The Sudanese army used drones to attack a traditional court in a village controlled by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in North Darfur. The strike killed 35 people and wounded several others during a local court session.
Key Facts
The drone attack happened in Garra al-Zawaya village in North Darfur on Sunday afternoon.
Around 35 people were killed and many others wounded in the attack.
The village is controlled by the RSF, a paramilitary group fighting the Sudanese army since April 2023.
Four tribal leaders and two RSF commanders were among those killed.
The RSF condemned the attack and said 37 people died with 50 wounded.
Both sides in the conflict have increased the use of drones in fighting.
UN reports say over 1,000 civilians were killed by drone strikes in Sudan in early 2026.
The war between the army and RSF has caused tens of thousands of deaths and displaced millions.
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Malaysia is introducing new rules to make hiking safer after more people got lost or needed rescue while hiking. The government will require guides in risky areas, ban some short but difficult hikes, and check hikers’ health and insurance before they start.
Key Facts
In the first five months of 2026, Malaysia saw 52 cases of lost hikers, nearly 30% more than the previous year.
Many hikers try to look like pro trail runners on social media by carrying very little gear, risking their safety.
“Compressed hikes,” or very short but tough hikes, have become popular on social media but are now banned in many dangerous mountain areas.
Guides will be mandatory in 189 high-risk hiking locations across Malaysia.
Hikers must complete health checks, declare medical history, and have insurance before hiking.
Some states will not approve compressed hikes, and others require multi-day climbing for certain trails.
The government wants to reduce accidents and expensive search and rescue operations.
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At least five women abused by Mohamed Al Fayed, former owner of Harrods, have been officially recognized by the UK Home Office as victims of modern slavery. The recognition comes after investigations into trafficking and sexual exploitation linked to Al Fayed and his brother, with ongoing police inquiries into possible co-conspirators.
Key Facts
Five women abused by Mohamed Al Fayed have received official status as modern slavery victims from the UK Home Office.
These women were recognized through the National Referral Mechanism, the UK system for identifying slavery victims.
The cases include trafficking within the UK and internationally, with some abuse occurring inside Harrods.
The survivors are members of a group called No One Above, supported by the anti-slavery charity Unseen.
One survivor described the formal recognition as shocking but important for acknowledging her experience.
Mohamed Al Fayed owned Harrods from 1985 to 2010 and died in 2023 without facing charges.
The Metropolitan Police investigation, called Operation Cornpoppy, is looking into whether others helped Al Fayed commit crimes.
So far, 154 victims have reported sexual assault, rape, exploitation, or trafficking related to Al Fayed and his associates.
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President Trump says that an outline for a deal with Iran has been agreed upon, but mediators involved in the talks disagree. For now, planned strikes on Iran have been paused while discussions continue.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump announced a pause on new military strikes against Iran.
He mentioned that an end to the conflict with Iran is near.
Trump called for the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route, to be reopened immediately.
Mediators involved in the Iran deal talks said no agreement outline has been made.
The situation remains tense, but active military actions are currently on hold.
The disagreement over the deal's progress shows differing views between the U.S. and mediators.
The Strait of Hormuz is important because it connects oil-producing regions to the global market.
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Wildfires in Spokane, Washington, have destroyed more than 600 buildings and caused many people to leave their homes quickly. The fires are spreading fast, forcing mass evacuations and raising concerns due to very hot weather affecting 50 million Americans.
Key Facts
Over 600 buildings have been destroyed by wildfires in Spokane, Washington.
Many of the damaged structures were inside the city itself.
The wildfires are moving quickly, forcing large numbers of people to evacuate.
Families are leaving their homes in response to the fire danger.
The region is experiencing record high temperatures.
Around 50 million people in the U.S. are affected by the hot weather forecast.
The fires and heat waves are causing widespread emergency responses.
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Police leaders warn that releasing some prisoners early in England and Wales will increase pressure on police forces and may reduce the number of local officers. Meanwhile, the UK government faces a growing challenge with migrant crossings in the English Channel, including controversial costs billed by France for turning migrants back.
Key Facts
Early release of inmates in England and Wales is expected to create extra work for police forces.
Police warn this early release could lead to fewer neighborhood officers on duty.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledged to tackle small boat crossings by migrants in Dover.
Reform UK said it would use the Royal Navy to stop migrant crossings if it were in government.
France charges the UK £8,000 for each migrant turned back from crossing the channel.
Farmers warn of possible food shortages in the UK due to drought and heat.
A poll shows that two-thirds of people support a wealth tax on assets over £10 million.
The UK is dealing with various social issues, including strike laws, foreign criminals in asylum housing, and theft of fuel due to high prices.
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President Donald Trump said he is not aiming to harm anyone while trying to reach a deal with Iran. He mentioned that new talks with Iranian officials are planned for Monday and that the discussions were arranged by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.
Key Facts
President Trump stated he does not want to kill people in these negotiations.
New talks with Iran are scheduled for Monday.
The latest round of talks was organized by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar.
The talks aim to reach a deal between the U.S. and Iran.
President Trump shared these comments while speaking to reporters on Air Force One.
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A suicide bombing exploded near a police station in Kabal, Swat Valley, Pakistan, killing at least 14 people. The bomb went off while people were protesting nearby, and victims were quickly taken to a hospital.
Key Facts
The bombing happened in Kabal, which is in the Swat Valley region of northwestern Pakistan.
At least 14 people died because of the explosion.
The attack was a suicide bombing, meaning the bomber killed themselves in the blast.
The bombing occurred near a police station.
People were protesting close to the site when the bomb exploded.
Victims were rushed to a hospital for emergency treatment.
Kabal is near the border with Afghanistan.
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President Donald Trump announced that new talks with Iran will start on Monday, after he canceled planned large-scale military strikes on the country. He said allies like Saudi Arabia urged him to hold off because there is progress toward a deal, but Iran’s government has denied asking for a pause in attacks.
Key Facts
President Trump called off planned major strikes on Iran, saying new negotiations will begin Monday.
Trump said Iran and US Middle East allies requested the US to delay attacks due to progress on a deal.
Iran’s semi-official media denied requesting a military pause and called Trump’s claim false.
Talks on issues related to the Strait of Hormuz are reportedly close to completion.
Global oil prices dropped significantly after Trump’s announcement, reflecting market reactions.
Trump described the canceled strikes as potentially the largest since World War II.
Iran’s acting defense minister stated Iran takes all threats seriously and will not be passive.
Previous attempts at talks, including face-to-face meetings in Pakistan, have not led to a final deal.
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The universities of Greenwich and Kent in the UK will merge to form the London and South East University Group (LASEUG), launching in September with more than 50,000 students across four campuses. This new “super-university” will keep the original universities’ names and allow students to graduate from their chosen institution, while staff will be employed by the combined group.
Key Facts
The LASEUG will officially start on 7 September.
It will be the third largest higher education institution in the UK.
Greenwich and Kent universities will remain separate in name and academics.
Staff from both universities will work under the new university group.
The merger aims to create a strong financial foundation amid growing money problems for UK universities.
UK universities face financial risks, with many at risk of deficits or closure.
The Education Select Committee warned of a financial crisis in higher education with possible university closures.
Other university mergers, such as King’s College London and Cranfield University, are planned.
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South Korea has recorded its highest temperature ever at 42.5°C in the city of Yangsan during a strong heatwave. Authorities have warned people to stop outdoor activities and stay in cool places to avoid health risks.
Key Facts
Yangsan reached 42.5°C, the highest temperature recorded in South Korea since 1904.
The heatwave lasted at least five days, with temperatures above 40°C in Yangsan and high 30s in other cities like Daegu and Busan.
Over 20 areas were under emergency heatwave alerts, a new warning system introduced this year.
The Korea Meteorological Administration advised people to stop outdoor activities and stay hydrated in air-conditioned or shaded places.
South Korea’s average annual number of heatwave days has more than doubled in the past five years, now reaching 19 days per year.
One professional baseball game was canceled due to the severe heat for player and spectator safety.
Scientists link the increase in extreme heatwaves to climate change and the ongoing El Niño weather pattern.
El Niño is a natural event that warms parts of the Pacific Ocean and often causes hotter temperatures worldwide.
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President Donald Trump announced that new talks with Iran will start on Monday after he stopped plans for a major U.S. attack on Iran. The decision to delay the strike came partly because allies like Saudi Arabia asked to give diplomacy a chance.
Key Facts
President Trump said the U.S. plan was for “the biggest attack since World War II” on Iran but he paused it to try negotiations.
Talks between the U.S. and Iran are scheduled to begin Monday afternoon.
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar asked President Trump to hold off on military strikes.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman warned the attack could cause serious problems like a refugee crisis.
Iranian and Saudi foreign ministers recently spoke about efforts to keep peace and security in West Asia.
Iran and Oman are close to an agreement on a new route through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping passage.
The conflict between the U.S. and Iran began on February 28 with attacks by the U.S. and Israel on Iran.
Past attempts to stop fighting and reopen the Strait of Hormuz have not succeeded, and tensions remain high.
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Two firefighting helicopters crashed while fighting a wildfire near Athens, causing the death of the two crew members on board. The accident happened during efforts to control a large fire.
Key Facts
Two helicopters used for firefighting collided in the air near Athens.
Both crew members on the helicopters died in the crash.
The helicopters were operating during a wildfire event.
The wildfire was described as large and intense.
The accident occurred on August 2, 2026.
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Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has officially started his campaign for a fourth term in office. He emphasized protecting Brazil’s sovereignty and its natural resources, while warning against foreign interference, especially from China, the US, and France.
Key Facts
Lula is running for president for the seventh time and says this term would be his last if he wins.
His campaign focuses on national sovereignty and protecting Brazil’s rare minerals from foreign control.
Lula called for increased defense spending to prevent any invasion threats.
The US recently imposed tariffs on Brazilian goods, causing tensions between the two countries.
Lula criticized the relationship between his main opponent, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, and former US President Donald Trump.
Flavio Bolsonaro is the main right-wing candidate after his father was convicted of trying to overturn Brazil’s 2022 election.
A recent poll shows Lula slightly ahead of Flavio Bolsonaro, but the race remains close.
Lula points to Brazil’s economic growth and social programs as achievements, while problems like rising living costs and crime are still concerns.
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A medical entrance exam in India was cancelled due to a leaked question paper, forcing nearly two million students to retake it. At least 21 students, including 17-year-old Kahaan Patel, died by suicide after the disruption, leading to widespread protests and the resignation of the education minister.
Key Facts
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) was cancelled after a leak of the exam paper.
Around two million students had to sit the exam again because of the leak.
At least 21 students died by suicide, including Kahaan Patel, who was 17 years old.
Kahaan had moved cities with his family to study in a better school and wanted to become a doctor.
The deaths sparked protests in Delhi demanding accountability for the exam failures.
The education minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, resigned following the protests.
Kahaan was known for his academic success and diverse interests including music and reading.
His family and many others struggled to understand how the exam scandal led to such tragic outcomes.
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A seaplane crashed in the Bahamas, and all eight American passengers and two crew members were safely rescued. Emergency teams carried out a quick and successful rescue operation.
Key Facts
A seaplane crashed in the Bahamas.
There were ten people on board: eight passengers and two crew members.
All passengers and crew were safely rescued.
The victims are American citizens.
Emergency responders acted promptly to save those on the plane.
The rescue was described as heroic.
The incident took place on August 2, 2026.
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Ariana Grande will take a break from public work after finishing her Eternal Sunshine Tour because of constant public scrutiny. She also withdrew from the 2027 London revival of the musical Sunday in the Park With George, and her role will be recast.
Key Facts
Ariana Grande plans to step back from public appearances after her current tour ends in September 2024.
She was scheduled to star in the 2027 London production of Sunday in the Park With George but pulled out.
The production company supports her decision and will announce a new cast for the show.
Grande has faced ongoing public scrutiny, including comments about her weight and appearance.
She has spoken openly about the stress of being constantly judged by the media.
Her Eternal Sunshine Tour will continue with multiple shows in the UK, ending on September 1, 2024.
Ariana Grande began her career in 2013 and has won three Grammy awards.
She is also known for acting roles on Nickelodeon and in the movie adaptation of Wicked.
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More than 100 artists, writers, and scientists have urged the UK government to save the Jodrell Bank Observatory, a key radio telescope facility, after funding cuts threatened its closure. The observatory plays a vital role in space research, tracking satellites, mapping the universe’s early years, and supporting thousands of researchers.
Key Facts
The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) plans to stop funding the e-Merlin radio telescope network at Jodrell Bank after March 2028.
The decision could lead to the closure of the observatory, risking 28 jobs and affecting nearly 3,000 researchers.
Jodrell Bank’s Lovell telescope tracked the Sputnik satellite launch in 1957 and is part of a global project mapping the universe’s first billion years.
The observatory is a UNESCO world heritage site and hosts the Square Kilometre Array Observatory’s new headquarters.
Funding cuts are part of wider UK science budget reductions, caused by high costs and budget pressure on the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).
The letter asks UK government officials including Prime Minister Andy Burnham to find immediate funding to keep Jodrell Bank operating.
Other UK astronomy projects like the Rubin Observatory, Next-Generation Transit Survey, and Event Horizon Telescope are also facing significant funding cuts.
Supporters warn ending funding would harm UK astronomy’s global leadership and national pride.
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At least five survivors of abuse linked to Mohamed Al Fayed have been officially confirmed as victims of human trafficking by the UK Home Office. Investigations are ongoing into how Fayed and possibly others moved and controlled these women, with allegations involving abuse over several decades across multiple countries.
Key Facts
Mohamed Al Fayed, former owner of Harrods, is linked to at least five confirmed human trafficking victims.
Victims were trafficked both internationally and within the UK, often recruited under false pretenses.
Abuse cases date from the 1990s to after Harrods was sold in 2010.
The police operation investigating this is called Operation Cornpoppy, with four people questioned so far.
Over 400 allegations against Fayed include rape, sexual assault, trafficking, drugging, and forced abortions.
Victims say trafficking happened through various Fayed-owned businesses, including Harrods, yachts, aviation, hotels, and properties worldwide.
Fayed died in 2023 at age 94 without being charged.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct is reviewing complaints about the police handling of these cases from 2018 to 2024.
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The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in Southern France is known for 72 medical miracles officially recognized by the Catholic Church. Doctors at the Lourdes Office of Medical Observations study many reported cures to decide which can be explained by medicine and which might be miracles.
Key Facts
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes has 72 medical miracles recognized by the Catholic Church.
The Lourdes Office of Medical Observations investigates reported cures to separate medical explanations from possible miracles.
Lourdes is a small town in southern France that attracts about 4 million visitors every year, more than pilgrimages to Mecca or Jerusalem.
Many sick and poor people travel to Lourdes seeking healing through prayer and the shrine’s natural spring water.
Sister Bernadette Moriau suffered from a serious nerve disorder causing paralysis but traveled to Lourdes after exhausting medical treatments.
Some visitors, like Kim Halpin, come hoping for healing from incurable illnesses but also value the spiritual experience.
Volunteers help many pilgrims, including those with severe disabilities like cerebral palsy.
Visitors often speak of finding inner peace and spiritual healing, even if physical cures do not happen.
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