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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A 32-year-old woman was rescued alive 36 hours after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia. The earthquake caused at least 188 deaths, many buildings collapsed, and hundreds of people remain missing.
Key Facts
The woman, Daniela Largo, was found under rubble in Pereira after a 10-hour rescue effort.
Firefighters dug two tunnels to reach her, one providing oxygen and the other for extraction.
The earthquake hit near San José del Palmar in Chocó province on Monday morning.
At least 188 people have died, with 79 deaths in Pereira and 95 in Cali.
Many buildings collapsed: 92 in Pereira alone, and dozens of people remain trapped or missing.
Rescue teams continue searching for survivors amid more than 100 aftershocks.
Cali's mayor set a nighttime curfew and deployed soldiers to maintain safety during rescue operations.
President Abelardo de la Espriella praised the woman's rescue as a hopeful sign.
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President Vladimir Putin warned that Russia will seize European ships if Europe takes more Russian vessels as part of sanctions. He made this statement during a Russian navy drill near the Pacific island of Sakhalin, saying Russia is ready to respond with similar actions.
Key Facts
Putin threatened to seize European ships if Europe continues to take Russian vessels carrying cargo.
The warning came from a Russian naval drill near Sakhalin island in the Pacific.
Recent European sanctions allow shipping companies to seize Russian oil and cargo from ships.
Putin called the European seizures “piracy and robbery” and said Russia would respond in kind.
Russia’s Ministry of Defence and Pacific Fleet have been instructed to carry out retaliations if needed.
Putin accused NATO of expanding into the Asia Pacific and increasing tensions in the Arctic.
Russia’s naval exercises come just before joint US-South Korean military drills amid regional tensions.
Ukraine has accused Russia of using North Korean missiles and receiving military support from North Korea.
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Dr. Rachel Rubin explains menopause as a natural stop of ovarian hormone production, which causes symptoms like hot flashes and mood changes. She suggests vaginal hormones can prevent urinary infections in menopausal women and highlights the role of testosterone in women's health during menopause.
Key Facts
Menopause means the ovaries stop making hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
This hormone loss causes symptoms such as hot flashes, poor sleep, mood changes, weight gain, and memory problems.
Vaginal estrogen can prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are common after menopause and can be dangerous if untreated.
Fewer than 10% of postmenopausal women use vaginal estrogen, despite support from medical groups.
Using vaginal estrogen could save Medicare between $6 billion and $22 billion yearly by reducing serious infections.
Women naturally produce more testosterone than estrogen and need testosterone to make estrogen in the ovaries.
Testosterone therapy can help some menopausal women with low libido and overall well-being, though no FDA-approved testosterone products exist specifically for women.
Norah O'Donnell herself uses low-dose testosterone prescribed by her doctor.
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A South African scientist discovered a natural fungus that kills the African armyworm, a pest that damages crops and grazing fields in east and southern Africa. This finding offers a potential new way to protect farmers from major outbreaks that harm food production and livestock.
Key Facts
The African armyworm is a caterpillar that destroys crops like maize and sorghum and affects grazing grass.
It can harm cattle by releasing a chemical compound in the grass it eats.
Outbreaks have caused severe crop losses, including up to 40% maize destruction in Zambia in 2017.
The 2024 outbreak affected farmers in Zimbabwe and Malawi amid high inflation rates.
The fungus was found killing armyworms naturally in fields of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Scientists proved the fungus can kill the caterpillars and hope to turn it into a product for farmers.
Chemical treatments exist but are less effective against mature armyworm populations.
Further research and testing are needed before the fungus can be used widely by farmers.
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The article talks about changes in women's bodies during perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Rachel Rubin explains how using vaginal hormones might help women and reduce healthcare costs by preventing issues like urinary tract infections.
Key Facts
The focus is on female body changes during perimenopause and menopause.
Dr. Rachel Rubin is a urologist and sexual medicine specialist.
Vaginal hormones can help ease symptoms women face during this time.
Using these hormones might save Medicare between $6 billion and $22 billion yearly.
Vaginal hormones may also prevent urinary tract infections.
The article includes a personal story about menopause and hormone therapy.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Russia will retaliate against Western countries that have seized Russian commercial ships, calling these actions piracy. He said Russia could respond anywhere it sees fit, not just where the ships were taken.
Key Facts
President Putin described Western seizures of Russian commercial ships as piracy and robbery.
Putin said Russia would respond in kind and could retaliate in any location, including the Pacific Ocean.
The Russian Pacific Fleet is ready to inspect and detain ships from countries it calls "unfriendly," including those registered under other nations' flags ("shadow fleet").
Western countries like France and the UK have detained tankers suspected of violating sanctions by transporting Russian oil.
Russia is believed to use a large fleet to avoid international sanctions imposed after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Russian warships now escort commercial vessels to protect them.
Dmitry Medvedev suggested Russia could attack merchant ships from hostile countries anywhere if they are suspected of carrying enemy cargo.
Russia plans to expand naval operations beyond the Black Sea region in response.
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A total solar eclipse will turn parts of northern Spain from day to night on August 12, 2026. Millions of people across Europe, Canada, the northern United States, and northwest Africa will see a partial eclipse, which also helps scientists study the Sun and space.
Key Facts
The eclipse will cause total darkness in parts of northern Spain.
Many others in Europe, Canada, northern US, and northwest Africa will see a partial eclipse.
This is the first total solar eclipse visible in mainland Europe since 2006.
Eclipses help scientists learn more about the Sun and our universe.
People are warned never to look directly at the eclipse without proper eye protection.
The event occurs on August 12, 2026.
The eclipse is caused when the Moon passes in front of the Sun, blocking its light.
The event will attract millions of viewers and has scientific importance.
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A rare total solar eclipse will soon be visible in parts of northern Spain, where the Moon will fully block the Sun for a short time, turning day into night briefly. Many people across Europe, Canada, the northern United States, and northwest Africa will see a partial eclipse. Scientists use such events to learn more about the Sun and space.
Key Facts
The total solar eclipse will occur in northern Spain.
The eclipse will cause a brief period of darkness during the daytime.
Millions of people across Europe, Canada, northern U.S., and northwest Africa will see a partial eclipse.
This is the first total solar eclipse visible in mainland Europe since 2006.
Viewing the eclipse requires eye protection to avoid eye damage.
Solar eclipses help scientists study the Sun and the universe.
The event is expected soon, within hours of the report’s release date of August 12, 2026.
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Ukraine is working to strengthen its cooperation with South Korea. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently accused North Korea of helping Russia by providing ballistic missiles used in attacks on Ukraine.
Key Facts
Ukraine seeks closer ties and cooperation with South Korea.
President Zelenskyy accused North Korea of supporting Russia militarily.
North Korea reportedly supplied ballistic missiles used in attacks on Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine.
The article mentions ongoing military strikes and conflicts between Russia and Ukraine.
South Korea is paying attention to Ukraine’s calls for cooperation.
The situation involves multiple countries in East Asia and Eastern Europe.
The conflict includes missile attacks causing casualties in Ukraine.
France 24 reported this information with correspondents in South Korea.
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A total solar eclipse will occur soon, turning day briefly into night in parts of northern Spain. Many people across Europe, Canada, the northern US, and northwest Africa will see a partial eclipse. Experts warn not to look at the eclipse without proper eye protection.
Key Facts
The total solar eclipse will mainly be visible in northern Spain.
During the eclipse, the Moon will completely cover the Sun for a short time.
Millions of people will see a partial eclipse across Europe, Canada, northern US, and northwest Africa.
This is the first total solar eclipse visible in mainland Europe since 2006.
Looking at the eclipse without special eye protection can harm your eyes.
The event is described as rare and is expected to attract wide attention.
There will be ongoing news coverage during the day of the eclipse.
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