BBC News

Russia says at least seven killed in largest Ukrainian attack of 2026
Moscow also launched deadly strikes against Ukraine overnight, sparking fires across the capital Kyiv.

Watch: BBC visits smouldering market in Ukraine after strikes
Six people were injured in the strike on the market selling second-hand records, posters, toys and tools.

Emergency phone alert put domestic abuse victims at risk, campaigners say
The alert took many by surprise when it was sent to millions of phones on Friday night - but it may have also put vulnerable people at risk.

Murder inquiry after man bitten by dog dies
Police appeal for two people who stopped to help the victim in Wakefield to come forward.

Calls for public inquiry into Jason Arday 'witch hunt'
Lord Simon Woolley said Arday had been "hounded" by the media and pursued relentlessly.

Changing pubs into homes to be made harder under new rules
The rules will come into force on Monday along with other changes to planning policy.

Two dead and hundreds evacuated after twin fires break out on Greek island
About 200 firefighters worked to keep the fires from converging on Salamina, with one now under control.

Watch moment police arrest wanted man while he slept on roof
Two police officers suffered minor injuries during the incident, Greater Manchester Police say.

People who fled Stourbridge fires start to return home
Many families are only just discovering the extent of damage to their homes for the first time.

Four 'extraordinary' Renaissance paintings stolen from Italian museum
The works were taken overnight without alarms being triggered, raising suspicion of a professional hit.

Thousands displaced by deadly Indonesia earthquake as rescue efforts continue
Hundreds of homes and public buildings have been severely damaged with at least 53 people killed.

US women in politics spark conversation on motherhood
The White House press secretary quit this week to be with her children, while Democrat Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez said she was freezing her eggs.

What's driving men to get penis fillers, despite the risks?
Men who have had the procedure can expect 10-20% more girth for the next six to nine months - but it can go wrong.

Friends, finances and finding your feet - advice for this year's freshers
BC News asked current students about the worries they had before arriving at university how they overcame them.

The influencers getting bitten while chasing the perfect shark shot
Tayane Dalazen was on a shark-diving trip in Brazil when she was attacked.

Why is Australia's mushroom killer back in court this week?
The BBC’s Katy Watson explains why triple-murder Erin Patterson is back in court this week trying to overturn her conviction.

Soldiers praised for 'phenomenal job' helping crews tackle wildfires
About 200 members of the Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment have been involved in the operation.

One dead, homes swept away after Hurricane Lala lashes Hawaii
A search-and-rescue operation is under way after properties were uprooted from their foundations.

'Number of fatalities' and four injured after car drives on wrong side of motorway
The collision occurred on on the M9 Northbound at about 03:00 local time on Sunday in County Kildare.

UK-made drones strike targets inside Russia
The drones have been used for the first time in mainland Russia to hit military and industrial targets.

Belgian Pocognoli confirmed as Scotland boss
The Scottish FA say they have appointed "one of Europe's brightest emerging coaching talents" by securing Sebastien Pocognoli as Scotland men's new head coach on a two-year deal.

Europe's tallest Virgin Mary statue unveiled in rural Poland
The 55.6-metre (182ft) concrete figure is head-and-shoulders above Rio de Jaineiro's Christ the Redeemer.

BBC News app
Top stories, breaking news, live reporting, and follow news topics that match your interests

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?

Barcelona agree £65m deal to sign Rodri from Man City
Barcelona agree a deal to sign Spain captain Rodri from Manchester City.

Nightmare Man City start for Maresca - are Arsenal really so far ahead?
Did Arsenal show just how far above Manchester City they are with their dominant Community Shield win?

Belgian Pocognoli confirmed as Scotland boss
The Scottish FA say they have appointed "one of Europe's brightest emerging coaching talents" by securing Sebastien Pocognoli as Scotland men's new head coach on a two-year deal.

Al Jazeera

Erdogan says Israeli attacks on Lebanon are a serious concern for Türkiye
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said continued Israeli attacks on Lebanon are a source of serious concern.

Kushner meets Hamas leaders in Egypt to push Trump’s Gaza plan
Trump envoy has pushed for disarmament to end any future Hamas role in running Gaza, diplomatic sources tell AFP.

Erdogan calls for Strait of Hormuz reopening amid oil disruption
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for the Strait of Hormuz to reopen.

Former Israeli captive asks Ben-Gvir to let him execute Palestinian prisone
Former Israeli captive Rom Braslavski asked Ben Gvir to allow him to execute Palestinian prisoners by hanging.

Israeli army besieges Palestinian homes in occupied West Bank
Israeli troops have raided the village of Qusra, south of Nablus, in the occupied West Bank.

Why are sandwiches more regulated than AI?
Futurist Max Tegmark wonders why sandwiches are more regulated than artificial intelligence in the US.

‘Water and salt’: Qusra residents trapped in Israeli settler siege
Israeli settlers and soldiers besiege Qusra families for eight days, blocking water and aid.

Cristiano Ronaldo hints at retirement at end of season
Superstar forward gave his clearest indication yet that he might end his playing career after the current season.

Arsenal cruise to win over Manchester City in Community Shield
Premier League champions hand new ​City boss Enzo Maresca a humbling defeat ⁠in his first football game in ​charge.

Moroccan migrants stage sit-in as thousands remain stranded in Ceuta
Moroccan migrants are protesting in Ceuta, demanding asylum two weeks after more than a massive migrant surge.

Largest Ukrainian drone attack on Russia, Moscow says 822 drones shot down
Ukraine launched hundreds of drones across Russia, killing at least six people and striking a Wildberries logistics hub.

Hurricane Lala weakens to a tropical storm, but flooding persists in Hawaii
The devastating hurricane grazes the Big Island in Hawaii in the US, but avoids making landfall.

‘The Mediterranean is a bridge, not a border’
Chris Fearne says Europe must look beyond its borders to solve its migration problem.

Ben-Gvir calls for nightly killings of Palestinians in Gaza
Israel’s far-right national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has called for nightly killings in Gaza.

What is Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine, linked to Japan’s wartime atrocities?
About 2.5 million people, including Japanese war criminals who fought for the country, are enshrined at Yasukuni.

Who is DEI critic and Jason Arday accuser, Nathan Cofnas?
Nathan Cofnas, who accused Jason Arday of plagiarism, believes intelligence varies between racial groups.

Patients treated in tents after earthquake damages Indonesia hospital
Patients treated in tents after earthquake damages Indonesia hospital

Houthis launch new attacks on al-Makha and Marib as Yemen conflict escalates
Houthi missile and drone strikes target Marib and al-Makha, killing at least four people and injuring eight.

Timeline: The one-week siege of Qusra by Israeli settlers in the West Bank
Israeli settlers encircle Palestinian homes and cut off supplies, leading to a declaration of a military zone.

Belgium’s largest wildfire on record spreads towards German border
Largest recorded wildfire in Belgium forces 600 residents to evacuate as blaze spreads towards German border towns.

‘Spearhead of annexation’: Israel hands West Bank rule to civilian police
Israel's transfer of West Bank policing to civilian forces cements de facto annexation and empowers settler militias.

‘Limited options’ for many Iranians as war with US chokes economy
Millions of Iranians struggle to make ends meet as war with US devastates the economy and sends prices soaring.

Trump threatens to make the Strait of Hormuz a US territory: Can he?
US president has yet another outlandish threat for Iran, with no end to war in sight.

Arsenal 3-0 Manchester City: Community Shield – as it happened
All the updates as Arsenal cruise to a 3-0 win over a lacklustre City led by new boss Maresca for the first time.

Why has Israel escalated attacks in southern Lebanon despite ceasefire?
At least 11 people killed in one day of Israeli attacks despite truce extension brokered by US in June.

Global Times

Notorious Yasukuni Shrine visits draw opposition from China and SK, serve as 'mirror' laying bare Japan's resurgence of neo-militarism
Against the backdrop of strong opposition from China and South Korea, another senior official from Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party ...

Political preferences clash with warship building realities as Trump pushes costly Ford class carrier revamp: experts
US President Donald Trump's reported push to reshape the US Navy's next-generation aircraft carriers - from moving the island to ...

Chinese Embassy rebuts Teodoro's renewed allegations against released 70 Chinese workers; expert warns selective enforcement harms ties
China's Embassy in the Philippines on Saturday rejected Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.'s renewed allegations over 70 Chinese workers ...

23 humanoid robot teams compete in firefighting missions at 2nd WHRG, facing real-world complexity beyond dancing in coordination
The firefighting final of the emergency management category at the 2nd World Humanoid Robot Games (WHRG) was held on Sunday ...

Japanese right-wing forces' stubborn course will inevitably face reckoning: Global Times editorial

Washington's AI split strategy is already dead on arrival
Global Times

GT Voice: US pressure tactics cannot stifle Chinese memory chips
Global Times

Japan slides toward neo-militarism as it fails to reckon with wartime defeat
Global Times

PLA Navy's first-batch female shipborne pilot trainees pass daytime landing qualification tests, signaling mature pilot training system: expert
A state media video released on Sunday showed that the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's first batch of female shipborne pilot trainees have all passed their daytime shipborne landing qualification assessments and have now entered the night landing training and evaluation phase.

Shanghai Port conducts first dual-vessel, dual-fuel bunkering operation at offshore anchorage
Marriage registration offered at diversifying venues across China

Marriage registration offered at diversifying venues across China
Shanghai Port conducts first dual-vessel, dual-fuel bunkering operation at offshore anchorage

Patient of both legs severed at thigh level walks again after doctors perform rare replantation surgery' in East China's Jiangsu
Chinese doctors have completed what they called as the world's first replantation involving the complete severing of both legs at thigh level, with the patient now able to walk indoors ... Chinese researchers identify target to develop depression drug using traditional ethnic medicine in Yunnan A Chinese research team has identified a new potential target to develop antidepressant drug from Qingyangshen, or Root of Auricledleaf Swallowwort, a traditional ethnic medicinal plant long used in Southwest ... Two foreigners plead guilty in China to trafficking 70 kg of cannabis despite 'in transit' claim In June 2025, customs officers at Beijing Capital International Airport intercepted than 70 kilograms of suspected cannabis products from four pieces of checked baggage on an international flight transiting ...

Chinese researchers identify target to develop depression drug using traditional ethnic medicine in Yunnan
Patient of both legs severed at thigh level walks again after doctors perform rare replantation surgery' in East China's Jiangsu Chinese doctors have completed what they called as the world's first replantation involving the complete severing of both legs at thigh level, with the patient now able to walk indoors ... A Chinese research team has identified a new potential target to develop antidepressant drug from Qingyangshen, or Root of Auricledleaf Swallowwort, a traditional ethnic medicinal plant long used in Southwest ... Two foreigners plead guilty in China to trafficking 70 kg of cannabis despite 'in transit' claim In June 2025, customs officers at Beijing Capital International Airport intercepted than 70 kilograms of suspected cannabis products from four pieces of checked baggage on an international flight transiting ...

Two foreigners plead guilty in China to trafficking 70 kg of cannabis despite 'in transit' claim
Patient of both legs severed at thigh level walks again after doctors perform rare replantation surgery' in East China's Jiangsu Chinese doctors have completed what they called as the world's first replantation involving the complete severing of both legs at thigh level, with the patient now able to walk indoors ... Chinese researchers identify target to develop depression drug using traditional ethnic medicine in Yunnan A Chinese research team has identified a new potential target to develop antidepressant drug from Qingyangshen, or Root of Auricledleaf Swallowwort, a traditional ethnic medicinal plant long used in Southwest ... In June 2025, customs officers at Beijing Capital International Airport intercepted than 70 kilograms of suspected cannabis products from four pieces of checked baggage on an international flight transiting ...

How large is China's companion robot market?
Alibaba's open-source AI model Qwen overtakes Meta, Google to claim top spot globally: report

Alibaba's open-source AI model Qwen overtakes Meta, Google to claim top spot globally: report
How large is China's companion robot market?

US appeals court's order to reconsider DJI's Pentagon listing highlights necessity of legal push against US unilateral measures: expert
A US appeals court's order for a lower court to reconsider whether ‌China-based DJI should be removed from a Pentagon list of companies allegedly supporting the Chinese military is a fresh indication that Chinese companies should make resolute use of legal means to defend their legitimate rights so ...

Earnings reports of Chinese firms show AI transformation delivers efficiency, profit gains
Multiple Chinese companies released their interim earnings reports last week, showing that from catering to e-commerce, industry, and software, the artificial intelligence (AI) transformation has delivered tangible gains in efficiency, ... NDRC aims for closed-loop new-energy solid waste recycling system by 2030 An official of China's top economic planner said that China aims to establish a comprehensive closed-loop management system for the recycling of solid waste from the “new trio" of electric ... China-Europe Arctic shipping route enters regular weekly operation The China-Europe Arctic container express route entered regular weekly operations for the summer season on Saturday, opening a faster and resilient logistics link between China and Europe.

NDRC aims for closed-loop new-energy solid waste recycling system by 2030
Earnings reports of Chinese firms show AI transformation delivers efficiency, profit gains Multiple Chinese companies released their interim earnings reports last week, showing that from catering to e-commerce, industry, and software, the artificial intelligence (AI) transformation has delivered tangible gains in efficiency, ... An official of China's top economic planner said that China aims to establish a comprehensive closed-loop management system for the recycling of solid waste from the “new trio" of electric ... China-Europe Arctic shipping route enters regular weekly operation The China-Europe Arctic container express route entered regular weekly operations for the summer season on Saturday, opening a faster and resilient logistics link between China and Europe.

China-Europe Arctic shipping route enters regular weekly operation
Earnings reports of Chinese firms show AI transformation delivers efficiency, profit gains Multiple Chinese companies released their interim earnings reports last week, showing that from catering to e-commerce, industry, and software, the artificial intelligence (AI) transformation has delivered tangible gains in efficiency, ... NDRC aims for closed-loop new-energy solid waste recycling system by 2030 An official of China's top economic planner said that China aims to establish a comprehensive closed-loop management system for the recycling of solid waste from the “new trio" of electric ... The China-Europe Arctic container express route entered regular weekly operations for the summer season on Saturday, opening a faster and resilient logistics link between China and Europe.

China turns ancient TCM wisdom into high-tech personalized skincare
A skin scan can assess dozens of facial indicators and generate a personalized skincare plan within minutes, with store staff then making small-batch adjustments from ordinary registered cosmetics. This practice ... China tops medal table at International Olympiad in Informatics with 3 golds, 1 silver China won three gold medals and one silver at the 38th International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI 2026), topping the team standings as the competition concluded in Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan, ... Low-budget 'Niu Lai' emerges as a surprise hit with its 'disaster-level' animation, grabbing millions in China as curiosity rivals Nolan's 'The Odyssey' While Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey and a string of high-profile domestic and international releases compete for audiences in China's fiercely contested summer movie season, an obscure animated film has emerged ...

China tops medal table at International Olympiad in Informatics with 3 golds, 1 silver
China turns ancient TCM wisdom into high-tech personalized skincare A skin scan can assess dozens of facial indicators and generate a personalized skincare plan within minutes, with store staff then making small-batch adjustments from ordinary registered cosmetics. This practice ... China won three gold medals and one silver at the 38th International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI 2026), topping the team standings as the competition concluded in Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan, ... Low-budget 'Niu Lai' emerges as a surprise hit with its 'disaster-level' animation, grabbing millions in China as curiosity rivals Nolan's 'The Odyssey' While Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey and a string of high-profile domestic and international releases compete for audiences in China's fiercely contested summer movie season, an obscure animated film has emerged ...

Low-budget 'Niu Lai' emerges as a surprise hit with its 'disaster-level' animation, grabbing millions in China as curiosity rivals Nolan's 'The Odyssey'
China turns ancient TCM wisdom into high-tech personalized skincare A skin scan can assess dozens of facial indicators and generate a personalized skincare plan within minutes, with store staff then making small-batch adjustments from ordinary registered cosmetics. This practice ... China tops medal table at International Olympiad in Informatics with 3 golds, 1 silver China won three gold medals and one silver at the 38th International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI 2026), topping the team standings as the competition concluded in Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan, ... While Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey and a string of high-profile domestic and international releases compete for audiences in China's fiercely contested summer movie season, an obscure animated film has emerged ...

Teams increase 138% as World Humanoid Robot Games expands scale and influence
The upcoming 2nd World Humanoid Robot Games to be held in Beijing will see robot players stay at the “Robot Home,” as the organizing committee innovatively established on-site support centers that meet the needs for pre-competition training and power recharging – similar to athletes' village for human ...

Short drama productions, AI are bringing new life to rural Chinese villages
'Odyssey' packs IMAX theaters as fans eager for better screens

'Odyssey' packs IMAX theaters as fans eager for better screens
Short drama productions, AI are bringing new life to rural Chinese villages

Svoboda.org

Из ВЭБ уволен экономист, сказавший, что Россия не победит в войне
Андрей Клепач был главным экономистом ВЭБ с 2014 года

"Яблоко" нашло следы иностранного финансирования у шести партий
Партии "Единая Россия", "Справедливая Россия", ЛДПР, КПРФ, "Новые люди" и "Родина" в 2021-2025 годах получали пожертвования от фирм, которые имеют доходы за пределами России, выяснил Центр антикоррупционной политики "Яблока" из поданных в Центризбирком сводных финансовых отчётов партий. Речь идёт об организациях-донорах, которые занимаются прямым экспортом, имеют иностранных заказчиков, зарубежные проекты или международные корпоративные связи. По подсчётам "Яблока", в 2021-2025 годах...

Картины мастера эпохи Возрождения украдены из музея на Сицилии
Это четыре полотна кисти Антонелло да Мессины

Издательство "Альпина" подвергло цензуре книгу папы Франциска
Из книги вымараны абзацы, касающиеся ЛГБТ+

В Иране будет грозить тюрьма за интервью "враждебным" СМИ
К их числу относятся СМИ США

Британские СМИ: британские дроны используются для ударов по РФ
Речь идёт о беспилотниках Nyan

В ВСУ заявили об ударе по комплексу "Бастион" в Крыму
Российские власти сообщили о пожарах

Военные НАТО сбили над Румынией, вероятно, российский БПЛА
Дроны над Румынией сбивают в четвёртый раз

ТАСС: в РФ возбудили дело против журналиста германского издания
Из-за вопроса об "убийстве российских солдат"

Военные РФ атаковали ракетами Киев и Кривой Рог
В Минобороны РФ заявили об ударах по военным предприятиям

В Чечне заявили о "регулярных визитах" из Китая в "Российский университет спецназа"
В так называемый Российский университет спецназа в Гудермесе, который готовит наёмников для участия в войне против Украины, "регулярно приезжают" представители Китая, сотрудничество с ними приобрело "устойчивый характер", заявили в Чечне. Как утверждает старший инструктор по тактико-огневой подготовке Эльбек Албастов, визиты сотрудников зарубежных силовых ведомств или специальных подразделений "организуются строго в рамках межгосударственных соглашений, программ обмена опытом или...

В Московской области атакованы склады, в том числе Wildberries
Сообщается о гибели одного человека

Из-за утечки нефти с загруженного в Новороссийске танкера загрязнена береговая линия Омана
Из-за утечки с загруженного в Новороссийске нефтяного танкера российского так называемого теневого флота Caroline Bezengi загрязнены около 40 километров береговой линии Омана. Ранее сообщалось, что общая площадь нефтяного пятна достигла 1700 квадратных километров и продолжает увеличиваться. О загрязнении береговой линии со ссылкой на анализ организации Greenpeace пишет The Insider. Экологи призвали к скорейшей стабилизации танкера, предотвращению дальнейшей утечки и перегрузке оставшейся на...

Пять человек погибли в Ростовской области из-за атаки ракетами и беспилотниками
Обновлено. Губернатор Ростовской области заявил, что обнаружены ещё двое погибших. Изначально он сообщал о трёх жертвах. В Ростовской области пять человек погибли и один пострадал из-за ударов беспилотниками и ракетами. Регион четвёртый раз за неделю подвергся массированной атаке украинской армии: за последние семь дней здесь, по данным властей, сбили более 380 дронов. Как заявил губернатор Юрий Слюсарь, в ночь на 16 августа средства противовоздушной обороны работали в трёх городах...

Президент Южной Кореи предложил КНДР заключить мир
Две Кореи формально находятся в состоянии войны с 1950 года

ФБК нашёл у близких главы партии "Родина" активы на 200 млн рублей
Сам Журавлёв в декларации указывает, что не владеет почти ничем

Лихтенштейн уравнял мужчин и женщин в праве престолонаследия
Он был последней европейской монархией, в которой монархом мог быть только мужчина

В России арестовали имущество рок-музыканта Михаила Борзыкина
Он участвовал в фестивале "СловоНово"

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

Africanews

Unpaid health workers strike as Congo’s Ebola contact tracing falls behind
Gédéon Banga Ngbape said a challenge they are facing with right now is that health workers haven’t been paid in over three months.

Observers say Zambia's vote marred by intimidation, counting pause
International observers of Zambia's elections said Saturday the poll was marred by claims of intimidation, abductions and an hours-long pause in the vote count.

Hundreds of migrants intercepted near Morocco's border with Ceuta
Scores of would-be migrants, mostly from sub-Saharan Africa, were intercepted on Saturday in northern Morocco near the border with the Spanish exclave of Ceuta, an AFP correspondent saw, two weeks after thousands of migrants rushed into the tiny territory.

Chad opposition figure, Succes Masra, calls for reconciliation after his release
Masra, one of the president's fiercest critics, was sentenced to 20 years in prison a year ago, convicted of hate speech, xenophobia and having incited a massacre.

Argentina’s big cats begin relocation to sanctuaries abroad
A global animal welfare organization has begun relocating 30 big cats from the former Zoo Luján in Argentina in one of the largest animal moves of its kind.

UN warns South Sudan refugees at risk as aid funding runs short
Two United Nations agencies warned on Friday that hundreds of thousands of refugees in South Sudan are at risk of losing much needed humanitarian assistance due to a lack of funding.

Zimbabwe ferry death toll rises to 80 after Lake Kariba capsizing
The death toll after a ferry capsized on Zimbabwe's Lake Kariba this week has risen to 80 after more bodies were recovered on Sunday, the police said.

Senegal hikes fuel prices amid surge in global oil markets
Senegal has raised fuel prices in a move the government says is necessary because of the sharp rise in global oil costs.

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