A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 hit near the Flores region in Indonesia, killing at least 38 people and injuring six. Rescue teams are searching through destroyed buildings despite ongoing aftershocks, power cuts, and damage, showing the ongoing risk from earthquakes in this area.
Key Facts
The earthquake measured 7.7 in magnitude.
It occurred near the Flores region in Indonesia.
At least 38 people died and six were injured.
Rescue workers are looking for survivors in collapsed buildings.
Aftershocks are continuing after the main earthquake.
Power outages and damage are making rescue work difficult.
Indonesia is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area with frequent earthquakes.
The disaster highlights the ongoing seismic danger in this region.
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Five years after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, women face severe restrictions. They are banned from public places like parks, excluded from most jobs, and girls over 12 cannot attend school.
Key Facts
The Taliban has ruled Afghanistan for five years.
Women are not allowed in many public places, including parks.
Most jobs are off-limits to women under the Taliban government.
Girls older than 12 cannot continue their education.
The restrictions have had a major impact on women’s daily lives.
An independent researcher from Kabul discussed these issues with a journalist.
The article is part of coverage on ongoing events in Asia and the Pacific region.
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the armed Maoist rebellion in India is close to ending but warned that supporters of their ideas still pose a threat. He emphasized efforts to identify and isolate these ideological followers while promoting youth-focused programs and economic growth initiatives.
Key Facts
The Maoist insurgency, also known as the Naxalite movement, started in 1967 and challenged government control in central and eastern India.
Modi said armed Maoists hiding in forests are almost defeated after many security operations.
"Dimagi Naxals," or people who support Maoist ideas without fighting, remain a concern for causing unrest.
Modi called to find and separate these ideological supporters to prevent violence.
Modi announced new government programs to boost self-reliance in areas like defense and farming.
There is a special focus on helping young people with skills training in artificial intelligence and free coaching for exams.
Modi highlighted India's fast economic growth and the goal to become a developed country by 2047, 100 years after independence.
The article mentions a recent youth protest movement that challenged Modi’s government, though Modi did not refer to it directly in his speech.
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In central India, about 7,000 families face the threat of losing their homes due to the Daudhan Dam project, which will flood villages near Panna Tiger Reserve. Women from these villages are protesting by symbolically sitting on funeral pyres to show their fear of displacement without proper compensation.
Key Facts
The Daudhan Dam is part of India’s first river-linking project.
The dam will flood 10 villages near Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh.
Around 7,000 families are at risk of being forced to leave their homes.
The Panna Tiger Reserve is home to endangered animals like tigers and gharials (a type of crocodile).
Women from the affected villages held a "funeral pyre protest" by sitting on unlit pyres to represent the loss they fear.
The protest is called Chita Andolan, meaning funeral pyre movement.
Protest leaders used slogans demanding justice and attention to their plight.
Villagers are concerned about displacement without receiving fair compensation or new homes.
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Construction workers in Dendermonde, Belgium, found gold bars and coins worth about $10 million during building renovations. The police secured the gold in a government vault and warned people not to visit the site.
Key Facts
The gold was discovered hidden in the cellar walls of a building owned by a local charity.
About 50 gold bars and many gold coins were found.
The estimated value of the gold is around nine million euros ($10.4 million).
Workers found the gold while digging to install a sewer pipe.
Police quickly took the gold and stored it in a high-security government vault.
The police warned treasure hunters to stay away from the site.
It is not yet known who legally owns the gold or if anyone will keep it.
The local police posted about the find on Facebook and changed their profile picture to a gold coin.
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Andrew Giuliani, a White House official and son of Rudy Giuliani, supports FIFA President Gianni Infantino amid criticism over Infantino’s plan to sell part of the World Cup to private investors. Infantino canceled the plan in July after backlash but lost support from several football groups for his re-election next year.
Key Facts
Andrew Giuliani works on the White House Task Force for the recent World Cup.
Gianni Infantino wanted to sell about 20% of a new FIFA company handling World Cup business to private investors.
The plan was canceled in July due to public criticism.
Many football organizations, including UEFA, CONCACAF, AFC, and several national federations, oppose Infantino’s re-election.
Giuliani says the criticism is driven by jealousy and politics.
Giuliani compares the criticism of Infantino to political attacks on President Donald Trump.
Joshua Kushner, related to President Trump’s family, was one expected investor in the FIFA project.
Giuliani praises Infantino’s overall work and efforts to improve FIFA.
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President Donald Trump has suggested that Syria might intervene in Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah as a way to pressure Iran. However, Syria faces many risks from such an intervention, including political instability, possible Iranian attacks, and economic problems, making it unlikely to take strong military action in Lebanon.
Key Facts
President Trump has mentioned Syria's possible intervention in Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah several times.
The U.S. wants this option to pressure Iran, but has not clearly outlined what Syria should do.
Syria could limit intervention to border control, stopping smuggling, and sharing intelligence with Lebanon’s army.
A full military operation to disarm Hezbollah inside Lebanon would be risky and costly for Syria.
Syria’s army is still reorganizing and faces internal security and economic challenges.
Iran could retaliate against Syria through its allies or direct attacks, which could target Syrian military sites or the capital.
Conflict in Lebanon could harm Syria's efforts to restore stability, attract foreign investment, and rebuild the economy.
Syria’s leadership prioritizes stability and economic recovery over reopening regional conflicts at this time.
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An Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon killed seven people and injured three, one of the deadliest attacks since a recent truce between Israel and Lebanon. Additionally, two tankers were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for global oil shipments, increasing tensions in the Middle East.
Key Facts
The airstrike hit a home near Ansar village in southern Lebanon on Saturday.
Seven people were killed and three were wounded in the Israeli strike.
The strike is one of the deadliest since a June 26 framework agreement aimed at Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group, was not part of the agreement and refuses direct talks.
Two oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz were attacked on Friday.
One attacked tanker is owned by ADNOC, Abu Dhabi’s state oil company.
No injuries were reported from the tanker attacks.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key route, carrying about 20% of the world’s traded oil and natural gas before the recent conflicts.
Shipping in the strait has been severely disrupted since the Iran war began on February 28, following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
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An Israeli airstrike killed seven people and injured three in southern Lebanon, hitting a house near Ansar. The attacks happened as tensions rose with several strikes across southern Lebanon, despite a recent agreement aimed at reducing conflict.
Key Facts
The airstrike destroyed a house in the Nabatieh district near Ansar.
Seven people were killed and three wounded in the strike.
Israeli attacks targeted multiple locations including Ali al-Taher Ridge and areas near Nabatieh al-Fawqa.
This was the deadliest Israeli attack in Lebanon since a June agreement reduced fighting.
The agreement included plans for Hezbollah to disarm and Israeli forces to gradually withdraw.
Lebanese emergency teams worked to rescue victims and clear debris.
Hezbollah’s leader criticized Lebanese authorities for not protecting the army amid ongoing Israeli attacks.
Despite the ceasefire and recent agreements, Israeli strikes and demolitions have continued in southern Lebanon.
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The Taliban marked five years since retaking Kabul and returning to power in Afghanistan. The government says the country is more secure and free, but many people criticize harsh rules on women, job shortages, and ongoing economic problems.
Key Facts
The Taliban regained control of Kabul five years ago after US troops withdrew.
The government is celebrating with events like a cricket match that women and girls cannot attend.
Many Afghans feel the country is more secure now, but there are fewer job opportunities, especially for young people.
Economic challenges persist, with GDP per person falling partly due to migrants returning from Iran and Pakistan.
Women face strict restrictions: they are banned from most jobs, public spaces, and girls over 12 cannot go to school.
The Taliban had promised some freedoms for women but quickly imposed strict rules after taking power.
Public life in Kabul includes displays of Taliban symbols and more security checkpoints.
The government says it is working to build the economy but asks for patience from the people.
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Israeli forces entered a wedding hall in al-Eizariya, a town in the occupied West Bank, and reportedly assaulted some Palestinian guests. Videos show the event happening while music was still playing inside the hall.
Key Facts
The incident took place in al-Eizariya town, located in the occupied West Bank.
Israeli forces entered a wedding hall during an active celebration.
Some Palestinian wedding attendees were reportedly assaulted.
Videos of the event show music playing inside the hall at the time of the raid.
The report comes from the Palestinian news agency WAFA.
This event highlights tensions in the occupied West Bank area.
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The first death of a little penguin from the H5 bird flu in Australia was confirmed on Phillip Island, Victoria. The Victorian government plans to vaccinate thousands of little penguins to try to protect the colony from the virus.
Key Facts
A little penguin on Phillip Island has died from H5 bird flu, the first confirmed case in Australia for this species.
Phillip Island has about 40,000 little penguins, the world’s largest colony of this species.
The Victorian government will start vaccinating up to 5,000 little penguins at Phillip Island and St Kilda beach.
Vaccinating wild birds is difficult but possible here because little penguins usually return to the same burrows every night.
Vaccination requires two doses given weeks apart.
The virus has also been found in other wild birds in Victoria, including greater crested terns at Lakes Entrance and Dromana.
The discovery on Phillip Island raises concern about how quickly the vaccination can protect the penguins.
Wildlife experts emphasize the need for government support to help native species survive the bird flu outbreak.
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South Korean President Lee Jae Myung suggested starting talks with North Korea to officially end the Korean War. He wants to replace the current ceasefire agreement with a peace deal and believes talks could help limit North Korea’s growing nuclear weapons program.
Key Facts
The Korean War has never officially ended, only paused by a ceasefire called an armistice.
President Lee Jae Myung of South Korea is calling for new talks with North Korea.
The goal is to create a formal peace agreement to replace the existing armistice.
President Lee thinks dialogue could slow or stop North Korea’s expanding nuclear weapons development.
The proposal aims to improve security and peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Pyongyang is the capital of North Korea and often refers to its government.
The Korean War started in 1950 and ended in 1953 with an armistice, but no peace treaty.
A peace regime would mean a lasting, official end to the conflict between North and South Korea.
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Palestinian families in Qusra, near Nablus in the West Bank, say they are blocked from food and supplies due to a siege by Israeli settlers. The Israeli military has not acted to stop the settlers, highlighting political challenges in Israel.
Key Facts
Palestinian residents of three houses in Qusra have been cut off from food and supplies since Sunday.
Israeli settlers have surrounded these homes in the occupied West Bank.
The Israeli military has not intervened to remove or stop the settlers.
The situation reflects deep political issues within Israel, including a prime minister who has not condemned violent acts.
Qusra is located near Nablus, an area in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
The event is part of ongoing tensions between Israelis and Palestinians in this region.
News coverage comes from France 24 and correspondent Noga Tarnopolsky.
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An Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon killed seven people and injured three others on Saturday. This is one of the deadliest attacks since Lebanon and Israel agreed on a plan for Israeli forces to leave southern Lebanon and Hezbollah to disarm.
Key Facts
The airstrike occurred early Saturday in southern Lebanon.
Seven people were killed and three were wounded.
Paramedics are still searching for survivors in the rubble.
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported the incident.
The attack is one of the deadliest since a June 26 agreement between Lebanon and Israel.
The agreement involves Israel withdrawing its forces from southern Lebanon.
It also calls for Hezbollah, a militant group backed by Iran, to disarm.
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Mohammad al-Halabi, a farmer from Gaza, lost his large farmland after it was destroyed in February 2024 during Israeli military actions. He now tends a small rented plot to grow crops for his family, while much of Gaza’s agricultural land and water sources remain damaged, severely reducing food production in the region.
Key Facts
Mohammad al-Halabi previously farmed about 40,000 square meters in northern Gaza but lost it due to destruction in February 2024.
His large farmland was bulldozed and is now covered with rubble and war remnants, needing major repairs before it can be farmed again.
Al-Halabi currently farms a small 300-square-meter plot in Nuseirat, growing limited crops mostly for family use.
Over 87% of Gaza’s agricultural land and greenhouses have been destroyed.
About 8,700 agricultural wells and 7,748 animal farms have also been damaged or destroyed.
Annual vegetable and fruit production in Gaza fell sharply from 524,000 tonnes to around 20,000 tonnes.
Gaza’s Ministry of Agriculture says damaged farmland needs soil healing, repaired water and irrigation, and fresh seeds and equipment to restart farming.
These damages are making it harder for farmers to earn a living and for the local market to have enough fresh produce.
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Heathrow Airport has limited access to Terminals 2 and 3 because of flooding. Passengers are advised to use trains and the subway instead of cars while airport teams work to fix the problem.
Key Facts
Flooding has blocked road access to Heathrow’s Terminals 2 and 3.
Passengers should travel by rail or subway to reach these terminals.
Airport staff are actively working to solve the flooding issue.
The disruption happened during a busy school holiday period.
July 19 was Heathrow's busiest day this year, with 267,000 passengers.
The airport recently faced problems after a water leak closed a railway tunnel.
Officials apologized for the inconvenience caused by the flooding.
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Myanmar’s government says it has identified over 300,000 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh as former residents of its Rakhine state and plans to accept their return when security improves. The Rohingya crisis began in 2017 after a military crackdown forced hundreds of thousands to flee to Bangladesh, but ongoing conflict and instability have delayed repatriation efforts.
Key Facts
More than 300,000 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh were verified by Myanmar as former residents of western Rakhine state.
Myanmar aims to allow their return when the security situation in Rakhine gets better.
The Rohingya fled Myanmar after a military crackdown in August 2017 following attacks by a Rohingya armed group.
Over 700,000 Rohingya crossed into Bangladesh during the 2017 crisis.
Myanmar does not recognize the Rohingya as a legal ethnic group and claims many refugees are not verifiable or linked to terrorism.
Myanmar and Bangladesh agreed on a two-year plan for refugee repatriation in 2018, but the plan has not worked due to worsening security and military conflicts.
Fighting between Myanmar’s military and the Arakan Army has continued, with the Arakan Army controlling much of Rakhine by 2023.
Some Rohingya refugees have tried to reach Malaysia and Indonesia by boat because of poor conditions and limited aid in camps.
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Health workers in eastern Congo are struggling to keep up with the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in the country’s history. Many new cases are found too late because the system to track and monitor people exposed to Ebola is falling behind the virus’s spread.
Key Facts
Ebola has caused over 2,200 deaths and more than 4,700 cases in eastern Congo.
About 60% to 70% of new Ebola cases are among people not previously monitored as contacts.
Health workers investigate dozens of alerts daily, trying to find and isolate infected people.
The outbreak is spreading faster than the 2014-16 West Africa Ebola epidemic.
Surveillance teams work long hours, often late into the night, to track contacts and educate communities.
The United Nations provided an extra $30.5 million to help fight the outbreak.
Health workers face risks while visiting homes and working in the affected communities.
Effective surveillance is crucial to controlling Ebola, as it helps find cases before the virus spreads further.
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The UK will see much cooler weather this weekend as a heatwave ends, with temperatures dropping by 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. This cooler weather will bring more chances of rain, especially in areas that have been very dry.
Key Facts
Thursday was the hottest day of 2026 in the UK, reaching 38.1°C (100.6°F) in Kew Gardens.
This year has had 39 days with temperatures of 30°C (86°F) or higher, breaking the previous record of 30 days from 1995.
Three of the nine times the UK temperature has reached 37°C (99°F) or more have occurred in 2026.
The heatwave has caused problems like wildfires, transport delays, and more heat-related deaths.
A cold front moving southeast brings cooler northwesterly winds and some rain.
Temperatures this weekend will generally be 16-24°C (about 61-75°F), close to the seasonal average for mid-August.
Some areas in southeast England might still be warmer, reaching 27-28°C (81-82°F).
Cooler and more changeable weather is expected to continue for the rest of August, with possible rain systems approaching.
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