о необанке Yuh

Белый дом: Трамп сосредоточен на пополнении американских арсеналов
Президент США Дональд Трамп сосредоточен на восстановлении американских арсеналов, а не на передаче боеприпасов другим странам. Об этом заявила пресс-секретарь Белого дома Кэролайн Левитт, отвечая на вопрос журналистов о просьбе Киева предоставить вооружения. "Президент с первого дня сосредоточился на восстановлении нашего арсенала", – сказала Левитт. Она назвала "трагичной" политику предшественника Трампа Джо Байдена в отношении поставок оружия другим странам. При этом представитель...

В Днепропетровской области в результате атаки дронов погиб младенец
В Одесской области целями атаки России были порты

Дроны атаковали промышленное предприятие в Самарской области
Украинские источники сообщают об ударе по космическому центру "Прогресс"

Трамп заявил, что объявит Ормузский пролив "территорией США"
Это произойдёт после поражения Ирана

Судят участника войны, призывавшего военных РФ сдаваться в плен
Его обвиняют в том числе в госизмене

Суд не допустил кандидата от КПРФ Матвеева на выборы в Госдуму
Он "нарушил авторские права", использовав в агитации шрифты Microsoft

В Москве на Пушкинской площади задержали журналистов
Они планировали освещать несостоявшийся пикет за "Яблоко"

На жителя Кургана составили протокол: он слушал песню в интернете
Песня оказалась внесена в список "экстремистских"

Лавров объяснил отказ РФ замораживать конфликт "подвигом дедов"
Лавров признал, что "всё больше и больше голосов призывают немедленно остановиться"

Минюст России признал нежелательными ещё пять организаций
Из США, Германии, Италии и Грузии

Во Франции заблокировали решение о запрете соцсетей для детей
Конституционный совет счёл ограничения несоразмерными

"Яблоко" подало апелляцию на решение об отстранении от выборов
Её рассмотрят 17 августа

Жертвой покушения в Польше должен был стать рэпер Киевстонер
ФСБ считает, что рэпер причастен к подготовке диверсий СБУ

В странах Центральной Азии масштабное отключение электричества
Пострадали Казахстан, Узбекистан, Таджикистан и Кыргызстан.

Более 1200 россиян осудили за "терроризм" в первую половину 2026 года
В день выносят по 10 приговоров

Africanews

Tributes pour in for Jason Arday after his sudden death
Friends have paid tribute to British sociologist and professor Jason Arday following his death, days after he stepped down from Cambridge amid intense scrutiny over plagiarism allegations.

Taliban authorities mark five years ruling Afghanistan
Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers on Saturday marked five years since sweeping back to power.

Burkina Faso imposes military training on journalists
More than 40 journalists in Burkina Faso have taken part in a military-style "patriotism" training course imposed by the authoritarian ruling junta.

UN says $50 million ransom fueled Al-Qaeda offensive in Mali
According to a new UN report, most of the money was redistributed to fighters in the Sahel, while some was passed on to Al-Qaeda’s affiliate in the Arabian Peninsula and to the group’s central command.

Morocco and Spain boost security in Ceuta as another call for border rush seen online
Moroccan authorities on Wednesday announced measures to counter a new influx of migrants to the Spanish territory of Ceuta, after monitoring a new wave of online disinformation.

UN calls for negotiations to end the conflict in Mozambique
A military victory over jihadist insurgents in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province does not appear imminent, according to a report by a United Nations special rapporteur released Friday.

Central African Republic: Muslims return as Sibut rebuilds
Years after civil war drove many Muslims from Sibut, the call to prayer is echoing again from the town’s rebuilt central mosque. Returning residents and Christian neighbours are seeking to restore trust and revive a community once known for peaceful coexistence.

Zambia resumes counting after violence disrupts election process
Zambia has resumed vote counting after a nationwide suspension over election-related violence, with the Electoral Commission saying security threats have been contained. The first presidential results are expected at 10:00 p.m. local time, or 2000 GMT.

South African lawmakers question effectiveness of army deployment against gang Violence
Officials have maintained that the military deployment is intended to support—not replace—long-term policing efforts, but lawmakers say urgent changes are needed if the operation is to have any meaningful impact.

Survivors recount horror as Zimbabwe Lake Kariba ferry death toll hits 46
Grieving families gathered at a mortuary in Kariba on Thursday as the death toll from Tuesday’s ferry disaster on Lake Kariba rose to 46, while survivors described the desperate struggle to escape the sinking vessel.

China and Egypt launch second joint air force exercise
The exercises reflect growing defense ties between Beijing and Cairo as both countries expand military cooperation through joint training and strategic exchanges.

Croatia wildfire near Omiš injures residents and disrupts holiday travel
A major wildfire near Omiš, around 25 kilometres south-east of Split, forced about 1,200 residents and tourists to evacuate overnight on Thursday and into Friday as strong winds drove the flames towards the coastal town.

Zambia's opposition leader expresses 'grave concern' as vote count suspended
Just hours after Zambia’s electoral commission suspended vote counting nationwide, opposition presidential candidate Brian Mundubile raised “grave concern,” calling for full transparency amid reports of violence.

Zambia suspends vote counting after election violence
Official presidential results are expected on Monday, with authorities appealing for calm as election officials work to resolve the disruptions and resume the counting process.

Worries grow over mysterious illness killing Kenyan elephants
Worries over the death of elephants are mounting in southern Kenya, where at least 19 animals have died since June from an unexplained condition. With symptoms including partial paralysis, conservationists and communities are demanding urgent investigations into what is killing the elephants.

War in Ukraine: Deadly Russian air raid on Kramatorsk leaves 1 dead and 17 wounded
At least one person was killed and 17 injured in a Russian airstrike on Kramatorsk in eastern Ukraine overnight, according to Ukraine’s State Emergency Service.

Rome’s Colosseum extends cool night tours as heatwaves scorch city
Rome’s Colosseum is opening late four nights a week this summer, offering fully booked evening tours as a cooler, more magical way to visit.

AI could transform African agriculture but access remains a major challenge
Senior FAO official for Africa Meshack Malo described artificial intelligence as a powerful tool for farmers, stressing the need for Africa datasets, language models, research capacity and agritech firms, to enable the continent to be not only the consumer but the driver of the technology.

Emmy-nominated director looks to Tupac trial for long-awaited closure
Emmy-nominated director Alexandria Stapleton is hoping the trial of a man accused of orchestrating Tupac Shakur’s 1996 killing will bring answers and “some sort of closure” to the rapper’s family, friends and fans.

Chad's president pardons opposition leader and former prime minister Succes Masra
The presidency has not provided further details on the reasons behind the pardon, and it remains unclear whether the move could open the door to renewed political dialogue between the government and the opposition.

Activists attempt to deliver supplies to besieged Palestinian families
Three homes in the village of Qusra in the occupied West Bank have been under an almost week-long siege by Israeli settlers.

From Research to the Field: Transforming Africa’s Seed Systems
On the occasion of its 20th anniversary, AGRA looks back on a transformation that starts with a seed, but goes far beyond it.

In quake-hit Cali, ‘hugs here’ station brings comfort amid rubble
In quake-hit Cali, residents find comfort at a “hugs here” station, as Andres Solomon and volunteers share solidarity while rescuers clear rubble.

Turkey urges Egypt to join its defence pact with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan
The trilateral deal signed last week stipulates that an attack on any of the three states will be treated as an attack on all.

Vietnam police seize nearly 1.2 tonnes of ivory hidden in timber logs
Vietnamese police have seized nearly 1.2 tonnes of ivory at Quy Nhon port, in Gia Lai province.

Colombia earthquake: Dog rescued alive as 72-hour window closes
Colombia rescuers treated a dog pulled alive from earthquake rubble in Cali on Thursday, as emergency teams made a final push to find survivors before the critical 72-hour window closed.

Nigeria’s Muslim and Christian leaders sign new peace accord
More than 50 Muslim and Christian leaders have signed a new peace accord in Nigeria, aiming to ease religious tensions and promote harmony.

Burkina Faso: Appeal delays trial of Norbert Zongo murder accused
The Attorney General said three prominent figures were to go on trial to answer to charges of murder, aggravated destruction of property, and complicity in murder.

Unprecedented rainfall in Japan leaves at least four dead in Chiba prefecture
Unprecedented rainfall battered Japan on Thursday, leaving at least four people dead and flooding parts of Chiba prefecture, east of Tokyo. Authorities issued the region’s highest-level rain warning for the first time, while landslide alerts and power cuts affected thousands of residents.

France wildfire forces 525 people to flee as Landes forest burns
France evacuated about 500 people from the village of Luglon on Thursday, 13 August, as a fast-moving wildfire swept through drought-hit pine forest in the Landes.

DR Congo's fastest-growing ebola outbreak spreads to sixth province
The World Health Organization says it on track to surpass the deadliest in history, which killed over 11,000 people a decade ago.

Wildfire forces evacuation of 1,000 as flames sweep Croatia’s coast
Croatia is battling a wildfire that swept through vegetation and homes in Lokva Rogoznica on Thursday, 13 August, forcing about 1,000 residents and tourists to evacuate.

Cuba marks 100th anniversary of Fidel Castro's birth amid energy crisis
Cubans are facing food and water shortages, and chronic power cuts, exacerbated by a US oil embargo, with some asking whether his successors are up to the job.

Vote counting underway in Zambia after presidential election
Vote counting is underway after Zambians cast ballots Thursday in a presidential election testing incumbent Hakainde Hichilema’s economic record against widespread frustration over the cost of living. About 8 million voters were registered, with results expected Monday.

Zimbabwe's Kariba ferry disaster victims honoured as death toll reaches 44
Hundreds gathered for a memorial service in northern Zimbabwe on Thursday to honour victims of the Lake Kariba ferry disaster, which killed at least 44 people. Survivors recalled a desperate struggle for life as the vessel capsized in rough waters.

Mali frees 82 soldiers held by militants, pardons French embassy official
Mali says 82 soldiers held captive since deadly attacks in April have been freed by armed groups, in a rare breakthrough as the country battles jihadist and rebel insurgencies. The junta also pardoned a French embassy official accused of spying and ordered his expulsion.

Displaced families and hospitals struggle as Sudan's war ravages El-Obeid
The war, which began in April 2023, has killed at least 59,000 people, displaced around 13 million, and pushed large parts of Sudan into famine.

Doku commits to Manchester City until 2031 in five-year deal
Jérémy Doku has signed a new five-year contract with Manchester City, keeping the Belgium winger at the Etihad until 2031. The 24-year-old has become a key part of the squad since joining from Rennes in 2023.

One dead, several injured in Rotterdam port blast at Gunvor refinery
The Netherlands is investigating an explosion at the port of Rotterdam that killed one person and injured several others on Thursday, 13 August. The blast happened at about 11:30 a.m. at an oil facility in the Europoort industrial section of Europe’s largest port.

Brussels unveils giant flower carpet inspired by Hokusai masterpiece
Brussels has transformed its historic Grand Place into a giant floral version of Japan’s Great Wave off Kanagawa, using around 500,000 dahlias laid out over 1,300 square metres of cobblestones.

Ecuador police seize 370kg of cocaine near Colombian border
Ecuadorian police have seized hundreds of kilograms of cocainee in an area known as Guagua Negro near the Colombian border. Anti-narcotics officers spotted a suspicious truck during an operation and moved in.

France opens disciplinary proceedings against ambassador to Central African Republic
The case comes at a sensitive time for French diplomacy. Paris has been working to restore ties with the Central African Republic after relations deteriorated in recent years as Russia expanded its influence in the country through the Wagner paramilitary group

Zambians vote as Hichilema’s economic record faces crucial test
Zambians began voting Thursday in a presidential election testing President Hakainde Hichilema’s economic record amid widespread frustration over the cost of living. Millions are also choosing lawmakers and local councillors in a one-day vote expected to produce results on Monday.

Iran says Strait of Hormuz will stay blocked despite Trump’s claim of ‘total control’
The Strait of Hormuz remains blocked and Iran says it will stay that way until its conditions are accepted.

South Africa seeks reimbursement from African countries for migrant repatriations
South African law enforcement officials said last week they would intensify operations targeting illegal migration and related offenses.

RSF claims key victory in Sudan’s Blue Nile region
Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, or RSF, say they have taken full control of Geissan, in the Blue Nile region, near the Ethiopian border.

Putin watches Russian navy drills off Russia's Sakhalin Island
Russia's President Vladimir Putin observed naval exercises off Sakhalin Island on Thursday before travelling to the disputed Kuril Islands, prompting a strong protest from Japan.

Russian drone strikes passenger train in Odesa region, killing driver
A Russian Shahed drone struck a passenger train in Ukraine’s Odesa region on 13 August 2026, killing the driver and his assistant and forcing the evacuation of 340 passengers, including 67 children, in the Berezivka district.

West Africa: gold rush reshapes the mining market [Business Africa]
Soaring gold prices are reshaping the investment landscape across West Africa. In the first quarter of 2026, global demand reached 1,231 tonnes, representing a record $193 billion market up 74% year-on-year.

Nigeria's rescued kidnap victims face physical and psychological toll
Fifty-seven residents of Woro, rescued earlier this month, are being treated at a hospital in Ilorin, with most of the suffering notably from malnutrition.