BBC News

Harry and Meghan's return to UK reignites questions over security
Their surprise announcement means a fresh decision will need to be made on the level of publicly funded protection they are entitled to.

Watch: What does Harry's return mean for his fractured relationship with William?
The brothers have had a fractured relationship for a number of years.

Five key takeaways from GCSE results day 2026
Resits are up, the gap between boys and girls has shrunk and England's regional divide has widened.

US says sanctions will 'squash' Iran's economy and 'collapse' its regime
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says allies will need to decide whether they "are with us or against us".

Academic who accused Jason Arday of plagiarism suspended by university
Nathan Cofnas says he is being investigated for discriminating against the late Cambridge professor.

John Swinney defends £45,000 business-class flights to World Cup
The Scottish government spent almost £100,000 on official visits to the United States in June.

UK, France, Germany, Italy and Canada condemn Israel's West Bank settlement project
European countries and Canada pile on pressure over Israel's plans to expand settlements in a strategically vital part of the occupied West Bank.

Belgian car salesman becomes prince after royal parentage confirmed
Clément Vandenkerckhove was quietly brought into Prince Laurent's family at a town hall ceremony.

BBC DJ Trevor Nelson reveals brain tumour surgery 'went well'
The 62-year-old said that his "world was turned upside down" when a brain tumour was discovered.

Man charged over Manchester synagogue attack
Police say the man is accused of failing to disclose information regarding terrorist activity.

Alcaraz to play US Open after four months out
Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz is set to make his return at the US Open after missing four months with a wrist injury.

Is Vine back? Short-form video-sharing app Divine opens to public
The app lets users create six-second looping videos and hosts more than two million classic videos.

'Relentless' GCSE resit cycle 'simply not working', school and college leaders say
Pass rates for maths and English resits remain significantly lower than students taking them for the first time.

What are BTecs and how are they graded?
Hundreds of thousands of students do the vocational qualifications known as BTecs every year.

What are T-levels and what are the grades worth?
T-levels are equivalent to three A-levels, and focus on practical rather than academic subjects.

Harry and Meghan are experts in surprise - but why are they returning to UK now?
The sudden decision to return leaves lots of questions for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Royal Family.

How did some houses survive the Stourbridge fire while neighbours lost everything?
One question asked by many after last week's fire is why some homes escaped unscathed?

Which supplements do athletes take and why?
There is a long list of supplements taken by elite athletes in the pursuit of marginal gains - what do they take and why?

Anger and fear over 'dangerous' illegal e-motorbike riders
West Sussex residents describe regularly seeing riders performing wheelies and riding on pavements at high speed.

The dangers of politicians being 'too online' - or not online enough
In an era when reputations can be made or broken with a single post, getting the balance right is tricky.

Key Trump aide Natalie Harp suddenly in spotlight after years behind scenes
Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff used a speech to note the closeness of one aide to the president.

Coolcations: 'They used to joke about our weather - now they can't wait for the rain'
The Scottish weather is no longer a joke as visitors head north from the rest of the UK to cool down.

Russia 'purposefully' hit critical infrastructure in latest strikes, Kyiv mayor says
At least 17 people were killed in the "massive attack" overnight on Ukraine's capital, as mayor Vitali Klitschko warns hot water supply has been disrupted.

Travelodge boss resigns as chain tackles security after sex assault at hotel
Jo Boydell had been criticised for the company's handling of issues with its safety and security.

School 'deeply saddened' by death of family in sea off Shoreham
Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls in Ealing pays tribute to Sara El-Khawas, 14, and her family who died.

Missing teen hiker found dead in Australian bush after eight-day search
The state premier initially said Lily Hooper had been found alive before police confirmed her death.

Como mayor hit by electric bike and issues blanket ban in Italian city
Alessandro Rapinese said the prohibition was for public safety, adding "I know what it's like to be hit by one of these beasts".

Giant whales move into Greenland waters as ice disappears
Melting sea ice from climate change has opened up the region for giant whales to undertake "feeding frenzies".

US national debt passes $40tn after doubling in a decade
It comes after the interest rate on 30-year bonds reached the highest level in almost 20 years.

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Can Andy Burnham End Rough Sleeping?
The PM says every rough sleeper in England will be offered accommodation this winter.

Who is Trump aide Natalie Harp… and why are Democrats targeting her?
And, will Trump be forever dogged by his war with Iran?

Brook as talented as Gower and Pietersen but not ready to be captain - Agnew
England batsman Harry Brook was not ready to be Test captain but his knock at Headingley should be his batting blueprint for the future, writes Jonathan Agnew.

Liverpool have £50m bid rejected for Brighton's Minteh
Liverpool have a £50m bid rejected by Brighton for their winger Yankuba Minteh.

Seven defenders on the books - why Arsenal still want Konsa
Arsenal have already spent more than £100m this summer as they look to defend their Premier League title - so why do they want Ezri Konsa as well?

US Open offers biggest prize fund in Grand Slam history
The US Open will offer the biggest prize fund in Grand Slam history with a total of $108 million (£79.2m) on offer - marking a 20% increase on last year.

Brook shines as England take control against Pakistan
WWatch highlights as Harry Brook shines in the Headingley gloom as England build a commanding 195-run lead over Pakistan on a shortened second day of the first Test.

Al Jazeera

US pummels Cuban economy with new sanctions on mining, construction
US economic restrictions have strained the island's already fragile economy, prompting blackouts and medical shortages.

Landslide at illegal gold mine kills 13 people in Colombia
At least 13 people have been killed and seven others injured in an unlicensed gold mine in southwest Colombia.

Hundreds of Tibetans protest China’s ethnic unity law by shaving heads
A protest organised by hundreds of Tibetans in New Delhi led many exiles to shave their heads.

Heartbreak, loss on Lebanon’s front lines, the story of a first responder
Heartbreak, loss on Lebanon’s front lines, the story of a first responder

Four railway workers killed by express train at station in Japan
Four railway workers spraying herbicide on tracks north of Tokyo were killed by an express train.

DR Congo to receive 70,000 doses of Ervebo vaccine as Ebola infections surge
WHO says vaccines for Ebola virus disease being allocated to DRC amid largest outbreak that has killed nearly 2,500.

Amputee children learn to swim after losing limbs in Israel’s war on Gaza
Amputee children in Gaza are learning to swim as part of a programme helping them rebuild confidence and mobility.

Syria’s civil society navigates post-Assad era: Partnership or control?
Syria's civil society grapples with redefining its role as the state reasserts itself after Assad's fall.

Brook makes Pakistan pay for dropped catch as England dominate first Test
England were 366-8 at stumps on a rain-marred second day, 195 runs ahead of Pakistan's meagre first innings of 171.

Could US sanctions destroy the International Criminal Court?
Washington's new measures against the ICC have been widely condemned but welcomed by Israel.

Walmart sees sales drop as US consumer spending retreats
Fuel prices above $4 per gallon impact consumer behaviour, driving spending trade-offs and slowing Walmart's growth.

University suspends US academic leading Jason Arday plagiarism accusations
Researcher Nathan Cofnas, an outspoken critic of DEI, was himself sacked from Cambridge in 2024 over his views on race.

Arsenal vs Coventry: Premier League – prediction, lineups, teams
Holders Arsenal face Coventry in the Premier League opener with doubts over Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka's match fitness.

US Treasury secretary says new economic measures will ‘collapse’ Iran
Scott Bessent has not said if countries such as China could be targeted in an effort to economically isolate Tehran.

Fishermen rescued after five days clinging to cooler at sea
Fishermen were rescued after being found floating in the Pacific where they spent five days clinging to a fish cooler

Jewish-American barred by Israel calls settler violence ‘state terror’
Jewish-American activist says Israel barred his re-entry over his work with Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

James Harden agrees to three-year, $97m Cleveland Cavaliers deal: Report
Harden previously declined $42.3m player ⁠option on his contract in bid to secure a multi-year basketball deal.

Thai schools hold shooter drills after deadly attack
Schools across Thailand are carrying out active shooter drills to save lives and spread awareness.

Ahmad Hassoun, Assad’s ‘barrel bomb mufti’, faces Damascus court verdict
Who is Ahmad Hassoun, the 'barrel bomb mufti' close to the inner circle of the al-Assad regime?

FBI raids ex-US Representative Swalwell’s home amid sexual misconduct probe
Swalwell, a vocal Trump critic, resigned from Congress and dropped out of California governor's race amid allegations.

Dozens dead after boat capsizes in northwestern Nigeria
Residents say at least 46 bodies already recovered, as rescue operations continue before officials can confirm toll.

First group of US deportees, out of an expected 1,200, arrive in Liberia
Liberia is part of a growing list of partners under US President Donald Trump to accept third-country deportations.

The road to el-Obeid, Sudan’s besieged city sheltering thousands
Al Jazeera’s AlMigdad Alruhaid travelled along one of the main supply roads to Sudan’s besieged city of el-Obeid.

Russian paramilitaries in Mali kill nine, including children: HRW
Human Rights Watch alleges that the killings by Africa Corps troops took place in the presence of Malian soldiers.

Carlos Alcaraz confirms US Open return after four-month injury layoff
Spanish tennis star had missed the French Open, ‌Wimbledon and the hard-court events in Toronto and ​Cincinnati.

Global Times

Why China is carrying out construction at Lingyang Jiao: Experts cite sovereignty, livelihoods and public services
Some foreign media have recently renewed hypes over China's construction at Lingyang Jiao in the Xisha Qundao (Xisha Islands), claiming ...

Chinese FM urges greater progress in China-South Korea strategic cooperative partnership in meeting with SK president
Fresh progress in China-South Korean ties was on display in another high-level exchange held Thursday between the two sides, following ...

Russia holds missile drills near Southern Kuril Islands as tensions with Japan rise; expert notes Japan's isolated position in Northeast Asia
Amid escalating tensions with Japan over the Southern Kuril Islands, Russia's Pacific Fleet carried out a missile strike against simulated ...

African delegates give thumbs up to China's efforts to narrow the digital divide at media forum
Clapping to the beat and humming the famous Chinese folk song “Jasmine Flower,” one of the African delegates at the ...

Time for Wall Street Journal, the 'self-styled preacher,' to leave the podium: Global Times editorial

Australian envoy wants to revive US' rusting 'Indo-Pacific' anti-China network? Pure fantasy
Global Times

GT Voice: Why private investors remain wary of US' rare-earth push
Global Times

More global travelers are going beyond China's megacities to experience farming, village life and local traditions firsthand
Some global travelers are increasingly venturing beyond China's megacities and into its countryside, drawn by hands-on farming experiences, rural traditions and a authentic glimpse of everyday life. The trend reflects a broader shift toward experiential tourism, while offering Chinese villages new opportunities for cultural exchange, international visibility ...

China, Russia launch fourth joint Arctic scientific expedition, process lasts about 62 days: report
Antarctic ice sheet loss temporarily slows due to remote influence of tropical warm pool: Chinese, foreign scientists

Antarctic ice sheet loss temporarily slows due to remote influence of tropical warm pool: Chinese, foreign scientists
China, Russia launch fourth joint Arctic scientific expedition, process lasts about 62 days: report

Veteran surgeon safeguards health in northwest China's Xinjiang
Why China is carrying out construction at Lingyang Jiao: Experts cite sovereignty, livelihoods and public services Some foreign media have recently renewed hypes over China's construction at Lingyang Jiao in the Xisha Qundao (Xisha Islands), claiming that the completed first phase could become part of China's ... Zhuang Shihua (1st L) visits a patient (2nd L) for free clinic service in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 27, 2026. Zhuang Shihua, a veteran hepatobiliary surgeon ... Chinese scientists find 11 embryos in 244-million-year-old ichthyosaur Mixosaurus fossil, giving clue to reproduction of ancient marine reptile Chinese scientists studying a 244-million-year-old ichthyosaur Mixosaurus fossil from Southwest China's Guizhou Province found at least 11 embryos inside the specimen. The discovery sets a new record for the highest ...

Chinese scientists find 11 embryos in 244-million-year-old ichthyosaur Mixosaurus fossil, giving clue to reproduction of ancient marine reptile
Why China is carrying out construction at Lingyang Jiao: Experts cite sovereignty, livelihoods and public services Some foreign media have recently renewed hypes over China's construction at Lingyang Jiao in the Xisha Qundao (Xisha Islands), claiming that the completed first phase could become part of China's ... Veteran surgeon safeguards health in northwest China's Xinjiang Zhuang Shihua (1st L) visits a patient (2nd L) for free clinic service in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 27, 2026. Zhuang Shihua, a veteran hepatobiliary surgeon ... Chinese scientists studying a 244-million-year-old ichthyosaur Mixosaurus fossil from Southwest China's Guizhou Province found at least 11 embryos inside the specimen. The discovery sets a new record for the highest ...

China's H1 humanoid robot shipments top 40,000 units: report
From building models to task execution: MiniMax's new AI agent highlights China's growing agent sector

From building models to task execution: MiniMax's new AI agent highlights China's growing agent sector
China's H1 humanoid robot shipments top 40,000 units: report

Kyrgyzstan, Vietnam join visa-free list
Starting on Thursday, citizens of Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam became eligible for China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy and Hainan's 30-day visa-free entry policy, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced on the same day. Upon the new policy's implementation, China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy now covers 57 countries, and Hainan's ...

Foxconn launches urgent multi-city recruitment drive in China, reportedly to ramp up Apple iPhone 18 series production
With Apple's autumn launch event approaching, contract manufacturer Foxconn is rolling out a large-scale urgent recruitment campaign in China. Since mid-August, Foxconn's core plants in Zhengzhou, Shenzhen, Nanning and other ... River-to-sea vessel under development, expected to debut next year: executive of Pinglu Canal Group With the opening of the Pinglu Canal in South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in sight, a new river-to-sea direct transport mode is set to be made possible, allowing seagoing ... Unitree Robotics shares plunge 18% on 2nd trading day after 460% debut surge; analysts see it as normal adjustment Shares of Unitree Robotics tumbled than 18 percent on Thursday, their second day of trading, giving back a significant portion of the spectacular gains of 460 percent recorded on ...

River-to-sea vessel under development, expected to debut next year: executive of Pinglu Canal Group
Foxconn launches urgent multi-city recruitment drive in China, reportedly to ramp up Apple iPhone 18 series production With Apple's autumn launch event approaching, contract manufacturer Foxconn is rolling out a large-scale urgent recruitment campaign in China. Since mid-August, Foxconn's core plants in Zhengzhou, Shenzhen, Nanning and other ... With the opening of the Pinglu Canal in South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in sight, a new river-to-sea direct transport mode is set to be made possible, allowing seagoing ... Unitree Robotics shares plunge 18% on 2nd trading day after 460% debut surge; analysts see it as normal adjustment Shares of Unitree Robotics tumbled than 18 percent on Thursday, their second day of trading, giving back a significant portion of the spectacular gains of 460 percent recorded on ...

Unitree Robotics shares plunge 18% on 2nd trading day after 460% debut surge; analysts see it as normal adjustment
Foxconn launches urgent multi-city recruitment drive in China, reportedly to ramp up Apple iPhone 18 series production With Apple's autumn launch event approaching, contract manufacturer Foxconn is rolling out a large-scale urgent recruitment campaign in China. Since mid-August, Foxconn's core plants in Zhengzhou, Shenzhen, Nanning and other ... River-to-sea vessel under development, expected to debut next year: executive of Pinglu Canal Group With the opening of the Pinglu Canal in South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in sight, a new river-to-sea direct transport mode is set to be made possible, allowing seagoing ... Shares of Unitree Robotics tumbled than 18 percent on Thursday, their second day of trading, giving back a significant portion of the spectacular gains of 460 percent recorded on ...

How a 'Three-Body' fan became China's award-winning sci-fi writer
Before becoming an award-winning science fiction writer, Baoshu was simply a fan fascinated by Hugo Award winner Liu Cixin's The Three-Body Problem. His desire to explore the universe created by ... Scenery of clouds after rainfall at Jinshanling section of Great Wall in China's Hebei This photo taken on Aug. 19, 2026 shows the clouds scenery after rainfall at the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall, Luanping County of Chengde City, north China's Hebei Province. ... How an Iranian student embraces TCM as a way of healthy living Mohammad Abdi (R) learns about TCM herbal drinks from a doctor at Ningxia Chinese Medicine Research Center in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, on Aug. 15, 2026. Mohammad ...

Scenery of clouds after rainfall at Jinshanling section of Great Wall in China's Hebei
How a 'Three-Body' fan became China's award-winning sci-fi writer Before becoming an award-winning science fiction writer, Baoshu was simply a fan fascinated by Hugo Award winner Liu Cixin's The Three-Body Problem. His desire to explore the universe created by ... This photo taken on Aug. 19, 2026 shows the clouds scenery after rainfall at the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall, Luanping County of Chengde City, north China's Hebei Province. ... How an Iranian student embraces TCM as a way of healthy living Mohammad Abdi (R) learns about TCM herbal drinks from a doctor at Ningxia Chinese Medicine Research Center in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, on Aug. 15, 2026. Mohammad ...

How an Iranian student embraces TCM as a way of healthy living
How a 'Three-Body' fan became China's award-winning sci-fi writer Before becoming an award-winning science fiction writer, Baoshu was simply a fan fascinated by Hugo Award winner Liu Cixin's The Three-Body Problem. His desire to explore the universe created by ... Scenery of clouds after rainfall at Jinshanling section of Great Wall in China's Hebei This photo taken on Aug. 19, 2026 shows the clouds scenery after rainfall at the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall, Luanping County of Chengde City, north China's Hebei Province. ... Mohammad Abdi (R) learns about TCM herbal drinks from a doctor at Ningxia Chinese Medicine Research Center in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, on Aug. 15, 2026. Mohammad ...

Let traditional Chinese patterns shine with new splendor
Game Science unveils 15-minute 'Black Myth: Zhong Kui' trailer as fans hail 'Netflix-level' visuals

Game Science unveils 15-minute 'Black Myth: Zhong Kui' trailer as fans hail 'Netflix-level' visuals
Let traditional Chinese patterns shine with new splendor

Svoboda.org

Украина ввела санкции против создателей мультсериала "Маша и Медведь"
Это решение позволит запретить трансляцию мультсериала в Украине

Россияне стали активнее интересоваться отъездом из страны
Это происходит на фоне сообщений о возможной новой волне мобилизации

МВД РФ объявило в розыск журналиста FAZ Михаэля Мартенса
Против него возбудили дело из-за вопроса Зеленскому

МВД России объявило в розыск журналиста Дмитрия Еловского
По какой статье против него возбуждено дело, пока неизвестно

Жителю Волгоградской области отменили штраф за стрельбу по дрону
Суд также распорядился вернуть ему ружье

После начала сбора биометрии в Россию не пустили 70 тысяч иностранцев
Эксперимент был запущен 1 декабря 2024 года

Обвиняемый в нападении на Волкова отказался от своих показаний
В них он назвал заказчиком бизнесмена Леонида Невзлина

В Польше задержан подозреваемый в покушении на территории Украины
Его подозревают в покушении на убийство представителя украинской оружейной промышленности

Французский журнал опубликовал статью политзаключённого Мифтахова
Речь идёт о решении математической задачи

Кандидат от "Яблока": мэр поручил снять баннер "За мир и свободу"
Это произошло в Байкальске

Суд в Москве приговорил уроженца Кривого Рога к 17 годам колонии
По делу о госизмене

Путин помолился у мощей Дмитрия Донского. Их хотят отправить на фронт
В РПЦ заявили, что подлинность останков подтверждена

Германская контрразведка открыла горячую линию для граждан РФ и КНР
В связи с угрозами для них со стороны агентов их правительств

Самый молодой в "списке террористов" РФ родился в июне 2012 года
Об уголовном деле против подростка не сообщалось

Дрон с взрывчаткой уничтожен у румынской платформы в Чёрном море
Также на территории Румынии упал БПЛА

Трамп заявил об "экономическом дне Д" в отношении Ирана
Axios пишет, что военным США удалось наладить движение судов через Ормузский пролив

В Крыму - блэкаут после ударов по подстанциям
На улицы не вышел электротранспорт

Украинские беспилотники атаковали НПЗ в Нижнекамске
А также нефтяной терминал и подстанцию на Кубани

Россия нанесла массированный удар по Киеву. Более 10 погибших
В городе возникли пожары

В Израиле начали уголовное расследование гибели Хинд Раджаб
Военные признали, что открыли огонь по машине, в которой ехала девочка

Africanews

Phone app helps Kenya's visually impaired get around
A navigation tool built in Kenya is using AI to help people with visual impairment understand what lies ahead as they move through Nairobi. 'Sightra' runs as a phone based web app, detecting cars, trees, furniture and other obstacles in real time and sending spoken descriptions through an earpiece.

Egypt and Qatar stress need for dialogue over Strait of Hormuz
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani in Cairo on Thursday for talks on bilateral cooperation and regional deescalation.

RSF calls for release of French journalists detained in Togo
Advocacy group Reporters Without Borders is calling for the release of two French journalists and their fixer detained in Togo.

Cameroon's President Biya returns home after unexplained 10-week absence
President Paul Biya, 93, returned to Cameroon on Thursday, after a 73-day absence that fuelled speculation about his health.

DR Congo receives 70,000 Ebola vaccine doses for outbreak response
WHO experts say early evidence, including animal studies, suggests Ervebo could offer some protection—and the new trial will seek to establish whether that protection extends to humans.

Chinese court sentences founder of troubled property developer Evergrande to life in prison
Hui was fined 47 million yuan ($6.5 million) in 2024 and banned from China's securities markets for life by the China Securities Regulatory Commission over inflating company financial results, among other issues.

Spanish government creates new migrant shelters to ease Ceuta crisis
On Thursday morning, it began relocating over 1,000 people from the beach to reception centres set up in army tents.

US national debt tops 40 trillion dollars for first time
America's national debt has surpassed 40 trillion dollars for the first time - more than double what it was just 10 years ago, according to data released by the US Treasury on Wednesday.

DR Congo: Prosecutors seek 15-year prison sentence for ex-justice minister
They accuse Constant Mutamba of being the mastermind behind the fraudulent disbursement of some $20 million from the Uganda Victims’ Reparation Fund.

Reuters: Continental confederations in talks to oust FIFA boss Infantino
UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF have not given up on ousting FIFA president Gianni Infantino, according to a new report from Reuters. The three continental bodies are said to be in talks about seeking a vote of no confidence against Infantino over his proposal to sell World Cup profits to private investors.

Nigeria's federal government moves to decriminalise attempted suicide
Health Minister Ali Pate said the reform aims at reducing suicide deaths and attempts by 15 per cent by 2030.

HRW says Russian paramilitaries killed 9 civilians in Mali
The Sahel country has been wracked since 2012 by a serious security crisis, notably fuelled by violence from jihadists allied to Al-Qaeda or the Islamic State group, along with criminal gangs and armed separatists.

In Senegal's Saint-Louis, traces of slave-trading past are being erased
The first French trading post in sub-Saharan Africa was established in Senegal's Saint-Louis in 1659 and the island soon became a holding point for thousands of captive Africans before they were shipped abroad. But Saint-Louis' role in the transatlantic slave trade is little known.

UAE's indefinite trade embargo puts further pressure on Iranian economy
Analysts say the decision will deepen the hardship of ordinary Iranians already under strain.

DRC: M23 tightens movement controls as Ebola outbreak surpasses 5,000 cases
The AFC/M23 rebel alliance in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is tightening restrictions on movement after two travellers from a government-held area tested positive for Ebola in rebel territory, adding another challenge to efforts to contain the country’s rapidly expanding outbreak.

DRC: Will the copper export ban finally deliver mineral sovereignty? {Business Africa}
The DRC’s cobalt and copper export ban targets billions in refining margins—but a 2,000-megawatt power shortfall could threaten its industrial ambitions, while Zambia’s copper boom is attracting billions in green-energy investment, but citizens are asking: who really benefits?

Tibetan protesters in New Dehli denounce China with shaved heads and prayers
Hundreds of Tibetan exiles gathered in New Delhi on Thursday, 20 August, to protest against China’s new Ethnic Unity and Progress Law.

Zambian opposition leader to challenge presidential poll results in court
Brian Mundubile alleges his campaign documented 'serious irregularities' and inconsistences in the conduct, counting, transmission, and declaration of results.

Sirens, shelters and scaled-back war games: South Korea rehearses for crisis
South Korea held a nationwide civil defence drill on Thursday, 20 August, as part of the annual Ulchi Exercise, with authorities rehearsing responses to a national emergency such as an air raid.

Former Zambian minister killed in post-election security raid
A former Zambian cabinet minister was shot dead during a security operation at the home of opposition leader Brian Mundubile, police said Wednesday, days after President Hakainde Hichilema won a second term amid opposition claims of irregularities and intimidation.

Former Liberian vice president charged in transnational drug probe
Liberia has charged former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor with drug trafficking, money laundering and related offences in an investigation into an alleged transnational narcotics network.

Kyiv residents rescued as Russian strikes damage buildings across the city
Russia’s overnight missile barrage killed at least 12 people in Kyiv on Thursday, 20 August, as residents were rescued from damaged buildings and firefighters battled fires across the capital.

Regional body says Haiti need help ahead of holding first election in a decade
The Caribbean country is due to hold its first polls in a decade amid ongoing violence by gangs who control most of the capital, Port-au-Prince.

China showcases next‑gen humanoid robots as US curbs push firms abroad
At the World Robot Conference in Beijing on 19 August, more than 300 companies displayed humanoid, industrial and service robots, highlighting the sector’s push into factories and commercial settings.

Death toll rises above 100 in Central African Republic mine collapse
The death toll from a gold mine collapse in western Central African Republic has risen above 100, with several others still missing or trapped underground. The disaster struck an artisanal mine near the Cameroon border, highlighting the dangers facing thousands of informal miners.

Senegal opposition presses president to set local election date
Senegal’s opposition is urging President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to set a date for local elections, turning the vote into a potential early showdown with former ally Ousmane Sonko.

UN flag at half-mast to honour humanitarian workers killed in line of duty
Marking World Humanitarian Day on Wednesday, the United Nations flag was lowered to half-mast at the UN headquarters in Nairobi. The gesture recognises the humanitarian workers who lost their lives while serving others.

Tanzanian newspaper suspended for six months over report on government divisions
Tanzania has suspended a weekly newspaper for six months over alleged breaches of media law, the information ministry said Wednesday, after the outlet published a story alleging government divisions.

Sudan war: 318 RSF fighters defect to army in latest blow to paramilitary
Sudan’s army says 318 Rapid Support Forces fighters, including four commanders, have defected and joined its ranks in the latest apparent surrender by paramilitary personnel. The move comes as defections increase and fighting continues to devastate the country more than three years into the war.

Inflation and security top voter concerns as Nigeria election campaign kicks off
Campaigning for Nigeria’s general election got underway on Wednesday and voters are already making one thing clear: they want straight answers from the candidates about how they’ll improve the lives of citizens.

Wembanyama named France captain as star returns to Les Bleus
Victor Wembanyama has been named captain of France for four games in August, marking a new leadership role for the NBA star as he returns to the national team. The 22-year-old will lead a squad featuring veterans Rudy Gobert and Evan Fournier in World Cup qualifying.

South Africa: Consumer inflation rate eases in July for first time in five months
Statistics SA attributes the slowdown to softer food inflation, slower municipal tariff increases, and lower fuel prices.

Kenya helicopter crash kills seven in Samburu, including six tourists
Seven people, including six tourists and the pilot, have died after a helicopter came down near Mount Ololokwe in central Kenya, according to air accident officials.

Chad welcomes back French military less than two years ending defence agreement
Less than two years after France handed back its last military base in Chad, the two countries appear to be rebuilding their military ties.

Infrastructure centre of South Africa's agenda as chair of SADC
South Africa says it’s putting infrastructure development at the centre of its agenda as chair of the Southern African Development Community.

DR Congo says Ebola cases exceed 5,000 with 2,378 deaths
Responders are warning the deadly haemorrhagic virus is spreading at an unprecedented rate, outpacing efforts to slow it in the remote eastern part of the country.

Russia and Ukraine Exchange 103 Prisoners Each in Latest Swap
Russia and Ukraine have exchanged 103 prisoners each in their latest wartime swap, with the United Arab Emirates acting as mediator. The release offers another rare point of cooperation between the two sides as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remain largely stalled.

UN calls on Zambia to stop arbitrary arrests of opposition figures
The United Nations rights chief has called on Zambia to stop arbitrary arrests and uphold the rights of all those detained. The statement from UN High Commissioner Volker Türk follows reports of arrests and detention of opposition figures in Zambia before and after Thursday’s election.

Dozens killed in Central African Republic gold mine collapse
A landslide at an illegal gold mine in the western Central African Republic has killed several dozen people, with local sources estimating the toll at up to 100. Rescue teams are searching for survivors as authorities struggle to establish the final death toll.

ICC slams United States sanctions against top court staff
It measures against the ICC president and a senior trial lawyer are the latest salvo by Washington against the court which it accuses of being "politicised".

Ebola fears keep pregnant women away from healthcare in eastern DRC
Fear of Ebola is keeping pregnant women away from healthcare facilities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, raising the risk of stillbirths, premature births and maternal deaths as the country's deadliest Ebola outbreak continues to disrupt routine medical care.

Children in Khartoum slowly return back to school amid war
It’s a new school day in Khartoum, where children are slowly returning to classrooms as security improves. But recovery will be long, with damaged schools, overcrowded classes and too few teachers and supplies.

Kenya triples long-term power target for renewable energy
The plan aims to expand the use of nuclear and geothermal energy, but this may not make prices more affordable for consumers.

Bayern Munich's Musiala reveals neurological issue after second collapse
Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala says he is dealing with a neurological condition after collapsing during a preseason game for the second time in four days. The Germany international says he has been diagnosed with temporary absence seizures and is receiving medical care.

WHO chief says the DR Congo's Ebola outbreak remains a global emergency
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said it was moving faster than any previous one and had a high risk of spreading to other countries in the region.

Libya’s power crisis deepens as UN warns of fuel diversion and infrastructure strain
Libya’s worsening power crisis is putting pressure on critical infrastructure and fueling public frustration over deteriorating living conditions.

Nigeria election 2027: Can Tinubu win a second term as cost of living bites?
Campaigning kicks off in Nigeria Wednesday, five months ahead of elections set to be dominated by crushing inflation and President Bola Tinubu's economic reforms.

Somalia: Dozens killed in fighting to control key city of Baidoa
Armed forces repelled rebel fighters in the key city after hours of intense fighting that left nearly 100 wounded.

Nigerian influencer arrested over alleged international cocaine trafficking network
Nigerian authorities have arrested a social media personality they say was a senior figure in an international cocaine trafficking operation following the seizure of 184.5kg of the drug in Lagos.

Liberia agrees to accept up to 1,200 US deportees under Trump migration deal
Liberia has agreed to accept hundreds of people deported from the United States, in one of the largest such arrangements under the Trump administration’s migration policy. The deportees will arrive over a year, with the first group of 20 expected Thursday.