AGRA, the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, is marking 20 years of promoting commercial seeds and fertilizers to improve farming. However, new research shows its focus on maize has reduced land and investment for traditional African crops like millet, which are more resilient and nutritious. Hunger and undernourishment rates have increased in countries working with AGRA, despite its efforts.
Key Facts
AGRA was created to improve Africa’s food systems through commercial farming inputs like seeds and fertilizers.
Maize production has doubled in countries involved with AGRA, but yields have grown only modestly.
Traditional crops such as millet, sorghum, cassava, and groundnuts have lost land and investment since AGRA began in 2006.
Millet production has decreased by 27% and its yields dropped 17%, while maize land increased by 71% and maize production more than doubled.
Millet and other traditional crops are drought-tolerant and nutritious, important for food security in harsh climates.
Hunger and undernourishment have increased by about 60% in countries where AGRA operates, matching the continental trend.
The UN has emphasized the importance of affordable, healthy diets, which include diverse crops rather than monocultures.
Crop diversity helps protect soil health and reduces risk by ensuring some crops survive drought or pests.
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A man was killed by a great white shark while swimming at Sorrento Beach in Western Australia, leading authorities to issue a rare order to catch and kill the shark. Beaches in the area remain closed as the search continues, and this attack is the third fatal shark attack in the state this year.
Key Facts
The victim, Greg O’Neil, was a 63-year-old swimmer from Perth.
The attack happened on a Friday morning at Sorrento Beach, north of Perth.
Authorities issued a catch-and-kill order for the shark after it was identified by water police.
This order is rare and has not been issued in Western Australia for 10 years.
Beaches near Perth remain closed until at least Sunday as a safety measure.
There have been five fatal shark attacks in Australia so far this year, including two other deaths in Western Australia and one in Queensland.
The Western Australia Fisheries Minister said the order is due to the shark posing a serious threat, but this is not a large-scale shark cull.
Efforts to protect beachgoers will also include more drone monitoring and shark tagging.
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The government in England and Wales plans to strengthen laws that hold parents responsible if their children commit crimes. Parents could face fines, lose benefits, or even jail time in rare cases if they fail to help control their child’s behavior.
Key Facts
Parents may lose benefits, be fined up to £1,000, or go to jail in extreme cases if their children commit crimes.
Parenting orders require parents to attend counseling or residential courses to address their child’s behavior.
The youth justice minister said jail would be used only in the most extreme cases and judges will decide the punishment.
Experts say parenting orders have not been effective and may hurt poor families by adding financial pressure.
The use of parenting orders has declined from over 1,000 in 2009/10 to just 33 in 2022/23.
Courts must consider parenting orders for children under 16 convicted of offenses and may consider them for 16- and 17-year-olds.
Breaching a parenting order is a criminal offense with a maximum fine of £1,000.
Some researchers say support for parents should be voluntary and question the effectiveness of parenting orders.
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The European Union has asked the United States to allow Palestinian Authority officials to get visas so they can attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York, after the US denied these visas for the second year in a row. The US said it is continuing visa restrictions because it accuses Palestinian leaders of actions that hurt peace efforts, while the UN and the Palestinians criticize this decision.
Key Facts
The US denied visas to Palestinian Authority officials for the second year to attend the UN General Assembly in New York.
The European Union called on the US to reconsider the visa ban, citing its responsibilities as the UN host country.
The UN Secretary-General expressed regret over the US decision and its effect on Palestine’s participation in the UN.
The US State Department said it extended sanctions because the Palestinians did not meet reform commitments and took actions that undermine peace, like seeking recognition of statehood outside direct talks with Israel.
The US also cited Palestinian financial support for families of people involved in attacks as a reason for the visa ban.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will address the General Assembly via prerecorded video despite the visa restrictions.
Abbas’s speech is expected to focus on gaining international recognition for Palestine and raising concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and settlement growth in the West Bank.
Palestine’s Ministry welcomed the UN vote allowing Abbas’s address, seeing it as a win against attempts to block Palestine’s participation.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked President Donald Trump for signing a new law that expands sanctions against Russia and extends sanctions on Iran. The law targets Russian leaders, businesses, and efforts to avoid sanctions as part of ongoing international pressure related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Key Facts
President Trump signed the Russia and Iran sanctions bill into law on a Friday in 2026.
The bill was strongly supported by both parties in the U.S. Congress and championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham.
The legislation expands sanctions against Russia and allows sanctions on countries helping Russia evade penalties.
Sanctions target Russian officials, oligarchs (wealthy influential people), banks, and a fleet of tankers that bypass sanctions.
It permits tariffs on the top five buyers of Russian oil and gas and on the top five countries aiding Russia's energy evasion.
The sanctions law also prevents funding gaps for sanctions related to Iran's energy and weapons sectors.
Zelenskyy said enforcing this law fully is the best way to honor Senator Graham's memory and help bring peace.
The sanctions are part of efforts against Russia's ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which started five years earlier.
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Streamer Hasan Piker said the United States has caused more deaths than al-Qaeda, calling some U.S. actions acts of terror. His comments sparked strong reactions from both political parties. Experts say there is no single agreed definition of terrorism, but it usually means using illegal violence to cause fear and influence politics.
Key Facts
Hasan Piker said the U.S. caused more deaths "pound for pound" than al-Qaeda.
He referenced a 2026 strike on a girls' school in Iran that killed more than 140 students as an act of terror.
Piker clarified he does not call all Americans terrorists.
His remarks led to criticism from Republicans and some Democrats.
Piker previously made a controversial comment in 2019 about America deserving 9/11 but later walked it back.
The term "terrorism" became more central after the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Experts say terrorism generally means illegal violence used to create fear and influence government actions.
There is no universal legal or academic definition of terrorism.
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Federal forecasters predict a wetter-than-normal winter for much of the U.S. due to a likely very strong El Niño event. The forecast shows more rain especially along the West and East coasts, the Southern area, and parts of the Central Plains for December through February.
Key Facts
There is over a 90% chance of a very strong El Niño this fall and winter.
El Niño is a climate pattern caused by warmer ocean temperatures in the Pacific, affecting weather worldwide.
This El Niño could be the strongest since 1950.
Above-normal rainfall is expected along the West Coast, East Coast, Southern Tier, and Central Plains.
Northern and Alaskan regions will likely see warmer temperatures this winter.
El Niño often brings more storms to the Southern U.S. and wetter weather in places like California and the Southeast.
Increased rain may help reduce drought conditions in California and the Southeast.
The winter outlook shows probabilities for overall seasonal weather, not specific storms or cold periods.
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Puerto Rico is facing a serious water crisis caused by severe drought and old, failing water pipes. The crisis highlights ongoing problems with the island’s water system and the need for better government action and infrastructure upgrades.
Key Facts
Many residents of Puerto Rico are experiencing water shortages and rationing due to drought and old water systems.
July was the driest month in over 120 years in San Juan, worsening water shortages.
The Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) loses up to 65% of produced water before it reaches homes because of leaks and broken pipes.
A major pipeline broke in June, showing that the water system is still fragile despite emergency repairs.
Problems with water supply have existed long before the current drought and even before Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
Hurricane Maria in 2017 revealed major issues in Puerto Rico’s infrastructure and emergency response.
Experts say the crisis is not due to residents’ lack of knowledge, but to long-term neglect of vital public systems.
The U.S. White House says it is closely monitoring the situation.
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NATO faces challenges in responding quickly to drone threats near its territory, especially in the Black Sea region, where drones have approached key energy and transport sites. The alliance must improve its rules and processes to allow faster and clear action against unidentified drones without waiting for full proof of who is responsible.
Key Facts
On August 16, a Spanish F-18 shot down a drone that entered Romanian airspace on a NATO mission.
Four days later, Romanian F-16s reacted to a maritime drone near an important offshore gas platform in the Black Sea.
Neither drone incident caused injuries or deaths.
Gray-zone warfare involves low-scale actions, like drone testing, meant to cause confusion or hesitation without full war.
On September 13, a drone hit a train near the Poland-Ukraine border but caused no injuries.
Current NATO rules mean each country decides how to respond to threats in its airspace, causing delays.
Faster, pre-approved rules are needed to help commanders act quickly and legally against potential high-risk drone threats.
The goal is to deter threats by showing NATO will respond firmly and promptly to any airspace violations.
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More than 112,000 people have been forced to leave their homes in Yemen due to ongoing fighting. The Houthi group has taken control of more areas, and protests supporting them have happened after Saudi Arabia said the Houthis attacked the holy city of Mecca.
Key Facts
Over 112,000 people have been displaced in Yemen because of the fighting.
The Houthi military group has gained more territory.
Pro-Houthi demonstrations occurred in Yemen following accusations by Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia accused the Houthis of attacking Mecca, an important religious site for Muslims.
The conflict involves multiple countries and groups from the Middle East region.
The situation is part of a wider ongoing conflict in Yemen with regional and international implications.
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The famous black dress worn by Princess Diana, known as the "Revenge Dress," is going to be sold at an auction. This dress became well-known and inspired many women around the world.
Key Facts
The dress is called the "Revenge Dress."
Princess Diana wore it when she was the Princess of Wales.
It became an iconic fashion piece and symbol.
The dress is now being put up for auction (a public sale).
This event follows the release of a book by Diana’s brother, which caused reactions from King Charles and the British Crown.
The auction highlights Diana’s lasting influence and legacy.
The dress inspires many people years after it was worn.
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The United States and Denmark have reached an agreement regarding Greenland's security. President Donald Trump says the deal gives the US permanent control over Greenland's security while keeping the island under Danish ownership.
Key Facts
Greenland is an Arctic territory owned by Denmark.
President Donald Trump previously said the US wanted to control Greenland.
There were concerns among Greenland's people about a possible US invasion.
The new agreement between the US and Denmark addresses security in Greenland.
Trump described the deal as giving the US permanent control of Greenland’s security.
Denmark and Greenland have both expressed approval of the agreement.
Exact details of the deal have not been clearly shared.
The agreement has implications for NATO and Arctic military interests.
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Scientists have discovered a new species of wild cat in a wildlife sanctuary in Bolivia. This small, spotted cat, named Leopardus tilcayo, is the first new living wild cat species identified in over 100 years.
Key Facts
The new wild cat species was found in the Yungas region of Bolivia at the Senda Verde animal refuge.
It is smaller than a typical house cat, about 18 inches long and weighing 3 pounds.
Genetic studies showed this cat split from its closest relatives about 1.4 million years ago.
The species had lived unnoticed despite being at the sanctuary for years.
The last wild cat species discovered before this was in 1923 (the Uruguayan pampas cat).
Researchers used DNA samples from over 30 cats and from museum specimens to identify the new species.
The new cat was named Leopardus tilcayo, based on the local names used by people in the Andean cloud forests.
Scientists still need to learn about the cat’s diet, habits, and how many exist in the wild.
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President Donald Trump announced a deal with Denmark to increase the U.S. military presence in Greenland. This led to an image showing Greenland with the U.S. flag on it, which caused anger from people who support Greenland’s independence, because Greenland remains part of Denmark.
Key Facts
President Trump made an agreement with Denmark to boost the U.S. military presence on Greenland.
The deal grants the U.S. permanent control over security and other concerns in Greenland.
Greenland is an autonomous territory that is part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Some U.S. supporters shared an image showing Greenland covered by the U.S. flag, suggesting U.S. ownership.
Orla Joelson, a Greenland sovereignty advocate, criticized the image and said it is false propaganda.
Greenland has not become American territory and remains under Danish sovereignty.
The news story is ongoing and may receive updates as more information becomes available.
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Twin sisters Michelle and Lavinia Osbourne from Nottingham, England, took a DNA test in 2022 that revealed they have different fathers. This rare biological phenomenon is called heteropaternal superfecundation, meaning twins can have separate fathers despite sharing the same mother.
Key Facts
Michelle and Lavinia are twins born in 1976 and raised in Nottingham, England.
They always believed they shared the same mother and father.
Their childhood involved trauma and instability, and they were mainly raised by a woman called "Grandma."
Their mother had a difficult background including foster care and an abusive relationship.
The supposed father was a man named James, but Michelle doubted this after seeing no resemblance.
Michelle took a DNA test, which showed they share only half their DNA, meaning different fathers.
This rare event is known as heteropaternal superfecundation.
The DNA test results arrived on the day their mother died.
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Turkey’s banking authority has canceled the operating license of Bank Mellat’s branch in Istanbul. The decision was made to protect depositors and maintain the stability of Turkey’s financial system.
Key Facts
Turkey’s Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK) revoked Bank Mellat’s Istanbul branch license.
The decision was published in Turkey’s Official Gazette.
The agency acted under a law that allows license revocation if the bank’s operations threaten depositors or financial stability.
Bank Mellat is an Iranian bank that has faced Western sanctions over Iran’s nuclear activities.
Sanctions were lifted in 2015 but the US reimposed them in 2018 after leaving the nuclear deal.
In 2019, Bank Mellat faced more sanctions after being linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The Turkish regulator did not mention US sanctions or give specific reasons for the license revocation.
Recently, the US sanctioned a Turkish bank for helping Iran’s military group move money internationally.
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Reform UK received a £72 million donation from two crypto billionaires, the largest political donation in the UK since 2001. Nigel Farage plans to use the money to hire campaign managers and strengthen the party’s organization, but some activists disagree with the strategy.
Key Facts
Reform UK was given £72 million by two crypto billionaires, Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne.
This donation is the biggest political donation in the UK since donation rules started in 2001.
Nigel Farage wants to use the money to hire 400 campaign managers in key areas.
Some party activists say more volunteers are needed for door-to-door campaigning, not more managers.
The party is also hiring more than 60 other staff, including regional coordinators and creative roles.
The funding will support party operations, policy work, and local election campaigns.
Farage aims for a centralized party structure with stronger regional teams.
There are concerns and debates within the party about how best to spend the donation.
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The U.S. government approved the possible sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, aiming to shift more military responsibility to regional allies in the Middle East. The deal faces approval from Congress and is meant to support Saudi Arabia’s defense amid ongoing regional conflicts, especially against Iran-aligned groups.
Key Facts
The U.S. agreed to sell F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, but Congress must still approve the deal.
The jets will take several years to arrive and won’t immediately affect rising oil prices caused by Middle East conflicts.
Israel opposes Saudi Arabia getting F-35s unless Riyadh and Israel normalize diplomatic relations, fearing a loss of Israel’s air superiority.
Some U.S. lawmakers worry the jets could be exposed to China due to Saudi Arabia’s ties with that country.
The sale reflects a shift in U.S. policy to reduce direct military involvement and encourage allies to take more security responsibility.
Saudi Arabia is seeking more military independence and diversifying its alliances with countries like China, Russia, Pakistan, and Turkey.
The F-35 jets would help Saudi Arabia defend against missile and drone attacks from Yemen’s Houthi rebels and other groups aligned with Iran.
This move aligns with President Donald Trump’s goal to boost U.S. arms sales while reducing direct combat role in the Middle East.
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A new documentary called NAZA, made by Israeli filmmakers, shows allegations about Israel's military actions in Gaza using artificial intelligence to target people, sometimes killing many civilians to reach one target. The film sparked strong reactions across Israel, with some government officials calling for the filmmakers to lose their citizenship and be investigated for treason, even though the film's main claims had been reported earlier.
Key Facts
NAZA is a documentary by Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor about Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
The film claims that Israel used artificial intelligence to select targets, often killing many civilians in the process.
Some allegations in NAZA, like genocide and starving Gaza, had been reported before but gained more attention after the film.
Israeli officials, including the Culture Minister and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, strongly condemned the filmmakers.
Calls were made to take away the filmmakers' citizenship and investigate them as traitors.
The army’s chief called the film “blood libel” and started legal action to find sources.
Israeli media has been criticized for largely ignoring Gaza’s humanitarian crisis during the war.
Many Israelis believed media coverage about the war was balanced before the film, but this view changed after NAZA.
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The United States and Denmark have made a new security agreement regarding Greenland. The deal gives President Donald Trump a diplomatic agreement but does not allow the U.S. to take control of Greenland, as Trump had previously hoped.
Key Facts
The new agreement concerns security cooperation between the U.S. and Denmark over Greenland.
President Trump had earlier expressed a desire to annex Greenland, meaning to take it as U.S. territory.
The current deal does not grant the U.S. ownership or control over Greenland.
Richard Weitz, an expert from the NATO Defense College, commented on the deal’s implications.
The deal represents a diplomatic agreement rather than a change in Greenland’s sovereignty.
Greenland remains a part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
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