Indonesia begins releasing hundreds of prisoners under president’s clemency plan

Indonesia has begun releasing inmates as part of President Prabowo Subianto’s sweeping clemency plan aimed at national unity. The initiative, approved by parliament, will eventually free up to 44,000 prisoners—mainly political detainees and vulnerable groups. On Friday, 1,178 inmates were released, including high-profile political figures Hasto Kristiyanto and Tom Lembong. The Rhisotope Project is seen as an effort to portray Subianto as pro-democracy amid past … Continue reading Indonesia begins releasing hundreds of prisoners under president’s clemency plan

Scientists in South Africa are making rhino horns radioactive to fight poaching

A South African university has launched the Rhisotope Project, an anti-poaching initiative that injects rhino horns with harmless radioactive isotopes to make them detectable at airports and borders. Led by the University of the Witwatersrand in collaboration with nuclear experts and conservationists, the project aims to deter poaching by enabling authorities to track and intercept trafficked horns. Early trials confirmed the process is safe for rhinos … Continue reading Scientists in South Africa are making rhino horns radioactive to fight poaching

Russia launches 6,400 drones, missiles into Ukraine in record-breaking month

More than three years into Russia’s invasion, Ukraine faces a record surge in drone and missile attacks, with civilians retreating nightly to shelters. In July alone, Russia launched over 6,200 drones and nearly 200 missiles—its most intense month of strikes—resulting in the highest civilian casualty toll in years. The Iranian-designed Shahed drones, rebranded as Gerans, have become central to Russia’s low-cost, high-volume assault strategy. These … Continue reading Russia launches 6,400 drones, missiles into Ukraine in record-breaking month

US envoy Witkoff visits Gaza aid distribution site as starvation crisis deepens

U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff visited a controversial U.S.-backed aid site in Gaza amid growing criticism over the humanitarian crisis. The site, run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), is one of three in the enclave where hundreds of Palestinians have died trying to access food. Witkoff’s five-hour visit aimed to assess conditions and report back to President Trump, who recently acknowledged “real starvation” … Continue reading US envoy Witkoff visits Gaza aid distribution site as starvation crisis deepens

USA orders nuke subs moved near Russia

President Donald Trump has ordered two U.S. nuclear submarines to be positioned near Russia following threatening remarks by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. Medvedev, now deputy chair of Russia’s security council, criticized Trump and warned that the U.S. was edging closer to war with Moscow. In response, Trump, who had already given Putin a 50-day deadline to end the war in Ukraine—later shortened to 10 … Continue reading USA orders nuke subs moved near Russia

Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv kills at least 13 people

A massive overnight Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv killed at least 13 people, including a 6-year-old boy, and injured 132 others, with 14 children among the wounded. It was the highest number of child casualties in a single strike on the capital since the war began. More than 100 buildings were damaged, including homes, schools, and hospitals. Russia launched over 300 drones and … Continue reading Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv kills at least 13 people

Ukraine arrests air force major suspected of spying for Russia

Ukraine’s Security Service has arrested an air force major accused of spying for Russia by leaking the locations, flight schedules, and defense details of Western-supplied fighter jets, including U.S. F-16s and French Mirage 2000s. The officer allegedly aided Russian missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian air bases and shared personal data on Ukrainian pilots. He was caught while gathering more intelligence and charged with treason, … Continue reading Ukraine arrests air force major suspected of spying for Russia

Mass circumcision ceremony leaves 39 boys dead and dozens more mutilated

The 2025 South African tribal initiation season known as Ulwaluko, a traditional Xhosa rite of passage involving circumcision, has resulted in 39 deaths and dozens of mutilations, despite government efforts to reduce fatalities to zero. This is an improvement from the 93 deaths recorded the previous year, the Daily Mail has reported. The ritual, typically carried out on boys aged 16–26, is still plagued by illegal initiation schools, … Continue reading Mass circumcision ceremony leaves 39 boys dead and dozens more mutilated

76-year-old man arrested on suspicion of poisoning children at U.K. summer camp

A 76-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of administering poison after eight children fell ill at a summer camp near Stathern in central England. All the children were hospitalized and later discharged. Police launched an investigation after being alerted by a third party, setting up a triage center and contacting parents. Authorities are continuing inquiries at the scene, calling the case “complex and sensitive,” … Continue reading 76-year-old man arrested on suspicion of poisoning children at U.K. summer camp

23 Injured After Theme Park Ride Breaks in Half and Crashes to the Ground

A theme park ride at Green Mountain Park in Taif, Saudi Arabia, broke in half and crashed on July 31, injuring 23 people—three critically. The 360 Degrees ride malfunctioned mid-air when its central pole snapped, causing the platform and strapped-in riders to slam into the ground. Bystanders were also hit by debris. Emergency services responded quickly, and hospitals declared a mass casualty alert. Authorities have … Continue reading 23 Injured After Theme Park Ride Breaks in Half and Crashes to the Ground

EU and Arab League reaffirm support for two-state solution, urge Hamas to disarm

At a UN conference in New York co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, the European Union, Arab League, and countries including the UK and Canada reaffirmed support for a two-state solution to end the war in Gaza. The event produced the “New York Declaration,” a phased plan urging global recognition of Palestine, Hamas’ disarmament, and Palestinian Authority governance with international oversight. The declaration condemned both … Continue reading EU and Arab League reaffirm support for two-state solution, urge Hamas to disarm

Australia bans YouTube accounts for children under 16 in reversal of previous stance

Australia will require social media platforms, including YouTube, to ban users under 16 from creating accounts starting December 10. The move reverses YouTube’s earlier exemption and aims to protect children from online harm. Platforms that fail to enforce the age limit could face fines up to AU$50 million. Communications Minister Anika Wells defended the decision, citing research showing significant harm to children on YouTube. Kids … Continue reading Australia bans YouTube accounts for children under 16 in reversal of previous stance

Thailand accuses Cambodia of violating fragile ceasefire for a second time

Thailand has accused Cambodia of violating a recently agreed ceasefire, claiming Cambodian troops launched overnight attacks with gunfire and grenades along the border in Sisaket province. The truce, intended to end five days of deadly clashes that killed at least 43 people and displaced over 300,000, began Tuesday but remains fragile. While Cambodia denies breaking the agreement, Thailand says continued aggression threatens mutual trust. Despite … Continue reading Thailand accuses Cambodia of violating fragile ceasefire for a second time

Russia’s Klyuchevskoy Volcano Starts Erupting after Earthquake

The Klyuchevskoy volcano, the largest active volcano in the northern hemisphere, began erupting Wednesday on Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, just hours after a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake triggered Pacific-wide tsunami alerts. Lava and ash explosions were observed on the volcano’s western slope, with ash plumes reaching up to 3 kilometers high. Scientists had predicted the eruption due to increasing lava buildup. The region, known for high … Continue reading Russia’s Klyuchevskoy Volcano Starts Erupting after Earthquake

Powerful quake in Russia’s Far East causes tsunami, Japan and Hawaii order evacuations

A powerful magnitude 8.7 earthquake struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday, triggering a tsunami up to 4 meters (13 feet) high and damaging buildings, including a kindergarten. The quake, one of the strongest in decades, prompted evacuation warnings in Kamchatka and along much of Japan’s east coast. Tsunami alerts were also issued for parts of Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and Micronesia. Several people in Russia … Continue reading Powerful quake in Russia’s Far East causes tsunami, Japan and Hawaii order evacuations

China offers parents $1,500 in bid to boost births

China has launched its first nationwide child subsidy to boost declining birth rates, offering parents 3,600 yuan ($500) annually for each child under age three. The policy, retroactive to January 2024, aims to support around 20 million families amid a growing demographic crisis. Additional local incentives include larger payouts for third children and monthly allowances. Despite ending the one-child policy nearly a decade ago, China’s … Continue reading China offers parents $1,500 in bid to boost births

Pope Leo condemns brutal machete attack that killed 49 Christians during prayer in DR Congo

A brutal attack by Islamist rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has left at least 49 Christians dead, drawing strong condemnation from the Pope, the U.S. State Department, the United Nations, and Christian advocacy groups. The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an ISIS-linked terrorist group, attacked a church in Komanda during a night vigil, using machetes and burning homes. Among the victims were nine … Continue reading Pope Leo condemns brutal machete attack that killed 49 Christians during prayer in DR Congo

Four killed, hundreds arrested in Angola protests against fuel price hike

At least four people were killed and hundreds arrested during protests in Angola’s capital, Luanda, following a 30% diesel price hike. The increase triggered sharp fare rises by minibus taxis, leading to widespread unrest, looting, and road blockades. Police reported 400 arrests overnight and significant property damage, including vandalized shops and damaged vehicles. The protests began after fuel subsidies were cut on July 1, part … Continue reading Four killed, hundreds arrested in Angola protests against fuel price hike

Heavy rains and flooding kill at least 34 people in and near Beijing

Heavy rains and flooding in Beijing have killed at least 30 people, mostly in the hard-hit Miyun district, bringing the regional death toll to at least 34. Over 80,000 residents were evacuated, and more rain is expected. The flooding has damaged roads, knocked out power in over 130 villages, and triggered landslides in neighboring Hebei province, where four people died and eight are missing. Authorities … Continue reading Heavy rains and flooding kill at least 34 people in and near Beijing

Thailand and Cambodia agree to ceasefire

Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an unconditional ceasefire Monday after five days of deadly border clashes that killed at least 35 people and displaced over 260,000. The deal was reached during a U.S.-backed meeting in Malaysia, hosted by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and attended by both nations’ leaders. Fighting began after a land mine wounded Thai soldiers, with both sides blaming each other. The ceasefire, … Continue reading Thailand and Cambodia agree to ceasefire

Britain to recognize Palestine as a state unless Israel agrees to an ‘immediate ceasefire’ in Gaza

The UK has announced it will recognize Palestine as a state unless Israel takes meaningful steps to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for an immediate ceasefire, increased UN aid access, and the release of hostages, with 28 of the remaining 50 believed dead. Over 60,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel’s offensive began in October 2023, and famine is … Continue reading Britain to recognize Palestine as a state unless Israel agrees to an ‘immediate ceasefire’ in Gaza

Zelensky allows Ukrainians over 60 to join military as war stretches on

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a new law allowing citizens over 60 to voluntarily enlist in the military during martial law, provided they are deemed medically fit and receive approval from military commanders. The move aims to address severe manpower shortages reported in late 2024, particularly in technical and support roles. Contracts for these recruits will end once martial law is lifted, the Express has … Continue reading Zelensky allows Ukrainians over 60 to join military as war stretches on

Secret Service agent tried to sneak wife onto transport plane to Scotland

President Trump confirmed that a Secret Service agent attempted to sneak his wife, a U.S. Air Force member, onto a support flight accompanying Air Force One to Scotland, despite being warned not to. The agent’s wife was removed before departure, and the agency has launched a personnel investigation. This incident comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the Secret Service after two assassination attempts against Trump in … Continue reading Secret Service agent tried to sneak wife onto transport plane to Scotland

Churchgoers killed in DR Congo attack linked to Islamic State

Dozens of people were killed in an attack by the Islamic State-linked Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in Komanda, northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo. About 20 victims were worshippers attending a church vigil, while others were killed in nearby areas. Shops were looted and burned, and some youths were reportedly kidnapped. Death toll estimates vary, with local sources reporting at least 43 dead, the BBC has … Continue reading Churchgoers killed in DR Congo attack linked to Islamic State

Gaza flotilla seized by IDF towed to Ashdod, activists taken into custody

Israeli forces intercepted the aid ship Handala in international waters near Gaza on Saturday, seizing the vessel and detaining its 21-member international crew. The flotilla, organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, aimed to break Israel’s blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The ship was taken to Ashdod port, where legal support was eventually granted to the activists, including lawmakers, journalists, and U.S. citizens. Israel said the … Continue reading Gaza flotilla seized by IDF towed to Ashdod, activists taken into custody