The commander of Iran’s Quds Force, Esmail Qaani, visited Baghdad in secret to discuss Iraq’s plan to disarm armed groups and put weapons under government control. Iran opposes the immediate handover of weapons and urges political solutions to avoid conflict, amid tensions between the Iraqi government and some powerful armed factions.
Key Facts
Esmail Qaani, head of Iran’s Quds Force, made an unannounced visit to Baghdad to meet Iraqi leaders.
The visit focused on Iraq’s plan to disarm armed groups and centralize weapons under state control.
Iran sent a message against handing over weapons now, fearing a new war might start.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi wants to enforce the disarmament by a September 30 deadline.
Some armed groups, like Kataib Hezbollah and Harakat al-Nujaba, refuse to give up their weapons.
Iraqi political parties generally oppose using force to disarm the factions.
Iraq aims to end the U.S.-led coalition’s combat mission by the end of September 2024.
Iraqi leaders, including Ammar al-Hakim, are trying to reduce tensions and seek compromise.
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Scientists studied fossils and ancient ocean chemistry to find that the ability of early animals to produce feces may have helped life evolve rapidly about 540 million years ago. Poop pellets likely moved nutrients to deeper ocean areas, supporting bigger animals and more diverse ecosystems during the Cambrian Explosion.
Key Facts
The Cambrian Explosion happened around 540 million years ago, when many complex animals appeared.
Early animals evolved the ability to poop, creating fecal pellets that sank into the ocean depths.
Poop helped spread important nutrients like carbon, iron, nitrogen, and phosphorus to deeper waters.
This nutrient recycling boosted marine life by making deep ocean areas more habitable.
Scientists analyzed fossilized poop (coprolites) and digestive systems from the Cambrian period.
The study compared ancient nutrient cycles to those in today’s oceans, focusing on a system called the biological pump.
Fossilized poop containing shell fragments from animals like trilobites was found in places including Australia, Greenland, and China.
The research suggests feces played an important role in supporting the evolution and growth of early animal life.
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A total solar eclipse will happen soon, passing over the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, and parts of Spain. During this event, the Moon will fully cover the Sun, creating a rare and impressive natural sight for many people.
Key Facts
The solar eclipse will be total, meaning the Moon will completely block the Sun.
The path of the eclipse crosses the Arctic region, Greenland, Iceland, and some areas in Spain.
Millions of people will have the chance to see this rare event.
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun.
Total solar eclipses are uncommon and often attract attention from scientists and sky watchers.
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British actor and comedian Jasper Carrott expressed pride and gratitude after his daughter, actress Lucy Davis, announced she has incurable stage four breast cancer that has spread to her bones. Davis shared her diagnosis publicly and urged people to check any unusual changes in their bodies.
Key Facts
Lucy Davis, known for her role in the BBC sitcom The Office, revealed she has incurable stage four breast cancer.
The cancer has spread to her spine, right hip, and ribs.
Davis initially found a small hard spot but almost ignored it, highlighting the importance of early checks.
Jasper Carrott, her father, thanked the public for their support and asked for privacy as they cope.
Davis said she is trying to live life as fully as possible and is at peace with her condition.
Many of Davis’s co-stars and other celebrities publicly showed their support.
Stage four breast cancer means the cancer started in the breast and spread to other parts of the body, making it incurable, but it can be managed for some time with treatment.
Common breast cancer symptoms include lumps or swelling, skin changes, nipple changes, and discharge.
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Brazil will hold important elections soon, which will test the effectiveness of President Trump’s new approach to Latin America. This approach is often compared to a modern version of the Monroe Doctrine, a U.S. policy aimed at influencing countries in the Americas.
Key Facts
Brazil’s election is scheduled to take place in less than two months.
President Trump has introduced a new strategy for dealing with Latin American countries.
This strategy is being called the “new Monroe Doctrine,” referencing a historical U.S. policy from the 19th century.
The upcoming election is seen as a major test for how well this new policy will work.
The Monroe Doctrine originally aimed to limit European influence in the Americas but is now used metaphorically for U.S. influence in the region.
Brazil is the largest country in Latin America, making its political decisions very important for the region and U.S. relations.
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Lebanese parliament passed a general amnesty law to reduce prison overcrowding by shortening sentences and releasing some inmates, including those detained for over 12 years without charges. The law was approved one day after Lebanon abolished the death penalty, making it the first Middle Eastern country to do so.
Key Facts
Lebanon’s parliament approved a broad amnesty law aimed at reducing overcrowding in prisons.
The law shortens sentences, especially for those sentenced to death or life imprisonment, lowering them to 17 prison years (equivalent to about 13 actual years).
Prisoners held for more than 12 years without charges will be released as their trials continue.
Lebanon abolished the death penalty the day before passing this amnesty law, a first in the Middle East.
Prisons in Lebanon are reported to be overcrowded at 300% capacity, with over 6,200 inmates as of March 2026.
The amnesty includes Islamist prisoners connected to the Syrian civil war, as well as individuals linked to Hezbollah and other political groups.
Different political groups pushed for the law to benefit their communities, including families of people involved in drug offenses and those who fled to Israel after 2000.
Lebanon’s last major amnesty law was passed after its civil war (1975-1990) to help former fighters enter politics.
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Germany’s government plans to expand the powers of its intelligence services to better defend against threats like hacking, sabotage, and espionage from foreign countries and extremists. The proposed law aims to allow agencies to take more active steps, such as disabling dangerous technology and accessing digital devices, to protect the country.
Key Facts
Germany is expanding powers for its Federal Intelligence Service (BND) and domestic intelligence service (BfV).
The new powers would allow actions like disabling sabotage attempts and hacking operations.
The legislation was approved by the German Cabinet but still needs the parliament’s approval.
Germany has relied heavily on intelligence information from its allies, which the government sees as too one-sided.
Germany’s cautious approach to intelligence comes from historic concerns about government surveillance.
The intelligence services could intervene by swapping dangerous components, accessing IT systems of factories, or shutting down servers related to foreign attacks.
Officials mentioned the possibility of replacing explosives with harmless substances to prevent attacks.
Germany faces ongoing cyberattacks, espionage, and efforts to destabilize its political and social systems by foreign powers.
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A ferry carrying too many passengers capsized on Lake Kariba, which lies between Zimbabwe and Zambia, leaving 44 people dead. The ferry was overloaded, with more passengers than its 90-person limit, and rescue efforts have saved 77 people so far.
Key Facts
The ferry was carrying at least 114 adults and 5 crew members, exceeding its 90-person capacity.
Lake Kariba forms part of the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
The death toll has reached 44 people after the ferry capsized.
Rescue teams have saved 77 people from the accident.
The exact number of passengers is unclear because children without tickets may have been on board.
Some of the deceased were children, but officials have not given full details.
The ferry operates between rural areas around Lake Kariba and the town of Kariba on the lake’s shore.
Lake Kariba is the world’s largest man-made lake by volume, created by damming the Zambezi River in the 1950s and 1960s.
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Severe storms hit the Midwest, including tornadoes, heavy rain, and flooding, causing deaths, power outages, and property damage. Emergency crews worked to clear roads, restore power, and rescue stranded people across multiple states.
Key Facts
A 4-year-old boy died when a tree fell on a home in Geneva, Indiana.
A person died during a health emergency in Ohio when flooded roads blocked first responders.
Officials are investigating if severe weather contributed to a house explosion in Portage, Indiana, that killed someone.
Lightning struck a prison near Cleveland, Ohio, injuring 16 inmates who were hospitalized.
More than 700,000 customers lost power in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky.
The National Weather Service confirmed three tornadoes south of Chicago.
Ohio deployed 40 Army National Guard members to assist with flooding rescue efforts.
Severe weather caused flight delays and temporary shutdowns at Chicago’s airports.
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The Metropolitan Police plan to use live facial recognition (LFR) cameras permanently on London’s Oxford Street and other busy areas to help catch criminals. This technology scans people’s faces and compares them to a list of suspects, but some groups worry it could violate privacy and unfairly target certain groups.
Key Facts
The Met will install fixed LFR cameras on Oxford Street and six other locations starting by Christmas and into next year.
Oxford Street is newly pedestrianized and one of the busiest shopping streets in the UK.
LFR technology scans faces of everyone passing by and matches them to wanted suspects.
Cameras will be attached to street furniture like lamp-posts instead of temporary police vans.
Human rights groups warn the technology increases public surveillance and may discriminate, especially against Black people.
The Met began using LFR cameras at some London tube stations this month.
Almost half of people surveyed oppose scanning faces without a clear reason to suspect wrongdoing.
The mayor’s office says LFR is part of efforts to make Oxford Street safer and more pedestrian-friendly, with oversight planned to maintain public trust.
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Every year on August 12, people in Britain celebrate the start of grouse hunting season, but this year wildfires on moorlands have damaged habitats and reduced grouse numbers. Environmental groups say that how grouse moors are managed, including burning peatlands, increases fire risks, and some call for banning the hunting season to protect the land.
Key Facts
Grouse hunting season traditionally begins on August 12, known as the Glorious Twelfth.
Wildfires have damaged moorlands in the UK, harming wildlife and burning peatlands.
Managing grouse moors often involves burning plants and draining peat, which can make wildfires worse.
Peat is a wet soil that stores carbon but burns slowly and is hard to put out when dry.
The UK government recently banned burning vegetation on deep peat to protect habitats.
The Scottish Green Party has called to ban the start of the grouse hunting season to prevent damage.
Some chefs are finding fewer grouse available this year due to heat and fires and are careful about where they buy birds from.
There are concerns about illegal killing of birds of prey on grouse estates to increase grouse numbers.
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Israeli settlers have surrounded two Palestinian families in the West Bank village of Qusra, cutting off their water, electricity, and food supplies. Israeli security forces later withdrew from the settler outpost after clashes, and the Israel Defense Forces condemned the settlers’ actions as illegal.
Key Facts
Two Palestinian families in Qusra, West Bank, have been besieged by Israeli settlers since Sunday.
The settlers cut off the families’ water, power, and food supplies, isolating them in their homes.
The village of Qusra is located in Area B, which is under Palestinian administrative control and Israeli security control.
Israeli soldiers initially prayed with settlers upon arrival but later withdrew after clashes with extremist settlers.
The Israel Defense Forces called the seizure of Palestinian homes “illegal and unacceptable.”
A Palestinian ambulance was allowed to deliver food and take a child for medical help after several days.
Human rights group Yesh Din appealed to the Israeli military to protect the Palestinians and remove settlers.
The Israeli military said it would discipline security personnel shown present during the siege.
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The University of Cambridge will conduct an independent investigation into Jason Arday's appointment and his time working there. Arday resigned last week amid accusations of plagiarism, which he denies, and the review aims to improve how senior academic jobs are filled.
Key Facts
Jason Arday resigned as a Cambridge professor of sociology of education last week.
He was the youngest Black professor at Cambridge, appointed in 2023.
He faces plagiarism allegations but denies any wrongdoing.
The university’s vice-chancellor confirmed an independent investigation by senior academics from inside and outside Cambridge.
The investigation will start as soon as possible.
The university recognizes concerns and wants to protect the reputation of staff of colour.
Results of the investigation will help review how senior academic roles are appointed.
The university is addressing anger and anxiety caused by the case internally and publicly.
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Millions of people in Europe are preparing to watch a rare total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. The eclipse will be most visible in northern Spain, where the moon will fully cover the sun for about two and a half minutes, causing temporary darkness during the day.
Key Facts
A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun, blocking the sun’s light.
This is the first total solar eclipse visible in mainland Europe in 20 years.
The eclipse will start in Russia’s Arctic north and move across Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain.
Northern Spain will have the best views, with total darkness lasting less than 2.5 minutes.
Millions of Europeans will also see a partial eclipse, including people in Canada, northern US, and northwest Africa.
Spanish authorities are warning people to avoid actions that could cause wildfires, as the eclipse happens during a hot summer with ongoing fires.
The event may bring an extra half a million visitors to Spain.
Scientists study solar eclipses to learn more about the sun, including its outer atmosphere called the corona.
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Zhu Rongji, a former Chinese Premier known for transforming China into a major global trading nation, died at age 97. He led important economic reforms, including China's entry into the World Trade Organization, and worked to modernize the economy and fight corruption.
Key Facts
Zhu Rongji served as China’s Premier from 1998 to 2003.
He played a key role in China joining the World Trade Organization in 2002.
His economic reforms included moving tax powers to the central government and privatizing failing state firms.
Under his leadership, China became a global manufacturing powerhouse.
These reforms led to rapid economic growth but also caused job losses for about 30 million people and increased inequality.
Zhu was known for being tough and outspoken, criticizing corruption and poor local officials.
He was born in 1928, studied electrical engineering, and joined the Communist Party in 1949.
Zhu was removed from power twice during political purges but returned after Mao’s death and rose to high leadership roles.
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A total solar eclipse will pass over northern Spain on August 12, 2026. This rare event is one of the most important astronomical occurrences in Europe this decade and offers scientists a chance to study the Sun, animal behavior, and human reactions.
Key Facts
The eclipse will be total, meaning the Moon will completely cover the Sun.
It will be visible in northern Spain and parts of Europe.
Total solar eclipses like this are rare and happen in Europe roughly once every 20 years.
Scientists study solar eclipses to learn about the Sun’s corona (outer atmosphere).
Eclipses can also affect animal behavior and human emotions, based on scientific observations.
The last total solar eclipse visible in mainland Europe was in 2006.
People are advised never to look directly at the Sun during an eclipse without proper eye protection.
The event is widely anticipated and followed by both scientists and the public.
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India’s aviation ministry is investigating an Air India flight that suddenly dropped about 300 feet midair, injuring 24 people. The ministry is waiting for drug test results for the flight’s captain, who may have tested positive for marijuana, and both pilots have been removed from flying duties while the investigation continues.
Key Facts
The Air India flight, carrying 137 people, dropped about 300 feet shortly after takeoff from Phuket, Thailand, on August 4.
The plane stabilized and landed safely in New Delhi despite the sudden drop.
24 passengers and crew were injured during the incident.
Both pilots were tested for drugs and alcohol after the flight; the captain’s initial drug test indicated a possible marijuana positive but awaits confirmation.
Both pilots are suspended from flying until the investigation is complete.
India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is checking flight data, aircraft systems, crew medical records, and conducting interviews.
France’s air accident investigation agency and Airbus are providing technical support for the probe, as per international aviation rules.
Air India has faced recent challenges, including a fatal crash in 2025 and operational difficulties caused by conflicts and other pressures.
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The United States and 40 other countries have asked for advance warning of missile launches after China test-fired a long-range nuclear-capable missile in the Pacific region last month. China defended its testing, while the U.S. and allies criticized the short notice and potential risks from such tests.
Key Facts
China test-fired a submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in the Pacific, flying about 4,500 miles.
The missile carried a dummy warhead, meaning it was not armed with a real nuclear weapon.
The U.S. and 40 countries issued a statement demanding at least 24 hours' advance notice before missile tests.
Japan, Australia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau also protested China's short two-hour warning.
China said it conducts missile tests safely and accused the U.S. of double standards because the U.S. has done many more tests.
Experts said this Chinese test crossed over island nations, unlike similar U.S. missile tests.
China is rapidly increasing its nuclear weapons stockpile, now estimated at around 600 warheads.
China has declined U.S. calls to join talks aimed at limiting nuclear arms.
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The low water levels of the Danube River in Budapest have revealed the remains of two German soldiers from World War Two along with a motorcycle and other items. The German War Graves Commission is working to identify the soldiers and hopes the discoveries will help families learn what happened to their relatives.
Key Facts
Two German soldiers' bodies were found in the Danube near Budapest due to drought-caused low water levels.
The soldiers' identification tags, a wedding ring, a Kuban shield (a Wehrmacht combat badge), and a mostly intact German army motorcycle were discovered.
The motorcycle is likely a DKW NZ 350-1 model made for wartime use in 1944.
One ID tag belonged to a Wehrmacht soldier, the other to a Waffen-SS member, an organization declared criminal after the war.
German soldiers’ ID tags were split on death: one half stayed with the body, the other was sent to authorities to notify families.
Families of these soldiers probably never received official news of their deaths.
Anti-tank mines were also found, causing the riverbank to close temporarily for bomb disposal.
The soldiers will be buried at the German war cemetery near Budapest once identified.
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